Impact Leadership Alliance, PO Box 19276, Kalamazoo, MI (2026)

10/12/2026

#🟦 It is important to understand GOD's Truth -- which is central to living fully -- in light of the world we are living in today.

“Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭22‬:‭6‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/pro.22.6.NLT

To read The Bible in 1 year, read and engage deeply with this today. It is the difference between Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Righteous Intelligence (RI):
James 3
Jeremiah 9, 10
Psalm 114
(Proverbs 12)

https://www.365promises.com/daily-promise/promise-285-monday-october-12-2026

https://consurge-veritas.org/f/10122026-bible-study-journal

***This blog is meant to inspire and encourage the study of God’s Word for yourself—especially if you disagree with any of my commentary or conclusions. Too few Christ-followers read Scripture daily. You can change that today.***

“Dear brothers and sisters, not many of you should become teachers in the church, for we who teach will be judged more strictly.”
‭‭James‬ ‭3‬:‭1‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/jas.3.1.NLT
Even though this chapter in James is directed at every Christ-follower everywhere, James especially wants to focus the attention of teachers here. The words we use, and our actions will reveal our character and will either lend credibility to our faith or discredit our faith. Therefore, we must rely on the Holy Spirit at all times for help with how we convey Truth; how we say what we say, how we do what we do, and why we speak and act the way we do.

“We can make a large horse go wherever we want by means of a small bit in its mouth. And a small rudder makes a huge ship turn wherever the pilot chooses to go, even though the winds are strong.”
‭‭James‬ ‭3‬:‭3‬-‭4‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/jas.3.3-4.NLT
The tongue, like a rudder on a ship is small, but like a rudder the tongue will determine the direction and quality of a life, a career, a relationship, and a family. Therefore, it is 100% critical that Christ-followers are in God’s Word and in direct contact with the Holy Spirit everyday, seeking ideas, wisdom, and direction for themselves and everyone in their sphere of influence.

“Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God. And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right!”
‭‭James‬ ‭3‬:‭9‬-‭10‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/jas.3.9-10.NLT
It seems that back in James’ day they had a ‘Christian Nationalist’ problem too. Where people had their priorities all twisted around. Possibly even some idoloaty too, where something else tended to replace Jesus on the throne their lives. This will happen whenever our words and actions change, and probably get ugly, given a certain set of circumstances, especially on an emotional issue involving our kids. In our culture today, that will happen during political seasons. What are your hot-button issues? Those are where temptations are high, so sensitive to your emotions in those moments. Focus on your breathing and keep them at a low rate. Then, use thoughtful words because that will lend credibility to you and to your faith.

“If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you are bitterly jealous and there is selfish ambition in your heart, don’t cover up the truth with boasting and lying. For jealousy and selfishness are not God’s kind of wisdom. Such things are earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind.

But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness.”
‭‭James‬ ‭3‬:‭13‬-‭18‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/jas.3.13-18.NLT
Back in chapter 1 James tells us to seek wisdom and Jesus will give it generously. If we are doing that everyday, it will reveal itself in the way we live our lives. Wisdom will also give us contrast to see the words and conduct of others correctly, whether they are operating from jealousy or selfish ambition, or true wisdom. And you will also be sensitive to the preferences of others, where there is room for yielding to their POV, as well as seeing where it is important to take a solid stand on a Biblical Principle—regardless of who you’re engaged with.

“Therefore, this is what the LORD of Heaven’s Armies says: “See, I will melt them down in a crucible and test them like metal. What else can I do with my people?”
‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭9‬:‭7‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/jer.9.7.NLT
As with Jeremiah’s time and God’s call to Israel and Judah, there is a time of trial coming for Christ-followers—that could begin as early as next year. How will your faith hold-up? Are you prone to fall to your emotions in order ‘to save the nation’? If that is your potential, you need to start prying now, for wisdom and strength of character to endure, because you’re your priorities may have our nation in front of Jesus, rather than focusing you gaze on Jesus and what He is calling us to do. If we fall, it will be because of the failure of our pulpits. Our job as Christ-followers today is to speak appropriately to others about the issues and dangers facing us, and then to vote! And, even though there may not be a perfect choice on the ballot, vote to reduce evil and to remove or stop destructive policies. And vote in favor of promotion human flourishing as much as possible. After that, it is Jesus’ hands.

“This is what the LORD says: “Don’t let the wise boast in their wisdom, or the powerful boast in their power, or the rich boast in their riches. But those who wish to boast should boast in this alone: that they truly know me and understand that I am the LORD who demonstrates unfailing love and who brings justice and righteousness to the earth, and that I delight in these things. I, the LORD, have spoken!”
‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭9‬:‭23‬-‭24‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/jer.9.23-24.NLT
This is what is important to keep front and center, no matter what happens: Our relationship with Jesus, the God that Created eveything.

“Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the God of Jacob. He turned the rock into a pool of water; yes, a spring of water flowed from solid rock.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭114‬:‭7‬-‭8‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.114.7-8.NLT
The mighty power of God! All of this AND He split the Red Sea and the Jordan River when the Isralites approached. He is the God of ALL Creation, so He can do whatever He want to with His Creation.

Encouraging and challenging you to seek intimacy with God every day.

10/11/2026

#🟦 It is important to understand GOD's Truth -- which is central to living fully -- in light of the world we are living in today.

“Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith.”
‭‭Galatians‬ ‭6‬:‭10‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/gal.6.10.NLT

To read The Bible in 1 year, read and engage deeply with this today. It is the difference between Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Righteous Intelligence (RI):
James 2
Jeremiah 7, 8
(Proverbs 11)

https://www.365promises.com/daily-promise/promise-284-sunday-october-11-2026

https://consurge-veritas.org/f/10112026-bible-study-journal

***This blog is meant to inspire and encourage the study of God’s Word for yourself—especially if you disagree with any of my commentary or conclusions. Too few Christ-followers read Scripture daily. You can change that today.***

“Yes indeed, it is good when you obey the royal law as found in the Scriptures: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” But if you favor some people over others, you are committing a sin. You are guilty of breaking the law. For the person who keeps all of the laws except one is as guilty as a person who has broken all of God’s laws.”
‭‭James‬ ‭2‬:‭8‬-‭10‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/jas.2.8-10.NLT
James calls out the “royal law”—“Love your neighbor as yourself”—which compliments the Golden Rule—“Treat others the way you want to be treated.” Both of these begin with verbs, which means they are actions. We might accomplish this in many ways. One way is by forming a relationship and sharing your wisdom with someone new to the faith that is struggling emotionally and/or financially, or some other way (according to Proverbs 19:8). But it may also be answering Jesus’ call to open your wallet for them, and buy groceries or take their kids for a day, or some other act of service. Another aspect of this favoritism that has overtaken some churches, which I have experienced firsthand, is the intellectuals looking down their noses at the relatively uneducated. This is more subtle and more insidious than ‘rich or poor’. Members with college degrees can be very condescending to others that do not have college degrees. Further, those with Master’s Degrees can be condescending to those with Bachelor’s Degrees, those with PhDs can be condescending to those with Master’s Degrees. Even further, there will be divisions between types of degrees, so a Bachelor of Arts may look down their nose at someone with a business degree. All of this is inappropriate!

“Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, and you say, “Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well”—but then you don’t give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do? So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless.”
‭‭James‬ ‭2‬:‭15‬-‭17‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/jas.2.15-17.NLT
How often are we guilty of this: We encounter someone with a need and we say we will pray for them, but we do nothing to help them? If we see a need and we have the vision and the means to help, but we do not, that is sin!

“You say you have faith, for you believe that there is one God. Good for you! Even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror. How foolish! Can’t you see that faith without good deeds is useless? Don’t you remember that our ancestor Abraham was shown to be right with God by his actions when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? You see, his faith and his actions worked together. His actions made his faith complete. And so it happened just as the Scriptures say: “Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith.” He was even called the friend of God. So you see, we are shown to be right with God by what we do, not by faith alone. Rahab the pr******te is another example. She was shown to be right with God by her actions when she hid those messengers and sent them safely away by a different road. Just as the body is dead without breath, so also faith is dead without good works.”
‭‭James‬ ‭2‬:‭19‬-‭26‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/jas.2.19-26.NLT
Yes, faith in Jesus is critical to attaining Eternal Life. But that fact needs to transform your life! Everything, from the way you act, to the way you talk, to the way you interact with other Image Bearers, and your response the circumstances of others. Even the situations that grab your attention and inspire you to speak and act will be different because of your faith, not to save you. James calls it out on his typical direct way, if you have faith in One God, that’s great! But even the demons believe that and tremble—but they HATE and therefore reject God!

“But don’t be fooled by those who promise you safety simply because the LORD’s Temple is here. They chant, “The LORD’s Temple is here! The LORD’s Temple is here!” But I will be merciful only if you stop your evil thoughts and deeds and start treating each other with justice; only if you stop exploiting foreigners, orphans, and widows; only if you stop your murdering; and only if you stop harming yourselves by worshiping idols.”
‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭7‬:‭4‬-‭6‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/jer.7.4-6.NLT
Again I ask, what makes the USA think we will avoid the same fate Israel and Judah faced with our temptation and then exploitation of illegal aliens (a.k.a., ‘foreigners’), and our daily murdering of innocent children in the womb—and now GOD HELP US!—outside the womb, which is in service to the idol of convenience, fuels by the lie of ‘compassion’! Which is more appropriately named, “Toxic Compassion”.

“They have built pagan shrines at Topheth, the garbage dump in the valley of Ben-Hinnom, and there they burn their sons and daughters in the fire. I have never commanded such a horrible deed; it never even crossed my mind to command such a thing!”
‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭7‬:‭31‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/jer.7.31.NLT
Here’s another passage that makes me curious how James Talarico dismisses this from Jesus. Once again, what is used to justify these ghoulish polices can only be described as “Toxic Compassion”.

“Say to them, ‘This is the nation whose people will not obey the LORD their God and who refuse to be taught. Truth has vanished from among them; it is no longer heard on their lips.”
‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭7‬:‭28‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/jer.7.28.NLT

“I listen to their conversations and don’t hear a word of truth. Is anyone sorry for doing wrong? Does anyone say, “What a terrible thing I have done”? No! All are running down the path of sin as swiftly as a horse galloping into battle!…

…Are they ashamed of these disgusting actions? Not at all—they don’t even know how to blush! Therefore, they will lie among the slaughtered. They will be brought down when I punish them, says the LORD.”
‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭8‬:‭6‬, ‭12‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/jer.8.6.NLT
Not only abortion, but if the reports are true, in Minnesota infanticide is now legal. We are truly in a sad state! And those who have promoted these destructive police’s will meet an ugly end.

I listen to their conversations and don’t hear a word of truth. Is anyone sorry for doing wrong? Does anyone say, “What a terrible thing I have done”? No! All are running down the path of sin as swift

10/10/2026

#🟦 It is important to understand GOD's Truth -- which is central to living fully -- in light of the world we are living in today.

“The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.”
‭‭John‬ ‭10‬:‭10‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/jhn.10.10.NLT

To read The Bible in 1 year, read and engage deeply with this today. It is the difference between Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Righteous Intelligence (RI):
James 1
Jeremiah 26
Proverbs 18
(Proverbs 10)

https://www.365promises.com/daily-promise/promise-283-saturday-october-10-2026

https://consurge-veritas.org/f/10102026-bible-study-journal

***This blog is meant to inspire and encourage the study of God’s Word for yourself—especially if you disagree with any of my commentary or conclusions. Too few Christ-followers read Scripture daily. You can change that today.***

“Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.”
‭‭James‬ ‭1‬:‭2‬-‭4‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/jas.1.2-4.NLT
On a deeply personal level, I can relate to James here, from when we hit a desperate moment in our family life where I lost my job. Our daughter was already in college, and our son was just beginning high school. When it happened, of course I was immediately fearful of all the disaster that was still to be, even though it had just happened, visited on my wife and children, and my apparent utter failure to provide for them that was about to be revealed. BUT JESUS reassured me (that is, gave me JOY in the midst of our trouble) through His Holy Spirit, that what was about to happen to us as a family, and to me personally, would be good—and that is all I needed to know at that moment. Nothing had changed, but deep in my spirit I knew that ‘when He had tried me, I would come forth as gold!’. And not only me, but in His exceedingly abundant way, our whole family would be transformed! That is nothing I could have possibly orchestrated. In fact, looking back and looking at them now, I think that my kids and my wife were actually Jesus’ target for transformation and I am just a collateral beneficiary of His Grace and Mercy. Either way, the fact of it today, for me personally, is my faith in Jesus has been strengthened to the point where I feel like I can face any trial—as long as He is with me. And His promise in Isaiah 43:1-2 is 100% rock-solid.

“If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do.”
‭‭James‬ ‭1‬:‭5‬-‭8‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/jas.1.5-8.NLT
Wisdom, IMHO, is the ability to make good, biblically based decisions in any circumstance, especially difficult ones and then act accordingly. Notice here too that James qualifies this by insisting that we need to be focused on Jesus, and Jesus alone! If we are concerned with anything in the world, we are divided and unstable, unsettled, and therefore, indecisive. In order to make solid biblically based decisions, you need to know God’s Heart. And in order to know His Heart, you need to know His Word.

“God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, “God is tempting me.” God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else. Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death.”
‭‭James‬ ‭1‬:‭12‬-‭15‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/jas.1.12-15.NLT
Temptations and trials are very similar. The trial aspect of temptation is that we have a decision to make: Take the easy way, or take the way Jesus is calling us to. Ideally the easy way and the way Jesus is leading us is the same, but usually temptation comes from the world and the culture around us, which is controlled by our enemy, satan. Also, note that temptation is allowed to come at us by Jesus, but He does not cause it; on many cases these are exercises to make your faith stronger, or they are tests by Jesus. Therefore, be patient, and look for the leading of the Holy Spirit. He will come. And He will lead you to the Godly solution.

“So don’t be misled, my dear brothers and sisters. Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow. He chose to give birth to us by giving us his true word. And we, out of all creation, became his prized possession.”
‭‭James‬ ‭1‬:‭16‬-‭18‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/jas.1.16-18.NLT
No matter what it may look like, anything good that happens to us, or our loved ones, or in the world around us, is from Jesus—because He created us and He chose us and He loves us! He does not change His opinion of us, and He never will. So if you are suffering, it is purely from the pit of Hell because satan hates us.

“Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires.”
‭‭James‬ ‭1‬:‭19‬-‭20‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/jas.1.19-20.NLT
Christ-followers today especially need to remember this: Your anger at what is going on in our culture today will NEVER accomplish what Jesus intends. Therefore, during this highly charged time leading up to the mid-term election, be very careful what you say and how you say it. Yes, by all means, have your opinions, and be prepared to share them, but don’t expect to win accolades from whomever you are challenging. However, be sure you are sharing the goodness, beauty, and Truth in a way that honors Jesus and keeps the doors and windows open for people who read your posts, or hear your words to be open to the Holy Spirit.

“But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it. If you claim to be religious but don’t control your tongue, you are fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless. Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you.”
‭‭James‬ ‭1‬:‭22‬-‭27‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/jas.1.22-27.NLT
We cannot only read God’s Word, we must actually apply it, which is to say, follow it, and do as Jesus . However, understand this: Your salvation is NOT contingent on this idea. But it should be evidence of your transformation by Jesus, and change how you speak and how you act and operate in the world. In doing so, you will find boundaries, but you will also find freedom and unimaginably abundant life! And you will want to share that life with those who experience difficulty, such as ‘widows and orphans’.

““This is what the LORD says: Stand in the courtyard in front of the Temple of the LORD, and make an announcement to the people who have come there to worship from all over Judah. Give them my entire message; include every word…

…Say to them, ‘This is what the LORD says: If you will not listen to me and obey my word I have given you, and if you will not listen to my servants, the prophets—for I sent them again and again to warn you, but you would not listen to them— then I will destroy this Temple as I destroyed Shiloh, the place where the Tabernacle was located. And I will make Jerusalem an object of cursing in every nation on earth.’””
‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭26‬:‭2‬, ‭4‬-‭6‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/jer.26.2.NLT
Jeremiah boldly pronounces judgment on the Temple and on Jerusalem as directed by God, Himself. Which is to say, Jeremiah is speaking Truth to the priests and other prophets. When you KNOW you have a Word from Jesus, your spine should stiffen. However, today, according to Barna, less than 4% of those of us who claim the Name of Jesus as our LORD and King, have the relationship with Him to be qualified to speak so boldly. The other 96% can only go on their ‘feelings’ which are easily deceived and therefore hopelessly deceptive. They may speak, but when they are challenged—and they will be challenged—they will fold like a cheap paper bag, and God’s Word will be undermined. Therefore, only speak what you know to be True and from God for you to speak. Your feelings may be accurate, but you will lack the clarity that breeds the confidence and courage you need to withstand the challenges that will come.

“But when Jeremiah had finished his message, saying everything the LORD had told him to say, the priests and prophets and all the people at the Temple mobbed him. “Kill him!” they shouted. “What right do you have to prophesy in the LORD’s name that this Temple will be destroyed like Shiloh? What do you mean, saying that Jerusalem will be destroyed and left with no inhabitants?” And all the people threatened him as he stood in front of the Temple.”
‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭26‬:‭8‬-‭9‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/jer.26.8-9.NLT
Here is the typical response you will get if you speak-up without the knowledge of Jesus’ support and His Word. Again, in order to stand against these threats, you need crystal clarity, confidence and courage. Jesus will honor your courage when you come out on the other side of the spiritual battle.

Proverbs that stood out today:

“Unfriendly people care only about themselves; they lash out at common sense.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭18‬:‭1‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/pro.18.1.NLT
Ref. Jeremiah 26:8 above

“Fools have no interest in understanding; they only want to air their own opinions.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭18‬:‭2‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/pro.18.2.NLT
Ref. James 1:19-21

“Wise words are like deep waters; wisdom flows from the wise like a bubbling brook.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭18‬:‭4‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/pro.18.4.NLT
More ref. To James 1

“A lazy person is as bad as someone who destroys things.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭18‬:‭9‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/pro.18.9.NLT

“The name of the LORD is a strong fortress; the godly run to him and are safe.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭18‬:‭10‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/pro.18.10.NLT

“Haughtiness goes before destruction; humility precedes honor.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭18‬:‭12‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/pro.18.12.NLT

“Intelligent people are always ready to learn. Their ears are open for knowledge.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭18‬:‭15‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/pro.18.15.NLT
Keeping this proverb in mind, it is easy to spot the pseudo-intellectuals everywhere—and they are plentiful! They are painfully obvious in this election season, almost exclusively on the left.

“The first to speak in court sounds right— until the cross-examination begins.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭18‬:‭17‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/pro.18.17.NLT
This is why it it’s important for Christ-followers to push back on the cultural lies that are intensely swirling around us today.

“Wise words satisfy like a good meal; the right words bring satisfaction.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭18‬:‭20‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/pro.18.20.NLT

“The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭18‬:‭21‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/pro.18.21.NLT
Who is speaking in ways that promote human flourishing and who is speaking destructively? Today, it is easy to see.

“The man who finds a wife finds a treasure, and he receives favor from the LORD.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭18‬:‭22‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/pro.18.22.NLT
I am SO BLESSED!

The man who finds a wife finds a treasure, and he receives favor from the LORD.

10/09/2026

#🟦 It is important to understand GOD's Truth -- which is central to living fully -- in light of the world we are living in today.

“Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭9‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/php.4.9.NLT

To read The Bible in 1 year, read and engage deeply with this today. It is the difference between Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Righteous Intelligence (RI):
John 21
Jeremiah 11, 12
Psalm 113
(Proverbs 9)

https://www.365promises.com/daily-promise/promise-282-friday-october-9-2026

https://consurge-veritas.org/f/10092026-bible-study-journal

***This blog is meant to inspire and encourage the study of God’s Word for yourself—especially if you disagree with any of my commentary or conclusions. Too few Christ-followers read Scripture daily. You can change that today.***

“Several of the disciples were there—Simon Peter, Thomas (nicknamed the Twin), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples. Simon Peter said, “I’m going fishing.” “We’ll come, too,” they all said. So they went out in the boat, but they caught nothing all night.”
‭‭John‬ ‭21‬:‭2‬-‭3‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/jhn.21.2-3.NLT
When you don’t know what to do, do what you know. After Jesus appeared to the Disciples in the locked room in the last chapter, John does not make clear exactly what happened next, but it would seem that Jesus did not stay with them at that moment. So some of them headed back to Galilee and more familiar, hopefully friendly surroundings. Things in Jerusalem were difficult and people were looking for them to harm them. And now, with Jesus’ Resurrection everything was changing fast; they probably did not know what to do—so they went fishing because that is what they knew.

“At dawn Jesus was standing on the beach, but the disciples couldn’t see who he was. He called out, “Fellows, have you caught any fish?” “No,” they replied. Then he said, “Throw out your net on the right-hand side of the boat, and you’ll get some!” So they did, and they couldn’t haul in the net because there were so many fish in it. Then the disciple Jesus loved said to Peter, “It’s the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his tunic (for he had stripped for work), jumped into the water, and headed to shore.”
‭‭John‬ ‭21‬:‭4‬-‭7‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/jhn.21.4-7.NLT
Peter, James, and John had seen this movie before! When Jesus first called them, He did the same thing with the fish and the net(s). And now everything had changed! So much has happened in their relationship with Jesus since that original miracle, and now here it was again. He was Lord then, He is LORD now. Imagine Peter’s emotions at that instant. Did he see this as an opportunity to confess, repent, seek forgiveness and apologize to his friend and mentor, Jesus, whom he had abandoned.
You know, if you are a Christ-follower, you are legitimately a friend of Jesus’. So, just as with any other friend if you fail to support them in their hour of need, there is a hurt that needs to reconciled and healed. And since it is usually us humans that cause the hurt through sin, it is on us to confess, change our behavior, and seek forgiveness.

“After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”
“Yes, Lord,” Peter replied, “you know I love you.”
“Then feed my lambs,” Jesus told him.
Jesus repeated the question: “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
“Yes, Lord,” Peter said, “you know I love you.”
“Then take care of my sheep,” Jesus said.
A third time he asked him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, “Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Then feed my sheep.
“I tell you the truth, when you were young, you were able to do as you liked; you dressed yourself and went wherever you wanted to go. But when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and others will dress you and take you where you don’t want to go.” Jesus said this to let him know by what kind of death he would glorify God. Then Jesus told him, “Follow me.””
‭‭John‬ ‭21‬:‭15‬-‭19‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/jhn.21.15-19.NLT
On the shore, after breakfast, Jesus addresses Peter’s denials in the courtyard before the Crucifixion. Three times—one for each denial—Jesus asks if Peter loves Him. But what gets lost in translation is that Jesus is asking if Peter loves Him in a sacrificial way to take care of His followers and the other disciples. Then He asks Peter if he loves Him as friends love each other, with loyalty and affinity for each other (this has nothing to do with erotic love, as some have claimed). In this exchange, Jesus recommissions Peter, and WOW! Does Peter ever take off with it (see Acts 1 & 2)! When Jesus directly convicted me early on, there was nothing that could keep me quiet about it. Now many years later, I still seek opportunities to tell of everything Jesus has done in our lives—which is amazing and wonderful. If you have had the same experiences with Jesus, do not stay silent!

“Jesus also did many other things. If they were all written down, I suppose the whole world could not contain the books that would be written.”
‭‭John‬ ‭21‬:‭25‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/jhn.21.25.NLT
This is the understatement of all time! Jesus is the most studied, most written about, most sung about figure in world history. He has more music and more art devoted to Him and He is still the most discussed figure ever to walk the earth.

““Remind the people of Judah and Jerusalem about the terms of my covenant with them. Say to them, ‘This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: Cursed is anyone who does not obey the terms of my covenant! For I said to your ancestors when I brought them out of the iron-smelting furnace of Egypt, “If you obey me and do whatever I command you, then you will be my people, and I will be your God.” I said this so I could keep my promise to your ancestors to give you a land flowing with milk and honey—the land you live in today.’” Then I replied, “Amen, LORD! May it be so.” Then the LORD said, “Broadcast this message in the streets of Jerusalem. Go from town to town throughout the land and say, ‘Remember the ancient covenant, and do everything it requires.”
‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭11‬:‭2‬-‭6‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/jer.11.2-6.NLT
God sends Jeremiah out through Jerusalem and every town in Judah to remind them of the Covenant He made with them—and their acceptance of the Covenant. And He has Jeremiah declare that anyone who does not obey the terms of the Covenant is cursed. The role of each person was to obey the terms of the Covenant. God’s role in the Covenant was to bring them out of Egypt, to be their one and only God, and then lead them to the Promised Land…

“but your ancestors did not listen or even pay attention. Instead, they stubbornly followed their own evil desires. And because they refused to obey, I brought upon them all the curses described in this covenant.’…

…Therefore, this is what the LORD says: I am going to bring calamity upon them, and they will not escape. Though they beg for mercy, I will not listen to their cries.”
‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭11‬:‭8‬, ‭11‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/jer.11.8.NLT
…the ancestors followed their own desires, which likely all originate between their knees and bellybutton, just like it is in the west today. Therefore, God cursed them and brought about all kinds of bad events and difficulties. So tell me, what is it that is different between then, with Israel and Judah, versus western culture today, that makes us think God won’t do the same to us?

“Then the LORD told me about the plots my enemies were making against me. I was like a lamb being led to the slaughter. I had no idea that they were planning to kill me! “Let’s destroy this man and all his words,” they said. “Let’s cut him down, so his name will be forgotten forever…

…This is what the LORD says about the men of Anathoth who wanted me dead. They had said, “We will kill you if you do not stop prophesying in the LORD’s name.” So this is what the LORD of Heaven’s Armies says about them: “I will punish them! Their young men will die in battle, and their boys and girls will starve to death. Not one of these plotters from Anathoth will survive, for I will bring disaster upon them when their time of punishment comes.””
‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭11‬:‭18‬-‭19‬, ‭21‬-‭23‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/jer.11.18-19.NLT
And of course, standard procedure when a prophet pushes back against the culture, there are threats. However, if God has commissioned the message, it will be protected and so will be the messenger. That also means bad things will happen to the people who issue the threats. So when you oppose a message that claims to be from God, you had better know what you’re talking about.

“Now this is what the LORD says: “I will uproot from their land all the evil nations reaching out for the possession I gave my people Israel. And I will uproot Judah from among them. But afterward I will return and have compassion on all of them. I will bring them home to their own lands again, each nation to its own possession. And if these nations truly learn the ways of my people, and if they learn to swear by my name, saying, ‘As surely as the LORD lives’ (just as they taught my people to swear by the name of Baal), then they will be given a place among my people. But any nation who refuses to obey me will be uprooted and destroyed. I, the LORD, have spoken!””
‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭12‬:‭14‬-‭17‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/jer.12.14-17.NLT
Applying the context of God’s people who have strayed and opportunistic outside nations and philosophies seeking to overtake and eclipse His people, and applying the concept of Gentiles being grafted-in, this could be a ‘You are here’ passage for western culture with regard to . (See Moody Bible Commentary p. 1127)
From Joshua:
“Make sure you do not associate with the other people still remaining in the land. Do not even mention the names of their gods, much less swear by them or serve them or worship them.”
‭‭Joshua‬ ‭23‬:‭7‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/jos.23.7.NLT

From Isaiah:
“He says, “You will do more than restore the people of Israel to me. I will make you a light to the Gentiles, and you will bring my salvation to the ends of the earth.””
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭49‬:‭6‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/isa.49.6.NLT

““I will also bless the foreigners who commit themselves to the LORD, who serve him and love his name, who worship him and do not desecrate the Sabbath day of rest, and who hold fast to my covenant. I will bring them to my holy mountain of Jerusalem and will fill them with joy in my house of prayer. I will accept their burnt offerings and sacrifices, because my Temple will be called a house of prayer for all nations.”
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭56‬:‭6‬-‭7‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/isa.56.6-7.NLT

“Everywhere—from east to west— praise the name of the LORD. For the LORD is high above the nations; his glory is higher than the heavens. He lifts the poor from the dust and the needy from the garbage dump. He sets them among princes, even the princes of his own people!”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭113‬:‭3‬-‭4‬, ‭7‬-‭8‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.113.3-4.NLT
For all who are truly downtrodden: Jesus is for you too! If you will turn to Him He will transform your life, build you up and give you courage, confidence, and clarity of purpose.

Encouraging and challenging you to seek intimacy with God every day.

Address

PO Box 19276
Kalamazoo, MI
49019

Website

http://www.consurge-veritas.org/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Impact Leadership Alliance posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The School

Send a message to Impact Leadership Alliance:

Impact Leadership Alliance