DO STEP-PARENTS MATTER?
SYNOPSIS: (NOTE: before you pre-judge and fire off a comment, please READ THE FULL ARTICLE at the "Them Before Us" link.) The children come first! Nick Spencer, founder of Them Before Us (TBU), explains that children have a fundamental right to their biological mother and father, stating that every child is conceived by one man and one woman. The group distinguishes between adoption and remarriage, which they view as adults stepping in to provide stability for children after a pre-existing tragedy; compared to surrogacy or donor conception, which they define as adults intentionally, to satisfy their own desires, causing via IVF a child’s loss of biological connection. READ MORE: https://agape-restoration-society.org/ARC-News/a-n_2026-08-15.htm#article_4

Are you producing fruit—or looking for a throne?

https://patrickryanlewis.com/2026/08/22/the-bramble-king-when-ambition-replaces-faithful-service/

In Judges 9, Jotham tells one of the most striking parables in the Old Testament.

The olive tree was producing something valuable.
The fig tree was producing fruit.
The vine was fulfilling its purpose.
None of them were desperate to rule.
Then came the bramble.
It had little to offer but thorns, yet it was eager to become king.

There is a powerful lesson here for every believer: faithfulness is more important than position, and character matters more than a title.

We live in a world that encourages us to chase recognition, influence, platforms, and authority. But Scripture continually calls us back to something greater—faithfully serving God wherever He has planted us.

Before seeking a bigger platform, be faithful with the one you already have.

Before asking for more influence, steward the influence God has already given you.

Before looking for recognition, ask whether your life is producing fruit.

My latest blog takes a detailed look at Judges 9:7–21 and Jotham’s warning about the “Bramble King.”

Read the full article and consider this question:

Am I more concerned with being important—or being faithful?

#Judges9 #BibleStudy #BiblicalLeadership #ChristianLeadership #Faithfulness #ServantLeadership #ChristianLiving #GodlyCharacter #Humility #BibleTeaching

Three Angels Broadcasting Network Devotional
A Wrinkled Wardrobe

By Deborah Shaffer

August 21st, 2026

“In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 1:6-7

I have a love-hate relationship with my spring and summer wardrobes. I’m always excited to pack up my heavy winter garments and replace them with the light colorful fabrics of springtime. However, what I don’t like are the wrinkles. It doesn’t seem to matter how carefully I fold or hang them after washing, my wardrobe is plagued by ugly wrinkles—and that’s when I have to reach for that dreaded iron. It is one of my most hated chores! However, I know that without the pressure of this heated tool, those wrinkles will remain. The article of clothing will stay in its unsightly condition and will not be worn, rendering itself useless.

That’s how it is for Christians, too. Even though we’re heaven-bound, we live in a world damaged by sin; and, at times, we allow it to contaminate our lives, causing ugly “wrinkles.” It’s at those times that the application of heat may be needed! Our Father knows exactly what it takes to get our wrinkles out. Pressure from the heat of trials—so unbearable when we’re going through them—may just be the exact thing needed to perfect us. The heat is not meant as punishment. The heat is a tool.

Maybe we’re going through a time in our lives when we’re feeling the heat. We know we are God’s children, we have called upon Jesus for salvation, we follow after Him; but life is hard.

Let’s not get discouraged. After the ironing is finished, we will be a beautiful garment—unwrinkled and pleasant to those around us.

ANOTHER ANGRY CHRISTIAN PATRIOT ARTICLE

Medicare Mania: Maybe this Former Health Insurance Plan Trustee & Retired Guy Can Save You Moola

Please click on the following link to read, consider, and share. Thank you!

https://pesterbrat.substack.com/p/medicare-mania?r=2u8e73&utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=web

ANOTHER ANGRY CHRISTIAN PATRIOT ARTICLE

Lest We Forget

The Following Article Was First Intended for a Local Newspaper. It Has been Modified for a Larger Audience Including 8 more Photos and Images

Please read by clicking below, consider, share, and follow my page. Thank you!

https://pesterbrat.substack.com/p/lest-we-forget?r=2u8e73&utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=web

Christian faith is not blind belief; it is a reasoned trust rooted in the historical testimony of those who encountered Jesus and recorded what they saw.

Read the article:
https://coldcasechristianity.com/writings/biblical-faith-trusting-what-cant-be-seen-on-the-basis-of-what-can/

#ChristianApologetics #GospelReliability #EvidenceForFaith

I'd appreciate it if you would check out my Substack blog. It's a combination of articles and videos ranging from spiritual, biblically based content, to what I call "Life Skills" articles. Currently, I have an ongoing series of articles on how to read the newspaper (or any non-fiction article really). You can find it at: https://billdenton.substack.com/
Subscribe for free, or join as a paid member!

In this article Wilma Watson is going to show you how to handle your negative emotions, allow God to heal you and set you free.

Read the full Blog: https://www.breakfreetoday.org/how-to-handle-negative-emotions/

#BreakFreeToday #WellnessJourney #Healing #Therapy #BreakTheStigma #MentalHealthMatters #SelfCare #PersonalGrowth #GodsGrace #LivingFree #Spirituality #Prayers #Life

What have you already decided you will not compromise?
Long before Daniel stood in the lions’ den, he stood firm at the king’s table.

https://patrickryanlewis.com/2026/08/10/dare-to-be-a-daniel-living-with-conviction-in-a-culture-of-compromise/

Daniel 1:8 tells us that Daniel made up his mind that he would not defile himself. Before the great public tests of his faith ever came, Daniel had already settled something in his heart: his loyalty belonged to God.

That same decision matters for us today.

Our culture constantly pressures us to blend in, stay quiet, lower our standards, and treat biblical conviction as unnecessary. But faithfulness to Christ means deciding that God’s Word will have greater authority in our lives than popularity, convenience, opportunity, or cultural approval.

The small decisions matter.
Integrity matters.
Truth matters.
Holiness matters.
Obedience matters.

The Daniel who eventually stood before lions first learned to stand faithfully in an ordinary decision at a dinner table.

My latest blog, “Dare to Be a Daniel: Living With Conviction in a Culture of Compromise,” looks at Daniel 1:8 and what his example teaches us about developing conviction before the pressure comes.

Read the full article at PatrickRyanLewis.com.

#DareToBeADaniel #Daniel1 #BiblicalConviction #ChristianLiving #StandFirm #FaithOverCulture #Integrity #ObedienceToGod #LivingForChrist #Faithfulness #BiblicalTruth #SpiritualGrowth #AGuyAndHisBible

ANOTHER ANGRY CHRISTIAN PATRIOT ARTICLE

The Doctrine of Pacification- What Can We Do?

The following was first written for a local newspaper. It has been modified for a larger audience including several photos and images.

Please read, consider and share my latest article by clicking below and follow my page. Thank you!

https://pesterbrat.substack.com/p/the-doctrine-of-pacification-what?r=2u8e73&utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=web