Dobra Family Ministry

Christian men and the primal task to protect spouses and children

Christian men, you can NOT outsource your duty to protect your family. Period.

You can NOT use the “I’ll call A MAN (911) to rescue us if in trouble” excuse. BE THE MAN!

You are the man God has given the duty to.

Protect your children. Mind, body, and soul. Period.

No more excuses. Protect them.

If your children’s school does not have security in place, REMOVE THEM IMMEDIATELY and PROTECT THEM! Obviously the school administration is mentally ill if they think a NO GUNS sticker will magically protect your children.

KEEP: TO PROTECT AS A SWORD-BEARER

In “Genesis 2:15, we learn how man is to fulfill his calling: ‘The LORD God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it.’ … Work. To work is to labor to make things grow… Keep. To keep is to protect and to sustain progress already achieved… KEEP: TO PROTECT AS A SWORD-BEARER shamar, which is translated by such English terms as “watch,” “guard,” “protect,” “take under custody,” or “exercise care” … His calling to Christian men is similar: we are to watch over and keep safe all that the Lord has put under our care… our basic mandate as Christian men is to cultivate, build, and grow (both things and people), but also to stand guard so that people and things are kept safe-so that the fruit of past cultivating and nurturing is preserved… In our families, our presence is to make our wives and children feel secure and at ease. At church, we are to stand for truth and godliness against the encroachment of worldliness and error. In society, we are to take our places as men who stand up against evil and who defend the nation from threat of danger.” The Masculine Mandate: God’s Calling to Men by Richard D. Phillips https://a.co/hPkBUjb

“But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” I Timothy 5:8 NKJV https://bible.com/bible/114/1ti.5.8.NKJV

“Many don’t feel a responsibility to be prepared to protect their spouses and children when that primal task can be outsourced; just call 911. A moral vanity has trumped the obligation to protect their lives and the lives of those they love; that is the job of the police in a civilized society, after all… Self-reliant men, capable of extreme violence in defense of their lives, their families, and of freedom makes some people nervous.” — In the Blood: A Thriller (Terminal List Book 5) by Jack Carr (emphasis added) https://a.co/bgOdVwy

“A righteous man who falters before the wicked Is like a murky spring and a polluted well.” Proverbs 25:26 NKJV https://bible.com/bible/114/pro.25.26.NKJV

“Therefore I positioned men behind the lower parts of the wall, at the openings; and I set the people according to their families, with their swords, their spears, and their bows. And I looked, and arose and said to the nobles, to the leaders, and to the rest of the people, “Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, great and awesome, and fight for your brethren, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your houses.”” Nehemiah 4:13-14 NKJV https://bible.com/bible/114/neh.4.13-14.NKJV

“The hired man, since he is not the shepherd and doesn’t own the sheep, leaves them and runs away when he sees a wolf coming. The wolf then snatches and scatters them. This happens because he is a hired man and doesn’t care about the sheep.” John 10:12-13 HCSB

Witnesses: Police Refused to Enter School as Uvalde Shooter Rampaged, Subdued Parents Begging Them to Act https://redstate.com/bonchie/2022/05/26/witnesses-police-refused-to-enter-school-as-uvalde-shooter-rampaged-subdued-parents-begging-them-to-act-n570190

“Blessed be the Lord my Rock, Who trains my hands for war, And my fingers for battle— My lovingkindness and my fortress, My high tower and my deliverer, My shield and the One in whom I take refuge, Who subdues my people under me.” Psalms 144:1-2 NKJV https://bible.com/bible/114/psa.144.1-2.NKJV

Household Prayer: Rule Well

“Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” … God blessed them; and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it; and rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” … God saw all that He had made, and behold, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day.” Genesis 1:26, 28, 31 NASB1995

Well brothers, the school season is almost at an end. I hope and pray it was a joy and a blessing for you as it was for me. I have enjoyed weekly scripture meditation and prayer for you and our community. Until next season starts I pray we love, enjoy, instruct, and disciple our families well. I pray we rule well in our households. Genesis 1:26,28,31; Eph. 6:4

“Dominion is a fact – human beings simply have it. It’s God’s doing. We can’t abdicate. Human beings possess power over all the creatures of the world… But dominion isn’t arbitrary power, at least not originally. In the Christian faith human dominion is subject to God’s dominion. And it is informed by God’s Law – his moral standard, his holiness.” (In the House of Tom Bombadil by C.R. Wiley)

“The reason that God creates man on the earth, according to Genesis, is for productive, representative rulership. This is what it means to exercise dominion: to fruitfully order the world in God’s stead…” (It’s good to be a man: A handbook for Godly masculinity by Michael Foster and Dominic Bnonn Tennant)

“Families are the nurseries of all societies; and the first combinations of mankind. Well-ordered families naturally produce a good order in other societies… Every serious Christian is concerned, that he may be serviceable in the world… but are you not a member of some family? If that family may be your means, O Christian, become a well-regulated family, in that point you will become serviceable; I had almost said, incomprehensibly serviceable.” A Family Well Ordered by Cotton Mather (1699) modern English translation by Patrick Doucette

“For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.” Genesis 18:19 KJV https://bible.com/bible/1/gen.18.19.KJV

“You May here observe a most comfortable connection, between, He will, and they shall. Says the Lord, He will Command his children, and they shall keep the way of the Lord. It seems, if every one that is owner of a family, would faithfully command, and manage those that belong unto him, through the blessing of God; they would generally keep His way, and His law… ‘If parents did their duties as they ought, the Word publically preached would not be the ordinary means of regeneration in the Church, but only without the Church, among infidels: God would so pour out His grace upon the children of His people, and hear prayers for them, and bless endeavors for their holy education, that we should see the promises made good unto our seed.’” A Family Well Ordered by Cotton Mather (1699) modern English translation by Patrick Doucette

Marx vs Spurgeon

“Karl Marx vs Charles Spurgeon: An Epic Struggle for the Souls of Men in 19th-Century London” by LARRY ALEX TAUNTON

“Karl Marx, an apostle of evil, and Charles Spurgeon, the “Prince of Preachers,” were evangelists with messages that couldn’t have been more different—and they lived in the same city at the same time.” https://founders.org/2020/09/02/karl-marx-vs-charles-spurgeon-an-epic-struggle-for-the-souls-of-men-in-19th-century-london/

Do not miss this article! Excerpts below.

“It is extraordinary to me that both Karl Marx (1818-1883) and Charles Spurgeon (1834-1892) lived and worked in the same city at the same time. Both were, in a sense, evangelists contending for the souls of men with their competing visions of humanity. Moreover, each was at the height of his powers at the same time as the other. While Marx was preaching salvation through bloody revolution, Spurgeon, on the other side of the city, was preaching salvation through the blood and grace of Jesus Christ…

“It would be wrong to say—as many preachers do—that addressing matters of politics falls outside of the purview of the clergy. Of no other sphere of life do they say it. Regardless, Spurgeon certainly didn’t agree with this sentiment. Christianity isn’t merely an accessory to a man’s life; it should define it. Thus, a man’s politics are simply the outward manifestation of the convictions of his heart. Socialism, Spurgeon knew, was much more than an economic or political question. It is a spiritualquestion, if only because it denies the very existence of the spiritual. It is, as I have written elsewhere, atheism masquerading as political philosophy…

“It is very likely that the preaching of Spurgeon, and others like him, prevented the violent Revolution in Britain that Marx sought. Ironically, that revolution would come in the unindustrialized Russia of 1917, when Vladimir Lenin would, at the cost of millions of lives, implement Marx’s unworkable ideas. That is in no small measure due to the fact that there was no viable church to critique the undeliverable promises of socialism…

Posted: 2020-09-03 | Updated/Reposted: 2020-01-22

Household Prayer: investing in Gospel dominion

“For even when we were with you, we used to give you this order: if anyone is not willing to work, then he is not to eat, either.” 2 Thessalonians 3:10 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/2th.3.10.NASB2020

Brothers meditating on several passages based on some comments from the FLF conference. First, “Do not outsource or subcontract the discipline and instruction of your children in the Lord.” by Larry Taunton. A paraphrase, “Education is a product that costs money to develop and distribute. If you want a quality education product delivered in a loving community, then it will have a cost.” And “Money is bullets to be aimed at the enemy in the fight.”

In a time of entitlement, when many want or feel they deserve everything provided for free and often from the government (like ‘school choice’ handouts), I’m meditating on Gen. 3:19, 2 Thess. 3:10, and 1 Tim. 5:8 and praying we heads of households depend on God’s provision and work hard to provide all the tools, resources, and means for our wives and ministry of our children’s education. I pray we not fall into the traps of entitlement and demand a handout “like the nations” (1 Sam. 8:10-20). And whatever our lot, I pray we give all glory and thanks to God the provider of all good gifts! (Psalm 103) May God establish the work of our hands. (Psalm 90:17)

Take dominion. Make disciples. By faith (Heb. 11:1-3,4,5…), get to work subduing and ruling, working and keeping, being fruitful and multiplying (Gen. 1:26-28; 2:15), and making disciples of all nations (Matt. 28:18-20) for “we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” (Eph. 2:10)

Rule yourself well, rule your household well, and bring God’s truth and grace into every sphere of life that you enter into until every nation proclaims “Jesus is Lord!” – Amen

Take Dominion

“There is an obvious way to take dominion of the earth, then, and it is simply through obeying God… One simple act of obedience, which Knox fulfilled, is marriage and child-rearing… Those who are committed to raising and nurturing godly families are doing some of the greatest kingdom work imaginable… When you raise godly children, they eventually raise godly children of their own, who raise godly children of their own, and on it goes… God commands us to take dominion of the earth by ruling over it for His glory. He reveals that the best way to take dominion is through the fulfillment of the Great Commission… As we do this, entire nations will eventually be Christianized for Christ… You need to study the Scriptures to learn doctrines. Then, by applying the doctrines, we take dominion. The movement is always from doctrine to dominion.” Resist Tyrants, Obey God: lessons learned from the life and times of John Knox https://press.founders.org/shop/resist-tyrants-obey-god/

“Paul fundamentally admonishes parents—specifically fathers—to raise their own children… The job of raising children does not belong directly to the school, society, church or the youth group. It belongs to parents. According to the Apostle Paul, it doesn’t take a village to raise a child. It takes a dad.” Discipline In The Home https://founders.org/articles/discipline-in-the-home/

“Parenting has consequences. Every word, every habit, every moment — it all shapes the soul of your child.” https://youtu.be/vIThYlPNKws?si=lq0yLNawd96AMDSH

“By the sweat of your face You shall eat bread, Until you return to the ground, Because from it you were taken; For you are dust, And to dust you shall return.”” Genesis 3:19 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/gen.3.19.NASB2020

“But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” 1 Timothy 5:8 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/1ti.5.8.NASB2020

“Bless the Lord, my soul, And all that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless the Lord, my soul, And do not forget any of His benefits… Bless the Lord, all you works of His, In all places of His dominion; Bless the Lord, my soul!” Psalm 103:1-2, 22 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/psa.103.1-22.NASB2020

“May the kindness of the Lord our God be upon us; And confirm for us the work of our hands; Yes, confirm the work of our hands.” Psalm 90:17 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/psa.90.17.NASB2020

“And he said, “This will be the practice of the king who will reign over you: he will take your sons and put them in his chariots for himself and among his horsemen… He will also take your daughters and use them as perfumers, cooks, and bakers. He will take the best of your fields, your vineyards, and your olive groves, and give them to his servants. And he will take a tenth of your seed and your vineyards and give it to his high officials and his servants. He will also take your male servants and your female servants, and your best young men, and your donkeys, and use them for his work. He will take a tenth of your flocks, and you yourselves will become his servants. Then you will cry out on that day because of your king whom you have chosen for yourselves, but the Lord will not answer you on that day.” Yet the people refused to listen to the voice of Samuel, and they said, “No, but there shall be a king over us, so that we also may be like all the nations, and our king may judge us and go out before us and fight our battles.”” 1 Samuel 8:10-20 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/1sa.8.10-20.NASB2020

THE GOOD NEWS

There is a God that created the heavens and the earth. We humans are created in His image.

We are sinners, we have rebelled against Him, our Creator. Our rebellion has brought “all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice… envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness” to the world. Romans 1:29-31 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/rom.1.29-31.ESV

Therefore we justly deserve our due punishment of death and damnation, “as it is written: ‘None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God. All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one.’” Romans 3:10-12 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/rom.3.10-12.ESV

But good news! God is merciful and loving. Jesus is God the only begotten Son and He took our punishment upon Himself in our place. Jesus rose from the dead, defeating death and securing the hope of our salvation.

“For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me.” 1 Corinthians 15:3-8 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/1co.15.3-8.ESV

““Brothers, what shall we do?” And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”” Acts 2:36-38 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/act.2.36-38.ESV

We need only repent and believe it. Repent: turn away from our sins, proclaim Jesus is lord and savior, and we will be forgiven our sins and have life ever after! “because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.”” Romans 10:9-11 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/rom.10.9-11.ESV

There is hope. Believe in Jesus! ““For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/jhn.3.16.ESV

It doesn’t matter who you’ve been or what you’ve done, God stands with arms wide open, ready to forgive you. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/1jn.1.9.ESV

Household Prayer: labor in faith as a husband and father

“For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor for me…” Philippians 1:21-24 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/php.1.21-24.NASB2020

Brothers, meditating on morning reading Philippians 1:21-24 and Thursday’s Advent reading Matt. 1:20 led me to this prayer… when it is my time, take me Lord, but if it is Your will that I live another day, may I labor to bear fruit, and as a husband and father to provide, protect, proclaim, instruct, and disciple to the glory of God forevermore – Amen!

Get to work subduing and ruling, working and keeping, being fruitful and multiplying (Gen. 1:26-28; 2:15), and making disciples of all nations (Matt. 28:18-20) for “we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” (Eph. 2:10)

“For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which to choose. But I am hard-pressed from both directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better; yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary for your sakes.” Philippians 1:21-24 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/php.1.21-24.NASB2020

“But when he had thought this over, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife; for the Child who has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.” Matthew 1:20 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/mat.1.20.NASB2020

“God blessed them; and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it; and rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”” Genesis 1:28 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/gen.1.28.NASB2020

“Then the Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to cultivate it and tend it.” Genesis 2:15 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/gen.2.15.NASB2020

Household Prayer: offer sacrifices of thanksgiving

“1 Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, For His mercy is everlasting. The redeemed of the Lord shall say so… 21 They shall give thanks to the Lord for His mercy, And for His wonders to the sons of mankind! 22 They shall also offer sacrifices of thanksgiving, And tell of His works with joyful singing.” Psalm 107:1-43 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/psa.107.1-43.NASB2020

Brothers, I led the family through Psalm 107 as a Thanksgiving devotional. No matter our state, wandering (107:4), rebellion (107:11,17), fear and dread (107:26), dwelling in lands of wickedness and oppression (107:33-40), when we cry out to Him he is listening and ready to deliver us, which our response should always be to give thanks to the Lord! Verse 22 is particularly interesting, our thanksgiving is a sacrifice to the Lord. Thankful for all of you. Thankful for our families and homeschool labor. Thank you Jesus! – Amen

“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, For His mercy is everlasting… Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble; He saved them from their distresses. He also had them walk on a straight way, To go to an inhabited city. They shall give thanks to the Lord for His mercy, And for His wonders to the sons of mankind! For He has satisfied the thirsty soul, And He has filled the hungry soul with what is good…” Psalm 107:1-43 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/psa.107.1-43.NASB2020

Household Prayer: thanksgiving for undeserved grace https://ministry.family.blog/2023/11/21/household-prayer-thanksgiving-for-undeserved-grace/

Household Prayer: Thanksgiving 2022 https://ministry.family.blog/2022/11/21/household-prayer-thanksgiving-2022/

Household Prayer: Thanksgiving https://ministry.family.blog/2021/11/18/household-prayer-thanksgiving/

Household Prayer: lawlessness and the law

“Everyone who practices sin also practices lawlessness; and sin is lawlessness.” 1 John 3:4 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/1jn.3.4.NASB2020

Sin is lawlessness and rebellion against God (1 John 3:4). The lawlessness we see in America today is God’s judgment promised in Romans 1:18-25.

How does a person know they are sinful? What does that even mean to them? They need to hear the truth of the law! As Paul explains, “I would not have come to know sin except through the Law; for I would not have known about coveting if the Law had not said, “You shall not covet.”” Rom. 7: 7-12

Brothers, I’m praying that we fill our hearts, our homes, and our conversations with God’s word which is “the sword of the Spirit.” (Ephesians 6:17, Deuteronomy 6:4-7)

“Everyone who practices sin also practices lawlessness; and sin is lawlessness.” 1 John 3:4 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/1jn.3.4.NASB2020

“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of people who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, that is, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, being understood by what has been made, so that they are without excuse. For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their reasonings, and their senseless hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools, and they exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for an image in the form of corruptible mankind, of birds, four-footed animals, and crawling creatures. Therefore God gave them up to vile impurity in the lusts of their hearts, so that their bodies would be dishonored among them. For they exchanged the truth of God for falsehood, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.” Romans 1:18-25 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/rom.1.18-25.NASB2020

“… I would not have come to know sin except through the Law; for I would not have known about coveting if the Law had not said, “You shall not covet.” … the Law is holy, and the commandment is holy and righteous and good.” Romans 7:7-12 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/rom.7.7-9.NASB2020

““Hear, Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord is one! And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart. And you shall repeat them diligently to your sons and speak of them when you sit in your house, when you walk on the road, when you lie down, and when you get up.” Deuteronomy 6:4-7 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/deu.6.4-7.NASB2020

“And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” Ephesians 6:17 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/eph.6.17.NASB2020

Household Prayer: sharpen our arrows for the cosmic battle!

“And I will make enemies Of you and the woman, And of your offspring and her Descendant; He shall bruise you on the head, And you shall bruise Him on the heel.”” Genesis 3:15 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/gen.3.15.NASB2020

Brothers, meditating on the epic cosmic battle: Seed of the serpent vs seed of the woman (Gen. 3:15). I heard it asked at the FLF conference, “Why aren’t we taking shots at the seed of the serpent?” How? One way is our descendants, our offspring, like arrows! (Psalm 127:3-5) I pray we sharpen our children (Eph. 6:4,10-12) for the battle!

“¶Behold, children are a gift of the Lord, The fruit of the womb is a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, So are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them; They will not be ashamed When they speak with their enemies in the gate.” Psalm 127:3-5 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/psa.127.3-5.NASB2020

“Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord… Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:4, 10-12 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/eph.6.4-12.NASB2020

Household Prayer: Why education and community

“… God blessed them; and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it; and rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”” Genesis 1:26-28 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/gen.1.26-28.NASB2020

Brothers, a thought from the FLF conference: What is the “why” of education and fellowship? What is the vision? Just achieving a Christian education program, or a deep fellowship of community living in the church is not the goal, but the means.

In the classical conversations communities the goal or vision is “to know God and make Him known.” The classical Christian education and community are a means to that end.

Christian education and Community in the church are the means to build a culture that expands outside the home and church under the Lordship of Christ. A particular, local, and shared great commission and creation mandate vision to disciple the nations, take dominion and fill the earth with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

My prayer is that we labor for a generational vision for the next 500 or more years.

By faith (Heb. 11:1-3,4,5…), we get to work subduing and ruling, working and keeping, being fruitful and multiplying (Gen. 1:26-28; 2:15), and making disciples of all nations (Matt. 28:18-20) for “we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” (Eph. 2:10)

“Now faith is the certainty of things hoped for, a proof of things not seen. For by it the people of old gained approval. By faith we understand that the world has been created by the word of God so that what is seen has not been made out of things that are visible… who by faith conquered kingdoms, performed acts of righteousness, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight.” Hebrews 11:1-3, 33-34 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/heb.11.1-34.NASB2020

“… God blessed them; and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it; and rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”” Genesis 1:26-28 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/gen.1.26-28.NASB2020

“Then the Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to tend and keep it.” Genesis 2:15 NKJV https://bible.com/bible/114/gen.2.15.NKJV

“And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to follow all that I commanded you; and behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”” Matthew 28:18-20 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/mat.28.18-20.NASB2020

Household Prayer: 10/7 Praying for Justice part 2

“but in case I am delayed, I write so that you will know how one ought to conduct himself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth.” 1 Timothy 3:15 LSB https://bible.com/bible/3345/1ti.3.15.LSB

Brothers, A Follow-up and an application example to my previous prayer for justice. Why? Because it is a gospel issue and we are commanded to make disciples of all the nations and teach them to follow all that Jesus commanded (Matt. 28:18-20, 1 Tim. 3:15). This is also a “pick up the torch” from Charlie Kirk type of opportunity. This is a longer devotional, so in the blog post I give a long example. My prayer is, as it relates to our duty as husbands and fathers, that we learn good doctrine, how to apply it in our lives, and that we teach and pass it on to our children.

Doctrine and application of Justice

Good doctrine (orthodoxy) leads to good application (orthopraxy).

A Follow-up and an application to post Household Prayer: 10/7 Praying for Justice https://cybermick.com/2025/10/07/household-prayer-10-7-praying-for-justice/

For instance, DC Judge Kendra Briggs continuously allows violent criminals free to terrorize the community, “stating her job is to “rehabilitate,” not punish.”

Is it true (doctrine) that a judge’s job is to rehabilitate, and not punish? No. (Rom. 13:4, Deut. 16:19-20, Lev. 19:15, Prov. 17:15, 18:5, 21:15, 24:24; Gen. 9:6, Ex. 20:13, Num. 35)

How do we churchmen respond (application)? We be the prophetic voice to disciple and teach her all God has commanded (Matt. 28:18-20)! Declaring that she is denying the God ordained purpose for her role (Rom. 13:4), and that she will face the wrath of God if she does not repent (Acts 2:38-39). For her role is to be “… a servant of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil.” (Rom. 13:4). Instead, she has determined that she is a law and savior unto herself. She needs to hear the good news that Jesus Christ is God and Lord of all and that salvation is found in no other (John 14:6, Acts 4:12, Rom. 7:7)!

If she were our local justice and does not respond and correct (repent), then we would use all legal means to remove her from her role in civil authority for she is unfit to be “a servant of God” (Rom. 13:4).

“The prescriptive interpretation [of verses 3-4 in Romans 13] holds that Paul is teaching what duties a government must fulfill, being tasked by God. If they fail to carry out what God prescribes for them, then there are systems created by God within the institution of human government itself, mainly in the further delegation of power to the lesser magistrate. This would also be used to explain when resistance is required on the part of a citizen.” “A Revolutionary Reading of Romans 13: A Biblical Case for Lawful Subjection to the Civil Magistrate and Dutiful Resistance to Tyrants” Timothy L. Decker, Founders Press 2023. https://press.founders.org/shop/a-revolutionary-reading-of-romans-13/

“Our [American] forefathers who founded this nation stood on the foundation of Christian thinking and Christian living… Those foundations have been intentionally destroyed by purveyors of wickedness. And the people of God have stood idly by as it happened.” https://founders.org/2022/11/18/a-requiem-for-my-nation/

“As the pillar and buttress of truth (1 Tim. 3:15), the local church is to have a prophetic voice in various spheres of society, promoting biblical truth… how else can magistrates be held accountable to that message except from the prophetic voice of the church? In this way, Christians, especially ministers ordained to gospel ministry, ought to engage in this governmental sphere prophetically… John the Baptist serves as a prophetic example… Mark 6:17-18.” “A Revolutionary Reading of Romans 13: A Biblical Case for Lawful Subjection to the Civil Magistrate and Dutiful Resistance to Tyrants” Timothy L. Decker, Founders Press 2023. https://press.founders.org/shop/a-revolutionary-reading-of-romans-13/

“DC Judge Kendra Briggs has allowed the two “teens” who jumped Edward … Coristine to avoid jail and sentenced them to simple probation, stating her job is to “rehabilitate,” not punish.” https://x.com/rightanglenews/status/1978478505231868087?s=46&t=Ag2lESY3ntUopWo1gN17hw

Jesus is Lord of all!

“for it is a servant of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a servant of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil.” Romans 13:4 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/rom.13.4.NASB2020

“Peter said to them, “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and your children and for all who are far away, as many as the Lord our God will call to Himself.”” Acts 2:38-39 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/act.2.38-39.NASB2020

“Jesus *said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Me.” John 14:6 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/jhn.14.6.NASB2020

“And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among mankind by which we must be saved.”” Acts 4:12 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/act.4.12.NASB2020

“What shall we say then? Is the Law sin? Far from it! On the contrary, I would not have come to know sin except through the Law; for I would not have known about coveting if the Law had not said, “You shall not covet.”” Romans 7:7 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/rom.7.7.NASB2020

A Follow-up and an application to post Household Prayer: 10/7 Praying for Justice https://cybermick.com/2025/10/07/household-prayer-10-7-praying-for-justice/

Household Prayer: 10/7 Praying for Justice

““Whoever sheds human blood, By man his blood shall be shed, For in the image of God He made mankind.” Genesis 9:6 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/gen.9.6.NASB2020

Justice

Brothers, on this 2nd anniversary of the Hamas attack on Israel my heart is heavy for that event and all of the unjust lawlessness in our communities today. Meditating on Gen. 9:6, Ex. 20:13, and Num. 35. I am crying out to God for justice! I’m praying we stand bold for the atoning justice to heal our land even while praying for the salvation of those that need to be facing the death penalty. “…no atonement can be made for the land for the blood that is shed on it, except by the blood of the one who shed it.” Numbers 35:33

Maybe soft on crime injustice is sending the wrong message? “young people in Peoria…involved in violent crimes…six juveniles are currently facing …(RICO) charges for at least three murders and 12 shootings” https://x.com/mickdobra/status/1953935668242968892?s=46&t=Ag2lESY3ntUopWo1gN17hwi

“Peoria Police responded to calls about gunshots at a house on North Sheridan Road… Teen, man killed 15-year-old, hid him in carpet” Prosecutors: Teen, man killed 15-year-old, hid him in carpet

“The city of Peoria has seen an increase in shootings, specifically targeted attacks, according to Chief of Police Eric Echevarria.” Peoria experiencing increase in targeted shootings, Police Chief says | CIProud.com

“Father of 22-year-old woman who was brutally killed by a career criminal, absolutely unleashes during a House hearing against soft-on-crime policies. “[He] dragged her out of bed naked, forced on her knees with her hands over her head … BANG! Dead. Gone.” “Why? Because Alexander Davante Dickey, who was arrested 39 godd*mn times, 25 felonies, was on the street…” https://x.com/collinrugg/status/1972716966831120601?s=46&t=Ag2lESY3ntUopWo1gN17hw

“A grieving grandmother calls out D.C.’s unjust sentencing policies.” “He shot my grandson in cold blood SEVEN TIMES. And they didn’t consider that as first-degree murder? “The bottom line is that murder in D.C. is treated as a joke when it comes time to justice.” https://x.com/senjudiciarygop/status/1973029612319035852?s=46&t=Ag2lESY3ntUopWo1gN17hw

“A man who broke into a house and stabbed a child to death is now walking free. One of the most heinous miscarriages of justice in American history” https://x.com/mattwalshblog/status/1974176800960893033?s=46&t=Ag2lESY3ntUopWo1gN17hw

“The lesson to be learned here is that the state will inevitably fall into unlawful and ungodly rulings if the voice of God’s people is kept silent.” A Revolutionary Reading of Romans 13 https://press.founders.org/shop/a-revolutionary-reading-of-romans-13/

““You shall not murder.” Exodus 20:13 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/exo.20.13.NASB2020

““Whoever sheds human blood, By man his blood shall be shed, For in the image of God He made mankind.” Genesis 9:6 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/gen.9.6.NASB2020

“‘… the murderer must be put to death.” Numbers 35:16 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/num.35.16.NASB2020

“…no atonement can be made for the land for the blood that is shed on it, except by the blood of the one who shed it.” Numbers 35:33 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/num.35.33.NASB2020

“for [the civil authority] is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil.” Romans 13:4 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/rom.13.4.NASB2020

“He who justifies the wicked and he who condemns the righteous are both alike an abomination to the Lord.” Proverbs 17:15 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/pro.17.15.ESV

“It is not good to be partial to the wicked or to deprive the righteous of justice.” Proverbs 18:5 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/pro.18.5.ESV

“To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.” Proverbs 21:3 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/pro.21.3.ESV

“When justice is done, it is a joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers.” Proverbs 21:15 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/pro.21.15.ESV

“You shall not distort justice, you shall not show partiality; and you shall not accept a bribe, because a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and distorts the words of the righteous. Justice, and only justice, you shall pursue, so that you may live and possess the land which the Lord your God is giving you.” Deuteronomy 16:19-20 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/deu.16.19-20.NASB2020 

“Whoever says to the wicked, “You are in the right,” will be cursed by peoples, abhorred by nations, but those who rebuke the wicked will have delight, and a good blessing will come upon them.” Proverbs 24:24-25 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/pro.24.24-25.ESV

“Like a muddied spring or a polluted fountain is a righteous man who gives way before the wicked.” Proverbs 25:26 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/pro.25.26.ESV

“Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the Lord understand it completely. When the righteous triumph, there is great glory, but when the wicked rise, people hide themselves. Proverbs 28:5, 12, 18 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/pro.28.5-18.ESV

“When the righteous increase, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people groan.” Proverbs 29:2 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/pro.29.2.ESV

“A righteous man knows the rights of the poor; a wicked man does not understand such knowledge.” Proverbs 29:7 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/pro.29.7.ESV

“When the wicked increase, transgression increases, but the righteous will look upon their downfall.” Proverbs 29:16 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/pro.29.16.ESV

“‘You shall do no injustice in judgment; you shall not be partial to the poor nor defer to the great, but you shall judge your neighbor in righteousness.” Leviticus 19:15 LSB https://bible.com/bible/3345/lev.19.15.LSB

“The Lord tests the righteous and the wicked, And His soul hates one who loves violence. He will rain coals of fire upon the wicked, And brimstone and burning wind will be the portion of their cup. For the Lord is righteous, He loves righteousness; The upright will see His face.” Psalm 11:5-7 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/psa.11.5-7.NASB2020

Peoria Area Activism Hub a Turning Point USA Chapter Prayer Vigil 9/22/2025: Pray for America

“But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our wrongdoings, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved)..” Ephesians 2:4-10 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/eph.2.4-10.NASB2020

Devotional for Peoria Area Activism Hub a Turning Point USA Chapter Prayer Vigil

Charlie Kirk, I believe, is one of the great evangelists of my generation, much like the Apostle Paul, and now a Christian martyr.

Paul in Athens

How was he like the great Apostle Paul?

Let’s look at Paul in Athens and his sermon on Mars Hill. Acts 17:16-34 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/act.17.16-34.NASB2020

Charlie understood the times in America like Paul observed the idols of Athens in his day.

And like Paul, Charlie found our marketplaces of idol worship and philosophy and went right into the center of them and reasoned for gospel truth.

And he brought thousands to the faith.

The ultimate soul saving message!

Darrell B. Harrison said, “Movements are transient and impermanent. But, when all has been said and done, what Charlie was engaged in, fundamentally, was apologetics—contending for and defending the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ. The gospel is a message not a movement, one that changes not only minds but hearts—which should be our ultimate goal. We must remember this as we work to honor his legacy.” https://x.com/d_b_harrison/status/1966875128102375884?s=46&t=Ag2lESY3ntUopWo1gN17hw

So what is the message?

The message is the gospel of Jesus Christ. Gospel means good news, but to understand the good news you must first understand the bad news.

There is a God that created the heavens and the earth. We humans are created in His image.

We are sinners, we have rebelled against Him, our Creator. Our rebellion has brought “all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice… envy, murder, strife, deceit, [and] maliciousness” to the world. Romans 1:29-31 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/rom.1.29-31.ESV

Therefore we justly deserve our due punishment of death and damnation, “as it is written: ‘None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God. All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one.’” Romans 3:10-12 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/rom.3.10-12.ESV

When we die and stand before our creator we will be judged and given our just and righteous condemnation of hell.

That is bad news!

“But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our wrongdoings, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the ages to come He might show the boundless riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.” Ephesians 2:4-10 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/eph.2.4-10.NASB2020

““Brothers, what shall we do?” And Peter said to them, “Repent [turn away from sin] and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”” Acts 2:36-38 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/act.2.36-38.ESV

Praise God for the good news that we can receive the gift of forgiveness and salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.

Jesus Christ is the only begotten son of God.

He became a man with no sin, and in accordance with the Scriptures He “died for our sins … he was buried…” and He was rose from death on the third day. Jesus is alive! 1 Corinthians 15:3-8 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/1co.15.3-8.ESV

Jesus has taken all of the sins of those who believe in Him upon Himself so that we might be saved!

All praise and glory to God!

The mission

That’s the message, and all who believe and have been made new have a mission.

“And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to follow all that I commanded you; and behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”” The great commission, Matthew 28:18-20 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/mat.28.19.NASB2020

Truth

The Declaration Of Independence states, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

Let these truths be our message and the foundation of all we think and do.

Household Prayer: normal means to provide and protect

“And He said to them, “But now, whoever has a money belt is to take it along, likewise also a bag, and whoever has no sword is to sell his cloak and buy one.”” Luke 22:36-38 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/luk.22.36-38.NASB2020

Praying we provide for our families! Praying we use all of the means God has given us to provide and protect ourselves and families (Lk 22:36). Duty is ours, results are gods. I pray we prepare, train, and carry out all of our duties for the glory of God. “But now, whoever has a money belt is to take it along, likewise also a bag, and whoever has no sword is to sell his cloak and buy one.”

Before Christ’s time had come, He protected the disciples:

“Go; behold, I am sending you out like lambs in the midst of wolves. Carry no money belt, no bag, no sandals, and greet no one along the way.” Luke 10:3-4 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/luk.10.3-4.NASB2020

After His time had come and He was finishing His earthly ministry, He tells the disciples “they were to use normal means to provide for their own support and protection”:

“And He said to them, “But now, whoever has a money belt is to take it along, likewise also a bag, and whoever has no sword is to sell his cloak and buy one. For I tell you that this which is written must be fulfilled in Me: ‘And He was counted with wrongdoers’; for that which refers to Me has its fulfillment.” They said, “Lord, look, here are two swords.” And He said to them, “It is enough.”” Luke 22:36-38 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/luk.22.36-38.NASB2020

THE MACARTHUR STUDY BIBLE note: Luke “22:36 But now. When Christ sent them out before, He had sovereignly arranged for their needs to be met. Henceforth they were to use normal means to provide for their own support and protection. The money bag, knapsack, and sword were figurative expressions for such means (the sword being emblematic of protection, not aggression).”

We are to use normal means to provide for and protect ourselves

When the men of a nation turn away from God they also tend to turn away from their responsibility to defend their families, communities, and nation!

“They chose new gods; Then there was war in the gates; Not a shield or spear was seen among forty thousand in Israel.” Judges 5:8

Deborah was mocking the men of Israel after God gave her the victory! “for the Lord will sell Sisera into the hand of a woman.” Judges 4:9

“Many don’t feel a responsibility to be prepared to protect their spouses and children when that primal task can be outsourced; just call 911. A moral vanity has trumped the obligation to protect their lives and the lives of those they love; that is the job of the police in a civilized society, after all… Self-reliant men, capable of extreme violence in defense of their lives, their families, and of freedom makes some people nervous.” — In the Blood: A Thriller (Terminal List Book 5) by Jack Carr (emphasis added) https://a.co/bgOdVwy

Turn to God in Hope!

“Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. All that you do must be done in love.” 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/1co.16.13-14.NASB2020

Trust in God, Duty is ours, Results are His

Household Prayer: capable to defend our families https://ministry.family.blog/2024/08/15/household-prayer-capable-to-defend-our-families/

Household Prayer: And blessed be God Most High https://ministry.family.blog/2025/01/17/household-prayer-and-blessed-be-god-most-high/