42+ min ago (101+ words) But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and its works will be burned up. Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, what sort of people ought you to be in... "But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and its works will be burned up...

2+ hour, 57+ min ago (206+ words) On November 24, Archbishop Alberto Uy issued a pastoral appeal "inviting all of us to celebrate Christmas in 2025 with greater simplicity, deeper compassion, and more intentional solidarity with the poor." His appeal came on the heels of the string of disasters that ravaged communities with deadly quakes and floods, destroyed homes and churches, and harmed people's livelihoods. "Christmas is not about extravagance. It is not about noise, fireworks, or lavish food," the archbishop said." In response to the disasters that affected millions in Cebu province and other areas, he asked the parishes, religious communities, institutions and families to: "Let our homes shine not with lights but with love. Let our parishes be filled not with noise but with prayer. Let our celebrations focus not on abundance but on presence-God's presence and each other's presence," he said. "May our simple celebration this…...

4+ hour, 50+ min ago (688+ words) Published 12:00 am Sunday, November 30, 2025 Every year around this time I stop and count my blessings." I think about the many things that God has given to me: a beautiful wife, two loving children, a wonderful son-in-law, two gifted grandsons, and so much more." Yes, I have been truly blessed!" I have often heard people say that God can do anything" but I have found six things that God cannot do." And it is for these six things that I am truly thankful: 1. God cannot lie. In John 14:2, Jesus told His disciples: "In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not true, I would have told you." There is a battle raging in America over who determines what is right and what is true." We need to understand that truth comes from God." It's not that God won't lie,…...

7+ hour, 19+ min ago (395+ words) Join with fellow FREEPERS to pray for AMERICA: For those in Authority in Government, Family, Military, Business, Healthcare, Education, Churches, and the Media. I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone: for kings and all those in authority that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men,... I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone: for kings and all those in authority that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. For this is good…...

9+ hour, 30+ min ago (944+ words) Jewish texts are of two minds about what it means to live in a monarchy. By Rabbi Dr. Zev Farber Personalities of the Bible Why did the Israelites turn to monarchy and was it a good idea? The Bible is of two minds on this question." In the Book of Samuel, the Israelites demand that the prophet appoint a king over them so they can be like other nations. Previously, governance was achieved through prophets or temporary chieftains when necessary, but now the people are dissatisfied, and God grudgingly acquiesces:" Heed the demand of the people in everything they say to you. For it is not you (Samuel) that they have rejected; it is Me (God) they have rejected as their king (I Samuel 8:7). However, before Samuel begins the process of finding a king, God commands him to inform the…...

10+ hour, 8+ min ago (57+ words) My father in law had a stroke that paralyzed him 3-4 months ago since he wasn't going to get any better they placed him in hospice care. Then this afternoon came. His oxygen dropped to dangerous levels his blood sugar spiked to over 400 (432) and now he's fighting for his life and now hospice is......

13+ hour, 56+ min ago (119+ words) Pulled from notes taken long ago - - Often terms get used without full understanding of their meaning and use. The purpose is to explore what the term exegesis means. Biblical exegesis (from the Greek ", ex'g'sis, meaning "leading out" or "explanation") is the critical interpretation... Pulled from notes taken long ago - - Often terms get used without full understanding of their meaning and use. The purpose is to explore what the term exegesis means. Biblical exegesis (from the Greek ", ex'g'sis, meaning "leading out" or "explanation") is the critical interpretation and explanation of the text of the Bible using a systematic, disciplined methodology to determine the original intended meaning of the author as understood by the original audience....

16+ hour, 12+ min ago (818+ words) Practicing daily gratitude is a habit I picked up from my spiritual mentor, Gottfried M'ller; when Louise and I took a long hike through the trails of Forest Park here in Portland on Wednesday, for example, we stopped a few times to look around at the forest and just notice what an amazing world we live in and then to say "thank you" to all the life around us. Every day, when we take our daily walk, we do this. Sometimes it's our amazement at the clouds or the geese or the river or just the fact that we're alive. I think of what my parents or my deceased brother would give for just a few minutes of what I'm experiencing and it fills me with awe and appreciation. And I'm so grateful to you for reading and sharing my…...

16+ hour, 12+ min ago (818+ words) Practicing daily gratitude is a habit I picked up from my spiritual mentor, Gottfried M'ller; when Louise and I took a long hike through the trails of Forest Park here in Portland on Wednesday, for example, we stopped a few times to look around at the forest and just notice what an amazing world we live in and then to say "thank you" to all the life around us. Every day, when we take our daily walk, we do this. Sometimes it's our amazement at the clouds or the geese or the river or just the fact that we're alive. I think of what my parents or my deceased brother would give for just a few minutes of what I'm experiencing and it fills me with awe and appreciation. And I'm so grateful to you for reading and sharing my…...

16+ hour, 20+ min ago (809+ words) Practicing daily gratitude is a habit I picked up from my spiritual mentor, Gottfried M'ller; when Louise and I took a long hike through the trails of Forest Park here in Portland on Wednesday, for example, we stopped a few times to look around at the forest and just notice what an amazing world we live in and then to say "thank you" to all the life around us. Every day, when we take our daily walk, we do this. Sometimes it's our amazement at the clouds or the geese or the river or just the fact that we're alive. I think of what my parents or my deceased brother would give for just a few minutes of what I'm experiencing and it fills me with awe and appreciation. And I'm so grateful to you for reading and sharing my…...