One Walk with Jesus is about surrounding yourself in all things about Him and defending the faith…

View in browser Listen Subscribe Read More Facebook Twitter Defining and Defending Religious Freedom‘Born This Way’ A Helpful Acronym We’ve not seen in the United States, at least in recent memory, so many efforts to force Christians to act in ways that violate their consciences. Almost always, these demands are made in the name of sexual freedom—whether we’re talking about nuns being forced to provide contraception, bakers and florists having to participate in gay weddings, or adoption agencies being forced to place kids with same-sex couples. JOHN STONESTREET WITH G. SHANE MORRIS What makes these stories even more discouraging is how many Americans—especially Christians—don’t seem to understand our first freedom or even care all that much about it. According to a new survey by Barna, the number of Americans who say that religious freedom means “being able to believe and practice the core commitments and values of your faith” is still a majority, but it’s falling; down 14 percent since 2012. Even more troubling, pastors seem to be losing interest in the issue. Barna reports that just five years ago, a strong majority of Protestant clergy said they were “very concerned” that religious freedom would become more restricted. In the latest survey, that number fell to a paltry 34 percent. Barna editor-in-chief, Roxanne Stone says it’s easy to stop caring “when we feel protected by those currently in power.” But in doing so, Christians risk becoming just “another tribal group” jockeying for special favors from Washington. If we want to keep our freedoms after a new president is in the White House, we have to learn to “make the case for religious liberty as a positive social value for all people.” In other words, we have to be able to argue for this freedom as if it’s more than a retreat strategy. This is, of course, a real challenge in a culture where increasing numbers of people think religion should be kept private, and sexual preferences should be made public. Somehow, we must make the case that religious liberty is not only a good worth preserving, but that it’s essential to a free society. You might have heard of “S.L.E.D.” It’s an acronym which stands for “Size, Level of development, Environment, and Degree of dependency.” It makes the argument for unborn life simple and focused, even when things get emotional. It’s memorable and reusable. For a long time now, I’ve wished there were a "S.L.E.D." for religious freedom—something to help us remember the arguments and make the case in a convincing way. Well, my colleague Shane Morris has just came up with one: “F.R.E.E.” Free is an acronym that can walk you through an intelligent conversation about religious liberty. F is for Forcing. Forcing people to go against their beliefs for no good reason is a bad thing. This is a premise that even most secular people should be able to get behind. R stands for Reason. Is there a good reason to force a religious person to go against his or her belief in the case you’re discussing? And are there less burdensome alternatives to squashing this freedom, like using a bakery down the street or an adoption agency across town? The first E is for Examples. Offer examples that the person you’re talking with may not have thought of or heard of. Should a Muslim t-shirt designer be forced to create shirts mocking the prophet Muhammad? Should an Orthodox Jewish club at a university be forced to admit Christians as officers? Should an LGBT baker be forced to bake a cake with anti-gay slogans? The final E is one I think they’ll love: Equality. Christians who don’t agree with the new sexual orthodoxy should be equally free to live according to their faith, without being compelled to violate their consciences. Don’t hesitate to turn it around as a question: “If you think Muslims and Jews should have religious freedom in the examples we gave, why not Christians?” It’s not a silver bullet, nor does it say everything that we’ll need to about religious freedom, but “F.R.E.E” can help you have a conversation that’s intelligent and focused. If we can discuss religious freedom in a way that cuts through the rhetoric—the way many of us have learned to talk about abortion—we’ll have a chance of preserving this freedom no matter who’s in office. Learn More… Life, Marriage, and Religious Liberty: What Belongs to God, What Belongs to Caesar David S. Dockery, John Stonestreet, et al | Fidelis Books | 2019 At this year’s Wilberforce Weekend, you’ll hear great thinkers offer compelling responses to some of the toughest questions posed to Christians today. To learn more, CLICK HERE Many Christians avoid sharing their faith, because they’re afraid they can’t answer the tough questions. Equip yourself to understand and articulate your perspective when faced with a wide range of tough questions on topics including race, sex, LGBT, heaven and hell, climate change, and more… To learn more, CLICK HERE Colson Center for Christian Worldview, PO Box 50396, Colorado Springs, CO 80949, USA, 877-322-5527 Unsubscribe

One Walk with Jesus is about knowing the obvious… The place where your treasure is, is the place you will most want to be, and end up being. Matthew 6:21 MSG

Devotions… from Today in the Word

Focus on Christ
https://www.todayintheword.org/issues/2019/may/devotions/15/

They have lost connection with the head, from whom the whole body . . . grows as God causes it to grow.
Colossians 2:19

Set on Things Above
https://www.todayintheword.org/issues/2019/may/devotions/17/

Set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.
Colossians 3:1

A thought… from Jesus Calling

As you sit quietly in My Presence, remember that I am a God of abundance.
page 144

And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:19

A Song…

Till I Found You
Phil Wickham
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/till-i-found-you/1373272775?i=1373273276

A prayer…

Dear Lord God, Abba Father, Jesus my Savior, thank You for this day. For all Your reassurances reflected in Your Word and communicated to me through the Holy Spirit within me. I know I’m slow to respond and follow, but I also know I am a man after Your heart. Not just for me, but for me and mine, and as an example to those You place in my path. There world is lost and full of so many lost and hurting. Who only hate because they have not known Your love. I pray for them. I pray for Your love. Help stay focused on Your love. In Jesus name I pray. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

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https://onewalk.com/surround-yourself-in-jesus/

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One Walk with Jesus is about answering Him every day, every moment… do you love me?

Today’s Haven Today the best of this weeks series so far…

The Darkest Hour
As bombs rained down on London, the words of C.S. Lewis fell on the hearts of thousands who needed good news. Many feared for their lives, but it was their souls that needed the most protection. Don’t miss the next HAVEN Today with Charles Morris and part four of a series called “The Darkest Hour.”
http://haven.streamon.fm/program-e-1557990000.000000

A devotion…

The Habit of Recognizing God Provision
My Utmost for His Highest
https://utmost.org/the-habit-of-recognizing-god%E2%80%99s-provision/

A Song…

What a Friend I Have in Jesus
FFH
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/what-a-friend-we-have-in-jesus/570591945?i=570592081

A verse…

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.
John 21:15-17 NLT

A thought… from Jesus Calling Kids

As you begin each day, talk to Me about it. And as you go through your day, keep checking in with Me.
page 143, “I Am Lord!”

Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.
Proverbs 19:21

A prayer…

Dear Lord God, Abba Father, Jesus my Savior, thank You for this day. I do love You. I count every blessing. I seek Your face. I surround myself in Your Word. Aware You are with me always. Help me reflect these things to everyone You put in my path. That they would see and know what I know. In Jesus name I pray. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

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For devotions, sermons, programs and songs that inspire and encourage you to strengthen your relationship with Jesus…

Surround Yourself in Jesus
https://onewalk.com/surround-yourself-in-jesus/

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https://onewalk.com/one-walk-apparel/

#OneWalk #OneWalkwIthJesus #OneWalkwJesus #WalkingWithJesus #PrayWithoutCeasing #MyDailyPrayers #DailyPrayers #HearMyPrayers #Jesus #Truth #FightingToFocusOnJesus #FFJ #LeadLikeJesus #ILoveYou #IAmSorry #ForgiveMe #ThankYou #SurroundYourselfinJesus #OneWalkApparel

This has been a great series, so much so that I wanted to share…

Hear C.S. Lewis speak in one of the last-surviving WWII BBC radio messages that would go on to become the classic bestseller Mere Christianity.

Imagine with me what it would be like to live in London during World War II. Think of the neighboring countries you once thought were formidable as they quickly fall to Germany’s rapidly advancing forces. It’s only a matter of time until the war reaches your front door. Before you know it, the air raids begin. This is what it was like early on in World War II. As Nazi bombs rained down onto London rooftops, the British people were beginning to despair. Victory seemed nearly impossible against such a powerful foe. So where do you turn when it seems like death is closing in on you and all hope is lost? Surprisingly, the religious radio department of the BBC asked an unknown scholar for help. He was not yet famous and had not yet written The Chronicles of Narnia, but C.S Lewis knew how to speak about faith in Jesus on a level everyone could understand. Undaunted by those who deemed him "unqualified," Lewis rose to the task by speaking plainly and persuasively to his beleaguered nation, encouraging millions to turn to Jesus in the hour of their greatest need. He explained what it really meant to be a Christian and walk with Jesus. Hear C.S. Lewis speak in one of the last-surviving recordings of these historic radio messages that went on to become the classic bestseller Mere Christianity. The impact of his explosive ideas surpassed everyone’s expectations, and became the basis of Lewis’ famous book Mere Christianity. This dramatic story is captured so well in Focus on the Family Radio Theatre’s C.S. Lewis at War, an audio drama depicting how Lewis found himself behind the microphone during some of the darkest days the world has ever known. It’s incredibly well-done, entertaining, and spiritually encouraging. As we approach the 75th Anniversary of D-Day on June 6, I want to send you this 2-disc set as my “thank you” for your gift to Haven Ministries. Request “C.S. Lewis at War” today! And when you make your gift to receive C.S. Lewis at War, could you be as generous as you can? Next month marks the end of our fiscal year, and we need to raise $650,000 to finish this year strong and on budget. Your support helps Haven continue to provide a place of refuge and hope on the airwaves. Every day we’re "telling the great story … it’s all about Jesus!" and friends like you make it possible. Thank you so much! Charles Morris President & Speaker P.S. If you’d rather make your gift over the phone to receive C.S. Lewis at War, please don’t hesitate to call us at 1-800-654-2836. 1.800.654.2836 | MINISTRY Copyright © 2019 Haven Ministries, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you opted in at our website. Haven MinistriesP.O. Box 79997 Riverside, CA 92513 Add us to your address book Want to change how you receive these emails. You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list

One Walk with Jesus is about fighting to focus on Him alone…

A devotion…

The Habit of Rising to the Occasion
My Utmost for His Highest
https://utmost.org/the-habit-of-rising-to-the-occasion/

A verse…

…that you may know what is the hope of His calling…
Ephesians 1:18

A thought… from Jesus Always

I am able to keep you from stumbling. I know how weak you are, how easily you would lose your footing if I were not holding onto you.
page 141

Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, to God our Savior, who alone is wise, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever. Amen.
Jude 1:24-25 NKJV

A Song…

Rock of Ages
James Ward
https://youtu.be/UznDZGOLTM8

A prayer…

Dear Lord God, Abba Father, Jesus my Savior, thank You for today this day You have made. For Your Word. Your blessings for me and mine. For walking with us, holding onto to us. To help keep us from stumbling and helping us up when we do. I pray for all those who have allowed the evil one and his evil works to separate them from You. May they find the truth they search for in You, and see through his lies. In Jesus name I pray. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

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For devotions, sermons, programs and songs that inspire and encourage you to strengthen your relationship with Jesus…

Surround Yourself in Jesus
https://onewalk.com/surround-yourself-in-jesus/

One Walk Apparel
https://onewalk.com/one-walk-apparel/

#OneWalk #OneWalkwIthJesus #OneWalkwJesus #WalkingWithJesus #PrayWithoutCeasing #MyDailyPrayers #DailyPrayers #HearMyPrayers #Jesus #Truth #FightingToFocusOnJesus #FFJ #LeadLikeJesus #ILoveYou #IAmSorry #ForgiveMe #ThankYou #SurroundYourselfinJesus #OneWalkApparel

One Walk with Jesus is surrounding yourself in all things about Him. Fight to focus on Him, I do. Here’s a program from yesterday that I wanted to share…

Pray Big!
In The Market with Janet Parshall
https://www.moodyradio.org/programs/in-the-market-with-janet-parshall/2019/05/5.13.2019-pray-big–hear-all-about-it/

A song…

God of All Comfort
Karyn Williams
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/god-of-all-comfort/1044779892?i=1044780658

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Check out all my daily One Walk with Jesus posts
https://onewalk.com

Surround Yourself in Jesus
https://onewalk.com/surround-yourself-in-jesus/

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https://onewalk.com/one-walk-apparel/

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One Walk with Jesus, the habit of surrounding yourself in Jesus

A thought…

Entertainment and consumption have practically become the point of life in our modern culture. Without time for serious thought processes, we are losing the ability to think deeply. We don’t even have time to wonder, ‘What is the meaning of it all?’ Do we possess our possessions, or do they possess us? Do we consume pleasures and entertainment, or do they consume us?
Jeanette Flood
from Eight Ways of Loving God
Daily Catholic Wisdom

Devotions… from My Utmost for His Highest

The Habit of Enjoying Adversity
https://utmost.org/the-habit-of-enjoying-adversity/

…that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.
2 Corinthians 4:10

A Song…

Drink in Deep
Jake Hamilton
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/drink-in-deep/1131358865?i=1131359086

A prayer…

Dear Lord God, Abba Father, Jesus my Savior, thank You for this day You have made. Your love, mercy and grace abound in Your blessings for me and mine, and I humbly give thanks. Your Words are reflected in all I surround myself with, and like the air I breath, sustain my every step. Thank You, I love You, I’m sorry, forgive me. Continue to walk with me and mine. And through these posts open the mind and heart on others in need of Your love, mercy, grace and Word. In Jesus name I pray. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

<><

For devotions, sermons, programs and songs that inspire and encourage you to strengthen your relationship with Jesus…

Surround Yourself in Jesus
https://onewalk.com/surround-yourself-in-jesus/

One Walk Apparel
https://onewalk.com/one-walk-apparel/

#OneWalk #OneWalkwIthJesus #OneWalkwJesus #WalkingWithJesus #PrayWithoutCeasing #MyDailyPrayers #DailyPrayers #HearMyPrayers #Jesus #Truth #FightingToFocusOnJesus #FFJ #LeadLikeJesus #ILoveYou #IAmSorry #ForgiveMe #ThankYou #SurroundYourselfinJesus #OneWalkApparel