CHRISTIANS AND AI

I asked Google AI to write a post for Christians. This is what they provided. Not too bad, in my opinion.

How Christians Can Approach AI with Wisdom and Grace

Artificial intelligence has crossed the threshold from science fiction to daily utility. From drafting ministry schedules and summarizing study notes to shaping the algorithms that drive our daily feeds, AI is woven into the fabric of modern life.

1. Made in God's Image, Not the Algorithm's

At the core of the Christian worldview is the concept of the Imago Dei—the truth that human beings are uniquely created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27).

AI can synthesize text, analyze massive datasets, and mimic conversational tone, but it lacks a soul, moral agency, and genuine consciousness. A machine can process the word "grace," but it cannot experience it.

2. Efficiency vs. Formation: Choosing Wisdom over Shortcuts

Many believers and church leaders find AI helpful for streamlining routine, administrative tasks—organizing events, checking grammar, or outlining study materials. Used well, these tools save time that can be redirected toward real-world relationships.

The tension arises when speed replaces personal reflection. The Christian life is built on spiritual formation—a slow, deliberate process of prayer, wrestling with Scripture, and listening to the Holy Spirit.

3. The Power—and Limits—of Digital Community

Technology makes connecting across long distances easier than ever, but algorithmic connection is not the same as genuine fellowship.

Scripture models faith as an incarnational experience. We are called to carry one another’s burdens, break bread together, and rejoice or mourn in person (Romans 12:15). While AI chatbots can offer quick answers, they cannot offer a hand to hold, shared tears, or authentic accountability.

4. Discerning Truth in an Age of Deepfakes

As generative AI becomes more sophisticated, discerning truth from synthetic noise is an essential skill. Christians are called to be lovers of truth (Philippians 4:8) and vigilant stewards of their words.

Moving Forward with Grace and Groundedness

Technology will continue to evolve, but human nature and God's promises remain unchanged. Christians do not need to fear AI, nor do they need to adopt it uncritically.

By treating AI strictly as a tool—using it for practical stewardship while guarding our hearts, minds, and human relationships—we can engage the modern world with quiet confidence, rooted in timeless truth.

Note: The above is interesting, but AI is "artificial" intelligence. Real intelligence comes only from God.  Proverbs 9:10 (NKJV) The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

PSALMS, HYMNS, AND SPIRITUAL SONGS

Music and singing have been part of God’s plan for His followers since the beginnings of worship.  One of the earliest mentions of songs in the Bible was when Laban scolded Jacob for leaving without saying goodbye. We see this in the following verse:

Genesis 31:27 (NKJV) “Why did you flee away secretly, and steal away from me, and not tell me; for I might have sent you away with joy and songs, with timbrel and harp?”

After successfully crossing the Red Sea, Moses led the singing with all of Israel joining in.

Exodus 15:1 (NKJV) ‘’Then Moses and the children of Israel sang this song to the LORD, and spoke, saying: "I will sing to the LORD, For He has triumphed gloriously! The horse and its rider He has thrown into the sea.”

During the time when the Judges ruled in Israel, Deborah was one of those judges, and she had a general named Barak. After a major military victory they rejoiced with music.

Judges 5:1 (NKJV) “Then Deborah and Barak … sang on that day…”

King Saul appointed David as one of his Captains, and when they returned from defeating the Philistines they were honored by a ladies choir:

1 Samuel 18:6-7 (NKJV) “So the women sang as they danced, and said: ‘Saul has slain his thousands, And David his ten thousands.’"

(This made Saul furious, and he turned against David after this.)

Of course, the Psalms have been called “The Hymnbook of Israel” and the summary of their value in worship is found in the final chapter of the book.

Psalm 150:1-6 (NKJV)

“Praise the LORD! Praise God in His sanctuary; Praise Him in His mighty firmament!
Praise Him for His mighty acts; Praise Him according to His excellent greatness!
Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet; Praise Him with the lute and harp!
Praise Him with the timbrel and dance; Praise Him with stringed instruments and flutes!
Praise Him with loud cymbals; Praise Him with clashing cymbals!
Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD.”

Paul instructs the Church and all believers as follows:

Ephesians 5:19 (NKJV) “Speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.”

Colossians 3:16 (NKJV) “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”

And when we all get to Heaven there will be abundant, non-ending music and worship.

Revelation 15:3 (NKJV) “They sing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying: "Great and marvelous are Your works, Lord God Almighty! Just and true are Your ways, O King of the saints.”

Compare this to the music primarily used in churches today. We have classic, traditional hymns, which like the psalms are often scripture set to music. We also have praise and worship songs, mostly from the last 70 years. And finally we have the newer spiritual, contemporary songs, often reflecting our feelings and our relationship with Christ. All these may or may not be used with instruments, such as is the case in Psalm 150.

The important thing is to be able to sing all types of music in worship. Not everybody likes all kinds of songs in church, or excessive volume of instruments and singers, but if you don’t like one type of music, then find a church in which you personally are in sync with the worship style.

RELAXATION

When I was in college a health counsellor was teaching students how to relax, which was something we all needed. The stress of studying, taking exams, dealing with dorm life, and finding time for sports and entertainment became pretty stressful.

Her advice was to concentrate on relaxing your body one muscle at a time from feet to head. It took a several hours of practicing this method to make it effective, but once it was developed it worked very, very well.

I still use this technique when I need to relax. It also helps when I have a cramp in my leg. I focus on relaxing the muscle that hurts and in a few minutes the pain is gone.

It is a pleasant feeling to be completely relaxed. Of course it’s much easier now that I’m retired. There are not as many stressors in life, but still conscious relaxation is a joy. It is also very healthy, as described in the following article from Brown University Health.

THE RESULTS OF RELAXATION

“With regular practice, you can experience reduced muscle tension and an increased sense of calmness. Research has shown that regular use of the relaxation response may help reduce the symptoms of health problems that are caused or worsened by chronic stress, such as gastrointestinal ailments, insomnia, hypertension, heart disease, anxiety, depression, headache, and chronic pain. Learning relaxation may also make it easier to lose weight, quit smoking, and cut down on alcohol or substance use. Many people who regularly practice relaxation strategies report experiencing increases in optimism, self-confidence, energy, productivity, assertiveness, and reduced stress.”

Relaxation is also much easier when one has peace with God through faith in Christ. One of the most relaxing and peaceful scriptures is the 23^rd Psalm, which describes the relaxation that God provides.

Psalm 23:1-3 (NKJV) “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul…”

PASTOR BILL ANDRICK'S TRIP TO ISRAEL

I have not been to Israel, but many friends have told me how spiritually enlightening it was for them. One of these friends is Bill Andrick, an engineer and the pastor of St. James Church at Crossroads in Navarre, Ohio. I’ve asked him a few questions to help us understand the significance of the trip.

You said you went to Israel in a more peaceful time. When was that?

My wife Dianne and I went to Israel from April 27 to May 7, 2013.  It coincided with our 45^th wedding anniversary. We went with a church group from Boone, NC on Templeton Tours.

Would you go back this year or at least sometime in the future, based on safety concerns? 

I would go back anytime.  Israel is one of the safest places on the planet.  It is also the only real democracy in the Middle East.  It is truly multi-cultural with Jews, Christians, Arabs, Muslims, Kurds, and assorted other ethnicities all living and working side by side.  The disputed regions of the West Bank and Gaza are basically anti-Jewish political areas that forbid Jewish people from entering.

Were you able to interact with many Israeli citizens or military persons? 

We were blessed to have a Christian guide for our tour.  A former officer of the Israeli Defense Forces, he was fluent in 5 languages.  We ate at Christian and Jewish restaurants, same with shopping.  In every case, almost everyone could speak English and loved to interact with us. Everywhere we went there were young men and women in uniform with weapons.  We talked to soldiers from Arizona, Georgia, New York and New Jersey, who returned to Israel to fulfill their military obligations and attend college. Most planned to make Israel their home. 

I’m sure there were many important places to see; what three were the most impressive or spiritually uplifting? 

Oh my, you would think that is an easy question.  Since we had a Christian guide, our tour focused on those areas of significance to Christians.  Of course, we did go to the Old Testament areas that would become prophetically linked to Christ, but the emphasis was on areas that were significant to the life and ministry of Christ.  Many were traditional sites, some were speculated, but many were actually the real deal. We were blessed to be able to spend time in Nazareth, Bethlehem, Capernaum (Sea of Galilee) and, of course, Jerusalem.  

1) Historically for Israel, Masada would be emotionally the place that was most significant.  The siege against the Roman army lasted 3 years after Jerusalem was destroyed in A.D.70. In the end, 960 Jewish men, women and children committed suicide rather than becoming enslaved by Rome.  All IDF military academy graduates make a pledge, an oath at Masada, “Masada Shall Not Fall Again”! 

2) Bethlehem was available for our tour group at that time.  Since then, the majority Christian population has been displaced and only a small percentage of Christians are there now.  It is a Muslim city and we were blessed to spend time there at the Church of the Nativity, and meet the Kando family who’s Great, Great Grandfather discovered the Dead Sea scrolls. Their antiquities store has one of the original clay urns that contained the scrolls. It has since moved out of the city.

3) Of course, Jerusalem is filled with significant sites that are worthy of mention. Too many to pick just one, but standing on Temple Mount and looking east to the Mount of Olives, seeing the Kidron Valley and the Garden of Gethsemane, scripture tells us that when Christ ascended to Heaven from there, He will return to the same place in the end times. So much of His ministry centered around that area it becomes very emotional to consider. 

 

How were the hotel and food and travel amenities?

First, visiting Israel does not make you a tourist. You become a Pilgrim! All the hotels we stayed at were wonderful.  Most offered “western” style facilities and menus.  Since we ate at mostly Christian owned restaurants, the menus were diverse and typically served buffet style for our group of about 40 folks. At the end of the day, all was wonderful!

What was your personal highlight of the trip?

Now, that’s an easy one.  I mentioned it was our 45^th wedding anniversary while we were there.  So, we had the opportunity to visit Cana of Galilee and the traditional site where Christ performed His very first miracle, water into wine.  There is a beautiful Catholic Church there with a very appropriate “Wedding Chapel” that is non-denominational. Our tour host, Dr. Dan, is an ordained pastor who conducted our re-affirmation wedding ceremony with the group all witnessing it.  The Catholic Church gave us the proper certificate for our re-affirmation ceremony.  How cool was that! They do this all the time.

Would you advise others to visit the Holy Land?

Absolutely!  From start to finish, you are filled with inspiration and confirmation of our biblical heritage. Walking where Christ walked, boating on the Sea of Galilee, touching places where the Prophets and Apostles were physically present, seeing an empty tomb and even the Jezreel Valley (Armageddon) are all faith confirming and life changing. The Bible becomes more significant immediately.  God designated this over 4,000 years ago as the forever homeland for the Jewish people. It’s the birthplace of my Savior, a Jew from the tribe of Judah, the lineage of King David.  

A TOWER TO MARS

Many are afraid of what may happen to the Earth in the future. These fears are fueled by many fearmongering groups. For example, the UN Environment Programme website states the following: “We are experiencing a dangerous decline in nature and humans are causing it.”

As a result there are some who believe we need to find another planet on which to live. According to the INDEPENDENT, billionaire and SpaceX founder Elon Musk is continuing to push his outlandish plan to save humanity from extinction by moving to Mars.

 “It’s not about going to Mars to visit once, but it is to make life multi-planetary so that we can expand the scope and scale of consciousness to better understand the nature of the universe and to ensure the long-term survival of civilization in the hopefully unlikely event that something terrible happens to Earth that there is a continuance of consciousness on Mars,” Musk told Fox News host Jesse Watters this week.

He said going to Mars served as an insurance plan for humans, predicting that Earth would somehow be incinerated by the sun in “hundreds of millions of years.”

This is the same mindset that inspired men a few thousand years ago to build a tower to the heavens. Genesis 11:3-4 (NKJV) Then they said to one another, "Come, let us make bricks and bake them thoroughly." They had brick for stone, and they had asphalt for mortar. And they said, "Come, let us build ourselves a city, and a tower whose top is in the heavens; let us make a name for ourselves, lest we be scattered abroad over the face of the whole earth."

Despite the tower, God scattered them over the face of the whole earth anyway.

God has His own plan for human survival. Just as he instructed Noah to build the ark in order to save life on earth, He has warned us in the Bible to prepare for the coming destruction of Earth by fire. In His Word, the Bible, He has assured us that there will be a new heaven and a new earth built exclusively for those who become His children by the new birth. We won’t need Mars, because everything will be new.

THANK YOU TO THE READERS OF THIS BLOG

I appreciate all of you who have read this blog over the last seven years.  As of last week, it reached 100,000 hits. This is a level I never expected to achieve when I began.

I chose not to monetize it, because I found the ads to be distracting to the content. My goal was more of an intellectual and spiritual endeavor, with humor and political inserts where needed. Most of the time I also tried to avoid too many personal notes.

In addition to the posts, there are the poems and pages with additional insights. The most recent page under “Misc Poems and Writings” is the best review of US history I’ve ever read, from AMAC Magazine by Shane Harris. If you haven’t yet read it, please do.

In spite of this good number of hits, I’m surprised at how many friends and family members have told me that they don’t read blogs. They tell me it’s nothing personal, but they don’t read anybody’s blog. Oh well, nothing I can say seems to change their minds. Obviously if you’re reading this, you are not one of them. Thanks again.

I'm thankful to God that there's always something to write about. I began writing in elementary school, and have been ever since. Several of my teachers and professors suggested I should try to publish some of my papers, which I never did. My blog seems to have fulfilled my need to print my thoughts and ideas for others to read.

So I'll keep doing the best I can to continue this endeavor, especially if you'll continue to read. God's blessings to you all.

BIBLES, BIBLES, BIBLES

When someone tells me that they can’t find a church they like, I reply with, “No wonder, there are so few to choose from.” There may be some sarcasm here, but there are an abundance of good churches. It is also true when someone says they can’t find a bible they can understand, because there are so many good modern English language versions.

Here is a “Bible Translation Comparison” chart from “Bible Reviewer”:

            (Click on chart to enlarge)

In addition, there is the newer LSB – Legacy Standard Bible. “The refinements in the LSB also preserve the legacy of the NASB.”

There are also many, many study Bibles from theologians, pastors, and teachers. They contain notes and outlines and references to aid in the serious study of the Holy Scriptures.

These are from Schofield, Thompson, Jeremiah, Ryrie, MacArthur, MacLaren, Stanley, Wiersbe, Evans, and others.

Lots to choose from, so if you haven’t yet found one, just keep looking!

IT WAS THERE ALL THE TIME

I’m putting a jigsaw puzzle together and there’s one piece I can’t find. I look and look and it seems to be missing. I walk away and come back the next day, and I still cannot find it. It’s the same for several days until suddenly it’s right there in plain sight. From where did it come? It was actually there all the time. I thought I had searched thoroughly, but obviously I missed it. But I could not have found it at all had I not continued my searching.

This reminds me of the parables of Jesus about searching. In one a lady lost a gold coin in her house and she turned her home inside out looking for it until she found it. It was there all the time.

In another a shepherd had lost one of his hundred sheep so he left the ninety-nine until he recovered the lost sheep. It was there all the time, but he needed to put forth the effort to seek it, or he would have never found it.

The results of these successful searches: great relief and joy and happiness. There was celebration and they called their friends and neighbors to share their good fortune. Who of us is not very glad when a friend or family member finds that for which they have hunted. Some have been seeking many times for years and years, if not days and weeks.

Are you seeking and searching for anything? Are you searching for money? Are you searching for a lost dog? Are you searching for the solution to a puzzle? Or are you searching for the most important thing in life? Are you seeking and searching for GOD HIMSELF? Several Bible verses will assist you in this ultimate search.

Deuteronomy 4:29 (NKJV) But from there you will seek the LORD your GOD, and you will find HIM if you seek HIM with all your heart and with all your soul.

Jeremiah 29:11-13 (NKJV) For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon ME and go and pray to ME, and I will listen to you. And you will seek ME and find ME, when you search for ME with all your heart.

Matthew 7:7-8 (NKJV) “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.

Acts 17:26-27 (NKJV) And HE has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their preappointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings, so that they should seek the LORD, in the hope that they might grope for HIM and find HIM, though HE is not far from each one of us.

In other words, HE has been there all the time and HE is still there waiting for you.

NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS

Some folks do, and some don’t, make New Year’s resolutions. And some make the same ones every year. That’s why they’re called resolutions: re-solutions. It’s an attempt to find solutions for the same issues year after year.

There’s nothing wrong with persevering each year for problems that need solutions. It’s much better than giving up and not trying at all. Perhaps this is the year that some items can be resolved, either completely or even partially.

Success is in the continued battle. The fight itself is an indication of forward progress. To not try is to give up and say, “There’s nothing I can do to improve.” When in reality we can improve in many ways and resolutions help us, even if incrementally. Perhaps it’s better to concentrate on what we are instead of what we do.

This writer confesses that he is not an expert on resolutions, or solutions. So let’s see what Google AI has to say about it. Looks like there’s nothing to it – it’s simple, right?

“New Year's resolutions are personal commitments to self-improvement at the start of a new year, focusing on positive changes like health (exercise, healthy eating), personal growth (learning skills, reading more), finances (saving money), or relationships (spending time with family). To make them stick, experts suggest being specific, realistic, starting small, and focusing on direction and experiences rather than fixed, overwhelming outcomes, allowing for flexibility and adaptation when facing setbacks.”

Perhaps is best to seek God’s help for our resolutions, according to the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association:

“Did you ever ask yourself why you found it so hard to keep the resolutions you used to make? One reason may have been that they weren’t realistic, or you had no clear plan for reaching them. Many New Year’s resolutions, I’m afraid, are little more than a “wish list”–a series of things we’d like to change about our lives, but little more. They also may be very self-centered, with little thought about whether or not they are God’s will.”

“Another reason, however, why we fail to keep our resolutions is because we seek to reach them in our own strength instead of with God’s help. But we are spiritually and morally weak, and we will never be the people God wants us to be unless we turn to Him for the help we need. The psalmist wrote, “My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth” (Psalm 121:2).”

In summary, the best resolutions are found in I Timothy 6:11: “pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness” Pursuing these resolutions provide some of the many solutions that are needed.

COPYRIGHT 2026 BY CARL E GUSTAFSON

CHRISTMAS PEACE

This year Reader’s Digest reprinted a letter from Captain Jake Armes to his wife describing what he called the “extraordinary” events of Christmas Eve, 1914. Someone shouted, “No shooting.” The Captain met with his German counterpart and they agreed to have two days of quiet. Men from both sides met between the trenches and talked and laughed, exchanged smokes and photos and sang songs and played soccer. It was a time of peace. But it only lasted two days. Then the war started again.

This is typical of political peace. It is short-lived. After WW1, in 1918, a treaty was signed and peace prevailed until 21 years later when, in 1939, Germany invaded Poland and started WW2.

Even now we have “peace” and cease fires in many places, but not all. Nor will there ever be complete peace. That is, "political peace."

Because more important than world peace, which only God will bring about in His time, when the Prince of Peace will reign forever and ever, Alleluia!  Much more important is our personal peace, which is available today and every day, through faith in Christ. The following Bible verses explain the promise of personal peace that we can have.

Psalm 4:8 (NKJV) I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; For You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.

Proverbs 16:7 (NKJV) When a man's ways please the LORD, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.

Isaiah 9:6 (NKJV) For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Luke 2:14 (NKJV) "Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!"

John 14:27 (NKJV) Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you.

Romans 5:1 (NKJV) Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,

Galatians 5:22-23 (NKJV) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.

Philippians 4:6-7 (NKJV) Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

May you find PEACE this Christmas season, and all year!

A THANKSGVING CHALLENGE by PASTOR RICK SAMS (2025)

My favorite experiment during the year is to challenge myself and others to write down 3 things every day during November for which you’re thankful. Don’t just say or think it. Actually put your pen to the paper. This may get you into that much sought and ever elusive Christmas spirit better than toys, tinsel, cookies or carols. Here’s some ways to keep that daily discipline more interesting and fun.

1. Try thanking God for something you’ve never thanked Him for before.

2. Thank God for something you still have, instead of what has been taken away.

3. Thank God for something you’ve often seen as a curse; something hard. A serious illustration would be the dear folks who I know personally who told me they thanked God for their cancer. The disease focused them and forced them to prioritize the truly important and eternal over the trivial and temporary.

4. Thank God for something He’s given or done for OTHERS.

5. Thank God for something you believe He’s GOING to do because He’s promised it in His Word.

6. Thank God for someone you’ve never thanked Him for. Then thank them directly.

7. Thank God for a characteristic of His you haven’t thanked Him for in a long while.

8. Thank God for the joy of your salvation and for Jesus and His sacrifice that made this possible

9. Thank God for His Word, the Bible. Now show your gratitude by reading it regularly.

10. Thank God for His faithful, indwelling, empowering Holy Spirit. He will help you be thankful every month of the year.

Have a Happy and God blessed Thanksgiving!

I'M A CLOSENOUGHALIST

I’m the opposite of a perfectionist; I’m a closenoughalist. If things aren’t perfect, so what, it could be worse. I can look at a picture on the wall and if it’s not straight I can walk right on by without fixing it. I have better things to do with my time.

I drive the perfectionists crazy with my laissez-faire attitude, but I can’t help it. I have my temperament and they have theirs. They may accomplish much more than I in life, but I believe I enjoy it more. I can sit back and relax and let them do all the work.

Not that I’m lazy. It’s not a lazy-fair attitude I have. I’ve worked steadily over the years and earned enough to retire. I helped at church and in the community in many ways when I was younger and healthier. When I was in college and was employed at the Chevy plant in Flint during the summer, I worked 16 hour shifts loading 70 pound crankshafts into a lathe. I actually enjoyed hard work.

Then I heard the phrase, “Work smarter, not harder” and it stuck with me. So I became an industrial salesman. My non salesman coworkers always claimed that salesmen never work; they just drive around and talk to customers and prospects. That’s partially true, but it’s a lot harder than it looks. Like I said before, it’s a matter of temperament.

But notably, I don’t relax math or money or chemistry numbers. There are absolutes, even in the life of a closenoughalist.

God created mankind with a vast variety of temperaments and personalities, and it’s important to recognize one’s own life-type gift from God. Remember after Jesus’ friend Lazarus died? Jesus went to comfort the sisters of Lazarus, and Martha was working in the kitchen to prepare a meal, but Mary was visiting with Jesus. Martha was definitely more of a perfectionist, and I believe that Mary was more of a closenoughalist.

Jesus raised Lazarus from the grave soon after this. I don’t think Christ is anything but perfect.

CHARLIE KIRK AND ST. STEPHEN

The comparison of these two martyrs is the purpose of this post. Both were devout Christians, both were ready to discuss their beliefs with others, both were serving God in their called vocations, both were taken to Glory much too soon.

We can readily read and view what Charlie had to say. He was gracious in his speaking, but also blunt when it came to discussing erroneous concepts raised by others. His intellect and knowledge were exceptional; his attitude was loving and patient.

Charlie was very much like Stephen, as recorded in the Book of Acts in the New Testament. The early Church was a sharing body. Food was distributed to the needy, but when the task became too time consuming for the apostles, it took away from their duties to pray, teach and evangelize. So they found a solution.

Acts 6:2-4 (NKJV) Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, "It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables; therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business; but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word."

Acts 6:5 (NKJV) And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit. This description certainly applies to Charlie Kirk.

Then critics of Stephen arose and accused him of wrongdoing, with many lies and false rumors. They went to the authorities and demanded that he be silenced. Stephen’s reply to his judges was an historical account of the Old Testament history from Abraham to the current events of his day, namely, the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

Their response to Stephen was vitriolic. Acts 7:54 (NKJV) When they heard these things they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed at him with their teeth.

But the final straw was when Stephen was given a vision of Heaven. Acts 7:55-56 (NKJV)  But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God, and said, "Look! I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!"

Not waiting for a verdict from the authorities, Acts 7:57-58 (NKJV) Then they cried out with a loud voice, stopped their ears, and ran at him with one accord; and they cast him out of the city and stoned him.

Whether death from and angry mob or death by a deranged shooter, a saint, at his or her time of passing, will be able to look into Heaven and see their Savior!

CREATION ACCORDING TO GOOGLE AI

 The Bible says in Genesis 1:1 (NKJV)”In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” This was done in six days, a little over 6,000 years ago.

 However, Google AI has a different, and fictional, account.

AI: While religious texts describe a divine act of creation, secular science presents the theory of the Big Bang, which explains the origin of the universe through natural processes over billions of years. These scientific and faith-based accounts offer different perspectives on the origin of the universe.

 Genesis 1:9 (NKJV) Then God said "Let the waters under the heavens be gathered together into one place, and let the dry land appear"

AI: The Big Bang created the universe's initial abundance of hydrogen and helium, and subsequent stellar processes, known as nucleosynthesis, combined these light elements to form all the other elements found on Earth and in the cosmos. 

Genesis 1:11 (NKJV) Then God said, "Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb that yields seed, and the fruit tree that yields fruit according to its kind, whose seed is in itself, on the earth"; and it was so.

AI: The earliest undisputed fossil evidence of land plants dates to the Middle Ordovician period, around 470 million years ago. These fossils are in the form of microscopic spores that have decay-resistant walls.

Genesis 1:16 (NKJV) Then God made two great lights: the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night. He made the stars also.

AI: The Sun and the Moon were created at different times but from the same early solar system process, the solar nebula. The Sun formed first from the gravitational collapse of the nebula's center, eventually igniting nuclear fusion. The Moon formed much later when a Mars-sized object, Theia, collided with the proto-Earth, ejecting debris that coalesced into the Moon.  

Genesis 1:25 (NKJV) And God made the beast of the earth according to its kind, cattle according to its kind, and everything that creeps on the earth according to its kind.

 AI: Life on Earth formed when simple organic molecules combined into more complex ones, leading to self-replicating structures, likely in warm, mineral-rich environments like deep-sea hydrothermal vents or shallow ponds billions of years ago. 

 Genesis 1:27 (NKJV) So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.

 Genesis 2:7 (NKJV) And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being.

 AI: The emergence of humans was a gradual process, not a sudden event. Species changed and evolved slowly from ancestral species over time. 

AI: Male and female evolved from a single type of hermaphroditic ancestor through the diversification of reproductive cells into two distinct sizes, a process called anisogamy.

Genesis 1:31 (NKJV) Then God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good. So the evening and the morning were the sixth day.

JIGSAW PUZZLES - FUN AND HEALTHFUL

My wife and have a jigsaw puzzle constantly in the works. We bought a special table large enough for 1,000 piece puzzles, and each week we start a new one. We have about fifty of them and assemble them over and over. When we buy a new one, we get rid of an older one, but some are too enjoyable to give away.

Are jigsaw puzzles good for the brain? “Yes, jigsaw puzzles are generally considered good for your brain. They provide a workout for both sides of the brain, improving cognitive functions like memory, problem-solving, and visual-spatial reasoning. Additionally, they can be a relaxing and stress-relieving activity, promoting mental well-being.” This is according to Google AI, and is repeated on many online sites.

Being retired and less active than in my younger years, I am forced to spend more time in my house. I have many choices of what I can do, such as enjoy my computer, watch good television, take naps, have meals with my wife, sit on our porch, relax and recline, which is one of my favorites. But the most rewarding one to me is working on a jigsaw puzzle.

Now some may call this cheating, but it’s simple a way to help us get a repeat puzzle started more quickly. When the puzzle is done I put the edge pieces in a sandwich bag so I don’t need to separate them out each time. Then I glue the 4x4 corner pieces with white school glue on the back, and I may glue other pieces that are either harder to put together or not cut through at the factory. Why not make life more simple and easy?

The most amazing evidence of the mental value of jigsaw puzzling is when I’m searching and searching for a piece, and suddenly it appears. That is evidence that my brain is working on the puzzle and helping me assemble it. God created us with such a marvelous brain that it can assist us in every activity – not just puzzling.

THANK GOD FOR MODERN MEDICINE

The enormous advancements in medicine over the past century are miraculous. From surgeries to pharmaceuticals to therapies to diet to psychology; it would take more space than I have to list them all. Here are ten (there are many more) of the most important advances:

Antibiotics     Vaccines       Anesthesia

X-rays and imaging    Germ Theory 

Organ transplantation         Genetic engineering

Heart Surgery           Antiseptics    Insulin

However, my favorite medical procedure is dialysis, for which I am preparing as I write this. In 1943, Willem Kolff, a Dutch Doctor, invented the dialyzer using sausage casing and a wooden drum and a washing machine motor. He brought two of his machines to Boston in 1947, where they were further perfected and called the Kolff-Brigham Artificial Kidney. In 1955 he became the founder and director of Cleveland Clinic’s first hospital based kidney dialysis program.

Originally the patient was poked for dialysis wherever a good vein could be found, resulting in many scars in the arms and legs. Then in 1960, Belding Scribner invented the “Scribner Shunt” whereby a Teflon tube was attached to an artery and to a vein and directed to a plate on the arm. This allowed for easy vascular access. Soon after, the tubing was used without the external plate, and connected inside the arm as the access point.

The current and most effective access method is the AV Fistula, perfected in 1966. An artery in the arm is connected to a nearby vein near the inner elbow, and after three months the vein has enlarged enough to be used for dialysis. This allows for less infection and can be effective for many years.

Concerning all medical advances in the past century and all centuries, they have come to fruition because God created man with the brainpower to see a need and to devise a way to come up with the solution. God created man to heal.

Sources: Wikipedia, Fresenius Medical Care, DaVita Kidney Care

THE OLDEST SEGMENT OF SOCIETY

 

The previous generation is all gone – no parents or aunts or uncles are still alive. I’m part of the oldest living segment of society – a rather sobering thought. In addition to losing family members in both my generation and the prior generation, also a son and a step-son, I’ve lost 20 friends over the years. Some I knew were sick and dying, but others were a complete surprise. Those are the saddest losses.

It doesn’t seem to me that I’m all that old; I’m not even 80 yet. I had an aunt that lived to be 96 or 97, and my Mother’s dad died at 86. So there must be a few long-term genes in the family. Interestingly, my Grandfather was on dialysis when he passed, which looks to be my own future.

Of course the number of years here on earth is miniscule compared to the eternal, endless life after death. God has given us a lifetime, no matter how long or short, to prepare for the afterlife. He has offered an invitation to everyone to receive His free gift of Eternal Life. Romans 6:23 says, “The gift of God is eternal life, through Jesus Christ, our Lord.”

This is a gift, it can’t be bought or earned or bartered or stolen or inherited – it can only be accepted by each one of us – separately and individually. If someone hasn’t received the invitation yet, they can search for it and seek it and hunt for it – until it is found.

Where to look? The first place to look is in God’s Word, the Holy Bible. Then find a church that preaches and teaches the Bible. Then read Christian writers who help with understanding the Bible. Then listen to Christian music that praises and worships our Savior. Then meet with other believers for encouragement and fellowship.

Once you have received this wonderful, eternal Gift, tell others about it. Tell other family members, tell your children, and tell your friends before you lose them.

COPYRIGHT 2025 BY CARL E GUSTAFSON

EASTER AND SPRING QUOTES - FROM "GOOD HOUSEKEEPING"

 

Chuang Tzu        Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over, it became a butterfly.

John 20:29        Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.

Helen Keller        Faith is the strength by which a shattered world shall emerge into the light.

Martin Luther King Jr.         Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase.

N. T. Wright        Easter was when Hope, in person, surprised the whole world by coming forward from the future into the present.

Victor Kraft        Spring shows what God can do with a drab and dirty world.

Roma Downey        People celebrate Easter with their near and dear ones. Nothing can be a better holiday to spend with your family than to celebrate the journey of the life of Jesus.

Robert H. Schuller    Wait. Be patient. The storm will pass. The spring will come.

Billy Graham        The entire plan for the future has its key in the resurrection.

William P. Young    I really do believe that God is love, one of deep affection and grace and forgiveness and inspiration.

Martin Luther        Our Lord has written the promise of resurrection, not in books alone, but in every leaf in springtime.

Reba McEntire        Easter is very important to me. It's a second chance.

Janine Di Giovanni     Easter is meant to be a symbol of hope, renewal and new life.

Saint Augustine        God loves each of us as if there were only one of us.

Pope John Paul II    Do not abandon yourselves to despair. We are the Easter people and Hallelujah is our song.

Kate McGahan        The very first Easter taught us this: that life never ends and love never dies.

C.S. Lewis        I believe in Christ, like I believe in the sun — not because I can see it, but by it I can see everything else.

Pope Francis        We proclaim the resurrection of Christ when his light illuminates the dark moments of our existence.

Jeffrey R. Holland    He knows the way because He is the way.

Pope Francis        God is love and He has defeated evil.

Evan Esar        Easter is the only time when it's perfectly safe to put all of your eggs in one basket.

Matthew 28:6        He has risen.

Dwight L. Moody    Faith makes all things possible ... Love makes all things easy.

AAADD: Author Unknown - OLD AGE AADD

I was recently diagnosed with AAADD: Age Activated Attention Deficit Disorder and this is how it manifests.

I decided to wash my car, but as I started toward the garage I spotted the mail. I thought I’d better go through the mail first. I laid the car keys on the table, put the junk mail in the trash, and noticed that the can was full. So I put the bills on the table and got the trash to take out, but since I was going to pass by the mailbox I decided to pay the bills and mail them first.

I found my checkbook, but there was only one check left. I went to my desk in the study to get more checks, where I found a bottle of juice I’d been drinking. The juice was getting warm so I needed to put it in the fridge to keep it cold. On my way to the kitchen I saw a vase of flowers that needed to be watered. I set the juice down on the counter and saw my reading glasses that I’d been searching for.

Before taking them back to my desk I filled a container with water for the flowers, and I suddenly spotted the TV remote which I needed to take back to the family room. I accidently spilled some of the water on the floor so I walked to the hallway closet to get a towel to wipe it up. On the way, I tried to recall what I was planning to do next. I stood there trying to remember my next move and my mind went blank.

At the end of the day, the car wasn’t washed, the bills weren’t paid, there was a warm bottle of juice on the counter, and the flowers weren’t watered. Plus, there was still only on check in the checkbook, I couldn't find the remote or my glasses, and my car keys were still missing.

I tried to figure out why nothing got done. It’s quite baffling because I was very busy all day and I got very tired. I know it’s a big problem and I need help. But first I’ll check my email, or maybe go watch some TV, or just take a nap.

MY MANY BOOKS

 

When I was starting out in my career, it was customary to have an extensive library. In addition to novels and histories, one needed dictionaries, encyclopedias, atlases, thesauruses, and other reference volumes in which one could find exactly what was needed for study or writing. It was an honor to have as many books as one could afford and use. When I was studying theology I needed an exhaustive concordance, several commentaries, a few Bible versions, devotionals, topical studies, and others.

One problem, however, was if you needed a fact about a certain topic you would look it up, write it down, and place the volume back on the shelf. Then it would stay there until you needed another piece of information from it, if ever. So some collected more dust than others, but you had to keep them just in case.

I once had a few hundred books, but I’ve given many away – to the library, to Goodwill, to thrift shops, to friends – and I’m down to around 100 now. There are more I can eliminate, but some are hard to part with. For example, I still have my “Handbook of Chemistry and Physics” – a 2,054 page tome that weighs five pounds. I’ll never need it again, but it brings back a lot of good memories. In fact, most of the books I still own have more sentimental value than any intrinsic or actual value.

Now, of course, everything I need is on my computer. I have more books available online than I could have ever owned. I don’t need to walk to a bookshelf, I simply search for what I want, and it’s on my screen before I blink. To me, this seems unfortunate for the younger generations. There’s something cold and impersonal about reading electronically. They’ll never experience the feel and fragrance of an old familiar title.

That’s what I mostly miss about my many books. Alas, my sentimentality has been revealed again.

Copyright 2024 by Carl E Gustafson