Distractions in the Skies

June 20, 2023 Gracie

Distractions In The Skies – Do You Believe in UFOs?

If you’ve watched the news lately, then you’ve probably heard that UFOs (commonly known as Unidentified Flying Objects) are back in the headlines again.

There’s another name for them too – UAP, which stands for Unexplained Anomalous Phenomenon.

No matter what you call them, this fascination with mysterious UFO/UAP sightings has reached a fever pitch lately.

Several television shows, YouTube videos, and more are dedicated to the hunt for extraterrestrials – all of which encourage viewers to believe the idea that “aliens are among us.”

So, do you believe?

While you’re pondering, let’s take a look at how popular that question is.

One sample on a popular search engine produced over 225,000 results for the query, “Do UFOs exist?”

Granted, there are some very compelling accounts from people claiming to have seen UFOs overhead, and now viral reports of a recent sighting in a family’s backyard.

Fascinating indeed, but as Christians, here’s where we need to pause.

Distractions to our Faith

Don’t we have enough distractions to our faith?

I’m not here to prove or disprove the existence of UFOs. I’m not an expert on those things.

However, my objective here is to issue a sincere warning instead.

Let’s start with Scripture.

Check out this verse from Ephesians where Paul instructs them to put on the full armor of God to protect them from spiritual warfare.

¹⁰Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. ¹¹Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. – Ephesians 6:10-11, (NASB).¹

Whether we’re talking about the mid-50’s AD, or our current day in 2023, nothing has changed. The Evil One has not gone away.

As believers, we’re to be ready for spiritual warfare, and this includes the battle for our minds and hearts.

UFOs and UAP Distractions in the Skies

UFOs and UAPs – are they simply aberrations, or real sightings?

Whatever they are – the bottom line is that they are not of God.

It’s heartbreaking that so many people will easily reject the birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ (actual historical facts), and yet without question, believe in aliens coming here from outer space.

I remember some research I did awhile back which indicated that when Christians are raptured, a world in chaos will try to explain this “taking away” of millions of believers.

Considering what we know about space and life and the world as the Bible portrays it, we already have an explanation for so-called alien activity on Earth. Reports of “close encounters” describe the ethereal, transient, deceptive, and malevolent. Accounts also record that encounters with supposed aliens can be stopped by a real, authentic call to Jesus. Everything points to the activity of demons, not extraterrestrials. In fact, it is plausible that the “powerful delusion” spoken of in 2 Thessalonians 2:11will involve an alien-abduction theory to explain away the rapture. – Got Questions.org.²

We must be discerning as we hear news reports about more signs and wonders that are sure to come in the years ahead.

As intriguing as these phenomena are, they are also demonic distractions to our spiritual walk.

We were forewarned about this in Scripture.

However, despite the dark times up ahead for us as Christians, there is Good News.

No – it’s great news!

Our redemption draws near.

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²Quotation from gotquestions.org, from “How would it impact the Christian faith if it was discovered that aliens exist? n.d., para. 6. Web. Accessed June 19, 2023. Demonic in origin

Our Exceptional God

The Best Way to Wait on God

June 13, 2023 Gracie

The Best Way To Wait On God For Answers To Our Prayers

Let’s face it: waiting can be hard.

I admit, I’m not a huge fan.

But as you know, God doesn’t always answer our prayers right away.

Not only that, sometimes His answer is “yes,” sometimes “no,” and sometimes He answers, “wait.”

“Wait” can be just as hard as a “no” answer.

Even so, that is not the time to give up praying!

The best way to wait on God is through continuing to pray.

If you are praying with right motives, then keep on keeping on.

And While You’re Waiting . . .

Think about it – it takes a lot of trust on our part to even get on an airplane.

Every time we board a plane we trust that the pilot has the knowledge and skills to bring us safely to our destination.

On a grander and eternal scale, God has the controls and always has our best interests at heart.

Taking a look back in history: our Heavenly Father Himself wanted the captive Jews in Babylon to remember His promises as delivered by the prophet Jeremiah. In Jeremiah’s letter to the people, they were assured that God’s intentions are never evil, but through Him there is a future, a glorious end to forward to.

Fast forward to modern day: how quickly that we too can forget that God is faithful in the center of our storms.

For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans for prosperity and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. – Jeremiah 29:11, (NASB).

We may not see or understand how God is working behind the scenes, but we can trust that His timing and His answers will always be perfect.

Poet M.S. Lowndes eloquently describes the struggles we face as we wait on God.

Wait With Faith

Lord, you have faithfully shown me
So many times before
And this time is no exception, Lord,
And simply can’t be ignored

That you know all that concerns my life,
Everything your eyes do see
You always come through at just the right time
To meet my every need

For nothing escapes your watchful eye,
No problem that we may cross
But so often, Lord, it seems as though
There’s a delay in your response

I know it’s a testing of our faith
To wait so patiently
You stretch us so our faith may grow,
Though we want it instantly

But it’s for our good that you respond
In your time, not in ours,
For if you didn’t – we’d stay as infants,
Getting everything right now

For us to grow more Christ-like,
We need to learn to wait,
For often that’s the answer to prayer
And builds us up in faith

So I thank you for the answer to come
As I hand it over in prayer
Thank you that you’re still working on me
And my breakthrough’s drawing near.

© By M.S.Lowndes

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²Poetry courtesy of M.S. Lowndes. “Wait With Faith.” [online post]. From Heavensinspirations.com, ©M.S. Lowndes, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED, n.d. Web. Accessed June 8, 2023. https://www.heavensinspirations.com/wait-with-faith.html

Our Exceptional God

June Is Fidelity Month

June 1, 2023 Gracie

Christians, feel free to spread the word!

June is Fidelity Month.

What is that, you say?

I’m so glad you asked. 😉

Actually, I just found out about it myself.

Per the idea’s founder, the designation of Fidelity Month is to:

restore unity, heal division, and bring out what is best and most noble in our country by a return to fidelity: Rededicating ourselves to God, our spouses and families, our communities, and country. – Dr Robert George, Heritage Foundation.

In a culture that reeks of disrespect towards God, celebrating Fidelity Month is a refreshing and positive response to what the world dishes out on a daily basis.

The scoffers can deny it all they want, but our great country was founded on Godly principles.

We need to return to those principles so we can help restore America to her rightful place as a shining example to the world.

Luke 1:37 tells us, “for nothing will be impossible for God.”

Fidelity Month is a small grassroots step in a positive direction.

Please join me in praying for our country and a return to fidelity.

In the meantime, we must accept and trust in God’s plan completely, for our eternity with Him will be glorious.

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-Quotation from Dr. Robert George, “Why Fidelity Month?” Web. Retrieved from: Fidelity Month

Our Exceptional God

Memorial Day 2023

May 28, 2023 Gracie

Monday, Memorial Day 2023

On this Monday, Memorial Day 2023, we honor those brave men and women in the military who died serving their country.

If you’re unable to attend a ceremony in your hometown, did you know there’s something else you can do right in your own home to honor these heroes?

At 3 p.m., you can observe one minute of silence to recognize those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for the many freedoms we’ve had for so long.

This is the official time designated for the “National Moment of Remembrance.”

Some other ideas: If you’re in your car driving, you can turn on your headlights at that time or you can listen to the playing of “Taps.”

I am so thankful for an organization like Taps Across America which organizes participants across the country to sound the call.

Here’s a look at what took place last year.

What a blessing to be located near enough to hear one of these tributes.

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Our Exceptional God

Christian Spoken Word Poetry

May 23, 2023 Gracie

Christian Spoken Word Poetry For The Generations

If you’ve read this blog for any length of time (thank you, by the way) then you know I’m a big fan of other Christian writers, including poets.

It’s been my pleasure to share several christian poems over the years that have inspired me and I hope have inspired you as well.

Recently, I discovered something pretty amazing.

Christian spoken word poetry

Have you ever listened to Christian spoken word poetry?

Christian spoken word poetry is just like it sounds – a passionate faith message shared before an audience in a creative poetry format.

Primarily, the performances take place before youth groups, but I actually find it inspirational for all ages.

I’ve listened to a few Christian spoken word artists online.

There are a few searchable treasures like this one.

Here’s From My Generation To Yours – one of my favorites.

Well done!

I love that this young lady through her heartfelt message speaks an important reminder about the pressures the younger generation is facing in our rapidly-changing world.

It is essential for students to face those pressures with continued parental support and honest conversations about why their faith matters.

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