“Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.” (Psalm 127:1, ESV)
Today, I received an email from a friend who was very upset about his own denomination. With today being Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, some people are celebrating Dr. King’s legacy. If you remember, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was a Christian pastor who had a strong belief in God’s love for all people. He believed God did not discriminate against a person based on the color of their skin, their upbringing, their parents, their heritage. He believed a person was judged by God based on their faith and actions. In this email the friend received, he was expecting some mention of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. What he did not expect was that his denomination wrote the email spending several paragraphs praising Dr. King, mentioning other denominational events, and giving announcements but not once mentioned the name of Jesus Christ!
When I questioned him further, he told me that the email also mentioned proudly how the “higher ups” in his denomination were hosting an event in Washington, D.C. in July. During that event, youths were to be taught how to be activists in Washington and at home, how to protest, how to manipulate the vote, and how to be political advocates.
His email ended with these words, “So, our denomination is celebrating Dr. King and teaching kids how to be political activists… when do you think they will start celebrating Jesus Christ and teaching kids how to be faithful?” A wise question on his part.
Many mainline denominations have turned to political activism or social programs as their focus. They are basically NGOs (Non-Governmental Organizations) who mention Jesus now and then. It is amazing to me how politically active they are with justice networks, classes on racism, sending out emails on how to stand with Palestine and look less and less like churches and more and more like PACs (Political Action Coalitions).
Before you get too upset about these mainline denominations, consider that other denominations miss the boat as well. Some only speak about spiritual issues while their people are suffering from hunger. They have few loving outreach programs for needy people in their churches. They will take your tithe but not be there when you are in need. Then, there are the non-denominational churches whose worship is more entertainment-focused than God-focused. Their budgets are full of money for special music programs, hyped-up speakers, and fancy projectors and sound systems and lighting.
Today’s scripture is a reminder that churches and church people need to have their priorities straight. It makes clear that “unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain” (Psalm 127:1a). Taken at face value, this verse presses every house of worship to be focused on the worship of God, on godliness, on prayer to God, and on the will of God. Churches are not places for entertainment but houses of worship OF GOD! People who love God are not praised for their votes but for their faithfulness to the will OF GOD! If you don’t keep God first in your church, in your life, in your day to day activities, you will labor in vain. Keep your attention ON GOD! Keep the words of Christ Jesus in your thoughts! Pray without ceasing throughout the day: a little prayer here, time with God there. God should be at the center of your life, not just someone you visit on Sunday!
Today’s scripture even goes further. It acknowledges that if a city does not have God watching over it, those who guard it (watchmen) will stay awake to protect it “in vain”. Our God is Lord over all. If a city does not acknowledge God, it will suffer from evil. If people do not keep God front and center, they will find themselves mired in worldly affairs and suffering from sinful pursuits.
In April of 2025, the great state of Minnesota was recognized with an award. A plaque was placed in the Capitol Building in St. Paul, Minnesota. Ironically, the capitol building is located at the address of 75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Boulevard. If you walk in the first floor toward the rotunda, the plaque is available for all to view. It reads:
"The [Democratic] Coalition of Satanic Worshippers thanks Governor Tim Walz for not standing in the way of spreading Satanism in the State Capitol building. Satan has a special place for you".
Don’t you find it interesting that this was placed in April 2025, and all kinds of bad things have happened to Minnesota politicians and voters since then? In June of 2025, a Democrat state lawmaker and her husband were assassinated at their home. Hundreds of illegal day care programs have been found. Millions and billions in state funds have been squandered, money laundered, and state officials are now being investigated for fraud. Last week a woman who attempted to kill an ICE agent with her car was killed. This week, a Christian man was beaten, stabbed, and left for dead by Somali immigrants. A church service was interrupted by protesters who threatened harm. Black Panther adherents are marching in the streets with rifles. Millions of dollars in damage have occurred in the Twin Cities in Minnesota. And this is just the tip of the iceberg.
You may think all these events in Minnesota and the denominations have little to do with you. The scripture for today is a reminder that when any person, Christian or otherwise, sins openly against God, challenges God, or loses focus on God... bad things will happen. You need to make sure that you and your house keep focused on the Lord. You need to keep your mind and thoughts aligned with God. Don’t get caught up in worldly issues. Don’t let material possessions attract your attention. Don’t let emotions rile you up. Don’t let the mainstream media capture your full attention. Don’t let social media drown you in worldly opinions. God is your center. Jesus is your Lord. There will be no peace in your life when you lose focus on what matters.
If you find yourself getting caught up in family affairs, politics, bad news, or media hype, back off! Reconnect with your Lord! Cast your burdens on the Lord and do what the Holy Spirit tells you to regain peace for your soul and the love of God in your heart. It might even be a good idea to memorize today’s scripture as a constant reminder for your brain that if God is not your focus in life, you labor in vain.
May God’s peace be with you!
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Loving God! To You, I bear my heart on this day. I want to keep my focus on You. I want to feel the peace that the world cannot give. I need Your presence in my life. I need Your grace!
I am a sinful creature. It is all too easy for me to get overwhelmed by my emotions, to lose my perspective, and to misplace my allegiances. You need to be first in my life. Yet, temptations lure me away from doing what is right. Too often, I look for quick fixes instead of righteous direction. I would rather find health in a pill than in living a holy life. I am swayed by wealth and riches. I let myself get caught up in day to day affairs and forget to check in with You! Forgive me, my Lord! Show me any errors in my judgment.
I pray today for all those who are mired in sin. So many do not realize their error. So many refuse to repent, are prideful to a fault, and labor in vain after things that do not last. I too have been guilty of such thinking! I too have let the world take center focus! I have taken You for granted.
In the name of Jesus Christ, I am a redeemed sinner. Let Your Holy Spirit direct my steps. Let my days be faithful to Your holy will. Let my nights be peaceful. Watch over me! Watch over my steps! Keep me on the path that leads back to You! Amen.
When I questioned him further, he told me that the email also mentioned proudly how the “higher ups” in his denomination were hosting an event in Washington, D.C. in July. During that event, youths were to be taught how to be activists in Washington and at home, how to protest, how to manipulate the vote, and how to be political advocates.
His email ended with these words, “So, our denomination is celebrating Dr. King and teaching kids how to be political activists… when do you think they will start celebrating Jesus Christ and teaching kids how to be faithful?” A wise question on his part.
Many mainline denominations have turned to political activism or social programs as their focus. They are basically NGOs (Non-Governmental Organizations) who mention Jesus now and then. It is amazing to me how politically active they are with justice networks, classes on racism, sending out emails on how to stand with Palestine and look less and less like churches and more and more like PACs (Political Action Coalitions).
Before you get too upset about these mainline denominations, consider that other denominations miss the boat as well. Some only speak about spiritual issues while their people are suffering from hunger. They have few loving outreach programs for needy people in their churches. They will take your tithe but not be there when you are in need. Then, there are the non-denominational churches whose worship is more entertainment-focused than God-focused. Their budgets are full of money for special music programs, hyped-up speakers, and fancy projectors and sound systems and lighting.
Today’s scripture is a reminder that churches and church people need to have their priorities straight. It makes clear that “unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain” (Psalm 127:1a). Taken at face value, this verse presses every house of worship to be focused on the worship of God, on godliness, on prayer to God, and on the will of God. Churches are not places for entertainment but houses of worship OF GOD! People who love God are not praised for their votes but for their faithfulness to the will OF GOD! If you don’t keep God first in your church, in your life, in your day to day activities, you will labor in vain. Keep your attention ON GOD! Keep the words of Christ Jesus in your thoughts! Pray without ceasing throughout the day: a little prayer here, time with God there. God should be at the center of your life, not just someone you visit on Sunday!
Today’s scripture even goes further. It acknowledges that if a city does not have God watching over it, those who guard it (watchmen) will stay awake to protect it “in vain”. Our God is Lord over all. If a city does not acknowledge God, it will suffer from evil. If people do not keep God front and center, they will find themselves mired in worldly affairs and suffering from sinful pursuits.
In April of 2025, the great state of Minnesota was recognized with an award. A plaque was placed in the Capitol Building in St. Paul, Minnesota. Ironically, the capitol building is located at the address of 75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Boulevard. If you walk in the first floor toward the rotunda, the plaque is available for all to view. It reads:
"The [Democratic] Coalition of Satanic Worshippers thanks Governor Tim Walz for not standing in the way of spreading Satanism in the State Capitol building. Satan has a special place for you".
Don’t you find it interesting that this was placed in April 2025, and all kinds of bad things have happened to Minnesota politicians and voters since then? In June of 2025, a Democrat state lawmaker and her husband were assassinated at their home. Hundreds of illegal day care programs have been found. Millions and billions in state funds have been squandered, money laundered, and state officials are now being investigated for fraud. Last week a woman who attempted to kill an ICE agent with her car was killed. This week, a Christian man was beaten, stabbed, and left for dead by Somali immigrants. A church service was interrupted by protesters who threatened harm. Black Panther adherents are marching in the streets with rifles. Millions of dollars in damage have occurred in the Twin Cities in Minnesota. And this is just the tip of the iceberg.
You may think all these events in Minnesota and the denominations have little to do with you. The scripture for today is a reminder that when any person, Christian or otherwise, sins openly against God, challenges God, or loses focus on God... bad things will happen. You need to make sure that you and your house keep focused on the Lord. You need to keep your mind and thoughts aligned with God. Don’t get caught up in worldly issues. Don’t let material possessions attract your attention. Don’t let emotions rile you up. Don’t let the mainstream media capture your full attention. Don’t let social media drown you in worldly opinions. God is your center. Jesus is your Lord. There will be no peace in your life when you lose focus on what matters.
If you find yourself getting caught up in family affairs, politics, bad news, or media hype, back off! Reconnect with your Lord! Cast your burdens on the Lord and do what the Holy Spirit tells you to regain peace for your soul and the love of God in your heart. It might even be a good idea to memorize today’s scripture as a constant reminder for your brain that if God is not your focus in life, you labor in vain.
May God’s peace be with you!
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Loving God! To You, I bear my heart on this day. I want to keep my focus on You. I want to feel the peace that the world cannot give. I need Your presence in my life. I need Your grace!
I am a sinful creature. It is all too easy for me to get overwhelmed by my emotions, to lose my perspective, and to misplace my allegiances. You need to be first in my life. Yet, temptations lure me away from doing what is right. Too often, I look for quick fixes instead of righteous direction. I would rather find health in a pill than in living a holy life. I am swayed by wealth and riches. I let myself get caught up in day to day affairs and forget to check in with You! Forgive me, my Lord! Show me any errors in my judgment.
I pray today for all those who are mired in sin. So many do not realize their error. So many refuse to repent, are prideful to a fault, and labor in vain after things that do not last. I too have been guilty of such thinking! I too have let the world take center focus! I have taken You for granted.
In the name of Jesus Christ, I am a redeemed sinner. Let Your Holy Spirit direct my steps. Let my days be faithful to Your holy will. Let my nights be peaceful. Watch over me! Watch over my steps! Keep me on the path that leads back to You! Amen.