Loving Jesus Style

  🕯️ In the Wake of Silence: A Meditation on the Death of Charlie Kirk On September 10, 2025, the conservative movement lost one of its most visible and polarizing voices. Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, was fatally shot during an event on a campus in Utah—a moment that shocked supporters, critics, and observers alike. His death was not just a headline; it was a rupture in the rhythm of American political discourse. The Man Behind the Microphone Charlie Kirk was never one to whisper. He built his career on bold statements, fiery debates, and a relentless drive to shape the minds of young conservatives. From launching Turning Point USA at 18 to hosting one of the most downloaded political podcasts in the country, Kirk was a force—whether you agreed with him or not. He was a husband, a father of two, and a man who believed deeply in the power of ideas. His supporters saw him as a warrior for free speech and traditional values. His critics saw him as a provocateu...

  Scripture: Deuteronomy 31:8 (NIV) The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Devotion: Life often presents us with moments of uncertainty, times when the path ahead seems daunting and the future feels out of our control. In these times, Deuteronomy 31:8 offers powerful reassurance: "The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” This verse was spoken to the Israelites as they prepared to enter an unknown land, facing challenges and obstacles they could not predict. God’s promise to them—and to us—is that we are never alone in our journey. He goes before us, preparing the way, and walks alongside us through every trial and triumph. When fear threatens to overwhelm us or discouragement tries to settle in, we can remember that God’s presence is constant. His faithfulness is not dependent...

            Today marks a tragic day in our country. A man was shot and killed simply for sharing his opinions. Charlie Kirk was a vocal leader of the conservative movement among young Americans. He was intelligent, talented, and an effective communicator. His influence reached well beyond political circles, motivating many to participate and voice their opinions. Charlie's passion for his beliefs and dedication to dialogue gained him respect, even among those who disagreed with him. Those of you who follow my blog know that I very rarely turn to expressly political subjects to comment upon. This situation, I believe, demands a response. I will strive to be fair to both sides of the political spectrum, focusing my thoughts on what I believe God may say to us through His word. The Bible, especially in the Old Testament, records many political assassinations. In the New Testament, there is the mostly political trial and death of ou...

  Scripture: Hebrews 10:36 (NIV) You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. Devotion: In Hebrews 10:36, we read, “You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.” These words were written to believers facing struggle and discouragement, urging them not to give up in the face of adversity. Perseverance isn’t just about enduring hardship; it is the active, hopeful pursuit of God’s purpose, even when the outcome is uncertain or delayed. God’s promises often require patient endurance. We live in a world that values instant gratification, but God’s ways are different. He shapes our character through seasons of waiting and challenge. Persevering doesn’t mean pretending everything is easy—it means trusting God enough to keep moving forward, believing that what He has promised is worth every step. Each moment we choose faith over despair, hope over resignation, w...

  Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-22 (NIV) 16  Rejoice always, 17  pray continually, 18  give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 19  Do not quench the Spirit. 20  Do not treat prophecies with contempt, 21 but test them all, hold on to what is good, 22  reject every kind of evil.  Devotion: In 1 Thessalonians 5:16-22, Paul offers a succinct yet profound series of instructions for Christian living. The passage is a call to embrace joy, prayer, gratitude, discernment, and spiritual vigilance, serving as a daily roadmap for followers of Christ. While each verse is brief, its implications are far-reaching for a life shaped by faith. The first three commands—“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances”—invite us to adopt attitudes that transcend situational feelings and experiences. Rejoicing always does not mean ignoring pain or pretending that hardships do not exist; in...

  A Reflection on Life's Meaning and the Search for Wisdom Introduction Ecclesiastes is one of the Wisdom Books of the Old Testament, traditionally attributed to King Solomon, who refers to himself as "the Preacher" or "Qoheleth." The book stands out for its philosophical and contemplative tone, grappling with the ultimate questions of life, death, purpose, and the pursuit of happiness. Unlike other books of the Bible that often focus on legal codes or historical narratives, Ecclesiastes offers deeply personal reflections on the meaning—or seeming meaninglessness-of human existence. Authorship and Context Ecclesiastes is believed to have been written between the 5th and 3rd centuries BCE, though its traditional ascription is to King Solomon, the son of David. The author identifies as a "son of David, king in Jerusalem," and the text’s introspective style, along with its focus on wisdom, lends itself to Solomonic authorship, though modern scho...