Be a Gentleman This Valentine’s Day

Men, are you willing to meet the challenge to treat your lady, like a gentleman would? And not just on special occasions, like Valentine’s Day, but every day? - Clint Decker

When I was a teenager my mom and I were out doing some errands when we stopped to head into a store. As we approached the building, I opened the door and walked in. Moments later I looked to my side, and my mom was not there. I turned around and found her standing outside on the other side of the door. When I walked back to her, I quickly found out what the problem was. Me! My mom was waiting for me to open the door for her. Not that she was injured or weak by any means. Nope! She was a very strong woman in many ways. Rather, she was trying to teach me how a gentleman is to treat a lady. I failed terribly! She also tried to teach me to eat my French fries with a fork. I failed there too. (Image from psychalive.com)

It took a while, but eventually I caught on, and was grateful for what she taught me. We have two great-granddaughters living with us, and I am doing the reverse with them. When we go into a building I say, “Okay girls, I need you to wait beside the door for me.” Then I will come and say, “You are queens and a gentleman always opens the door for his queen.” Sometimes it does not go so well with the older great-granddaughter. She will say, “I don’t need a man to open the door for me!” I need more time to work on that one.

Where does the idea of men acting like gentlemen and treating women like ladies come from? Read these words, “Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her…husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it…” (Ephesians 5:25-29) The concept of being a gentlemen in how a man treats a lady comes from God. He further states, “Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman…” (1 Peter 3:7) How is a husband or boyfriend to honor his beautiful lady? Here are three ways that partially come from others.

Courtesy. Open the door for your lady, letting her enter first. Walk on the side closer to traffic, to protect her from any danger as vehicles drive by. Let her order first at a restaurant and always pay the bill. Help her with her coat. Offer to help carry any items she has.

Communication. Put down your cell phone, turn away from your video game and give your wife or girlfriend your full attention when she is talking. Genuinely compliment her to be an encouragement. Never use profanity toward her, or in her presence. Instead, let your words toward her be filled with graciousness and gentleness.

Consideration. Never lie to your lady. Respect her boundaries. When she says “no”, then honor that. Be reliable. When you give your word to her, then keep it. Have a sense of decorum in her presence, by stopping with the bodily noises. Be considerate enough to refuse being drunk in her company. Defend her at all costs from anyone who raises an evil hand toward her or who throws a vile word in her direction.

Men, are you willing to meet the challenge to treat your lady, like a gentleman would? And not just on special occasions, like Valentine’s Day, but every day? Women, are you willing to let him?

I realize what I am writing is controversial in light of the confusing gender roles we have today. What is a man? What is a woman? This is not confusing with God. He provides perfect clarity on this. Through the power of God, you can become the gentleman and lady God has called you to be.

A prayer for you – Lord God, I pray you will help men to be gentlemen and women to be ladies. Bring us to treat one another with a sense of honor in our relationships. And where we are weak, forgive us and enable us by your Spirit to live as we ought. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Will Muslims, Christians and Jews be in Heaven Together?

We are living in a time where nearly a majority of Christians feel it is not important what religion a person is, what they believe or how they live, but more importantly is that God loves them. - Clint Decker

Once after I finished speaking at a church, a gentleman in the congregation approached me and asked, “Do you think Muslims will go to heaven?” I responded by sharing Jesus’ own words, who said “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6) Then to my surprise he stated, “The way I see it, is God loves everyone, so if people are sincere in their beliefs, they should be able to find their own way to Him.” (Freepik)

The man is not unique among Sunday morning church goers. A survey was taken by Ligonier Ministries that involved U.S. evangelical Christians. Among the participants, 47% agreed that “God accepts the worship of all religions, including Christianity, Judaism, and Islam.” We are living in a time where nearly a majority of Bible believing Christians feel it is not important what religion a person is, what they believe nor how they live. The most important thing is that God loves all people and accepts their worship.

Is this true? About 45 minutes from where I live is a Jehovah’s Witness Kingdom Hall, a Mormon church, a Muslim Mosque, Evangelical Covenant Churches, Southern Baptist churches, Wesleyan churches and many others. Are we all going to heaven? Do we each have our own unique way to God? Does it not matter what we all believe or how we live?

Take a look at what God Himself says, “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. You shall have no other gods before me.” (Exodus 20:2-3) This was not just a message to the Hebrew people, but to all humankind. And replace “gods” with religion. It still means the same thing. He also said, “that you might know that the Lord is God; there is no other besides him.” (Deuteronomy 4:35) God is clear in condemning all other gods besides Him.

What is the way to the one true God? Jesus, the divine Son of God, made it plain and simple, “I am the way, and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (Jn. 14:6) He validated this truth through His teachings, miracles and ultimately His death, burial and resurrection from the dead.

There stands only one God, the Lord God who made the heavens and the earth. And there stands only one Jesus, the one who died and rose again that we might know the Almighty. And it is said about Him, “The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent, because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead.” (Acts 17:30-31)

The Lord God is above Allah of the Koran. He is the Great Spirit and Great Creator that calls Native Americans to believe in Him. He is the one true God among the thousands of other gods in Hinduism. He teaches Buddha and his followers saying, “I am the Creator, and all knowledge, all truth, all light is found in me.” The Jesus who was resurrected from the dead is greater than the Jesus of the Jehovah’s Witnesses or the Mormon’s. And to the Jews he says, “I am the Messiah you have been expecting. Believe in me.”

God loves the whole world, and to that world He declares He is the only God and there is only one way to Him; through Jesus. In a spirit of love and compassion God proclaims this message to the world through His followers. And He calls all people to turn from their ways and their false gods and to Him by faith before it is too late.

A prayer for you – Lord God, I pray you will help people to understand there is only one God, only one Jesus and only one way to you. Bring people to believe this truth and yield themselves fully to you this hour. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Love Wins!

What is God’s message to a world that is filled with violence and vulgarity? Stop! There is a better way. - Clint Decker

When a man picks up a gun in anger and then points it at his enemy and pulls the trigger – hate wins. When one abuses the levers of power to silence opponents – hate wins. When one spews vile insults at their foe – hate wins. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said, “Returning hate for hate mul­ti­plies hate, adding deep­er dark­ness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness can­not dri­ve out dark­ness; only light can do that. Hate can­not dri­ve out hate; only love can do that.” (Image by Unsplash)

What kind of love can conquer selfish hatred? A love that is pure, holy, undefiled and has never been touched by evil. I speak of a love that comes from another dimension in time and space. A divine holy love that exists in the One who sits on the throne of the universe in the celestial city among the stars. The Lord God created the heavens and earth out of this love, and fashioned man and woman together, but soon evil found its way into the human heart. They rejected His love and embraced the darkness. Eventually, evil took hold of the world and hate abounded everywhere. Then in time, the God of light and love chose a people and began to teach them about Himself.

He told them, “…it is because the Lord loves you and is keeping the oath that he swore to your fathers, that the Lord has brought you out with a mighty hand…from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt.” (Deuteronomy 7:8) He also taught them to love Him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might…and keep…his commandments always.” (Duet 6:5, 11:1) And He taught them to love one another, “…you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord.” (Leviticus 19:18) Then at the right time, He revealed His marvelous love to the world on Christmas Day, “For God so love the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16) For three years Jesus went about manifesting the love of God through His teachings, signs and wonders. But hate raised its ugly face and sought to silence the voice of love and truth. Anger, violence and wickedness nailed Jesus to a tree and buried Him in a tomb. Then three days later, the love of God came bursting forth from that grave. Love won!

Today, the message of God’s love and truth continues around the world. It is a love unlike any other. It is loyal, sacrifices, it is pure, exposes evil, disciplines and corrects, overcomes evil with good and is a love that forgives. The song, “The Love of God” says it best, “The love of God is greater far than tongue or pen can ever tell; it goes beyond the highest star, and reaches to the lowest hell…O love of God, how rich and pure! How measureless and strong! It shall forevermore endure: the saints’ and angels’ song!"

This love of God compels us to love others, to love as He loves, especially those who are the most difficult. For Jesus said, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.” (John 13:34)

What is God’s message to a world that is filled with violence and vulgarity? Stop! Do not let hate win. There is a better way. Quit returning evil for evil. The love of Jesus has shown us a different path. Turn from the darkness and toward heaven’s light and love. See Jesus lifted high upon a cross. See how He rose from the dead for you. Call out for a touch of His grace and mercy. Do it this very hour, then watch His divine love be poured into your heart and be changed forever. Love wins!

A prayer for you – Lord God, let us behold your divine love. Show us afresh the wonderful cross. Then help us to love as you would have us to. In Jesus' name. Amen.

The Good and The Bad in 2025

God is not finished with America. In the face of our disobedience, His merciful arms remain open wide through the glorious cross of Christ. - Clint Decker

The great college basketball coach, John Wooden, once said, “Without proper self-evaluation, failure is inevitable." Why? Because one needs to know the state of things based on a given standard, whether they have succeeded or failed. Without evaluation one has no idea where they are headed or how they are doing, and therefore they will face failure at some point. So let us evaluate 2025 according to God’s standards, and see how we did. (Image from billmuehlenberg.com)

1. Record low birth rates. In July, a report came out stating our new birth rate is 1.6 children per woman. This is a record low and far beneath the population replacement rate of 2.1. This is alarming! It communicates that young people are rejecting God’s plan for marriage and family. Our young are instead remaining single, moving in together outside of marriage or having no children. Experts predict this trend will continue for the next 75 years.

2. Assassination of Charlie Kirk. On September 10, while Charlie Kirk was holding a microphone on a college campus, and preparing to answer a question about mass shootings, he was shot and killed before a live in-person and internet audience. Millions around the world watched in horror. Why? For his message. The killer and those who supported his cowardly act, rejected Charlie’s biblically principled message. This is deeply concerning because it communicates how millions of Americans support violence against people who courageously speak God’s truth on controversial moral issues.

3. Record illegal immigration numbers. During President Joe Biden’s administration at least 8 million illegal immigrants entered the United States. A record number. This was terribly concerning, but more so, has been the evangelical church’s response to President Donald Trump’s effort to find and deport those illegals. Church leaders protested these efforts, declaring the biblical mandate to welcome the stranger, while deceptively neglecting to mention the pain and suffering mass illegal immigration has brought upon millions of families.

In 2025, our nation has sinned against God in these and in many other ways. For we have justly suffered with God’s hand of judgement against us. Yet, in the face of His justice, we saw His mercy.

1. College campuses. In February, God led a woman to organize a worship event at Ohio State University. During winter temperatures over 6,000 students showed up, heard the gospel, cried out to God and a couple thousand turned to Jesus while many were baptized in the back of rental trucks. This effort was duplicated at multiple college campuses in 2025.

2. Mass baptisms. In June, God led a man to unite a remnant of faithful churches to preach the gospel, call people to repent of their sins and then be baptized in the name of Jesus. That effort resulted in hundreds of churches joining together to baptize nearly 30,000 people across America.

3. The Charlie Kirk effect. In September, immediately following Charlie’s death, God miraculously began drawing people to Himself. Many churches reported a 15% to 30% increase in attendance, while Bible sales rose by 36% in September alone. Thousands went to church for the first time, testified to a new faith in Jesus, were baptized, attended prayer vigils across America, and over 100 million heard the gospel around the world at Charlie’s memorial service.

Praise God for His undeserved mercy. He once said, “I was ready to be sought by those who did not ask for me; I was ready to be found by those who did not seek me…I spread out my hands all the day to a rebellious people…” (Isaiah 65:1-2) God is not finished with America, nor any nation, nor even you or me. In the face of our disobedience, His merciful arms remain open wide through the glorious cross of Christ. As we move into 2026, let us have hope in this. Confess your sins before God, turn from them and yield yourself fully to Jesus that you might walk in the fullness of His blessings.

A prayer for you – Lord God, we confess our national and personal sins. Forgive us, O God! Cleanse us and make us holy. Whatever it takes. Change us, that we might glorify you in all we do in 2026. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Choosing Hope in a Moment of Crisis

Over 1 million women annually make a decision to end their pregnancy, and over 60% chose to do that by getting pills through the mail, instead of driving to a clinic. And unfortunately, upwards of 30% of those women will suffer an injury because of their choice. - Clint Decker 

Olivia left home for college during the summer to pursue her dreams. It was hard for her parents to say goodbye. It was tough for her too, because she loved her dad and mom a lot. She also said goodbye to her youth pastor that had been such a big help through so many things. (Image from Freepik)

Within a few days after classes began, she met Lucas. They hit it off right away and things moved fast. Too fast, as they were spending a lot of time alone together. A few weeks after dating, she started feeling like something was not right. She panicked about what it might be. After several days of wrestling with the idea, she took “the test.”

“Oh no!”, she gasped. “This was not supposed to happen!” Oliva’s mind raced, thinking what her parents, her church and others might think. She grabbed her phone and started searching for answers. Soon she found herself staring at a screen that provided an option that would take care of everything. “No way!” she thought, “This goes against everything I have been taught.” But as she sat there, she told herself, “I have to do this. There is no other option.” Oliva filled out the online form in her dorm room, and days later she received a package in the mail. Nervously she opened it, pulled out the pills and held them in her hand while she read the instructions in how to end her pregnancy.

Last year over 1 million women like Olivia made that decision, and over 60% chose getting pills by mail, instead of driving to a clinic. Upwards of 30% of women will suffer an injury because of their choice. And college age women, like Olive, make up 66% of those ending their pregnancy.

Why do they do it? Some are not ready for parenthood, seeing how a baby would interfere with college studies, work or other pursuits. Other women are already single moms and cannot afford another child and others know they are carrying a baby who would have life-long disabilities.

For those who are pregnant and facing the same decision as Olivia, there is a better way, there is hope. The first step on this path is a woman recognizing she is carrying another life inside her. It is not just a “fetus” or a “blob of tissue”, but another human life. Pursing an ultrasound will show her viability, like a detectable heartbeat, a sign of life. It will also reveal the gestational age of the baby, to see how far along the pregnancy is, and will show the location of the baby, to see if it is developing inside or outside the uterus.

Hope is also found in adoption. There are between 1 to 2 million couples waiting to adopt. When a woman chooses not to raise her baby for whatever reason, there are numerous loving parents who stand ready to help. Have hope for yourself and hope for that little life inside you.

What about God? What does He want? God says to you, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you…” (Jer. 1:5) The Bible also declares, “For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made." (Psalm 139:13-14). Since God is the Creator of all life, why would He want a doctor, mother or father to end what He created?

When a woman is facing a crisis pregnancy, it is an overwhelming experience. Yet, God tells her, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.” (Proverbs 3:5) Why? Because when you trust Him, He promises to be with you. Choose Jesus, choose life and He will provide for all your needs. Today, if you need help call Heartbeat International at 1-800-712-4357.

A prayer for you – Lord God, I pray for young women who are facing the biggest decision of their lives, wondering if they should keep their baby or not. Help them to turn to you and find help in their hour of need. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

The 6 Revelations of Christmas

Let us lift our eyes above the “most wonderful time of the year” and the “blue Christmas” and set them upon Christ. For He was born, died and rose again to show us He is the Mighty God! - Clint Decker

What does Christmas reveal about you? Are there lots of gifts under the tree, or are there just a few or perhaps none? Will there be lots of family and friends gathered around the dinner table, or will there be empty chairs due to death, conflict or an empty nest? Christmas has a way of revealing a lot about our lives. (Image from Pixabay)

This was the case during history’s first Christmas. There were the poor shepherds. An angel appeared to them in the sky while they were watching their sheep and said, “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:11) As the Christmas carol says, “The first No­el the an­gel did say, Was to cer­tain poor shep­herds, In fields as they lay.” These shepherds were poor, nomadic, and looked down upon in society. They were outcasts. Yet, they were given the news of Jesus’ birth then rushed to see Him in Bethlehem. And they were forever changed by it, “And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.” (Lk. 2:20)

Then there were the rich wise men. They lived nearly 1,000 miles east of Bethlehem in the location of modern-day Iran. Upon the birth of Christ, they spotted a star in the sky, then travelled in a caravan (not just three of them) on the backs of animals, following the star, to see the Christ child. The journey took around two years, so Jesus would have been toddler age when they came. The wise men were educated, skilled, influential, wealthy and well respected. When they came to Jerusalem they met with King Herod and asked, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” (Matthew 2:2) They continued on toward Bethlehem until they came to Jesus, “And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.” (Matthew 2:11-12) When the wise men returned to their land of Persia, they were forever changed.

There are six things that Christmas reveals through the shepherds and wise men. 1) God is real. When they went to see baby Jesus, they understood there was something unique about Him, that He was not just an ordinary little baby. 2) The supernatural. Rather than denying or resisting the supernatural, they saw God in it and embraced it. 3) The necessity to respond in faith. The shepherds and wise men’s money, knowledge or reputation was of no concern. It was their response of obedience and worship toward Jesus that brought them blessing. 4) There is good and evil. They saw the good in Joseph, Mary and baby Jesus. But they also saw great evil in King Herod bringing death, sorrow and pain to many. Christmas showed them the realities of life in a fallen world. 5) There is true peace. Upon hearing the message of good news, then going to worship baby Jesus, they experienced a joy and happiness unlike anything the world could ever buy.

We must resist the pressure to feel Christmas is about the gifts, how many, how nice or how expensive they are. We must resist letting conflict and the heartache of loss or tragedy to define Christmas. Let us lift our eyes above the “most wonderful time of the year” and the “blue Christmas” and set them upon Christ. For He was born, died and rose again to show us He is the Prince of Peace, the Mighty God and Wonderful Counselor. Christmas reveals that knowing and living for Christ is what is most important in life and what makes life good, regardless of being on the mountain tops or walking through valleys.

A prayer for you – Lord God, I pray you will fix our eyes above the worldly messages of Christmas. Help us to find joy, happiness and peace in you and not in the Christmas trappings that surround us. And bring new life to those who have never trusted in Jesus. In His name. Amen.

Emmanuel – Is God with You or Against You?

Emmanuel extends forgiveness for all the wrongs you have ever done. Let this Christmas be one you will never forget. Place your trust in Jesus. - Clint Decker

In the 1980s, Michael W. Smith wrote the lyrics to the Christmas song, Emmanuel. His friend and fellow musical artist, Amy Grant, recorded the song in 1983, leading to over 1-million album sales, making it a fan favorite for many years. The lyrics say, “Emmanuel, Emmanuel, Wonderful, Counselor, Lord of life, Lord of all, He is the Prince of Peace, Mighty God, Holy One.” (Image from Pixabay)

Emmanuel or Immanuel refers to baby Jesus born on Christmas Day, but what does it mean? The Old Testament part of the Bible was originally written in Hebrew. Immanuel comes from two Hebrew words. “Immanu”, meaning “with us”, and “El” meaning “God”, so Emmanuel means “God with us.” Across the 66 books of the Bible, Immanuel is only used three times. One of those is found in Isaiah 7:14, “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” It is a prophecy written about Jesus, given over 700 years before His birth.

When it was originally given around the year 735 B.C (not BCE by the way), it was spoken to King Ahaz and was not good news for him. God meant it as a word of judgment for his defiance in refusing to place His trust in the Lord God for the defense and perseveration of the Kingdom of Judah. God was in essence telling Ahaz, “There is coming the birth of a baby boy, and he will be given the name Immanuel, and that boy will be sign from me to you.” In light of King Ahaz’s defiance, it meant something dramatic. It meant the boy would be a continual reminder to Ahaz that God is present and against Him. Ahaz had made Immanuel his enemy!

When Christ was born on the first Christmas day and celebrated as Immanuel, God with us, immediately He had enemies. His most ruthless, was King Herod. For he attempted to hunt down baby Jesus and slaughter Him. Instead, Jesus and His family fled, but other baby boys were killed in what historians labeled as the Massacre of the Innocents. Over the centuries many have lined up behind Herod, defiantly refusing to come and worship the Christ. We see this in the refusal of some businesses to say, “Merry Christmas”, schools in allowing valedictorians to acknowledge “Jesus” in their speeches and in the persecution of Christians in atheistic and Islamic nations around the world.

But there is another side to Immanuel, one that inspires divine Christmas hope. When God made the prophecy to Ahaz, it was a sign to the remnant of Judah who trusted in God and His promises. A sign that one day a Messiah would rise up from the tribe of Judah and be a Savior to the world. On that first Christmas in Bethlehem, between 6 and 4 B.C., Immanuel was miraculously born of a virgin and fulfilled that prophecy. And to all who trusted in Him, like Joseph, Mary, the Shepherds and the wise men, there was abounding joy and celebration! It was a day that forever changed the future of humanity.

The birth of Immanuel, the Christ-child, is a sign that God is not far off. He is near. He has come to live among us and bring His life transforming message of repentance, faith and obedience to Him.

Who is Immanuel to you this Christmas? Are you holding your fist in the face of Jesus, defiantly refusing to come and worship Him? Do not make Emmanuel your enemy. It is a dangerous path to walk.

Today, come and worship Immanuel! The Creator of heaven and earth came to live with us and preached a message of life and hope. Then He died as a sacrifice for your sins, and three days later rose again from the dead. Immanuel extends forgiveness for all the wrongs you have ever done. Let this Christmas be one you will never forget. Place your trust in Immanuel!

A prayer for you – Lord God, thank you for leaving heaven and coming to earth. I pray you will become the Savior to many this Christmas, and may your forgiveness become someone’s greatest gift. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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.