#biblicalTruth

GBS Media ProGBSMedia
2025-06-18

📯 Jill Janiec—nutritional health counselor, life coach, and spiritual advisor—joins Eileen to share the Biblical significance and spiritual power of the shofar.

More than a sound, it’s a call to awaken, prepare, and stand firm in faith.
bluewaterhealthyliving.com/sho

GBS Media ProGBSMedia
2025-06-18

✝️ Pastor Jim Chambers of Grounds for Belief in St. Clair Shores and Faith Director at Liberty Leaders Unite joins Eileen for a powerful conversation on faith and purpose.

He explains the difference between simply accepting Jesus and truly discovering your God-given calling—and why Biblical illiteracy is a major issue in today’s church.
bluewaterhealthyliving.com/sho

Christic AcademyChristicAcademy
2025-06-16

Jeremiah’s Testimony: The Lord Our Righteousness Revealed

Jeremiah reveals the Christ as both human descendant of David and the Lord our righteousness. We explore how this identity is vital for restoration, emphasizing Christ's dual nature and the scriptures' clear message. from Christic Academy

christicacademy.wordpress.com/

Christic AcademyChristicAcademy
2025-06-14

False Hope: Exposing Modern Christianity’s Deception

We delve into how modern Christianity has been misguided. Millions await a false Jesus, temple, and earthly kingdom. The true hope lies in the resurrection and new creation, not earthly politics. Reject the deception; embrace the true Gospel. from…

christicacademy.wordpress.com/

Christic AcademyChristicAcademy
2025-06-10

Heavenly Reign Or Earthly Kingdom: Understanding the True Millennium

Explore the truth about the millennium! We reveal the biblical perspective: a spiritual reign with Christ, not an earthly kingdom. Discover your heavenly inheritance beyond this world's deceptions. from Christic Academy

christicacademy.wordpress.com/

Christic AcademyChristicAcademy
2025-06-05

Spiritual Warfare: The “It Is Written” Battle for Your Faith

The Bible refutes modern "spiritual warfare." True battle is faith in God's word, not mystical fights with demons. Discover the power of "It is written" for legal victory. from Christic Academy

christicacademy.wordpress.com/

Alive in Christaliveinchristaz
2025-06-04

Explore Acts 20:28-31a! We delve into the scripture, highlighting the blessing of giving over receiving. Discover how serving the Lord and helping others brings immense joy and fulfillment. Embrace the power of generosity and experience true understanding!

Alive in Christaliveinchristaz
2025-06-03

Explore Acts 20:28-31a, understanding God's sacrifice for the church. We serve and help others out of gratitude for His gift, not for personal gain. Join us as we delve into serving others because God served us.

Christic AcademyChristicAcademy
2025-06-02

True Christ: Mary’s Testimony vs. Christian Gospel

Mary's testimony reveals the true Christ conceived naturally with Joseph, aligning with prophetic and apostolic teachings. We explore scripture, challenging the virgin birth and adoption claims of the Christian gospel. from Christic Academy

christicacademy.wordpress.com/

Walking in Forgiveness: How Letting Go of Past Hurts Frees Your Soul

881 words, 5 minutes read time.

We all carry scars. Some fade with time, others remain tender reminders of wounds that haven’t fully healed. Maybe someone betrayed your trust, spoke words that pierced deep, or simply wasn’t there when you needed them most. Forgiveness, in these cases, feels impossible—or even unjust. But God’s Word tells us that forgiveness isn’t about excusing the wrong. It’s about choosing freedom over bondage. In today’s devotional, we’ll walk together into the liberating, though often difficult, process of forgiving others and releasing the grip of past hurts.

Scripture:

“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” — Colossians 3:13 (NIV)

Reflection/Teaching:

Colossians 3:13 is both comforting and confronting. It comforts us by reminding us that God has forgiven us freely and fully through Christ. Yet, it also challenges us to do the same for others. Forgiveness isn’t natural; it’s spiritual. In our own strength, we hold onto pain thinking it protects us. But in reality, it only poisons us. As the saying goes, “Holding onto anger is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die.”

Jesus modeled radical forgiveness. While nailed to the cross—abandoned, mocked, and physically broken—He prayed, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34). If the Savior of the world could extend grace in His darkest hour, how can we, as His followers, withhold it?

This doesn’t mean forgetting the pain or allowing repeated abuse. Forgiveness is not reconciliation; it’s a one-sided spiritual release that hands the offense over to God. As believers, we’re not called to ignore justice, but to trust God with it. Romans 12:19 reminds us, “Do not take revenge…leave room for God’s wrath.”

Many people carry bitterness like a badge of protection. But Hebrews 12:15 warns that a “root of bitterness” can grow and defile many. When we harbor unforgiveness, we block the flow of God’s peace, joy, and love in our lives. We essentially give power to those who hurt us, allowing them to influence our thoughts, decisions, and even relationships. Walking in forgiveness is about reclaiming that power by surrendering the pain to God.

Letting go is a journey. It’s okay if it takes time. Some wounds require daily surrender. But with each step, we become more like Christ—freer, lighter, and more available to love others with open hands and an open heart.

Application:

Are you holding onto pain that God is asking you to release today? Take a moment to identify a name, a face, or a memory that still stings. Instead of stuffing it down or pretending it’s gone, bring it into the light of Christ’s love. Say the person’s name out loud and choose to forgive—not because they deserve it, but because you want to walk in freedom.

Consider journaling your feelings, speaking with a trusted Christian counselor, or praying with a friend. Set healthy boundaries if needed, but keep your heart tender before God. Forgiveness may start with a decision, but it grows as a process.

Today, choose freedom over fury, peace over pain, healing over hatred. You may not feel ready—but you can take the first step. Trust that God will carry you the rest of the way.

Prayer:

Father, I come before You with the weight of wounds I’ve carried for too long. You see the pain. You know the names, the moments, the scars. Today, I surrender them to You. Teach me to forgive as You have forgiven me. I release the bitterness and ask You to fill my heart with Your peace. Heal what is broken, restore what has been lost, and help me walk forward in grace. I trust You with justice. I trust You with healing. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Thoughts / Call to Action:

Forgiveness is the key that unlocks the door to peace. It may not change your past, but it can radically transform your future. Let today be the start of a new chapter—one marked by grace, not grudges.

If this message spoke to your heart, we invite you to stay connected. Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly devotionals, encouragement, and biblical wisdom to support your walk with Christ. You’re not alone—let’s grow in grace together.

D. Bryan King

Sources

Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed in this post are solely those of the author. The information provided is based on personal research, experience, and understanding of the subject matter at the time of writing. Readers should consult relevant experts or authorities for specific guidance related to their unique situations.

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Letting go of the past opens the door to peace. 🌅
Alive in Christaliveinchristaz
2025-05-28

Explore the crucial difference between God's path and our own desires. Discover how aligning with God's teachings impacts daily life and shapes our choices. Learn why even heartfelt intentions must align with divine guidance for true fulfillment.

Alive in Christaliveinchristaz
2025-05-28

Explore the importance of following God's path and understanding His truth. We delve into Thomas's confusion about Jesus's destination and reinforce the significance of knowing and following God's way in our lives. Discover spiritual guidance and biblical wisdom!

The Power of Words: How to Speak Life in a World That Tears Down

896 words, 5 minutes read time.

Have you ever walked away from a conversation feeling ten feet tall—or completely crushed? We’ve all experienced the power of someone’s words, for better or worse. Maybe it was a teacher who told you you’d go far in life or a friend who cut you down in a moment of anger. Words leave marks—sometimes scars, sometimes blessings. In a world overflowing with criticism, sarcasm, and negativity, speaking life isn’t just refreshing; it’s revolutionary. But as followers of Christ, we are called to more than just being nice—we are called to speak with purpose, power, and life.

Scripture:
“The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” — Proverbs 18:21 (NIV)

Reflection/Teaching:
The Bible doesn’t hold back when talking about the weight of our words. From Genesis to Revelation, God shows us the impact speech can have. In the very beginning, God spoke the world into being (Genesis 1). His words weren’t empty; they created light, land, sea, and life. As image-bearers of God, we carry that same creative capacity—not to form galaxies, but to shape hearts, minds, and futures with our speech.

Proverbs 18:21 draws a clear line between life-giving words and those that bring destruction. It’s not just poetic—it’s deeply practical. Our words can heal or hurt, build up or tear down. James 3 compares the tongue to a small spark that can set an entire forest ablaze. One moment of unguarded speech can damage relationships, reputations, and even faith. Yet, the same mouth can speak hope, truth, and encouragement that change the course of someone’s life.

Jesus modeled this beautifully. Whether speaking to the woman at the well (John 4), calling Lazarus from the grave (John 11), or forgiving those who crucified Him (Luke 23:34), His words were never wasted. They always brought life. And because Jesus is the Word made flesh (John 1:14), we see that every syllable He spoke reflected God’s heart.

Application:
How do we speak life when it’s so easy to join in the negativity around us? It begins with intentionality. Pause before you speak—especially when emotions run high. Ask yourself: Will this uplift or tear down? In Ephesians 4:29, Paul reminds us, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up.”

One practical step is to start your day by asking God to guide your words. Maybe write down a few phrases of encouragement you can share with coworkers, friends, or even strangers. Compliment someone’s work, affirm a child’s effort, or send a quick text reminding someone of their value. These aren’t small gestures—they’re seeds of life.

Also, avoid the trap of gossip or passive-aggressive speech. These habits may feel harmless, but they erode trust and breed division. Instead, let’s cultivate speech marked by truth, grace, and kindness. Speaking life doesn’t mean avoiding hard conversations—it means having them with wisdom, humility, and a heart to restore.

Prayer:
Lord, thank You for the gift of language and the power of words. Help me to use my voice to build others up, not tear them down. Teach me to reflect Your love in the way I speak—to my family, friends, coworkers, and even to myself. Give me discernment in conversations and the courage to speak life, even when it’s difficult. Let my words be rooted in Your truth and delivered with Your grace. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Closing Thoughts or Call to Action:
Your words matter—more than you realize. Today, choose to be someone who speaks life. Start with one person. Offer encouragement. Speak hope. Remind someone they are loved, valued, and seen. And don’t forget: the words you speak over yourself matter too. Be as kind to your own heart as you are to others.

If this devotional encouraged you, we invite you to subscribe to our newsletter. Get weekly inspiration, biblical wisdom, and practical tools for living out your faith—all delivered straight to your inbox.

D. Bryan King

Sources

Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed in this post are solely those of the author. The information provided is based on personal research, experience, and understanding of the subject matter at the time of writing. Readers should consult relevant experts or authorities for specific guidance related to their unique situations.

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Speak life. Let your words be seeds of hope in a world longing for encouragement.
Christic AcademyChristicAcademy
2025-05-23

Two Christs: Unveiling Prophecy, Salvation, and True Lineage

Discover the crucial difference between the Davidic Christ, who fulfills prophecy, and the adopted Christian Christ. Understanding this distinction is key to salvation and faith. from Christic Academy

christicacademy.wordpress.com/

Alive in Christaliveinchristaz
2025-05-20

Explore Jesus' powerful defense against accusations of demonic influence! We dissect the logic of Satan working against himself and reveal insights into the end of Satan's reign. Join us as we delve deep into spiritual truths and biblical understanding!

Scott LaPierrescottlapierre
2025-05-19

What Does the Bible Say About Work? A Biblical View on Labor

scottlapierre.org/what-does-th

What does the bible say about work? This sermon explores a biblical view on labor, sharing insights from my recent mission trip to Malawi and Uganda.

Faking Sacrifice for Likes: When Stolen Valor Becomes Social Media Currency

1,447 words, 8 minutes read time.

Let’s get this out of the way right now—I’m not writing this blog for clout. I’m writing it out of pure outrage. I’m pissed off. Recently, I saw a meme—a photo of a knight templar kneeling with a sword and the caption, “I understand war, so I pray.” On the surface, it sounds profound, right? But a person I know shared this on facebook, and I know this person never served in combat. In fact, they failed complete boot camp and were discharged early. Yet here they are, sharing war memes and acting like they understand the deep pain combat veterans carry every day.

To be transparent, I served in the Middle East during Operation Desert Storm and Desert Farewell. I was lucky to served in the rear far a way from combat. Therefore, I don’t claim to fully understand war. But I’ve seen what it does to those who have. And it’s not something you fake your way through.

This isn’t a one-off. There are thousands of these posts flooding social media, all dripping with supposed military insight, spiritual reflection, and raw trauma. But the truth is, most of these people have never been anywhere near a battlefield. They borrow the pain of veterans like it’s a costume or a social media prop. They trade on the real suffering of heroes to build their follower count. And that? That is disgusting.

Worse still, some hide behind the idea of a “spiritual war” to justify it. They throw out spiritual language as a shield for their lies. But if this is a spiritual war, then their actions are completely un-Christlike. Jesus said to love one another as He loved us. That means truth, humility, and honoring real sacrifice—not faking it for likes.

Borrowed Pain as a Brand: A Spiritual and Moral Betrayal

The clout-chaser doesn’t need to show a military ID anymore. A picture of a soldier praying or a vague quote about battles—spiritual or otherwise—is enough to convince people. And in today’s social media world, no one asks for proof. The likes and shares pile up, and suddenly a fake veteran looks like a war hero.

Let’s be clear: borrowing the pain of those who have faced real combat is not just disrespectful; it’s an outright spiritual betrayal. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians reminds us to put away falsehood and speak truthfully. Pretending to carry wounds that were never earned flies in the face of that command. It’s a lie, plain and simple, and God detests lying lips (Proverbs 12:22).

Jesus taught the golden rule: do to others what you would have them do to you. Would anyone who has survived combat want someone to steal their pain, their stories, their identity, and use it for social media clout? No. It’s cruel and unloving.

Stolen Valor 2.0: For the Algorithm, Not the Country

This isn’t the old-fashioned stolen valor you might think of—wearing medals you didn’t earn to get a free meal. This is digital stolen valor upgraded for the algorithm age. No uniform necessary. No medals. Just the right hashtag and a convincing story or meme. And bam—the fake veteran has an audience.

People respond emotionally to these posts. They thank the fake vets for their service, share their content, and sometimes even donate money—all while the real veterans, who carried the real weight, watch from the sidelines, ignored or doubted.

This digital version of stolen valor is a poison. It weakens the respect society has for veterans and muddies the truth about what service really looks like. It’s a betrayal of biblical principles too—like the call to honesty, kindness, and truth found throughout Scripture.

Real Service Comes With Real Pain

Combat veterans don’t carry their trauma like a badge to show off. It’s a burden that haunts them daily—night terrors, hypervigilance, survivor’s guilt. These are not costumes or props for social media. I have personally seen the damage that bottled-up survivor’s guilt can do to a good, caring man; a man that I consider a good friend.

Pretending to have these scars when you don’t isn’t just disrespectful—it’s theft. It steals space from real veterans who are trying to heal and be heard. Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 13 about love being patient and kind stand in stark contrast to this selfish act.

Borrowing another’s pain for attention is unloving in the most fundamental way. Romans 12:15 commands believers to “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” Faking mourning is the opposite of this command.

The Spiritual War Excuse: Hypocrisy in Disguise

Many who borrow veteran pain claim it’s about fighting their own battles or being involved in a spiritual war. But that’s just a veil for deception. The spiritual war Paul talks about in Ephesians is a real battle, but it is fought with truth, integrity, and love—not lies and appropriation.

Jesus called out hypocrites who pretend to be righteous but are inwardly corrupt (Matthew 23). Borrowing the language and symbolism of battle without the reality is modern hypocrisy. It’s an un-Christlike act that damages both the truth and the people who have truly served.

Social Media Platforms: Silent Enablers

The platforms themselves rarely act. They don’t verify military service or moderate stolen valor content unless it violates specific rules. This silence enables the fraud to flourish.

What’s worse is that some fake vets monetize their lies—selling merch, sponsorships, or even pushing agendas behind a mask of fake military authority. This isn’t just disrespectful; it’s dangerous. Misinformation spreads more easily when it’s delivered by someone perceived as a veteran.

The Real Damage: Hurting the Whole Veteran Community

Every fake veteran that gets exposed drags suspicion onto real veterans. The public grows weary, doubting whether anyone’s story is genuine. That distrust harms veterans who need support when applying for benefits, jobs, or medical care.

Veterans already fight battles no one sees. The added burden of having their identity stolen online makes healing harder. Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 12 that when one part suffers, every part suffers. These lies hurt the entire community.

Accountability and Honor

Groups like Guardian of Valor and Military Phonies work hard to expose stolen valor. Veterans themselves are vigilant online, calling out imposters and protecting their community’s dignity.

This is not about vengeance. It’s about love and justice—honoring the sacrifice that real veterans made with their blood, sweat, and tears. It’s about defending the truth, the biblical call, and the integrity of those who served.

How to Truly Support Veterans

Want to honor veterans? Stop pretending. Listen to them. Share their stories. Support veteran organizations. Learn about the real struggles veterans face—mental health, homelessness, reintegration.

Love demands truth. It demands humility. It demands standing with those who have truly served—not standing on their shoulders for personal gain. This is how to live out Christ’s command to “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

Final Thought

Faking military service is bad enough. But borrowing the pain of veterans for social media clout? That’s something else entirely. It’s a spiritual and moral violation. It’s un-Christlike, unloving, and it causes real damage to the people who have sacrificed everything.

When someone who hasn’t lived the life claims the burden of war, it steals respect from those who have carried it for real. It confuses the public, fractures trust, and makes healing harder for veterans trying to be heard.

Veteran identity is not a costume. Their pain is not a prop. Their sacrifices are not content to be used for personal gain.

Stop stealing what isn’t yours. Honor those who served by living truthfully, loving genuinely, and defending the reality of their sacrifice.

If this topic hits you the way it hits me, don’t stay silent. Join the conversation by leaving a comment below. And if you want to stay connected to the real stories of service and truth, subscribe to the newsletter. Real veterans deserve nothing less.

D. Bryan King

Sources

Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed in this post are solely those of the author. The information provided is based on personal research, experience, and understanding of the subject matter at the time of writing. Readers should consult relevant experts or authorities for specific guidance related to their unique situations.

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Alive in Christaliveinchristaz
2025-05-16

Explore the family's concern and misunderstanding surrounding Jesus' mission. Witness the internal division as they attempt to halt his actions, driven by fear rather than understanding. Join us as we unravel the truth behind Jesus' purpose and the family's struggle to comprehend it.

Alive in Christaliveinchristaz
2025-05-16

Explore Matthew 3:16-27 as we dissect the flawed logic of Satan casting out Satan. Understand Satan's current reign over Earth and the promise of its ultimate end through Jesus. Discover the biblical truths revealing Satan's plundering and the hope for liberation!

Equipped Churchequippedchurch
2025-05-10

"But Lord..." - Ever felt that way?
God doesn't want robots; He wants relationship! It's okay to express your fears while stepping into His calling. Ananias did! đź’«

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