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FIRST, OUR VIEWS:
 

 

LIVING FAITH THAT WORKS

 

 

Living Faith That WorksMainstream news and social media today make the most money from whatever generates the most clicks, and what drives the most clicks are our negative emotions – mainly anger and lust, which in turn stir up social unrest and disharmony. To counter this and to achieve a peaceful and harmonious society, we need to heed the foundational truths of our Christian faith that have successfully held society together for 2,000 years. We must return to a (click→) Living Faith That Works!

Now, scroll up a bit in the top frame of the above linked web page, to verses 19-20: "So, then, my beloved brothers, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger; for the anger of man doesn't produce the righteousness of God." The mainstream news and social media thrive on anger. What's the antidote to this social poison? Get rid of "filthiness" as well as angry, divisive rhetoric in our social interactions, especially on social media. Then, get involved in positive actions as well as words. See verse 22: "But be doers of the word, and not only hearers, deluding your own selves." Hearing nice sermons, nodding "yes" and shaking the preacher's hand afterwards is self-delusion if we don't act on what we hear and speak. Our walk must match our talk! What we really and truly believe will show up in how we behave!

Click the links after verse 27 to read each cross-reference Scripture in the bottom frame: they're all about putting into action what we hear and say. "Do not wrong a foreigner or oppress him. Care for the widows and fatherless." "Rescue those being led away to death!" (unborn babies?) "Put away your evil doings, seek justice, relieve the oppressed." "Loose the bonds of wickedness, undo the bands of the yoke, and let the oppressed go free." "Execute justice between yourself and your neighbor; do not oppress the foreigner, the fatherless, and the widow, and do not shed innocent blood." The foundation for a living Christian faith is laid out in the Old Testament.

But telling only a partial truth while deliberately hiding the whole truth is telling an untruth. The foreigner was also required to observe the faith and moral laws of Israel: “If a stranger shall sojourn with you and would keep the Passover to the LORD, let all his males be circumcised. Then he may come near and keep it; he shall be as a native of the land. But no uncircumcised person shall eat of it. There shall be one law for the native and for the stranger who sojourns among you" (Ex. 12:48-49). We also must not forget the story of Ruth: “For where you go, I will go; where you lodge, I will lodge; your people are my people, and your God is my God; where you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. Thus may the Lord do to me, and so may He do more, if anything but death separates me from you” (Ruth 1:16-17).

This shows that the well-intended (or soft-headed) notions of "inclusive" acceptance, peace and love can often be taken to such extremes that they produce ever-increasing negative results such as open borders, arrested criminals set free without posting bail, rampant homelessness, compulsive-obsessive gluttony and greed, transgenderism, and hundreds of millions of murdered unborn babies.

Then we get into the New Testament: "Blessed are the peacemakers" – that's a sticky wicket! It can get rather risky to stick your nose into a conflict and try to make peace. Let's move on a bit: "If it is possible, as much as it is up to you, be at peace with all men" (Romans 12:18). This gets a little more nuanced: sometimes it's not up to us to be at peace – the other party has a vote in the matter. If an armed burglar or terrorist breaks into your home, your asking him nicely to put down his gun and please go away just won't cut it. Men: be ready to defend and protect your wife and family!

Look at Ephesians 5:25-26 – "Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself up for it; that he might sanctify it." A Christian real man must be ready to give his life for his wife and family, to preserve their sanctity and purity just like Christ did for His Bride, the Church. There are crazed rapists, thieves, and terrorists out there who just won't listen to reason. The mistaken notion of absolute pacifism is not taught in Scripture: the Lord Jesus said – "let the one who has no sword sell his cloak and buy one" (Luke 22:36). And "But if anyone doesn't take care of his own, and especially his own household, he has denied the faith, and is worse than an unbeliever" (1 Timothy 5:8).

Let's look deeper into that 1 Timothy 5 passage: it also gives some qualifications and limitations on what Christians should do for the widow: she should be at least 60 years old and unable to take care of herself, not just panhandling and begging the Church for free food and shelter; the wife of one man – not immoral or a mutiple-married woman; not an idle gossiper or busybody. Then we read that the primary responsibility belongs to the widow's relatives, and not burden the church. This same idea pops up in 2 Thessalonians 3:10-13 – "If anyone is not willing to work, neither let him eat" and people should "work with quietly and earn their own living" as much as they are able.

Remember the stories of Barnabas at the end of Acts 4 who sold his land and donated the proceeds to the church. Good guy! But then comes the tale of "Ananias, with Sapphira, his wife, [who] sold a possession, and kept back part of the price, his wife also being aware of it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles' feet. But Peter said, 'Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit, and to keep back part of the price of the land?'" (Acts 5:1-3). Bad folks. From the very beginning of the early Church, some folks try to "work the system" or figure out how to deceive for unworthy personal gain.

So in conclusion, we as Christians have a hierarchy of social obligations to care for others: first of all for our own spouse and family. Only after that, we should care for those in our local church – the elderly, widows, orphans, sick, disabled, and poor who are unable to care for themselves. And lastly, for society at large. It's impossible, impractical, and downright risky to feel obligated to provide for all who ask for support, especially if we're unable to verify that they're really in need and not just grifters.

Finally, click on the "Also, pray with us!" link at the top of the "Living Faith That Works" page: you can join us "live" every morning in our online "Morning Prayers and Readings" and chat with us *anytime* online, or use our "Daily Prayers" for your private prayers, either online, as an Android app, or print your own 28-page prayer booklet.

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A Personal Note: Our "Morning Prayers" friend in Tanzania, Simon John Walia who manages Vision Complex school and orphanage, wrote us recently about the political situation there: riots broke out because of what appeared to be a rigged presidential election, so police tear-gassed the crowds and shot about 700 rioters. Many children from the village near Vision Complex came for medical care, food and shelter, which caused Vision Complex to run out of food and need funds to take children inkured by the tear gas to the hospital. Thankfully, a generous donor from Germany sent us funds to cover this urgent need.

My wonderful wife Cheryl is recovering at a good pace from her second spinal fusion surgery. She has finished her course of water therapy and is gaining strength after several months of mostly lying down. She walks with a cane sometimes, but still mainly with a walker. This week she actually went to a bridal shower!

 

Here's our next free online course: (click →) Course 200, "Foundations of Psychology" - deadline to enroll: 09 Nov. 2025 (← click). So enroll today, before you forget! And check out all of our free literature, e-books, and booklets!

 

 
NEXT, THE NEWS:
 

2. CHINA ALLEGEDLY PRESSURED UK UNIVERSITY TO STOP RESEARCH INTO UYGHUR GENOCIDE
from: LiveAction

SYNOPSIS: Sheffield Hallam University reportedly ceased research into the Uyghur genocide after pressure from the Chinese government. The Chinese government allegedly used threats, including a boycott of Chinese students and website shutdowns, to pressure the university. Professor Laura Murphy, who was leading the research, had her team fired and the research unit shut down by the university. The Uyghur genocide involves the persecution of the ethnic Muslim minority in China, with reports of forced labor, forced abortions, sterilization, and torture in concentration camps.

Internal emails revealed the Chinese National Security Service directly threatened the university regarding the research. The South Yorkshire police referred the case to the UK's anti-terrorism unit. "Things in Beijing have kicked off," an internal email said, explaining that "three officers of the National Security Service" had visited Sheffield Hallam's offices in China, with university staffers questioned for hours about Murphy's research into the Uyghurs for HKC. According to the e-mail, "The tone was threatening and message to cease the research activity was made clear."

Pray that people in the West, especially Christians, won't let thenselves be intimidated by threats from Communists or Leftists to back off from bringing to light their evil deeds.

 

3. THE PRICE OF 'UNITY ABOVE TRUTH': VATICAN-MOSCOW RELATIONS AND THE WAR AGAINST UKRAINE
from: RISU

SYNOPSIS: The article analyzes the Vatican's relationship with the Moscow Patriarchate in the context of the war in Ukraine, focusing on the failure of ecumenical dialogue. It argues that the Vatican's approach of dialogue with the Moscow Patriarchate, aimed at moderating it, was based on a misreading of its dependence on the Russian state and its anti-Western stance. The article highlights how the Moscow Patriarchate used dialogue for geopolitical gain, undermining the possibility of genuine theological exchange and Christian unity.

It criticizes the Vatican's approach, which inadvertently legitimized the Moscow Patriarchate's claims over Ukraine and delayed recognizing the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU). The author, Anatoliy Babynskiy, argues that the crisis reveals the priority of "unity above truth" in the Vatican's engagement with Moscow. The piece discusses the historical context, including the role of the Russian Orthodox Church as an instrument of Soviet foreign policy and its continued influence. The article also touches on the emerging relationship between the Vatican and the OCU, presenting it as a new factor in the ecclesiastical landscape.

Ask the Lord to give Leo, the new pope, the spine to stand up for Orthodox Church of Ukraine, not to keep meeting with Moscow and implicitly supporting its military and spiritual aggression in Ukraine.

 

4. THE DEVIL MADE ME DO IT!
from: American Life League

SYNOPSIS: In the 1960s, comedian Flip Wilson popularized the phrase "The devil made me do it!" to absolve one's own resposibility and project blame or criticize various societal issues. This article condemns comments made in a New York Times piece after the murder of Charlie Kirk, accusing the author of toxic language. The article criticizes the acceptance of fluid gender identity, arguing it contradicts biological facts and reason. The author attacks Planned Parenthood and criticizes states that have attempted to continue funding them.

The artucle critiques Planned Parenthood's medical director Dr. Sharon Liner's statements on abortion access. Denying the fact that abortion kills a person provides folks like Dr. Liner with a bully pulpit for advocacy of committing abortion regardless of the fact that “abortion care” is an oxymoron: it's not care, it's murder. It references the idea of combining euthanasia with organ harvesting, viewing it as unethical. The author concludes by stating that speaking the truth is not hate and praising J.K. Rowling's similar statement, "It isn't hate to speak the truth," while condemning those indoctrinated by evil.

Pray for people's eyes and ears to be opened to see and hear the truth, instead of being deceived by twisted words that tell them evil is good and good is evil.

 

5. WORKFORCE PARTICIPATION BY THOSE WITH DISABILITIES ‘HISTORICALLY HIGH’
from: Disability Scoop

SYNOPSIS: A new report from SHRM reveals a "historically high" rate of workforce participation by people with disabilities. Labor force participation among people with disabilities has increased by over 30% since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Expanded remote and flexible work arrangements, a result of the pandemic, are cited as a primary reason for the increase. Wendi Safstrom of the SHRM Foundation emphasized the importance of inclusion and flexibility in the workplace.

"The remarkable increase in workforce participation among people with disabilities is a testament to what’s possible when organizations commit to inclusion and flexibility," said Wendi Safstrom, president of the SHRM Foundation. The report notes that people with disabilities are more likely to work fully remote schedules. Employment interest among young people with disabilities (ages 16-24) rose by nearly 60% since early 2020. Workers with disabilities still represent only 4.8% of the overall workforce, often in lower-skill roles.

Thank the Lord that more and more people with disabilities are finding ways to participate in the workforce and pay for their own way in the world.

 

6. WHAT FALLING GLOBAL BIRTH RATES REALLY MEAN FOR THE FUTURE
from: Scientific American

SYNOPSIS: Global birth rates are falling dramatically in many countries, leading to concerns about future economic and social impacts. The decline is driven by factors such as increased access to contraception, education, changing social norms, and rising costs of living. South Korea serves as a prominent example of a country experiencing a rapid population decline, with a very low fertility rate.

While some countries are trying to boost birth rates, experts suggest focusing on adapting to lower fertility through measures like strengthening the care workforce, and increasing the retirement age. Immigration is also presented as a potential tool to address labor shortages and mitigate population decline, although it presents political challenges. Researchers like Stuart Gietel-Basten emphasize that the real crisis is the failure of systems to support people having the number of children they desire.

Pray for people to reject the self-centered notion of individualism, and instead commit themselves to preserving human society by getting married and raising a family of 3 or 4 children, as well as caring for the growing elderly population.

 

7. EVO PT: SELF-BALANCING ALL-TERRAIN MOBILITY DEVICE
from: Disabled World

SYNOPSIS: This product announcement introduces the Evo PT, a UK-manufactured self-balancing personal transporter that offers genuine advantages for people with mobility limitations, including seniors and those with disabilities. Unlike conventional electric wheelchairs, this two-wheeled device uses an Auto Safety Gyro System that maintains balance automatically while users control movement through body weight shifts and either a joystick or steer bar for turning. The device's all-terrain capability - handling indoor surfaces, outdoor paths, beaches, and nature trails - addresses a significant gap in mobility solutions for individuals who want to venture beyond smooth, flat surfaces.

At a current price of £12,640 (US $16,635), the Evo PT presents a mid-range option in the assistive mobility market, featuring practical specifications including a 20-38 km range, on-the-spot turning capability, and the ability to handle 20% inclines and modest obstacles. For those exploring alternatives to traditional wheelchairs or mobility scooters, this product represents an interesting option worth investigating through demonstration bookings.

Praise God for human ingenuity, inventing this self-balancing mobility device that will enable those with mobility limitations to traverse many types of terrain including even 20% inclines.

 

 

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A NEW APPROACH TO HOME HEALTH CARE

 

a new approach to home careHome-Based Primary Care (HBPC)? "HBPC programs provide appropriate care (primary, urgent, or palliative) to high-risk, medically vulnerable patients, often suffering multiple chronic conditions, when and where they need it. This patient-centric, continuous care model delivers clinical, economic, and human benefits such as:
  * facilitating timely interventions when chronic conditions worsen and preempting avoidable emergency department visits and hospitalizations
  * alleviating social stressors that contribute to poor health
  * comforting patients by giving them loving care and letting them know they’re not alone."

Some states, recognizing that home health care is far less expensive than nursing home care, are starting to supplement family caregivers: States take the lead on addressing family caregiver needs. "As baby boomers grow into old age, there is a growing demand for caregivers — both paid and unpaid. While legislators have largely overlooked the looming shortage, some states are stepping into the void with innovative solutions.

"In Hawaii, family caregivers who work outside the home can get up to $70 per day from the state to apply toward adult day services. Washington has a tool to assess the needs of family caregivers and refer them to the most useful resources, and in Minnesota, the 'Live Well at Home' program gives grants to local organizations to test ways to support older adults and caregivers."

Check out AARP's Family Caregiving How-To Video Series: "Special Diets", "Managing Incontinence", "Wound Care", "Mobility", and "Managing Medications" with lots of instructional materials; also get their 63-page PDF Home Alone Revisited - Family Caregivers Providing Complex Care. And don't forget Medicare's "Home Health Care" and the more than 5,000 independently-run local "Meals on Wheels" programs – these can go a long way toward keeping you at home – that is, if your home is suitable for this when you need it to be.

"20 million family caregivers say they perform medical/nursing tasks. These include handling prescriptions, helping someone climb the stairs with a cane, and caring for and cleaning wounds. Family caregivers often do these tasks with no training or help from health care professionals." This is why we offer our online Social Ministries of the Church program.

An example of Supporting older adults and their caregivers in the community is Wellmed Charitable Foundation's activity centers for seniors in Texas and Florida. This will give you an idea of what might be available in your state too! Also see their page on Caregiver Support for emergency call-in help, caregiver coaching, caregiver teleconferences, a stress-busting program and more.

Just one of the many Home Health Care organizations is Home Instead Senior Care with branches all over the U.S. They also offer free monthly newsletters with tips and advice for caregivers of elderly loved ones. You can also do an Internet search for "home health care organizations in XX" (XX = your state) to find out what's available locally, or go to Home Care Association of America and click on the "Find a Provider" link.

The John A. Hartford Foundation "is dedicated to improving the care of older adults" including Age-Friendly Health Systems - "an initiative of The John A. Hartford Foundation and the Institute for Healthcare Improvement in partnership with the American Hospital Association and the Catholic Health Association of the United States." They sponsor a multitude of programs all over the U.S. to advance health care for people in the "baby boom" generation who are reaching their 70s now, when health issues tend to crop up.

Here's a really helpful factsheet: Supporting the Critical Role of Family Caregivers: State Opportunities on the value and the personal toll of family caregivers, as well as examples of what some states are doing to support this vitally important role. Print it, hand it out, and share it online!

The RAISE Family Caregiving Advisory Council of the U.S. government's Administration for Community Living (ACL) consists of non-governmental and federal government members chosen for "providing recommendations to the Secretary of Health and Human Services on effective models of both family caregiving and support to family caregivers, as well as improving coordination across federal government programs." And Join "The ARC" Chat/Video Forum to Build the ARC!

I hope you've found this info to be helpful!

"Dr. Bob"

Robert D. Hosken, M.Min., M.Th.S., D.Min.


Who Are We?   Please remember to pray for Christians in Secularized Countries, and for...

  Your fellow-servants,

  Bob & Cheryl

  p.s. Taking a middle of the road position is dangerous. You can get knocked down by the traffic from both ways.