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Adult man reading bible on table in the dark

What is happening in America today is shocking, but it is the product of 250 years of the leavening work of Satanic poison. The 19th century witnessed an explosion of end-time apostasy. Even most professing Christians have been unwittingly influenced by it or at least by the society it has helped create. The poison has been promulgated in the public school system, low and high. I was brainwashed by a public school education and only by the grace of God was I delivered into the glorious light of Jesus Christ and His Word.Consider five examples of influential poets (five Americans and one English) who poisoned society with barely a whimper of resistance from even the staunchest Bible churches.Samuel Taylor Coleridge (1772-1834), author The Rime of the Ancient Mariner, Kubla Khan, and Biographia Literaria, was a Unitarian. He imbibed German rationalism while studying in Germany in 1798. In 1825, Coleridge wrote, “... a high German Transcendentalist I must be content to remain” (Coleridge, Letters, Vol. II, pp. 735-6). Coleridge exalted human reason and rejected the divine inspiration of Scripture, saying, for example, that David’s psalms were inspired in the same sense as Coleridge’s own poems (E.S. Shaffer, Kubla Khan and the Fall of Jerusalem, p. 77). He spoke of the virgin birth as “an excrescence [outgrowth] of faith” which should be discarded (J.H. Rigg, Modern Anglican Theology, p. 309). He rejected the biblical doctrine of eternal suffering. He conjectured that Christ might “be the World as revealed to human knowledge--a kind of common sensorium, the idea of the whole that modifies all our thoughts” (quoted by Fairchild, Religious Trends in English Poetry, p. 325). “It was Coleridge who was responsible, more than any other single individual, for the diffusion of German neology through Cambridge University and thence through the Anglican Church. His books Biographia Literaria, Aids to Reflection, and Confessions of an Enquiring Spirit had a profound effect on Julius Hare, J.F.D. Maurice, and John Sterling” (James Sightler, Tabernacle Essays on Bible Translation, p. 12).Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862), author of On Walden Pond, was a Unitarian. He denied man’s fall, the necessity of the new birth, and Christ’s sacrificial atonement. He rejected God’s Word and exalted human thinking. He sought for “truth” through communion with nature, study of eclectic philosophies, and reflection. He was his own god. In Walden, Thoreau said, “No man ever followed his genius till it misled him.” Like Emerson, Thoreau loved Hindu doctrine. He wrote, “In the morning I bathe my intellect in the stupendous and cosmogonal philosophy of the Bhagavad Gita, since whose composition years of the gods have elapsed, and in comparison with which our modern world and its literature seem puny and trivial” (On Walden Pond).Ralph Waldo Emerson(1803-1882) was introduced to Hinduism as a child by his aunt Moody Emerson. Though he was for a while the pastor of Second Baptist Church in Boston, he held Hindu concepts of pantheism and the divinity of man. He wrote, “... the currents of the Universal Being circulate through me; I am part or particle of God” (Emerson, Nature), and, “... there is no bar or wall in the soul where man, the effect, ceases, and God, the cause, begins” (Emerson, The Over-Soul, 1841). Emerson taught that man is his own ultimate authority. In his message to the Phi Beta Kappa society at Harvard in 1837, entitled “The American Scholar,” Emerson exhorted scholars to free themselves of tradition (such as the Bible) and to maintain a “self-trust.” He taught that man should follow his own heart. “To believe your own thought, to believe that what is true for you in your private heart is true for all men,--that is genius” (Emerson, Self-Reliance).Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807-82) was a Unitarian. He was a professor of modern languages at Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine, which was a hotbed of Unitarianism and the liberal social gospel. Harriet Beecher Stowe, author of Uncle Tom’s Cabin (1852), was the wife of a Bowdoin professor and wrote her book in her husband’s office there. She is known as “the little woman who started the big war,” as her book incited anger against the slavery states and provoked violent-prone hotheads on both sides of the issue. Her brother Henry Ward Beecher was the liberal pastor of Plymouth Church in Brooklyn. During Beecher’s career there, he opened his pulpit to Unitarians such as Ralph Waldo Emerson and even to agnostics such as Horace Greeley and Mark Twain. The Beechers were related to Julia Ward Howe, a Unitarian universalist and the author of the “The Battle Hymn of the Republic,” which confused the coming of Christ with the armies of the North. Howe misidentified God’s altar as “the watch-fires of a hundred circling camps” and falsely claimed that His gospel was “writ in burnish’d rows of steel.” At the Parliament of the World’s Religions in 1893, Julia Ward Howe delivered a pantheistic, universalistic message entitled “What Is Religion?” (www.womenshistory.about.com). Longfellow was later a professor at Harvard, another hotbed of Unitarianism.Walt Whitman (1819-1892) was perhaps America’s most influential and acclaimed poet. He has been called a prophet, and his work Leaves of Grass, “a new American bible.” Whitman was a transcendentalist, a pantheist, a universalist, a New Ager who believed in the divinity of man. He worshipped himself and encouraged others to do the same. “Divine am I inside and out, and I make holy whatever I touch or am touch’d from, The scent of these arm-pits aroma finer than prayer, This head more than churches, bibles, and all the creeds. ... I celebrate myself, and sing myself. ... I breathe the fragrance myself and know it and like it, The distillation would intoxicate me also, but I shall not let it. ... And nothing, not God, is greater to one than one’s self is. ... And I say to humankind, Be not curious about God, For I who am curious about each am not curious about God. ... I hear and behold God in every object, yet understand God not in the least, Nor do I understand who there can be more wonderful than myself” (“Song of Myself,” Leaves of Grass). Reprinted with PermissionPreviously published as "The Poison of America's Great Poets" David Cloud, Way of Life Literature, P.O. Box 610368, Port Huron, MI 48061 866-295-4143, fbns@wayoflife.org

The Poison of America's Great Poets

Daily R.E.A.P. Report for Romans 12:4 (ESV)"Today, we're exploring Romans 12:4—a reminder of your unique place and purpose within the body of Christ. By delving into this verse, you seek to understand your significant role in God’s family. This passage provides insight into the diversity and unity that the Holy Spirit cultivates among believers."1. Read "For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function." Romans 12:4 (ESV)Romans is Paul’s profound epistle to the believers in Rome, blending deep theological truths with practical teachings. Chapter 12 marks a shift to focus on living out one's faith. Paul uses the metaphor of the body to describe the diversity of gifts and functions among believers, highlighting the unity and interdependence that should characterize the church. This is a call for every believer to recognize their gifts and use them to serve others, demonstrating God's love and wisdom in tangible ways.2. ExamineRomans 12:4 emphasizes the importance of understanding that every believer has a unique role within the body of Christ, akin to different parts of a single body having distinct functions. Each person's contribution is vital, and God has organized the church so that believers can complement and support one another.Connection to Jesus: Jesus is the Head of the body, the Church, and exemplified servant leadership, using His unique role to heal, teach, and lay down His life. Through His example, we learn the value of each role in God's Kingdom and how we can serve and love others as He did.Main Themes: - Unity in Diversity: The Church thrives when each member embraces their distinct function while working towards a common purpose. - Service: Every role, no matter how small it seems, contributes to the larger mission of proclaiming the gospel and building up believers. - Interdependence: Just like parts of a body rely on each other, believers depend on one another for spiritual growth and support.Key Word Study: "Body" (Greek: sōma): Refers not only to a physical body but metaphorically to the church, emphasizing the Church's collective nature consisting of many individual members, each with a unique function.3. ApplyReflective Questions: - What unique gifts or talents have I been given, and how am I currently using them within my church or community? - In what ways can I support others in the body of Christ, recognizing our interdependence? - How does understanding my unique role impact my view of service and community involvement?Christ-Centered Practical Steps: - Identify Your Role: Reflect on your gifts and how God might be calling you to use them. Are you a natural encourager, teacher, or caregiver? Take the next step by volunteering in a related ministry. - Foster Unity: Seek opportunities to collaborate with others in your church. Maybe initiate a group project or join a team where your gifts complement others. - Celebrate Diversity: Acknowledge and affirm the gifts and contributions of others, fostering an environment of mutual respect and love. For example, support and encourage someone with a different gift and appreciate their role.Real-Life Example: Consider a church community where each member, recognizing their gifting, contributes to a service project. A person skilled in organization leads planning, another with musical talents enhances worship, and those with helping hands manage logistics. Their combined efforts reflect Christ's love and showcase how diverse functions build a united community.4. PrayHeavenly Father, Thank You for creating me with a unique purpose and gifting within Your body, the Church. I confess that sometimes I overlook the significance of my role or envy others’ gifts. Lead me to embrace and celebrate the diversity You’ve placed within Your Church. Strengthen my heart to serve with humility and foster unity, always striving to love others as You have loved me. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.Closing Reflection: "Visualize the Church as a vibrant tapestry, woven together from diverse threads—each thread represents a believer's unique function and color. When combined, they create a picture of beauty and purpose that tells the story of God’s love. Let this image encourage you to value and embrace your place within the tapestry."Call to Action: Today, reach out to someone in your church or spiritual community and express appreciation for their contribution. Consider stepping into a new role that aligns with your gifts, trusting that God will use you powerfully in His grand design.

Embrace Your Unique Role in the Body of Christ

Daily R.E.A.P. Report for Romans 6:14 (ESV)“Today, we look at Romans 6:14—a powerful declaration of the freedom and grace offered to us in Christ. By examining this verse, you are taking a step to understand the profound reality of living under God’s grace instead of the domination of sin. Let this exploration lead you into a deeper appreciation of your identity in Christ and inspire you to live in His freedom.”1. Read"For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace." Romans 6:14 (ESV)Romans, authored by the Apostle Paul, is a foundational text that lays out the core tenets of the Christian faith. In chapter 6, Paul discusses the transformative power of being united with Christ in His death and resurrection. The overarching message is that believers are free from the tyranny of sin because of God’s grace—no longer under the constraints of the law, but empowered by the Spirit. This passage speaks directly to the heart of living a life of freedom in Christ.2. ExamineKey Message: Romans 6:14 assures believers that sin’s power is broken through grace, emphasizing a life liberated from the bondage that once controlled us. It highlights the transition from living under the oppressive demands of the law to experiencing the unmerited favor of God, which empowers righteous living.Connection to Jesus: Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection epitomize this transition. He fulfilled the requirements of the law and demonstrated perfect obedience, making a way for us to live in the freedom of His grace. By looking to Jesus, we are reminded of the new life He extends, a life where grace prevails over sin.Main Themes:Freedom from Sin: Liberation from the control and guilt of sin through Christ’s sacrifice.Grace Over Law: The transformative power of living under God’s grace as opposed to legalistic constraints.Empowerment in Christ: The grace that empowers believers to live righteously. Key Word Study:"Dominion" (Greek: kyrieuō): To rule or have control over, implying a power dynamic that enslaves. Its use here confirms sin’s lack of authority over those in Christ."Grace" (Greek: charis): Refers to the undeserved favor and kindness of God, emphasizing the gift-like nature of our salvation and new life.3. Apply Reflective Questions:Where in my life do I feel the pull of sin’s dominion, and how can I claim the freedom offered in Christ?How can I embrace the reality of God’s grace today, letting it shape my thoughts and actions?What aspect of my life is God inviting me to surrender so I can fully experience the freedom of His grace? Christ-Centered Practical Steps:Identify Areas of Struggle: Recognize the areas in your life where sin seems to have a grip. Pray for strength to break these chains, leaning into God’s grace for empowerment.Celebrate Grace: Each day, take a moment to thank God for the grace He’s provided. Find ways to extend this grace to others, modeling Christ’s love in your interactions.Live Righteously: Identify a situation where you tend to react based on the flesh. Choose instead to respond with grace, asking the Holy Spirit to guide your actions.Real-Life Example: Consider someone struggling with guilt over past mistakes, feeling trapped by shame. After embracing the truth of Romans 6:14, they begin to see themselves through the lens of grace, freeing themselves from past burdens and stepping into new opportunities to live and serve others with joy and freedom.4. PrayHeavenly Father, I praise You for the gift of grace that breaks the chains of sin in my life. Forgive me when I fail to live in this freedom and revert to old patterns. Fill me with Your Spirit so I can fully embrace the freedom You offer and live righteously. Thank You for Jesus, whose sacrifice opens the door to this new life. Empower me, Lord, to let Your grace shape every part of my being. In Jesus’ name, Amen.Closing Reflection: “Imagine setting a bird free from its cage. That’s the freedom God’s grace offers—it releases us from sin’s captivity and allows us to soar into a life of purpose and holiness. As you go about your day, let this image empower you to embrace the heights of God’s grace, knowing He is with you on this journey.”Call to Action: Today, consciously choose one area where you’ll replace the law’s demands with grace-driven actions. Share this journey with someone else, encouraging them to explore the power of God’s grace in their own life. Remember, you are not alone—God is walking with you, empowering you every step of the way.

Embrace the Freedom of Grace

Psalmody - a Journey through the Book of Psalms &nbsp;&nbsp;Psalm chapter 7&nbsp;“Prayer and Praise for Deliverance from Enemies”Foundation: There’s a difference between knowing about God as a character in a book and knowing Him as the One God who meets us in our dark hours. None of us wants to go through situations like David did, but learning who God is in his life gives us confidence in Him when our hard times come.In Psalm 7, David introduces us to God, the Divine Warrior and Judge.Reading: David starts this Psalm with a desperate cry for help. He fears his enemy, feels guilt for his wrongdoings, and yearns for deliverance. While we don’t know the details that prompted this prayer we can certainly relate to his emotions.He calls on the Divine Warrior to arise in anger against the enemy and to save and rescue him. Vs 1,2,6 David knows this characteristic of God personally. They have been through many battles together.David has also had previous experiences with God as the Divine Judge. This time, he begs God to judge, not only his enemies but to judge him, as well.While he feels the enemy unjustly accuses him, David admits that he may, unknowingly, have caused this situation. He repents, saying, “If I have done injustice…”, then submits to God for the possible consequences of his iniquity. vs 3-5As the only truly just judge, God weighs both our outward actions and our inner hearts and minds. He knows our motivation and will vindicate or discipline us according to our righteousness and integrity. (vs 8-11) &nbsp;&nbsp;When David describes the consequences for an evil person, it sounds like “What goes around, comes around.”He writes, “He will fall in the hole he dug for me.” “His harm will return on his own head.” And “his violence will descend on his own head.” Vs 15-17Completing his prayer, David’s confidence is in the God he knows. He thanks the Lord according to God’s righteousness. &nbsp;(vs 17) &nbsp;&nbsp;Points to ponder: When we read Bible events, invariably, we want to know “Why did this situation happen?”. The clue words, “SO THAT” answers that question. &nbsp;Here are some Biblical examples:“The Lord said to Moses, “I will harden Pharoah’s heart, I will multiply signs and wonders. I will lay my hand on Egypt. I will bring out Israel.” In this situation, we might think God did those things SO THAT Pharoh would free the Israelites. But the Bible says the real reason was “SO THAT the Egyptians will know that I am the Lord.”“The Lord told Moses, “Tell your sons and grandson SO THAT you and they will know that I am the Lord”.When the Lord rescued the Israelites from Egypt, Jethro said, “This happened SO THAT I would know that the Lord is greater than all other gods.”“The Lord said to Moses, “Construct a sanctuary for Me SO THAT I may dwell among them.”&nbsp;“The disciples asked Jesus, “Why was this boy born blind?” Jesus said, “SO THAT God’s power could be shown.”God desires an intimate relationship with us. For that to happen, we need to really know Him. Not like a bride and groom know each other, but like a husband and wife who have been married for 50 years and have been through thick and thin, know each other. &nbsp;We don’t experience situations in our lives SO THAT God will give us an easy and happy existence. We experience those events SO THAT we can know Him more completely. ie: When we make mistakes, He is our teacher. When we grieve, He is our comforter. When we are lost, He is our guide. When we are in trouble, He is our protector. When we are in need, He provides. When we are anxious, He is our peace.When a hard time comes, instead of trying to get out of it yourself, focus on getting to know the Lord in the situation.

Psalmody - a Journey through the Book of Psalms

Rainbow during an autumn rain shower over the river IJssel

Daily R.E.A.P. Report for Genesis 9:13 (ESV)&nbsp;“Today, we delve into Genesis 9:13, a verse that powerfully reminds us of God’s faithfulness and His unwavering promises to humanity. By exploring this scripture, you open your heart to the eternal assurance that God’s covenant brings into our lives. Let’s uncover the significance of this promise and its application in our daily walk with God.”1. Read"I have set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth." Genesis 9:13 (ESV)Contextual Overview: The book of Genesis is the first book of the Bible, offering foundational truths about creation, humanity, and God’s covenant with His people. After the flood, in chapter 9, God establishes a covenant with Noah and his descendants, promising never to destroy the earth by flood again. This covenant, symbolized by the rainbow, reflects God’s mercy and faithfulness, assuring humanity of His enduring promises. It highlights God’s care for creation and His desire for a harmonious relationship with His creation.2. ExamineKey Message: Genesis 9:13 conveys the message of God's faithfulness and covenant love. The rainbow serves as a tangible reminder of God's promise and His commitment to the preservation of life. This verse underscores that God is a promise-keeper, emphasizing His reliability and desire for a relationship with all creation.Jesus is the fulfillment of God's promises, embodying the ultimate covenant between God and humanity. Through Jesus, we experience God's faithfulness and love, as He offers redemption and reconciliation. Just as the rainbow serves as a sign of God’s promise, Christ’s sacrifice is the assurance of our salvation and eternal life.Main Themes:God’s Faithfulness: Emphasizes God's unchanging nature and His unwavering promises.Covenant: Reflects the seriousness and sacredness of God’s commitments to His creation.Hope and Assurance: Offers peace and trust in God’s protective care over the world.Key Word Study:"Bow" (Hebrew: qesheth): Refers to the rainbow, symbolizing God’s covenant. In ancient cultures, a bow often symbolized power and warfare, yet here it signifies peace and God’s loving protection."Covenant" (Hebrew: berith): A binding promise or agreement, demonstrating God’s steadfast love and commitment to relationship.3. ApplyReflective Questions:How can I trust in God's promises during uncertain times in my life? What signs of God’s faithfulness have I experienced recently, and how do they impact my faith?In what ways can I embody God’s covenant love in my relationships with others? Christ-Centered Practical Steps:Celebrate God’s Promises: Reflect on a moment when you've seen God’s promises fulfilled in your life. Write it down and thank God in prayer for His faithfulness.Be a Sign of Hope: Just as the rainbow signifies hope, look for opportunities to be a source of encouragement and love to someone in need today.Cultivate Faithfulness: In your relationships, strive to reflect God’s covenant love by being reliable, trustworthy, and compassionate, just as He is with us.Real-Life Example: Consider a family facing a difficult time, perhaps a financial struggle. They choose to rely on God’s promises, remembering past instances of God's provision. As they trust and pray together, they experience God’s faithfulness, whether through unexpected support from their community or a shift in their circumstances.4. PrayDear Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your everlastin<span style="font-family: var(--body-fontFamily); font-size: calc(18px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); font-weight: var(--body-fontWeight, 400); background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity));" data-mce-style="font-family: var(--body-fontFamily); font-size: calc(18px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); font-weight: var(--body-fontWeight, 400); background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity));">&nbsp;<span style="font-family: var(--body-fontFamily); font-size: calc(18px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); font-weight: var(--body-fontWeight, 400); background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity));" data-mce-style="font-family: var(--body-fontFamily); font-size: calc(18px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); font-weight: var(--body-fontWeight, 400); background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity));">love. May my life be a testament to Your goodness and mercy, drawing others closer to You. I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(18px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-weight: inherit; font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity));" data-mce-style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(18px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-weight: inherit; font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity));">g promises and the assurance they bring to my life. I confess that I sometimes doubt and forget Your faithfulness. Help me to see and remember the signs of Your love around me daily. Fill me with hope, strengthen my trust, and empower me to live faithfully in reflection of Your covenant. In Jesus' name.<span style="background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal);" data-mce-style="background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal);">Call to Action: Visualize a<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(18px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-weight: inherit; font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity));" data-mce-style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(18px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-weight: inherit; font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity));"> rainbow arching across the sky with vibrant colors, each representing a promise of God painted across the canvas of your life. Let this image remind you of His covenant.Today, take a moment to notice the small signs of God’s faithfulness in your life, and let them inspire a deeper trust in His promises. Share these stories with others, bringing hope and light into their lives as well.

Reflect on God's Promises Through His Covenant

Divine Messengers: Understanding Angels"For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways." Psalm 91:11 (ESV)Psalm 91 is attributed to Moses and is a part of the Book of Psalms, a collection of songs, prayers, and poetry in the Old Testament. This Psalm is often referred to as the "Psalm of Protection." It emphasizes God's protection and faithfulness, particularly highlighting His power to safeguard and deliver those who trust in Him.This passage from Psalm 91 highlights the role of angels as divinely appointed guardians over those who follow God. It reflects the broader biblical doctrine that angels are heavenly beings created by God to execute His will and assist believers in their daily lives. This teaching reassures believers of God's constant care and protection through His angels, affirming that they are never alone in their journey of faith.Discussion Questions1. How does understanding the role of angels change your perspective on divine protection? 2. In what ways can we become more aware of God's presence and protection in our lives? 3. What are some instances in your life where you felt a sense of divine intervention or protection? 4. How do angels compare to other means of protection described in the Bible? 5. How can knowledge of angelic ministry enhance our trust in God's provision?Application - Reflect on ways you have experienced God's protection and express gratitude through prayer or journaling. - Consider establishing a routine to meditate on Psalms 91, reinforcing your trust in divine protection in everyday life.Prayer FocusLet's all pray for heightened awareness and appreciation of God's protection and guidance through His angels. Seek peace in the assurance of His unwavering care and presence.