Can the Bible still be trusted in a skeptical, secular age? In this powerful conversation with homicide detective and Christian apologist J. Warner Wallace, we explore the evidence for the trustworthiness of Scripture, the reliability of the Gospel eyewitness accounts, the prophetic case for Jesus as the Jewish Messiah, and the extra-biblical and archaeological support for the life of Christ.

https://coldcasechristianity.com/videos/stop-saying-the-bibles-broken-the-evidence-shreds-modern-skepticism-video/

#ChristianApologetics #ColdCaseChristianity #JWarnerWallace #ChristianWorldview

Matthew 19:27-30

Jesus has just made it clear that following Him has a cost up to and including a believer's life. The rich young ruler has dejectedly walked away after being told that the one thing he lacked to obtain eternal life was apparently the one thing he wasn't willing to give up. His wealth.

Think about it. Sam Walton was one of the wealthiest men in history, Truett Cathy, Jackie O'Nassis, Queen Elizabeth all were extremely wealthy. All had comforts in life that now mean nothing. All of them take their place behind beggars and those who were believers in extreme poverty. Jesus makes the point that the rich seem to believe their wealth gives them extra privilege or consideration at judgement because there's more they have to surrender.

And again Peter makes sure to say the entirely wrong thing. So he looks around seeing the rich man sadly leaving Jesus, perhaps because he had much he could afford that he refused to surrender. So Peter says, Lord, What's in it for us?

The ruler likely had houses, funds he would not run out of. So Peter considers what he's left for Jesus. He left his home, his career, and he's been following Jesus for a few years, now. And he wants to know what his reward is for doing so.

Jesus has already informed them on more than one occasion that they would follow Him in death. And each one died a martyrs death, executed by government or religious leaders beginning with James, brother of John and ending with John, James’ brother. These brother's deaths formed the bookends of apostles’ deaths with James being first and John the last.

Jesus says yes, you will all be awarded, but it comes at a cost. The cost is going to be the terrible suffering they would experience prior to death. Not that their suffering earned them anything, the way the rich believed their wealth earned them something. But that their allegiance with Jesus and relationship with Him gave them eternal life.

In particular, Jesus promises the apostles specifically that they will be on thrones judging Israel. Perhaps this is meant as a small mercy for the apostles whose last living moments will be being judged by those will end up ‘judged’ by them. Not that the apostles will get input on the eternal judgment of these individuals but that they will judge Israel as a whole including these Jewish leaders who are currently burning in torment awaiting eternity.
This really should be the perspective we hold to. The rich young ruler, do you think he regrets his choice now? After 2,000 some odd years of suffering where time has no meaning and no end? How important do you think he considers his summer home now?

His retirement? His first century equivalent to a Bentley? How about the leaders who knew the Scriptures pointed to Jesus but didn't want to give up their power or position. But these leaders to whom the benefits of eternal life were promised if they remained faithful to God.

These Jews were considered first because the promises were made to them. But they, they will be last. And those who were considered last, the Gentiles, pagans, all who responded to Jesus would take the place of those who had been considered first.

The temporal life fortunes in eternity are oftentimes flipped. The temporal riches of this life lure many believers over to a side that appears successful because financial gains are made, but in actuality is abject failure. No wealth we gain is worth what is lost if we don't have Jesus.

So those health and wealth preachers, the ones insisting that poverty is a sign of disfavor with God? Yeah, they will be within sight of the rich young ruler forever reconsidering their life choices and forever incapable of changing them. We don't get the chance to change our minds after death. Our fates are locked, so what are we waiting for? What's in it for us? Only Everything.


[27] Then Peter responded and said to Him, “Behold, we have left everything and followed You; what then will there be for us?” [28] And Jesus said to them, “Truly I say to you, that you who have followed Me, in the regeneration when the Son of Man will sit on His glorious throne, you also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. [29] And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or farms on account of My name, will receive many times as much, and will inherit eternal life. [30] But many who are first will be last; and the last, first.

Tears of Faith

Have you ever had your heart broken? Or your dreams shattered? Or had your plans crushed by reality?

That happened to the Jewish people when they were forced to leave their homes and become exiles in a foreign land. Their grief was surely deep and their questions surely plenty, but even their tears couldn’t stop new growth.

Recorded in Psalm 126, regarding the time “when the Lord brought back his exiles to Jerusalem…”

“Those who plant in tears will harvest with shouts of joy.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭126:5 NLT‬‬

Like the Israelites, you might be in a season of unexpected sadness, but joy, fruit, and abundance are waiting on the other side. 

Are you worried about someone in your family? Are you frustrated with someone at work? Are you devastated or numb regarding a situation in your life? Are you baffled by what you see on the news? Is your health failing you? Is this season not quite what you’d hoped?

Maybe you truly want to make a difference and you want the people around you to know God, but it’s hard—because you’re trudging forward through tears. 

The great news is, seeds aren’t picky about moisture, and tears can be a catalyst for growth.

Like any good book or movie, there’s conflict before there’s resolution. Like a woman in labor, there’s pain before there’s new life. Like a prisoner, there’s the angst of captivity before there’s the relief of freedom. Like any real farmer knows, there’s dirt and sweat before there’s any kind of harvest.

We don’t always get to choose the environment in which we sow seeds. But regardless, we—people made in the image of God—are called to love Him and love people, to be fruitful and multiply, to go and make disciples, and to trust Him with our grief.

Joy is often preceded by tears, which should give us great hope.

So, let’s continue to do the good work God has put before us. Let’s continue to plant seeds in faith, even through tears. Let’s honor Him as we sow our seeds and trust Him with the harvest.

*Tears of Faith - Our Tears Are Never Wasted*
Have you ever had your heart broken? Or your dreams shattered? Or had your plans crushed by reality?

That happened to the Jewish people when they were forced to leave their homes and become exiles in a foreign land. Their grief was surely deep and their questions surely plenty, but even their tears couldn’t stop new growth.

Recorded in *Psalm 126,* regarding the time *“when the Lord brought back His exiles to Jerusalem…”*

*“Those who plant in tears will harvest with shouts of joy.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭126:5*

Like the Israelites, we might be in a season of unexpected sadness, but joy, fruit, and abundance are waiting on the other side. 

Are we worried about someone in our family? Are we frustrated with someone at work? Are we devastated or numb regarding a situation in our life? Are we baffled by what we see on the news? Is our health failing? Is this season not quite what we’d hoped?

Maybe we truly want to make a difference and we want the people around us to know God, but it’s hard—because we’re trudging forward through tears. 

The great news is, seeds aren’t picky about moisture, and tears can be a catalyst for growth.

Like any good book or movie, there’s conflict before there’s resolution. Like a woman in labor, there’s pain before there’s new life. Like a prisoner, there’s the angst of captivity before there’s the relief of freedom. Like any real farmer knows, there’s dirt and sweat before there’s any kind of harvest.

We don’t always get to choose the environment in which we sow seeds. But regardless, we—people made in the image of God—are called to love Him and love people, to be fruitful and multiply, to go and make disciples, and to trust Him with our grief.

Joy is often preceded by tears, which should give us great hope.

So, let’s continue to do the good work God has put before us. Let’s continue to plant seeds in faith, even through tears. Let’s honor Him as we sow our seeds and trust Him with the harvest.

*A Prayer For Joy In Hard Times*

Father God, it's hard to keep planting seeds when we are discouraged. When we are heartbroken. But we know that You can use all things for Your glory and our good. Once again, we are trusting You. We are surrendering our plans to You—because Your ways are always best. Thank You in advance for the harvest that's to come. In Jesus’ Mighty Name, Amen.

Daily Devotion — August 15 | Acts 18:14 (NKJV)

God Is Our Defender

As Paul faithfully preached the gospel in Corinth, opposition arose once again. The Jewish leaders brought him before Gallio, the Roman proconsul, hoping to stop his ministry. Before Paul even had the opportunity to defend himself, God intervened through Gallio, who dismissed the accusations because they involved religious matters rather than criminal offenses.

This moment reminds us that God is fully aware of every challenge His people face. Paul did not have to rely on his own wisdom or persuasive words because the Lord was already working behind the scenes. God's protection allowed the gospel to continue spreading throughout Corinth.

For believers today, this passage encourages us to trust God when we are misunderstood or falsely accused. While we should always respond with integrity, we can rest in knowing that the Lord is our ultimate defender. He is able to accomplish His purposes regardless of opposition.

Reflection Questions

1. Do I trust God to defend me when I face opposition?

2. How can I respond with faith instead of fear during difficult situations?

3. Am I remaining faithful even when others misunderstand me?

Prayer

Lord God, thank You for being my defender and protector. Help me to trust You when I face opposition and to remain faithful to the work You have given me. Give me peace, knowing that You are always working for Your glory and my good. In Jesus name Amen.

Practical Application

● Trust God instead of reacting in fear when facing criticism.

● Continue serving Christ faithfully despite opposition.

● Pray for wisdom and grace when dealing with difficult people.

Takeaway Thought

God is always able to defend those who faithfully follow Him.

#LordsbookDailys #DailyDevotion #August15 #Acts1814 #GodsProtection #StandForTruth #FaithInChrist #BibleInspiration #GrowInFaith

*The Sweetness of Patience - Watch & Wait*

Have you ever plucked fruit prematurely?
Perhaps you were drawn in by its vibrant color or sweet scent moving through the air. But when you took the first bite, you realized it lacked the ripeness you anticipated. Everything seemed right at first glance, but there was one missing ingredient…

Time.
Even the simple act of picking fruit can teach us about time and patience:
*"Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord's coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. You, too, be patient and stand firm because the Lord's coming is near." James 5:7-8*
The author, James, penned these words under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit to a community of new Jewish converts to Christianity, dispersed throughout various regions. These early Christians faced many trials, including persecution and opposition, because of their newfound faith. James’ call to wait patiently and enduring was more than mere words on a page; they were a lifeline of hope and encouragement in the midst of adversity.

And just as those early believers confronted trials, we, too, will encounter challenges and suffering in our Christian journey. And, just like those early believers, we can choose patience—allowing the fruit of the Spirit to ripen within us, no matter the season of life. And when we do, our character will mature, our faith will deepen, and our relationship with God will become sweeter than we could imagine.

Patience always bears the fruit of perseverance and strength, even today and even for us!

*Prayer Of Surrendering*
Everlasting Father, You are the perfect example of patience and Grace. Thank You for being patient with us! We know there are specific areas of our lives where we need to develop more patience—we surrender those areas to You, and asking for Your help. Fill us with hope and wisdom to trust You, especially during challenging times. In Jesus’ Mighty Name, Amen.
*Blessed Shabbat!*

August 14 - Jesus Urges Compassion

#LifeOfChrist

“‘But go and learn what this means: “I desire compassion, and not sacrifice”’” (Matthew 9:13).

Jesus never shied away from speaking directly and bluntly if the situation demanded such talk. Here He pins the Jewish leaders to the wall by quoting from their own most honored scriptural authorities. Their own prophets rebuke them for their spiritual ignorance and their lack of obedience to God’s clear commands.

Jesus paraphrases Hosea’s prophetic and divinely inspired words: “I delight in loyalty rather than sacrifice, and in the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings” (Hos. 6:6). The perfect Word of God should have been the Pharisees’ supreme concern, as it should be ours, rather than the flawed words and ideas of humanity. Without true and godly compassion, all the Pharisees’ rituals, ceremonies, and sacrifices were worth nothing to God. The person who is indifferent toward other people verifies that he or she is also indifferent toward God, no matter how correct their theology or impeccable their morality.

Ritual separated from righteousness and a concern for the downtrodden and lost has always been an affront to God. Through the prophet Amos, the Lord declared,
“Take away from Me the noise of your songs; I will not even listen to the sound of your harps. But let justice roll down like waters and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream” (Amos 5:23–24).

Ask Yourself

In what ways have you let duty and religious reputation become elevated in importance beyond genuine love and compassion for others? What is so empty about the former . . . and so rejuvenating about the latter?

The Name of YHWH — Truth Hidden in Plain Sight

Introduction

Throughout Scripture, the Creator reveals His personal Name. Many people read over it without realizing it because most English Bibles replace it with titles like “LORD” in all capital letters. Yet the Name appears nearly 7,000 times in the Hebrew Scriptures.

This study explores:

What the Name is
Why it was hidden in translations
Why the Name matters
How believers honored the Name in Scripture

1. The Creator Revealed His Name

Exodus 3:13–15

When Moses asked what Name he should give to Israel, Elohim answered:

“Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, YHWH Elohim of your fathers... this is my name forever.”

The Hebrew letters are: יהוה

Often represented in English as: YHWH

This is called the Tetragrammaton (“four letters”).

2. The Name Was Not Originally “LORD”

In many English Bibles:

“LORD” (all caps) replaces YHWH
“God” sometimes replaces Elohim

But in the original Hebrew text, the Name was written plainly thousands of times.

Example:

Psalm 83:18 “That men may know that thou, whose name alone is YHWH, art the most high over all the earth.”

Many translations replace the Name with “LORD,” hiding what the verse actually says.

3. The Third Commandment Is About the Name

Exodus 20:7 “Thou shalt not take the name of YHWH thy Elohim in vain…”

The commandment does not say:

“Do not know My Name”
“Do not say My Name”

Instead, it warns against misusing or emptying the Name of meaning.

4. YHWH Wants His Name Remembered

Exodus 3:15 “This is my name forever, and this is my memorial unto all generations.”

The word “memorial” means something remembered and proclaimed.

Psalm 68:4 “Sing unto Elohim… extol him by his name YAH…”

“Yah” is the shortened poetic form found throughout Scripture.

5. The Prophets Declared the Name

Isaiah 42:8 “I am YHWH: that is my name…”

Jeremiah 16:21 “They shall know that my name is YHWH.”

The prophets repeatedly emphasized the Name instead of hiding it.

6. The Messiah Came in His Father’s Name

John 5:43 “I am come in my Father’s name…”

John 17:6 “I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me…”

The Messiah did not hide the Father’s Name; He revealed it.

7. Why Was the Name Hidden?

Historically, some Jewish traditions avoided pronouncing the Name out of fear of misuse. Later translators followed this tradition and substituted:

LORD
GOD

This tradition became so common that many readers never realized a personal Name was there.

8. Evidence Hidden in Plain Sight

Even modern words preserve parts of the Name:

HalleluYah

Means: “Praise Yah”

Names in Scripture also contain the Name:

Isaiah (YashaYahu)
Jeremiah (YirmeYahu)
Elijah (EliYah)

The Name was woven throughout biblical language and culture.

9. Calling Upon the Name

Joel 2:32 “Whosoever shall call on the name of YHWH shall be delivered.”

Romans 10:13 Paul quotes Joel, showing the importance of the Name continued into the New Testament.

10. Conclusion

The Name of YHWH was never removed from Scripture originally. It was hidden in many translations through substitution traditions.

The Bible teaches:

His Name is eternal
His Name is to be remembered
His people proclaimed His Name
The Messiah revealed His Father’s Name

Truth about the Name has been in plain sight all along.

Key Scriptures for Further Study

Exodus 3:13–15
Exodus 20:7
Deuteronomy 6:4
Psalm 68:4
Psalm 83:18
Isaiah 42:8
Jeremiah 16:21
Joel 2:32
John 5:43
John 17:6
Romans 10:13

Guidelines for living.
August 13th, 2026

Where Is God in Times of Trouble?

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you; and when you walk through the fire, you will not be burned, neither shall the flame kindle upon you, for I am the LORD, thy God, the Holy One of Israel. Isaiah 43:2‑3 KJV



When I was in Jerusalem years ago, our Jewish guide began to tell about his birth in Germany and the persecution that followed in the early days of World War 2. With growing emotional intensity, he told how his father had been seized by the Gestapo and never heard from again. The family escaped to another country in Europe. With growing anger, the tempo of his conversation increased, and then almost as though he was venting some of his wrath, he said, “Where was God when the 6 million Jews were cremated?” It’s an old question. Where is God in times of disaster? Where was God when 4 million Cambodians were slaughtered in 1975 and 1976? Where was God when men and women were slaughtered in the other conflicts?

Thousands of years ago some of my Jewish friends’ ancestors were facing a very difficult time. The Jewish people faced the prospect of captivity in Babylon. Families were being torn apart. Lives were disrupted. And God said, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you; and when you walk through the fire, you will not be burned, neither shall the flame kindle upon you, for I am the LORD, Kama Emma God, the Holy One of Israel” (Isaiah 43:2‑3 KJV).

During another time of national disaster, the prophet Nahum said, “The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and He knows them HILARY OKWUDE trust in Him” (Nahum 1:7 KJV). Right here, you can find a key that will help you understand God’s position in times of disaster. “He knows them HILARY OKWUDE trust in Him.” What does that mean? Well certainly, it doesn’t imply that some are spared suffering while others who are less righteous are confronted with it. When a nation suffers, the righteous, or the good man or woman, alongside the evil, suffer the same fate; but there is a difference. The individual who trusts in the Lord has a strength—a help—an answer that unbelievers do not have. One man, one person in simple faith throws himself on the mercy of God. He discovers Nahum is right—God is a stronghold in the day of trouble; the other man, or person, not having anyone to turn to, curses the difficulty.

Where is God in times of suffering? When my Jewish friend asked about God’s presence when 6 million Jews were cremated, I responded by saying, “He was in the same place that He was in when His Son was crucified outside the walls of Jerusalem.” There are some questions that will never fully be answered until we stand in the presence of God, but to turn from Him in the day of trouble leaves only darkness and despair. Christ never promised deliverance from all the difficulties of life, but He did promise His presence in the times of trouble. He said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” So, we may say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?” (Hebrews 13:5-6).

Bottom line: how does the truth of what I have shared today relate to your life? Who knows? Nonetheless, it is certain that you will eventually face suffering and challenges, for they come to all of us. You will be confronted with pressure, and when trouble knocks at your door, you either turn to Him as a refuge and strength or face difficulty alone.



Resource Reading: Psalm 23:1-6