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Jeff S. Bray

I live in a small town in South Central Texas with my wife Carolyn and three of our five children. We attend the local First Baptist Church where we have been serving for 10 years. I am a full-time Christian Freelance writer, blogger, and published author. I have four published Children's books about a snail named Elissa. My first novel, The Five Barred Gate, was released in 2019. My second, Little Reminders of Who I Am was released in 2020. I am currently working on my third, titled The Transference due out early 2022. I have a passion for writing, and I plan to use the voice to glorify God.

Our Hope Joy and Peace
Faith

Christ Alone: Our Hope, Joy, and Peace

by Jeff S. Bray
written by Jeff S. Bray

In the wake of the world shutting down, we only begin to realize the weight of what is happening. This is an event that is affecting the entire world. Not one continent isn’t affected. It seems like every day, they take another liberty away for the safety of us all. Another person is infected, and new rules are implemented, and fears escalate. The hope of a solution slips away as the joy of life is replaced by social distancing. Our peace is overwhelmed by the fear of what is coming tomorrow. But there is an answer. Only one answer: Christ alone. He is our hope, our joy, and our peace in this time of uncertainty.

Christ: Our Only Hope

“Let your steadfast love, O Lord, be upon us, even as we hope in you.” – Psalm 33:22

We turn to many things when we face trials. We hope in our sources of comfort: our money, friends, family, and jobs. Many of us have that fortress of solitude that we escape to in order to relieve stress. All of those places have been affected by this pandemic. Those sacred hideaways like gyms and social clubs have been closed down. Many people are now working from home, jobs are cut to part-time, furloughed, or they have been relieved for an indefinite period of time. Meeting places like restaurants are now only drive-thru, and everywhere else is restricted to fewer than 10. All the sources we have for ‘hope of comfort’ are slipping away. Going home is now the only option.

When we seem to lose grip on everything in our life, we need to hold on to the one thing, the only thing we can hold onto, and that is Jesus Christ. Don’t get the false assumption that God is punishing out of anger. The world gets shaken up, so its focus turns where it belongs, back to the Savior. We get shaken up, so our hope turns back to where it belongs, back on Christ.

“Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.” – Psalm 20:7

 

Christ: Our Fullness of Joy

“Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.” – Psalm 51:12

We have lost our first love: Jesus Christ. We have allowed all of the stuff of life to take His place. If we are to get the joy back in our lives, we need to turn our lives back to Him. Much like David did in this recorded Psalm. He realized his sin and immediately repented. Is this world shake up the result of sin? I cannot be the judge of that; only God can know that. But our hearts, regardless of sin, desire a deeper relationship with the Lord. Only Christ is the source of fullness of joy. And guess who is responsible for our joy status… we are.

We can have joy by being joyful. Sing the praises of God, our Savior. Romans 12:12 tells us to rejoice in hope and patient in trials. James 1:2 says to be joyful when we face trials. We can still praise God in the middle of any crisis. Why? Because God is still in control. He knows what is going on, He knows what He is doing, and He will see us through this. Every time. Praise be His name!!

“Rejoice in the Lord always; again, I will say, rejoice.” – Philippians 4:4

 

Christ: Our Sense of Peace

“Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all.” – Thessalonians 3:16

Only the one who holds peace can give peace. Just as we cannot get hope from the places and things we no longer have access to, we can’t obtain peace from them either. We receive peace from having comfort. There may seem like there is little hope of finding peace. Jobs are in limbo, the stir craziness of being practically locked down, and the uncertainty of tomorrow. All we see are the waves around us, and the Master is sleeping in the stern… or is He? Carest thou not that we perish? We know better, we have read the end of the story. We know the answer to the storm. It is always, “Peace, be still.”

We can claim that in the middle of this storm, but we still have to go through it. We don’t know how long this storm will last, but Christ will see us through it. His hand will guide us, for He is with us in the boat. And regardless of where the port will be, if we cast the anxious feelings we have about our current situation on Him, and go to him instead of our ‘go-tos,’ we can have the peace we desperately seek.

“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:7

 

The Final Word

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. – Romans 15:13

Since most of us are home most of the time, for many of us are under a ‘stay order,’ we now have time to sit and think. Hopefully, we can break away from screen time and streaming and spend quality time with the Lord. It is in the stillness that we find those moments of peace. They don’t call it peace and quiet for nothing. Maybe in some way, all of this can be a wake-up call to getting closer to our Savoir. All our gods are falling over, and the one true God is the only one standing. Only Christ is our hope that gives us true joy that brings real peace in this time of global uncertainty.

 

 

 

 

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Faith

Living a Joyful Life Through ALL Circumstances

by Jeff S. Bray
written by Jeff S. Bray

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (ESV)

Too many times when we read these words, our minds instantly, by human nature, are taken to the moments when we feel good about life. Those mountaintop moments where God is as close as the air that surrounds us. We accept the term ‘all circumstances,’ but never grasp the full meaning behind what Paul is trying to convey to the believers in Thessalonica. We do not understand living a joyful life in all circumstances.

I have mentioned through previous blogs, my pastor’s definition of all is that “all means all.” All circumstances, the good and the bad, the happy and sad, the mountain top experience and the lowest valley – all means all.

Joyful Life Circumstance Lesson #1: It is Easy to Forget Our Past Experience of God’s Provision.

For me, the last year has been a crazy rollercoaster of circumstances. Just over a year ago, I began having seizures. After several months, numerous tests, and medication level changes I was diagnosed with Epilepsy.

My profession, before the medical episodes, was an over-the-road truck driver. Well, according to the laws that govern the commercial driver’s license I hold, I am now disqualified from driving. I can no longer work in the profession that has kept the roof over my family’s head. To top it off, I do not qualify for any disability or financial aid; my wife makes too much money with her job.

In less than 12 months, I went from being relatively healthy and making a decent living to having a debilitating illness and wondering if this month we were going to make ends meet. From comfortable joy to fearful uncertainty. I loved my job. Driving was exciting, and I was able to see God’s creation around every turn. Yes, I was away from my family for a week or two at a time, but the pay was great, and the bills were paid.

This is not our first rodeo. My wife and I have been through many financial struggles, and we always were able to get through them. By the grace and provision of God, we have never been in desperate need. So, you would think that we would fall back on our past experience with the Lord and just roll on. But as bills piled up, disconnection notices start arriving, and the landlord wondered why rent is late, all joy seemed to be sucked out of the circumstance. But God had a plan.

 

Joyful Life Circumstance Lesson #2: When God closes one door, He always opens another.

From a young age, I have always had a passion for writing. I began writing for pleasure in Junior High School. It began with silly poetry, then a couple of short stories. I had teachers in High School and college praise my assignments, but I never gave a second thought to writing as a profession.

This all changed in 2016. This was the year that writing became a major part of my life. Through a friendly challenge, I began to commit my spare time to writing. I wrote uncredited articles, one published piece for a magazine, and penned my first novel. I found that writing brought me joy. I loved having the ability to put pen to paper and deliver a message that others could read, relate to, and have it impact their life. I believe it is the gift God has given me, and the path He has laid for me. So, I prayed for the opportunity to make it a permanent part of my life by doing it full time.

 

Joyful Life Circumstance Lesson #3: God does not always answer prayer the way that we expect him to.

Fast forward to July 2017; I rolled my ankle in a pothole stepping out of my truck. That injury put me out of work for six months. I used the time to write. I expanded my experience and edited the novel I had written. I also wrote a children’s book during this time for my daughter. I was in physical pain, but joyful because I was doing what I loved, temporarily full-time. After returning to work, I continued to pray for the opportunity to write full time, still using any and every down moment to put words down.

When November of 2018 rolled around, and I began having the seizures that literally took my license from me, I dove right back into writing. Over the next six months I continued to hone my craft, and the fee I could charge clients escalated. In fact, one of my clients heard that I had written a children’s book and wanted to see it. He liked it and wanted to publish it. Today, that one-time event has evolved into a five-book series. Then at a book release event, I met another author. She heard about my written novel and gave me info on her publisher. I submitted the manuscript, and he wanted to print my novel. In August of 2019, The Five Barred Gate was published.

God answered my prayer of writing full time through an unexpected illness, not what I expected, but just as He had planned.

 

Life Circumstance Lesson #4: God Always Has a Plan.

While I still every so often experience a medical episode, I am finding joy in that God has answered my prayer to write full time. Today, I am a professional Freelance Writer, not to mention a published Author. I am also currently in the process of writing my second novel.

The bills? Well, there is still a stack of them, but they are growing shorter, and even though we are still playing catch up with the landlord, I have peace that God will work it all out. And when you have peace, joy soon follows. Why? Because when you know that God is the provider, there is no room for worry.

Our pastor spoke this last Sunday on Psalm 24:1. The verse speaks of everything and everyone belonging to the Lord; He is the owner of it all. We are just stewards of what He has given us. When we manage the ‘stuff’ we have been given, we can experience true joy.

My joy does not depend on living in ideal circumstances. Joy goes beyond what is going on now. I am struggling medically. The doctors have yet to determine what is causing the seizures. But I have joy in that I know God is the owner of my health. Our financial situation is not the best; the life of a Freelancer is generally feast or famine. Some weeks there is not enough time to complete it all, and others I struggle to find even one job. But I have joy in knowing that God is the owner of my talent and profession. He provides what is needed today, and I do not have to worry about tomorrow.

 

The Final Word

I am far from perfect when it comes to ‘rejoicing always.’ Satan still finds ways to creep up and try and knock me off my feet, and I will be honest, sometimes he hits me hard enough to make me fall to my knees, but really, isn’t the place I need to be?

Through it all, again, like Paul, I have learned that I am to be content and joyful in all circumstances. He goes on to tell the church of Philippi, “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” – Philippians 4:13. There is that word again, ‘all.’ All things, all circumstances. Herein lies the secret to living a life of joy.

It is not in living a worry-free life. It is not doing the thing that you love doing. It is not even in living out the call God has on your life. The secret of living a joyful life is knowing that God is in control; He is the owner of it all. When we give him all of it, through His strength we can experience the joyful life He has for each of us.

 

 

 

 

 

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Patient Prayer
FaithFeatured

Keep on Keeping On: The Power Of Patient Prayer

by Jeff S. Bray
written by Jeff S. Bray

If there is anything I have learned in my life, it is that I cannot give up after trying something just once. If I had done that, I would never have learned to ride a bicycle. I wouldn’t have learned to cook spaghetti. I would have never received my CDL. And I most definitely would not be where I am today as a writer. But most importantly, I would not be where I am today in my walk with Jesus. Honestly, how many of our patient prayers truly get answered the way we ask? Or in the timing we ask?

Understanding God’s Timing

Timing is one of the most important things we must come to grips with as believers. Heh. It is the most important thing to understand even as unbelievers because from the outside looking in, people may have a genie in a bottle concept of prayer. Unfortunately, or rather many times, to our benefit, this is not the case. Don’t understand? Let me explain a bit about God’s timing versus ours.

Take your drive to work. You’re running late. The car in front of you is driving a bit slower than you would like him to. You want to pass him but can’t. He comes to a light that turns yellow and he stops. You get frustrated because both of you could’ve made it through the light before it turned red. But as you stop, you see an 18-wheeler whizz through the intersection. Your heart begins to race because you realize that if the two of you ‘beat the light,’ you would’ve been hit by that truck. Coincidence? I don’t think so. It is something I like to call God-incidences.

 

Life and God’s Timing

Life acts the same way. Only it can take much longer to get there. Whether in our attempts to accomplish a task or the prayers we communicate to God; He has a plan for your life, and no forcing the issue will get us there any faster. This is a good thing, though. But why do we have to wait if these blessings are such a good thing for us? Well, the answer will vary from person to person.

First, there will always be three answers to prayer: Yes, no, and wait. The ‘no’s,’ well, we just need to pray about how to handle and understand God’s reasoning. The ‘yes’s,’ we need to remember to praise Him for his faithfulness and give him the recognition He deserves. The ‘waits’ are the difficult ones. We may never know why God asks us to wait. We may get delayed revelation, like the red-light runner. And there may be times when God will show us what we need to do to bridge the gap. But this takes patient prayer.

How Do We Bridge the Gap of Patient Prayer?

Patient prayer is not a bargaining tool God uses to keep us in line. It is a way of molding us to become better people, better Christians, and better at focusing on the things that are important. Patient prayer is a learning process. Like me learning to drive an 18-wheeler. (No, I wasn’t the one blowing the red light earlier) I didn’t learn to handle a 40-ton vehicle overnight. It was a process. I had to become habitual with it. So is seeking God to help us through the things we desire in prayer.

Patient prayer also has much to do with timing, which means waiting. Cooking also requires a lot of waiting, especially pasta. You pull it out too soon, you will have crunchy spaghetti. Bleh. It requires perfect timing. Such is the answer to prayer; such is God. You may get your answer tomorrow, next week, or like some of the Biblical men, years later. For me, I began my prayer to be a full-time writer in 2016. It came to fruition in 2019. But that is a whole story in itself. I’ve written a GODTV blog about it. You can read that testimony here.  It took three years of intense patient prayer, but it was answered. Just not in a way I expected.

What Happens When Patient Prayer is Answered

I have built a social media following along with my publishing career. One phrase I consistently tell my followers who seek success is to Keep on Keeping On. It is a message of perseverance in the middle of rejection after rejection from different publishers. Being a writer is not easy, but it is rewarding when you find your success. The same can be said about prayer. Patient prayer is not easy. We can feel that we are praying to a ceiling of brass and that God is nowhere to be found. But as Abraham found waiting for a son, Joseph found in prison, and the disciples found waiting in the inner room; the power of God is on its way.

We can find that same power. It is accessible to us. I discovered it when God guided me to learn to drive that 18-wheeler, then to ultimately, the path of full-time writing. He can answer your prayers. Big or small, He cares. We just need to persevere and keep on keeping on. This is not just in prayer. If you have a God-calling, and you are struggling with it, don’t give up. The struggle is part of the journey to perfection. If you have such a journey, comment below. I would love to hear about it and share in your joy or pray with you if you are struggling. God bless you, friends.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Jesus
Faith

God’s Provision: His Blessings in Disguise

by Jeff S. Bray
written by Jeff S. Bray

Life has been a whirlwind of busyness. I take it as a blessing from the Lord, though. I pray for work, He sends it. I am a Full-Time Freelance writer. When I’m not writing, I’m not providing for my family. So, any job I receive is God’s provision. It has been this way for about a year and a half now since my Epilepsy diagnosis.

How I Got Here

In October 2019, I woke up on the floor of our restroom. I had a seizure. I wasn’t completely sure where I was or how I got there. I didn’t know it at the time, but I hit my head on the commode. We really didn’t think too much of it, and to be honest, I did have a couple of drinks that night. We figured I stumbled, hit my head, and that somehow caused it.

About a month later, I was in bed, without a drop in me, and had another seizure. This one my wife witnessed, and we knew it was time to see a doctor. Unfortunately, none of the tests revealed anything of worth. None of them to this day have shown anything revealing.

God Placed Thorns

Today I am under a doctor’s care, and my seizures are controlled by medication. I still have seizures, but they are less severe. Occasionally I have a bad day, but it’s something I deal with now. My wife does all the driving. I could if I want to, but I just don’t feel safe behind the wheel because I never know when the next one will hit.

I tell you all of this not to gain pity. I tell you because we never know how God’s provision is going to work in our lives. Remember Paul? He had a thorn in his flesh. We’re never told what his thorn is. Some speculate it was a speech impediment. Others say it was the hardships he constantly faced. Whatever it was, God placed it there. If you recall, when God is talking to Ananias about Saul, he says, “many things he must suffer for My name’s sake.” (Acts 9:16 NKJV) Paul’s thorn turned into his ministry.

This is My Thorn

I feel that my ‘thorn’ is my Epilepsy. I lost my job as a truck driver after my Epilepsy diagnosis. I wasn’t fired, but I was sidelined because my CDL was placed “on hold” until I met certain stipulations.  I also no longer drive personally. Since I don’t drive, I cannot get to a regular job.

There is the silver lining of God’s provision through all of this. I am a writer. I have been a Freelance Writer for the past five years. I began while I was trucking. I would pull loads during the day and write after I parked my truck. That little bit helped establish me in the writing world. God used that little bit, and when I was unable to drive, He allowed it to explode into the writing career it is today.

Be Careful What You Wish For

You know the saying, “be careful what you wish for because you just may get it?” Well, the same goes for prayer. I’ve always prayed for the opportunity to write. God’s provision gave me the opportunity through what I was doing in my spare time. Then I was praying for the ability to write Full-Time. I prayed that prayer for a year. I don’t mean as a tag onto my prayer. I mean heavy-duty prayer for it. I wanted to be a Full-Time writer.

Then this happens.

Wishes Granted

Some will discount me saying that. That ‘why would a loving God allow something so bad happen?’ I cannot answer that. I just know when I was diagnosed, I had to give up driving. Driving took up 14 hours of my day. That left 10 hours off-duty, most was sleeping because I needed to be up again to drive. There wasn’t time for serious writing. I did it though. I held a part-time writing job—and still prayed for the opportunity to write Full-Time. So, when I was ‘forced’ to give up driving it freed up my time. A blessing? An answer to prayer?

The result was not immediate. Things were tight at first, but not for long. God tested my resolve. But I trusted His plan. In a little less than three months, I signed a long-term contract with one company writing a blog. I had two other companies I regularly wrote for, and I was still an editor for a copywriting firm I had been working for while I was a trucker.

Blessings in Disguise

God blesses us in ways we cannot imagine. Although, getting there may not always be sunshine and rainbows. I’ve learned sometimes blessings are precisely what we pray for, but they can come through adversity. Hardship may be the only way we can fully appreciate the blessings we receive. For me, I had to be put into a position where I had no choice but to work my tail off to get the next writing job, or rent was not going to get paid. But today, I work comfortably because I have a solid client base, and I am confident in my ability.

I prayed for the opportunity to write Full-Time, and now I am doing just that. God’s provision has given me the answer to my prayers and the opportunity to live my dream. But I’ve only talked about my career. I’ve not even mentioned that I’m also a published author. I have two published books, am working on my third, and have four Children’s books as well. God has led me down the path that I prayed for. I am blessed. It all came through what I feel is the ‘thorn in my flesh’ of Epilepsy.

 

God’s Provision: Answered Prayers

The success God has allowed me to have is proof that He answers prayer. It is also proof that we never know how He is going to answer prayer. We serve an awesome God. We just need to be willing to answer the call He presents us, in whatever fashion He presents us. I don’t know where my Epilepsy will take me. I feel fine today. I still experience seizures now and then, nothing serious, but I know the Great Physician. If He chooses to heal me, then I will be grateful, but if I suffer, then like Paul, I will bear it gratefully. And like another amazing man of God, I will say, “The Lord gave, the Lord has taken away, Blessed be the name of the Lord.” (Job 1:21b)

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Faith

Our Brief Moment

by Jeff S. Bray
written by Jeff S. Bray

We are all guilty of taking life for granted sometimes, thinking we will live forever, making plans for what we think our future holds. Our decisions based on what we desire for ourselves. We develop a lived-out sense of hope – our interests coming first. Lists made, reservations confirmed, and ribbons tied in pretty little bows. You’re all set. But do your plans include the Lord? Our brief moment on earth could evaporate in an instant. What would we leave behind when those plans are completed without God behind them?

The Rich Fool

In Luke 12, The Rich Fool was schooled in the effects of self-centered thinking. He made plans to expand his riches because of his abundance. He had no consideration for the brevity of life. His life was demanded of him that night as he lay in bed dreaming of the easiness of life that was to come because of his own ingenuity.

We do the same thing. We have “stuff” we own that we put before God. While we may not see it that way, but when we choose to go fishing instead of attending a Sunday service, that is a form of self-centered thinking. Our lives are short, and our calling is clear – to love God and to serve others the way Christ served. When we store up for ourselves when we feel that tug at our hearts, we fail Christ.

Tomorrows Boasting

James, in his epistle, cautions the believer about boasting about tomorrow. Making plans that concern our own well-being is futile without God’s direction in mind.  James goes as far as to call it evil.

But it is normal to make plans. We would not be able to function otherwise. We all have a schedule to keep, we arrange our days with verbal agreements. “I’ll be there at 9,” we say. “Meet me tomorrow at the shop,” and “I see the dentist on Monday at 4,” are common to say. To be honest, it would sound weird to say, “I have an appointment with Mr. Jones on Tuesday if it is the Lord’s will.” However, it is more of a mindset than an out-loud declaration. It’s an acknowledging that God is in control of every moment and that He determines every step and every outcome of your life.

Our Brief Moment of Life

Psalm 90 is a prayer Moses is giving to God. The Israelites have little consideration for their fleeting lives. All it seems they care to do is live in their sins. Moses prays for God to teach them to consider how short life is (see verse 12). God desires them to remember His goodness and turn away from their secret sins that are bringing His wrath and their inevitable death.

We will all die someday. So, how are we living at this moment? Are we living our lives like the rich fool, with eyes set on making plans for a prosperous future? Maybe we aren’t as ambitious. Perhaps we only plan for what tomorrow may hold. Even then, we can still be admonished for our over preparedness. Is God, then, against making plans?

Our Brief Moment of Control

God wants to keep us from those anxious moments. Those moments where we try desperately to control our lives. He desires to keep us from those ill-fated hurried decisions we make. Don’t get me wrong, it’s okay to plan for our future. God gave us a mind and the ability to think for a reason. Just as long as we know that the outcome is all in His hands. And here is the kicker – He gives us the control to give Him the control of our lives. It is a free-will decision.

You have heard that God is a gentleman. This could not be a more accurate statement. He will never assume control from us; that is why we get ourselves in so much trouble. He is patient with us, waiting for us to willingly hand our lives over to him. And when we do, He will accept it. And the best part, He accepts it in whatever condition it is in – whole, cracked, or shattered in pieces.

The Final Word

When we decide to give him control, we regain our future. Because we are choosing to put Him first. We have come to realize that He gave us our life, and with him in the driver seat, we will make better choices and have a greater chance of making it through life’s circumstances than without Him.

God gave us a preset number of days on earth, so how are we going to spend those days? Are we going to make each choice with consideration of God’s direction?  For only He can give us the wisdom to make the most of each brief moment.

 

 

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Articles

When the Reality of Christian Persecution Hits Home

by Jeff S. Bray
written by Jeff S. Bray

China. Africa. Nigeria. Sri-Lanka. All these areas have seen a recent escalation of Christian persecution. From imprisonment to genocide, these atrocities are splashed across the headlines. Or are they? Quite honestly, it seems that the only place you will see what is really going on around the world in regards to Christian persecution is on websites like CBN, GODTV, and occasionally FOX News Channel.

So, I ask, why isn’t the persecution of those who follow Christ headline news in America? Could it be because it does not fit a narrative? If all lives matter, then why don’t Christian lives matter? This situation grows worse and worse as time marches on.

The One Side of the Fence

One point of view discounts these events because they are far away, in another country, somewhere where it does not have a direct impact on you and me. We think, “I can still wake up, go to my job, come home to my family, go to church on Sunday and not fear that those liberties could slip away.” We justify it because we are in America – the land of the free. We have laws and rules that give the ability to worship freely. Those things could never happen here. We tell ourselves these things in hopes that they remain true.

We are Not That Far Off from Christian Persecution

However, little by little the freedoms we enjoy today are being taken away. We witness it when we hear about someone being offended over terminology being used. The term ‘inclusive’ is thrown around and it is ripping at every fabric of our society. Words like handyman, congressmen, servicemen, mailman, even mankind has become offensive. If one attempts to use these words they are called out for discrimination. When a sports team does not accept a member of the opposite gender, they are berated for not being inclusive.

Where does it end? People are being offended by the simplest of things. We are growing a generation who is being offended because someone else has an opposing point of view. One can not say Merry Christmas because it may offend someone who does not celebrate Christmas. We cannot display an American Flag because it may offend someone who was born in another country. It is now offensive to cheer for your team because the losing team will feel bad. No one loses, everyone gets a trophy.

What Happens Next?

So, if certain words and behaviors are now deemed offensive, then who is to say it cannot spill over into other areas of society. We know we can’t say God Bless You to someone who sneezes without the fear of offending them. What if the very mention of Jesus could land you in hot water? What if being a follower of Christ brought on Christian persecution?

Christians have already become withdrawn out of fear of offending someone. Then, of course, offending is not too difficult to do anymore. People get offended if you don’t like the color of their shirt. But what if it became illegal to tell your friend that their blouse looked bad on her? What if you could face penalties or jail time by not agreeing with the popular trend?

This is the theme of The Five Barred Gate. My first novel tackles this controversial issue. The book’s synopsis reads as:

Have you ever wondered what would happen if the Non-Offensive Movement in the United States became federal law? What would happen to the freedoms guaranteed to us through the Constitution? This is the story of Jacob Andrews. He is faced with the decision to follow his heart and disregard what the law says about how he should live; even if it means his life.

I wrote this book shortly after I had a dream about it being illegal to be a Christian. These laws begin in a small town, with a case of a churchgoer feeling offended at being labeled a sinner. It blows up into full-on war between a group of Christians desiring to share the Gospel, and those that are empowered to enforce the laws that forbid them from doing so.

The Final Word

Our country may not experience mass genocide like those in other countries. Our government is not going out and demolishing churches like they are in China. But day by day, we are losing our freedoms. The issue is that it is so subtle, that we do not realize what is going on. Will we remain ignorant until one day we wake up and read that something happened to someone we know or love because of what they believe.

The better question is, where will you stand on that day? We feel persecuted at work or school if someone laughs at us because we pray. We say we are persecuted because the Ten Commandments and prayer are taken out of school. But we have never experienced the pressure of our life being on the line because of our faith. What if, like the Christians in these countries, a gun was put to your head and you were told to renounce Christ or die… or worse, what if a gun were to put your child’s head. What would you do? Yes, we all would like to say we would stay faithful until the end. But, isn’t that what Peter said… and he was WITH Jesus.

What would you do?

I encourage you to pick up my book and see how Jacob and his circle of believers react to the threat to their faith. I pray it will challenge you to take a stand. To remain firm in Christ until the end. To remain faithful, no matter what.

 

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Discover more about top Christian universities here on GOD TV.
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What Teens Are Looking For In Their Top Christian Universities

by Jeff S. Bray
written by Jeff S. Bray

Every college-bound High School student has stacks of brochures, letters, and envelopes filled with potential candidates for where they will spend their post-graduation years. They begin making their list of top Christian universities with their options open. But as graduation approaches, they narrow down that list to just a few select schools. This process begins with a careful evaluation of what each college or university offers. This list can help your student drill down and help them pick their future Alma Mater.

Top Christian Universities: Course & Degree Options

The first thing a wise student looks at is not how good the party scene is, but whether a school will offer them the education that will allow them to fulfill the calling God has on their life. Careful consideration must be made as to whether a school will offer them the degree they want to pursue, as well as class selection to guide them on that path.

Another consideration that is often overlooked, especially if a teen decides to complete their prerequisites at a community college, is if the credits they receive from that school are transferable to the top Christian universities they choose to complete their degree at. If not, your child’s course plan needs adjusting.

Top Christian Universities Class Size

In addition to having the courses that will help them achieve their goals, they want to be able to have access to the professors that are teaching them. This is referred to as faculty to student ratio. It is how many teachers they have versus how many students attend the university. It is often seen as numbers separated by a colon. For instance, a 14:1 student/faculty ratio would be for every fourteen students; there is one teacher. This is a lower than average number, often seen in smaller institutions. For a larger school, the number is closer to 20:1. Campus Life

Most of the time, a student will live away from home when they attend top Christian universities. This means living in a dorm, often called Residence Halls, or other on-campus housing options. In fact, most colleges require Freshmen to live on-campus. Some colleges require students to live in these dorms until they reach a certain age. So, with these requirements, a student wants to be able to enjoy this new home away from home. This not only applies to the amenities a Residence Hall will provide but what the campus has in general. Study Halls, a good Library, and quick access to classrooms are important in the academic end. Extracurricular activities are crucial for post studies time. These can be athletics, performing arts, and other recreational activities.

Let’s not forget about the spiritual aspect of the college you are attending. What is available for students to pursue their personal Christian walk? Chapel Services, Groups, and other Organizations all help develop a student on their path of a Christ-centered education.

Top Christian Universities and their Admission Cost

This is probably the one thing that weighs a potential college student down. At first glance, the dollar signs may seem insurmountable. But if you have involvement in High School activities like Athletics, Performing Arts, or Agricultural programs, then you should be eligible for scholarships, maybe even grants that will help lower the cost of attending top Christian universities.

The colleges and universities themselves have access to scholarship programs that you can apply for, mainly through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This application takes your schooling, grades, and financial situation into account and will show you where you can save money on your college education. Many schools also have a work-on-campus program that helps you pay your collegiate bill through working an on-campus job.

The most important thing to know about the cost of college is that God will always provide. If He has called you across the country, or across the planet, he will provide every dollar your child will need, and then some. Prayer at all stages of the process is imperative. And trust will get you and your child through the application and admission process.

Top Christian Universities: Location

Finally, where the college is located can be a factor in where your young one, now adult, will attend the next four years. This may be difficult for some parents who would love to see their kids staying near home, but an amazing opportunity for the same ‘now-adult’ to experience life on their own. A whole new world awaits wherever they choose to attend school.

The Final Word

One thing we need to remember as parents is this time of their life is very confusing. They are about to make one of the most important decisions of their life; probably the first adult decision they have made. So be mindful of this, and be supportive of their views as well as their ultimate decision.  Always consider that their calling is their calling. Not yours. Accept what God has for them and rejoice with them as their dreams come to fruition.

 

 

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Discover more about Southwestern Christian University here on GOD TV.
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Finding the Best College for Me: Southwestern Christian University

by Jeff S. Bray
written by Jeff S. Bray

As a High School student takes its first steps in the real world, the first major decision they will make is which college to attend. The build-up from the middle of their Junior year and through their Senior is a crucial time in a teen’s life. But what school should they attend? With so many choices, the process can be mind-numbing. Southwestern Christian University is among a student’s decision to become their Alma Mater.

About Southwestern Christian University

    • Location – This college is in the heart of Oklahoma in the city of Bethany. It is just five miles from Oklahoma City.
    • Accreditation – Southwestern Christian University is accredited through the Higher Learning Commission; they are accredited to operate as a degree-granting institution of higher education.
    • Ranking – The school ranks in the top 10% on several categories of colleges in Oklahoma, as well as nationally, according to Niche.
    • Denomination Affiliation – The college is affiliated with the International Pentecostal Holiness Church.

Campus Life

While SCU may be considered a small university, it has much to offer students. One of the things a prospective student looks at when making their choice is what campus life has to offer. This college campus offers many opportunities for students to become involved;  not only in their studies but with extracurricular and social activities that make college the learning and spiritual-developing atmosphere it should be.

    • Living Accommodations – Students who are younger than 20 are required to live on campus unless they are local students who reside at home with a parent or guardian. The campus has four residence halls. All are co-ed with men and women living on separate floors.
    • Population – The small college has an attendance of around 600 students. They have a student to faculty ratio of 15:1. Southwestern Christian University is less competitive regarding applicants; they have a high, 77%, acceptance rate.
    • Student Life – Southwestern provides students multiple clubs and organizations to become involved with like a Rotary club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and Music Ministry, to name a few. They also have twelve intramural sports for the active student.
    • Spiritual Life – Along with ample student life, the spirit is also fed. Many student-led ministries, like the Chapel band and Identified Services, which is a student-led worship experience that meets regularly. The campus also has Chapel services, several small groups, and events that enrich a student’s spiritual life.

Popular Majors at Southwestern Christian University

Southwestern Christian University offers 12 degree programs with over 117 major choices. Each path leads to an Associate, Bachelor, or Master’s degree. They also provide programs for an online degree.

    • Undergraduate – Southwestern Christian University offers degrees in Business, Education, Psychology, Performing Arts, and Theology. Their popular majors are in Business, Fitness Management, and Religious Vocations.
    • Graduate – They offer ten Master’s degrees; All are in Theology and Religious Vocations.
    • Online Programs – SCU also offers five Bachelor programs: Business Management, Christian Leadership, Human Services, Psychology, and  Liberal Studies.

Admissions Requirements

    • Grades – SCU requires a High School transcript with a minimum 2.0 GPA, or previous College credit hours completed. They also require ACT or SAT scores. The minimum for SAT is 900; ACT is 19.
    • Fees – There is no application fee.
    • Cost – The cost for undergraduates to attend Southwestern Christian University, before financial aid, is just under 20K per year.

The Final Word

Southwestern Christian University offers scholarships, grants, and loans to assist with financing a student’s education. In fact, over 98% of students receive some sort of financial assistance. There are also discounts if you meet certain criteria.

Attending college is a major milestone. A child is now an adult, and they are pursuing their dreams. Remember, following God’s call is of the utmost importance. Always go where God directs. Take the first step, and God will line up the path.  Therefore, spend time in prayer and talk to trusted friends and mentors. Through the consolidated effort, He will lead you, just as he led Isaiah and gave him the promise of lighting the way.

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Discover more about Christian Homeschool Education here on GOD TV.
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Where Can I Find the Best Christian Homeschool Curriculum?

by Jeff S. Bray
written by Jeff S. Bray

We read across the headlines everyday freedoms being stripped away from the schools we send our children to. We see a worldview being presented to them that is anything but Godly. As parents, we want to do something about it. Sometimes that means teaching our children ourselves. Then we have better control of what and how they learn. We can maintain a Godly worldview through a Christian Homeschool Curriculum.

What is Homeschooling?

Homeschooling’s definition is in its name. It is assuming the role of the teacher and instructing your child at home versus sending them off to public school.  This is a big decision and a major commitment. There are a few hoops to jump through; you cannot just one day decide to begin teaching from home. There is also a standardized curriculum that must be purchased.

Before you begin, you must understand state laws and what is required to be able to have a homeschool. Each state has its licensing procedure, so check with the education department of your state for further details. They may also have a minimum requirement as to the courses taught.

Is Homeschooling Beneficial for My Child?

Many parents feel that the overwhelming reason to homeschool a child is due to the negative environment most schools have nowadays. From bullying to a pervasive world view that takes God out of everything, parents want to allow their kids to learn away from the troubles public schools endure. Another reason is being able to teach Christianity, which includes the Bible. Finally, a reason many parents teach themselves is due to developmental issues a child has that warrants a slower-paced, one-on-one approach.

What is Christian Homeschool Curriculum?

Plain and simple, Christian Homeschool Curriculum is the same curriculum that traditional public schools teach, but with a Christian theme woven throughout the study material.

Educational organizations provide this material, and parent-teachers can purchase it for any grade level and on any subject. For instance, History would include the Biblical account of events; a public school would not. Teaching from the Bible is the biggest difference with this type of curriculum. Children will still learn the three ‘Rs’ but will gain so much more through their studies, including a Christian approach.

Where do I Purchase Christian Homeschool Curriculum?

After you have researched what licensing you need to begin your homeschool, you will then need to research what material you will teach your child. There are several Christian homeschool curriculum providers. To give you start, we have listed four of the more popular brands. Most will offer the same fundamentals; it is in the delivery, as well as in the extras where they will differ.

    • Abeka – Abeka is a Christian Homeschool Curriculum that has been around for 40 years. They offer studies for grades Kinder through High School. Courses include all the basics that public schools teach, even electives like Art, Music, and Foreign Languages are available. They include textbooks, tests, report cards, and diplomas upon graduation.
    • Son-Light – Son-light also provides curriculum for Kindergarten through High School. However, their approach is different than most. Theirs is a literature-based learning process. This style involves reading books to learn subjects. For subjects like math, there is video-based learning material. This method is far from the coursework and testing of standard schooling, but it works for students who learn from reading.
    • Bob Jones University – BJU is a Christian Homeschool Curriculum with options that offer an online teaching experience where children learn through video instructors, or a parent can teach the lessons themselves. They teach through textbooks and video learning all the core subjects from Pre-Kinder through High School as well as electives like Music, Bible, and Foreign Language.
    • Switched-On Schoolhouse – Switched-On is an online-based Christian Homeschool Curriculum. Through various forms of multimedia, a child will learn each core subject. They offer a program for 3rd grade through High School. The benefit of online course work is in the grading and tracking process; the system does it for you. They also teach electives such as Computer and Foreign Language.

Christian Homeschool Curriculum: Final Word

Before any major decision, we need to seek God and be sure it is what is best for us. Sometimes our kids have a calling to be right in the middle of the chaos of public school because God intends to do something extraordinary through them. Other times it is necessary to protect them from a bad situation. Either way, God has a plan.

If the decision to take the reins of your child’s education, then you will want the best curriculum designed for how your student learns. These examples are just a sample of what is out there. Speak to your church, other homeschool parents, and always pray for direction. Within godly counsel lies the answer that is beneficial to you and your child’s future.

 

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Discover more about Christian Schools International here on GOD TV.
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How Christian Schools International Is Impacting Today’s Christian Education

by Jeff S. Bray
written by Jeff S. Bray

A Christian school, whether Kindergarten or High School, needs to have a guiding principle behind it. There are beliefs, but schools cannot function on belief alone. They need organizations like Christian Schools International to come alongside them and support them through school accreditation, training effective teaching staff and supporting their benefit needs, and providing a solid Christ-based curriculum that will impact the students that learn under it.

What is Christian Schools International?

Christian Schools International is an organization that helps Christian schools with teaching curriculum, accreditation, leadership training, and benefits like health and retirement plans for staff. They believe in giving a student a solid Christian-based education centered on three statements of faith.

    • Sources of Truth – All curriculum should point to God. A source of truth that leads to wisdom and response to God’s call. The Lord should saturate every subject and initiative.
    • Freedom to Grow – God gives each person a gift of curiosity. A student should use it to research every aspect of a relationship with Christ. It is His desire for us to seek knowledge about Him and grow into the individual He has planned for each of us.
    • Living our Faith – The world is growing to undermine God, but we are to overcome through living out our faith. Not blindly, but with recognizing the truth and spreading that to others in love, while promoting justice, and with mercy.

How Do They Help Christian Education?

Christian Schools International stands beside its member schools. Its foremost focus is to interject God into every aspect of what they provide.

    • Curriculum – To be an effective and engaging teacher, you need course material that works well with the students. It needs to be flexible, thoughtful, and maintain a Christian worldview. Christian Schools International equips teachers for success with a comprehensive curriculum, guides, and digital options to teach kids about the Bible; all with a strong faith foundation with high-quality content that is adaptable to a teacher’s classroom needs.
    • Teacher Training – While the curriculum is a big part of student success, one cannot process that information without a high-quality teacher behind the book. And teachers with a passion for their profession are hired by educational staff that is involved in developing students and preparing them for the future that awaits them. This involves quality training and is accomplished through programs targeted at each level of school administration. Teachers, principals, board members, and CEOs all have a program to help them be a better educator.
    • Accreditation – The seal of approval that a school is functioning at a high level and maintaining exemplary standards is accreditation. CSI partners with member schools and assists them with recognition or helps them to achieve the standards set by accreditation entities.

The Final Word

Christian Schools International exists to help schools thrive. They were the first international organization that served Christian schools. For almost 100 years they have expanded programs through listening to their members, discerning the need, and doing what needs to be done to support the work schools do.

CSI helps strengthen the Christian schooling system through a firm foundation in God’s word. The hold to the Reformed church belief that faith and learning are inseparable; that every aspect of life should give glory to God. Just as it is our job to continue learning about God through His word, CSI is helping the cause through a faith-based curriculum. CSI gives you yet another reason to see what a private Christian school has to offer a student.

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