Keep The Faith

Why Does God Allow Bad Things to Happen? Most of us have wondered at some point: “Why does God let bad things happen to good people? Why doesn’t He just get rid of those who do evil?” These questions are honest, human, and deeply spiritual. Years ago, I read The Shack by William P. Young and later watched the film. Both helped me see certain things from a different angle — not perfectly, but in ways that opened my heart to God’s perspective. In Chapter 10 , Mack asks Jesus why God doesn’t simply take control of the world to protect its beauty. Jesus explains that God refuses to impose His will because true relationships must be built on love, not force. Love cannot be coerced. “Here Come Da Judge” — A Deeper Look When Mack enters the cavern, he is still carrying unbearable grief and anger. The loss of his daughter has left him questioning everything — God’s goodness, justice, and love. He wants answers, but what he receives is something far de...

What Do You Believe — And Is Love at the Center? What do you believe? What faith tradition do you identify with? Are you agnostic, unsure, or still searching? Even if you call yourself agnostic, you still live by a belief system. We all do. But whatever you believe, pause and ask yourself something deeper: Is love truly at the center of it? Most of us long for peace instead of war, compassion instead of cruelty, healing instead of hatred. I believe that’s because there is that of God in every one of us — a spark of divine love that calls us toward goodness. Whether we acknowledge God or not, we feel that pull toward love because we were created by Love. So why, then, do we often become rigid and demanding in our religions? Why do we say, “You must believe exactly as I do, or you’re not a good [insert religion here]”? Why do some communities discourage talking with people of other faiths? I’ve learned — and am still learning — that when we truly li...

The topic of religious conversion is complex and deeply personal. People convert for various reasons, including spiritual experiences, personal relationships, and intellectual exploration. It's important to approach this subject with respect and sensitivity, recognizing that faith is a deeply personal journey for each individual. Here are some stories: Khalid's Story: Khalid Mansoor Soomro, from Pakistan, was a devout Muslim who had memorized the Qur'an by the age of seven. He often debated with his Christian classmates, challenging their beliefs. One day, he proposed a test: to burn each other's holy books. When he tried to burn the Bible, it struck his chest, and he fell to the ground, surrounded by smoke. In a vision, he saw a man with golden hair, wrapped in light, who told him, "You are my son and from now on you will preach the gospel in your nation. Go! Your Lord is with you." This experience led Khalid to embrace Christianity, despite facing disbelief ...

Where Is God in All This? Our U.S. elections are coming up on Tuesday, November 5, 2024 . It’s possible that Donald J. Trump could be elected president again — and personally, I do not believe that would be good for our nation. Many observers have noted that Trump and his allies appear to be following a strategy reminiscent of authoritarian movements of the past: first securing enough popular support to win power, then working to weaken or eliminate opposition. Their Project 2025 blueprint outlines sweeping changes that could allow those in power to remove perceived threats, centralize control, and impose restrictions on freedoms — including the possibility of elevating a preferred national religion and tightening control over media and institutions. If you support him and his allies, you may be unknowingly helping advance this agenda. Right now, you may seem useful in their pursuit of power — but history shows that those who outlive their usefulness are ...

https://sl.bing.net/iM3CkD4zgIu I envision two potential futures for Earth, heavily influenced by the outcome of the 2024 United States presidential election. If Trump is elected, I fear a catastrophic future where our planet is ravaged by fire. Conversely, if Kamala Harris wins, I see a unifying force through the Holy Spirit, guiding people to alter the course of climate change. Under Trump's presidency, I'm concerned we may witness a historical regression reminiscent of Hitler and the Nazis, with Trump potentially ruling as a dictator. Several former administration officials have labeled him a fascist, a sentiment echoed by General Milly. I worry that they will eliminate dissent, implement the measures outlined in Project 2025, and seize complete control, nationalizing religion and the media, thereby intensifying climate change to the point of global destruction by fire. However, at political rallies led by Harris and Walz, I've observed a diverse coalition of individuals...

Refined Post: Hypocrisy and the Call to Integrity When I woke up this morning, my mind went straight to the subject of hypocrisy . Scripture speaks with piercing clarity about the danger of claiming devotion to God while living in ways that contradict His character. Bible Verses on Hypocrisy 1 John 4:20 Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. 1 Peter 2:16 Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover‑up for evil; live as God’s slaves. Galatians 6:3 If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves. Jeremiah 23:11 “Both prophet and priest are godless; even in my temple I find their wickedness,” declares the Lord. Luke 6:46 “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?” Luke 12:2 There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made...

Does God Have a Native Language? This morning, a simple but intriguing thought surfaced. Across the world, every culture uses different names for the same divine reality. I call God “Father God” or simply “God.” I call Jesus “Jesus” or “Yeshua.” In Spanish, God is “Dios,” “Señor,” or “Padre,” and in Mexico the Child Jesus is affectionately called “Niño Dios,” “Chucho,” or “Chuy.” Different languages, different sounds — yet the same God. Despite our linguistic diversity, the image of God we hold in our hearts is often remarkably similar. The same is true of Jesus. It’s astonishing that God can speak to each of us in our own languages at the same time, and Jesus can do the same. The Question That Sparked the Meditation If God communicates through every human language, does He Himself have a native language? Jesus existed with Father God long before creation. If Jesus has a native language, is it the same as the Father’s? And if...

Can Someone Who Does Not Believe in God Love? Yes — I believe they can. Not because belief creates love, but because there is “that of God in everyone.” This is why even those who do not name God can still act with compassion, tenderness, and deep moral clarity. What Do Quakers Mean by the “Inner Light”? Quakers describe the Inner Light as the divine spark placed within every person — a quiet, guiding presence that nudges us toward truth, peace, and love. It is not a claim that humans are divine, but that God’s love reaches into every human heart. The Human Problem Imagine if we could love all the time — truly, consistently, without interruption. There would be peace. But that’s not how life works. You may have a close friend you cherish. Being with them feels peaceful and grounding. Then something happens — a misunderstanding, a wound, a moment of pride — and suddenly the peace is gone. Communication stops. Distance grows. The bond fractures. This is the human co...

I had an intriguing thought last Sunday morning about the contrast between Jewish and Christian teachings. In Judaism, there is a strong emphasis on knowing and obeying the law. Meanwhile, Christianity centers around love as the guiding principle. But this raises a thought-provoking question: If someone loves but does not know the laws, will that love naturally lead them to obedience? Conversely, if a person diligently follows the laws, does that process cultivate love within them? ChatGPT provided an insightful response on this topic, exploring both perspectives. Jewish Perspective: In Judaism, obeying the laws (mitzvot) is foundational. These commandments serve as a path to holiness, righteousness, and a deeper connection with God and others. However, the laws are not solely about strict adherence—they are meant to be observed with intention and love. The Torah reinforces this idea with commandments such as “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Leviticus 19:18). In this way, obedience i...

  A righteous man is someone who follows moral principles and ethical conduct, consistently striving to do what is right, just, and fair in all their actions and interactions. Such a person embodies qualities like honesty, integrity, compassion, and a strong sense of justice. In many religious and philosophical traditions, a righteous man is also seen as living in accordance with divine or spiritual laws.  In my view, none of these qualities are evident in Trump. It appears to me that Trump does not advance the gospel of Yeshua (Jesus Christ); instead, he seems to use Christianity to further his own agenda.

  The First Amendment of the United States Constitution protects religious liberty by limiting the government's authority to civil issues and preventing it from establishing a religion. SEPARATION OF CHURCH AND STATE In countries where a dictator is in control, the main religion often becomes a powerful tool for maintaining authority and control over the populace. These regimes frequently leverage religion to legitimize their rule, unify the country under a common identity, and suppress dissent. 1. **Legitimizing Authority**: Dictators often claim divine right or portray themselves as chosen by a higher power. By aligning themselves with religious leaders or symbols, they create a narrative that their leadership is sanctioned by a higher authority, discouraging opposition on moral or spiritual grounds. 2. **Unifying the Population**: Religion can be a unifying force, and dictators exploit this by promoting a single, state-approved interpretation of the main religion. This fosters a...

Title: Elijah Must Come and Restore All Things Opening Scripture: Matthew 17:10–11 (NIV) 10 The disciples asked him, “Why then do the teachers of the law say that Elijah must come first?” 11 Jesus replied, “To be sure, Elijah comes and will restore all things.” Introduction: Jesus spoke these words during His first coming, when He came to take away the sins of the world. In this moment, He hinted that John the Baptist had come in the spirit of Elijah—preaching repentance, confronting corruption, and ultimately facing martyrdom. Prophetic Fulfillment: Malachi 4:5–6 (NIV) “See, I will send the prophet Elijah to you before that great and dreadful day of the Lord comes. He will turn the hearts of the parents to their children, and the hearts of the children to their parents; or else I will come and strike the land with total destruction.” This prophecy points to a future return—before the end times and the second coming of Yeshua. It’s a call to repentance and relational restoration. Histo...

Exploring the meaning of “eternal life” as Jesus described it — a life of knowing God. I’ve been thinking about something this morning. In John chapter 17, Jesus gives us one of the clearest definitions of eternal life found anywhere in Scripture. John 17:3 (NIV) “Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” For a long time, the English phrase “eternal life” has felt a little vague to me — almost like a distant, abstract idea. But when Yeshua (Jesus) describes it, He doesn’t talk about endless time at all. He talks about knowing God . That made me wonder: What do the original Greek words actually say? And why do we translate them as “eternal life” or “life eternal”? I was going to open my Ultimate Bible Study Suite on my Kindle, but I came across something even more helpful: a detailed Greek breakdown from Abarim Publications. Looking at the Greek Text In John 17:3, the phrase tran...

I woke up early this morning and I remembered that I was dreaming about LOVE. I was specifically dreaming about the medic, Desmond Doss, who is credited with saving more than 70 solders lives, even enemy soldiers', during one of the bloodiest battles of World War II in the Pacific. He did it without carrying any kind of protection for himself. He refused to carry a weapon or take a person's life. When he enlisted into the Army, he told them this and was almost rejected for service. They thought that he wouldn't make a good solder, but they took him anyway. He went through literal hell from his commanders and fellow soldiers, but he never quit/gave up. Click the link and go down to the 'Synopsis' of the movie. The movie, ' Hacksaw Ridge ', based on true events. It is well worth seeing if you haven't already. (maybe without children). His whole character was amazing, hard to believe, and is one example of LOVE (AGAPE LOVE). The kind of LOVE that Father God...

Judgment Day If today were Judgment Day, Yeshua (Jesus) has finished putting a spotlight on your life, and he tells you to go away, he never knew you, how would you feel? How would I feel? If today were it, Judgment Day, I don’t believe that I would do well. So many things I have done and not done. I think that what I would regret most is missing the opportunities to talk with someone. I will get kind of a inclination to talk with someone. I mull it over in my mind why not to and why I should. If I finally decide to do it, go talk with them, more often than not, it is too late. The person is gone. Whenever we feel the need to meet someone, just do it. Don’t think, just do it. These opportunities go away quickly. In the book "Celestine Prophecy" it calls these opportunities coincidences. They are important to us and have great meaning. If not at that very moment, then for a later time. I've repented a number of times but seem to fall back into my same old person. I think, ...

Why Do We Do Good Works? We talk often about faith, salvation, and obedience — but beneath all of it sits a deeper question: Why do we do good works at all? What motivates us? What shapes our understanding of righteousness, mercy, and love? Across different faith traditions, the answer varies. But Scripture invites us into something far more profound than duty, reward, or fear. Different Traditions, Different Motivations Many Muslims understand good works as part of the final judgment — where deeds are weighed, and reward or loss follows. Many Jews understand good works as obedience to Torah — a life shaped by covenant faithfulness. Christians, however, often find themselves caught between two strong scriptural currents: Salvation by grace through faith Faith proven genuine through works Both appear clearly in Scripture, and both must be held together. Saved by Grace — Not by Works Paul writes with unmistakable clarity: “For it is by grace you hav...

Unity Series: Love Moves Us Into Action I used to think compassion and love were the same thing. They felt similar—both warm, both tender, both stirred by seeing someone hurting. But lately, as I’ve looked honestly at my own life, I’ve realized something uncomfortable. I can feel compassion… yet stop there. I can ache for someone, but not move toward them. I can care, but not act. And that’s the difference. Compassion feels. Love does. When Scripture speaks of the Father and of Yeshua (Jesus), compassion is never passive. It always becomes movement, sacrifice, giving, healing, restoring. Divine compassion acts , and that action is what Scripture calls love . John 3:16 (NIV) “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” Love gives . 1 John 3:16 (NIV) “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us.” Love lays itself down . This is the pattern ...

A reflection on Jesus’ perfect obedience, the meaning of LOVE in God’s law, and how the holy books reveal the unity of God’s nature. From what I understand about Muslims, they believe that Yeshua Jesus is just a prophet. The Jews don't accept Yeshua Jesus as the Messiah. Both don't believe that Jesus is who he says he is because they think he disobeyed God's laws. Was Jesus disobedient? NO, on the contrary; he was perfectly obedient. He obeyed all God's laws. Isn't LOVE most important? All the laws are summed up in this one decree: "LOVE your neighbor as yourself." Romans 13:8–10 (NIV) Love Fulfills the Law 8 Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law. 9 The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not covet,” and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one comm...

What does it really mean when Scripture says that God is “one”? Across the Bible, the Tanakh, and the Qur’an, this oneness points not to isolation but to a divine unity rooted in perfect love. From the plural language of creation to Yeshua’s prayer in John 17, the story of God reveals a relationship of shared glory, purpose, and oneness—a unity we are invited to enter. God Is One: A Oneness Rooted in Love In the Christian Bible, the Jewish Tanakh, and the Islamic Qur’an, God—Yahweh—Allah—is described as one . We often interpret this to mean a single, solitary Deity. But I’ve come to believe that “one” means something deeper than numerical singularity. I believe “one” means perfect unity—perfect love. Let me explain. The Plural Language of Creation In the creation accounts of all three traditions, the Creator sometimes speaks in the plural: we , us , our . If “one” simply meant a solitary being, why not use I and my ? Consider the creation of humanity in Genesis: Genesis 1:26–27 (NIV)...