Living Stones Series: First Published in All Around Old Bridge Publication – October 2022, Pastor Lloyd Pulley

Today I write about the most valuable resource being negatively impacted in our state – our children! There is a great divide today over state-mandated health curriculum in our schools which has already been implemented in many districts. And parents have been waking up all across the nation, shocked over the very sexualized curriculum being taught under the guise of health. Discovering that there are 40 times more gender-confused students today than just a decade ago has caused me to take a closer look. Yes, social media and media in general, have contributed to this statistic, but schools feeding into this confusion is simply wrong.

Living Stones Series: First Published in All Around Old Bridge Publication – September 2022, Pastor Lloyd Pulley

Looking to discover the reason for the unimaginable success of the infant nation, French historian, philosopher, and author Alexis de Tocqueville journeyed to America in May 1831—and what impressed him most was her shining religious character! Among the most notable quotes he is credited with is this gem: "America is great because America is good, and if America ever ceases to be good, America will cease to be great."

But what is goodness?

Living Stones Series: First Published in All Around Old Bridge Publication – August 2022, Pastor Lloyd Pulley

There is a wonder of life in the womb—the peaceful lullaby of a mother's voice, the first sensitivities to light, the sensory response to a hand caressing mama's belly. We stand in awe and marvel at the intimacy of creation—that a baby can already hear, see, touch, taste, and smell even before birth. Through the eyes of one child in the womb, a world of possibilities exists amongst a world of God-given potential.

Living Stones Series: First Published in All Around Old Bridge Publication – July 2022, Pastor Lloyd Pulley

Nostalgia is defined as a "wistful or excessively sentimental yearning for or return to some past period or irrecoverable condition," according to Webster's Dictionary. In Wikipedia, nostalgia is described as a "sentimentality for the past, typically for a period or place with happy personal associations."

Nostalgia plays a prominent role in shaping a person's or nation's worldview. One's beliefs may become ingrained in past emotions, though the reality of the past no longer exists today. Romanticizing the past, we can unknowingly be influenced by what we perceive as the truth rather than the actual fact. Where we get objective reality then becomes most important!

Living Stones Series: First Published in All Around Old Bridge Publication – June 2022, Pastor Lloyd Pulley

If I had to describe the times in which we live, I would need but one word—narcissistic. Perhaps it emanates from an endless array of selfies or the dream of becoming the next YouTube sensation or social media influencer. Going viral and reaching a million likes is the new obsession. But even if you could monetize your dog singing the national anthem or some computer-generated impossible basketball shot, how significant is it? At best, it is a shallow, superficial influence that is gone as quickly as it was viewed.

Living Stones Series: First Published in All Around Old Bridge Publication – May 2022, Pastor Lloyd Pulley

The constant propaganda of a godless society has led to a declining marriage rate and increasing divorce rate, leaving many more single moms forced to provide for children alone. Morality is absent regarding sex, sexuality, commitment, and family values. Consider also the impertinence of "experts" ridiculing instruction from the Bible, leading to the steady increase of narcissism. Stay-at-home mothers have been looked down upon and belittled for far too long!

Have we forgotten how profound an impact a mother truly has? Has she lost her value and her elevated place in society? Are many women now convinced their role as mom is nothing compared to career and business success despite the volumes of books and studies that extoll motherhood?

Living Stones Series: First Published in All Around Old Bridge Publication – April 2022, Pastor Lloyd Pulley

The present landscape of the world today—amidst the drug epidemic, continued fears over COVID variants, government overreach, "cancel culture," and misinformation on the war in Ukraine—is leading many to become discouraged and depressed. I have heard not a few say, "What's the point?" or "What difference can I make?" Many more sigh and mumble the adage, "The more things change, the more they remain the same!"

Living Stones Series: First Published in All Around Old Bridge Publication – March 2022, Pastor Lloyd Pulley

“In like a lion, out like a lamb” is ancient weather folklore for the month of March, springing from the belief that there should be balance and order in the world. We naturally hate imbalance and discord—which ordinarily is a good thing.

Unfortunately, this longing for balance can be a seedbed of opportunity for devious salesmen, greedy corporate leaders, power-hungry politicians, and social engineers—not to mention "community organizers." At any real or manufactured crisis, from ring-around-the-collar to the threat of world war, these elevate the problem in order to swoop in as trusted rescuers.

Living Stones Series: First Published in All Around Old Bridge Publication – February 2022, Pastor Lloyd Pulley

When the desire to be loved trumps the sacrifice of loving another, then all that is left is the pure selfish desire for one’s own best—in short, the opposite of love, which is unbridled lust. And lust is self-seeking in all of its intentions as it lives for the pleasure and gain of only itself, disregarding the good of any it may use to fulfil its needs.

The only safe place for the wonderful warming fires of romance is to contain them in the fireplace of commitment with thoughtfulness and self-denial out of concern for your beloved. Love is intentional in seeking its object’s highest good.

Living Stones Series: First Published in All Around Old Bridge Publication – January 2022, Pastor Lloyd Pulley

People are much more gullible than you can imagine. A proposed ban of the substance Dihydrogen Monoxide (http://www.dhmo.org/facts.html) claimed:

1. It can cause excessive sweating and vomiting.
2. It can cause severe burns in its gaseous state.
3. Accidental inhalation CAN BE FATAL.

86% signed to support a ban on the chemical, while 12% declined. Only 2% knew that the chemical was simply water—H2O!

Living Stones Series: First Published in All Around Old Bridge Publication – December 2021, Pastor Lloyd Pulley

But as fascinating as creation is, it is impersonal! Yes, "The heavens declare the glory of God," says the psalmist in Psalm 19:1, and science can be applied in searching out the works of our Creator. We can learn all of the "what’s" and the "how’s" of God through the things He has made. But what science cannot reveal is the "why’s" of God. To discover God's moral attributes—such as his love, mercy, kindness, holiness, and justice—we need revelation knowledge which is not discoverable by human wisdom and intelligence.

The Bible is God's revelation of His nature and character to man. It unveils why we are here, why we need salvation, and why God sent His Son, Jesus Christ. All throughout the Bible we learn that Jesus came to reveal to us what God is like; not just His power, but His love and justice as well. Beyond what we learn about God from creation, the pages of Scripture reveal God is merciful and loving. From the Bible we learn that Jesus revealed to us the very heart of God, because He is God!

Living Stones Series: First Published in All Around Old Bridge Publication – November 2021, Pastor Lloyd Pulley

The wife of one of my college mentors, Carolyn Mack, was the inspiration behind the contents in this article.

There seems to be two versions of America, and perhaps we can see why in America’s two beginnings.

Headed for the "New World" in the 17th century, two very different groups of adventurers left England for the promise of a new life in a new land across the ocean.

Living Stones Series: First Published in All Around Old Bridge Publication – October 2021, Pastor Lloyd Pulley

There was a story of a marina looking for a hired hand. A thin old man came to apply, but looked ill-equipped for the heavy task of ensuring the large boats were secure. When asked of his experience he said, "Well, I can sleep when the wind blows." Though puzzled by his answer, the desperate manager hired him.

One night a storm came and panicked the manager as he hurried to assess the damage. Nearby the other marina’s boats were adrift in the bay, yet he was surprised to find every one of his boats safely protected by extra buoys, covered, and secured fast to the dock. The manager then understood what the man meant when he said "I can sleep when the wind blows." He was well-prepared ahead of time.

Living Stones Series: First Published in All Around Old Bridge Publication – September 2021, Pastor Lloyd Pulley

On the morning of September 11, 2001, tragedy struck as the reality of terrorism pierced through the fragile and proud belief system that America was safe from enemy attack. At 8:46am, the World Trade Center’s North Tower was hit by a hijacked plane, and 17 minutes later the South Tower was hit by another one.

Twenty years have passed since we woke up to this world-changing event. The day is one forever etched in my mind as I recall gathering for our church staff meeting, receiving the call, and turning on the TV just as the second plane struck. I can recall saying to all who were there: "Today our ministry has changed. No more business as usual." We pooled all of our resources and focused all our efforts on ministering to the hurting, both within and without the church.

Living Stones Series: First Published in All Around Old Bridge Publication – August 2021, Pastor Lloyd Pulley

There is no question sheep are vulnerable animals and not incredibly bright! They wander off no matter how excellent the pasture is, and if enclosed by a fence, they will long for grass on the other side. Even the danger of a cliff will not deter them! With full fleece and muddied wool, a sheep fallen on its back will die, unable to right itself. One renegade sheep can lead a whole flock into grave danger, as they are very prone to follow. Neither do they have any natural defenses against predators. In short, they need a shepherd who cares for them, or else they will be in great danger.

Living Stones Series: First Published in All Around Old Bridge Publication – July 2021, Pastor Lloyd Pulley

Deep within the human heart, there lies a longing to know who we are, what our significance is, and for what purpose we were created. There is no end to the philosophical and psychological theories, not to mention the plethora of religions and various "isms." With these questions left unsatisfactorily answered by the efforts and intellects through history, where does one turn for the truth?

Living Stones Series: First Published in All Around Old Bridge Publication – June 2021, Pastor Lloyd Pulley

Centuries ago, a pleasure-driven, sexualized culture prevailed in a major Grecian city in the Roman world called Corinth. This city was proverbial. To be "corinthian-ized" was to be given over to a promiscuous lifestyle and sensual pleasure-seeking, as even their worship consisted of State-promoted temple prostitution.

Ultimately every civilization driven by pleasure is already on the decline. The human energy and capital which could be focused on altruistic pursuits of family and charity dissipate when focused on every destructive form of pleasing oneself. Today this ancient city of Corinth is an archaeological site, a mere heap of ruins only frequented by curious tourists who note its mention in the Bible. The Apostle Paul spent three years with the Corinthian believers and later wrote two letters (in the Bible) to help them understand their eternal position and to teach them to put their gratification for pleasure in its God-given place.

Living Stones Series: First Published in All Around Old Bridge Publication – May 2021, Pastor Lloyd Pulley

In August 2005, Hurricane Katrina made landfall in Louisiana causing over 50 failures of the levees and flood walls protecting New Orleans. The vulnerabilities of these protections of the city were well known. Money had been allocated for their maintenance, but it was spent elsewhere. And when the unprecedented storm ravished the area, the water breached the walls and destroyed the weakened levees, causing billions in damage in flooding.

America is facing a different kind of storm today. A moral one! Moral levees are greatly weakened, and if not maintained, will wreak far greater damage. As some have expressed, America can only be great if Americans continue to be good. Having been born on a rich Bible tradition (the only textbook in schools for over 100 years in the early days), Americans had a healthy regard for God and the principles of His Word. The hearts of people filled and revived by God overflowed to other nations. We were a beacon of hope to the world.

Living Stones Series: First Published in All Around Old Bridge Publication – April 2021, Pastor Lloyd Pulley

Suicide is a devastating cause of death and has significantly risen within this past year due to COVID and subsequent isolation. The level of hopelessness, depression, and discouragement became overwhelming. All the potential that life brings is gone forever, and a world of regret, sadness, and guilt for loved ones to bear, is left behind. It is lifesaving to recognize the signs that someone may be suicidal. A simple search online yields numerous lists of what to look for to familiarize yourself with these signs. Offering understanding and hope to one so suffering could mean the difference between life and death.

Living Stones Series: First Published in All Around Old Bridge Publication – March 2021, Pastor Lloyd Pulley

Being subjects to a king, one must do as they are told. There are orders to follow, commands to obey. For the Christian, our Creator is King—and it is imperative that we obey the commandments given us. They are not merely suggestions!

Being citizens of a republic, one is expected to be watchful and wary of their leaders, that they do not deviate from the guiding documents. Each citizen is to hold authorities accountable, even to the point of rebellion if needed.

Today in America, many have this reversed. They have become subjects, rather than citizens, of the government. Christians quote Romans 13 as if what was meant for believers in a dictatorship applies the same in a republic. They view themselves as citizens of God’s Kingdom, yet selectively decide what they feel like doing in regard to His moral laws.