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Our society glorifies immoral behavior and tears down any who try to uphold traditional Christian morals. But no power can muzzle the truth of God's word: not the government, not the president, not Google, Facebook or Twitter. The words of the Bible are like no other. They bring hope to the hopeless, peace where there is turmoil, and mercy for condemnation. Reading God's Word will change your life and our world is hungry for this truth! Scripture mentioned in this episode: John 6:63 https://bit.ly/3jUZD8G It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. Isaiah 55:10-11 https://bit.ly/37hxH9S "For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it." Matthew 24:35 https://bit.ly/2OxUp6W Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. Romans 1:16 https://bit.ly/3ucqHoC For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. John 8:31-32 https://bit.ly/3b6z1xn So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” Resources Mentioned in this Episode How To Stop Using Google Search On Your Computer And Phone https://bit.ly/3jTKxzW Google controls what the vast majority of the world finds on the internet. Being put at the top of the Google results for search is not only immensely lucrative, it is also almost mind-bogglingly powerful in global affairs. Since 2016, according to multiple reports, Google’s algorithm has been increasingly manipulated to bury and elevate specific information, especially politically charged information. "You have made us for yourself, oh Lord, and our heart is restless until it finds its rest in you." - St. Augustine "Say thank you in advance for what’s already yours." - Denzel Washington https://bit.ly/3b9elVt Download the Brave web browser for free! (an alternative to Chrome, FireFox, Safari and Internet Explorer) It Blocks invasive ads & trackers, Shows you how many trackers were blocked, Loads content, sites, & games faster, Chromium based - all your Chrome extensions work. https://brave.com/ Duck Duck Go search engine: Tired of being tracked online? Not only does Google keep your search history forever by default, their trackers have been found on 75% of the top million websites, which means they are tracking most everywhere you go on the Internet (unless you stop them with DuckDuckGo!). And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Use Duck Duck Go for all your internet searching needs! https://duckduckgo.com/ Remember, there are two kinds of fire in the world: One that burns and consumes and one that burns and empowers. May God's word and God's love burn brightly in you, giving you the strength to face any fire. Until next time, little embers! Thru the Fire is a production of Family Vision Media, a non-profit ministry committed to helping Christian parents discern the truth in a culture of lies. Contact the Seltzes: Candescent Counseling and Coaching: https://cccc-usa.com/ By phone: 714-381-2266 Lutheran Center for Religious Freedom: https://lcrlfreedom.org/ Connect with Family Vision Media: www.FamilyVisionMedia.org www.Facebook.com/FamilyVisionMedia www.Twitter.com/FamVisionMedia Find more encouragement and information on our blog: https://familyvisionmedia.org/category/fvm/ Questions? E-mail us! hello@familyvisionmedia.org

TIV (Tendency of Interpersonal Victimhood) is an "enduring feeling that the self is a victim across different kinds of interpersonal relationships." This constant perception of victimhood forces a person into a position of prolonged helplessness, never being held responsible for their own circumstances. It encourages inward focus on problems, fostering grudges and desire for vindication, and blinding a person to possible solutions. This mindset is incredibly harmful and destructive and is the opposite of how God wants us to see ourselves! Even true victims can call on God's strength to re-frame their situation. The world is a sinful and destructive place, but the Bible tells us that NOTHING can separate us from God!! How can we help our kids take ownership of their life, learn to empathize with those around them, and ultimately fight the lie of victimhood with the truth of our victory in Christ? Scripture mentioned in this episode: Romans 8:37-39 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Parable of the Talents, Matthew 25:14-30 https://bit.ly/3a7O6iJ Romans 8:28https://bit.ly/2Z6XtJq And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. Recommended Resources The tendency for interpersonal victimhood: The personality construct and its consequences by Rahav Gabay and Boaz Hameiri https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0191886920303238 Stacy on the Right: https://www.StacyOnTheRight.com Remember, there are two kinds of fire in the world: One that burns and consumes and one that burns and empowers. May God's word and God's love burn brightly in you, giving you the strength to face any fire. Until next time, little embers! Thru the Fire is a production of Family Vision Media, a non-profit ministry committed to helping Christian parents discern the truth in a culture of lies. Contact the Seltzes: Candescent Counseling and Coaching: https://cccc-usa.com/ By phone: 714-381-2266 Lutheran Center for Religious Freedom: https://lcrlfreedom.org/ Connect with Family Vision Media: www.FamilyVisionMedia.org www.Facebook.com/FamilyVisionMedia www.Twitter.com/FamVisionMedia Find more encouragement and information on our blog: https://familyvisionmedia.org/category/fvm/ Questions? E-mail us! hello@familyvisionmedia.org

Title IX educational amendment of 1972 prohibited sex discrimination in federally funded education programs. It gave girls and women a fair and equal chance to compete. Today, title IX protections, meant to honor and protect girls, is being overturned. His first day in office, Biden signed an executive order that claims to prevent and combat discrimination on the basis of gender identity or sexual orientation, but what it really does is discriminate against biological females. This order proves what we've been expecting: The Biden administration is going to prioritize forcing schools to allow biological males to compete in women's sports and allow them to access women's private spaces. This executive order infringes on the rights of our biological girls. It assaults them physically and psychologically. It puts our girls' dignity is at stake. It means that young, biological girls, who are at the very vulnerable stage of development socially will be forced to disrobe in front of young, biological boys. We're sacrificing them for the sake of another struggle - and that is ethically wrong. Rather than give them the message that they matter, we're delivering the message that they are less-than. The effects of this order on our educational system should be a concern to everyone - but if you don't have kids in school, don't check out, because this executive order will effect everyone in some way: -The privacy of single-sex bathrooms will be effected. -Faith-based organizations that are government grantees or contractors will be effected. -It will force hospitals to disregard medical science. -It will force business owners to act against their own consciences. -And so much more. Boys are girls are different. That difference is designed by God. It is beautiful and should be celebrated, protected and honored. Recommended Resources Florida School Board Keeps Policy Pushing Male Coach to Supervise Undressing Girl https://thefederalist.com/2019/01/24/fla-school-board-keeps-policy-pushing-male-coach-supervise-undressing-girl/ Good Morning Britain: Do Transgender Athletes Have an Advantage in Female Sporting Events? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I75kfAVF64A Remember, there are two kinds of fire in the world: One that burns and consumes and one that burns and empowers. May God's word and God's love burn brightly in you, giving you the strength to face any fire. Until next time, little embers! Thru the Fire is a production of Family Vision Media, a non-profit ministry committed to helping Christian parents discern the truth in a culture of lies. Contact the Seltzes: Candescent Counseling and Coaching: https://cccc-usa.com/ By phone: 714-381-2266 Lutheran Center for Religious Freedom: https://lcrlfreedom.org/ Connect with Family Vision Media: www.FamilyVisionMedia.org www.Facebook.com/FamilyVisionMedia www.Twitter.com/FamVisionMedia Find more encouragement and information on our blog: https://familyvisionmedia.org/category/fvm/ Questions? E-mail us! hello@familyvisionmedia.org

Biden signed 17 executive orders on inauguration day - the most signed on any president's first day. Each one demonstrated his intolerance of any dissent concerning his attack on religious liberty, elimination of the notion of gender, and his uncompromising views on abortion on demand: Advocating fundamentally immoral policy, while claiming to holding himself to a higher moral authority. The Pro-Life movement is not just "Anti-Aobrtion," but spreads the beautiful message that life is sacred. It is God's first gift to every person. It stands to protect our right to live that sacred life each day to its fullest. Dignity and the sanctity of life are fundamental, foundational truths to a civil society. US bishops urge Biden to reject abortion rights after 'deeply disturbing' statement https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/us-bishops-urge-biden-to-reject-abortion-rights-after-deeply-disturbing-statement-80985 March for Life https://marchforlife.org/ National Right to Life https://www.nrlc.org/ Lutheran's for Life https://lutheransforlife.org Lutheran Center for Religious Freedom https://lcrlfreedom.org/ Remember, there are two kinds of fire in the world: One that burns and consumes and one that burns and empowers. May God's word and God's love burn brightly in you, giving you the strength to face any fire. Until next time, little embers! Thru the Fire is a production of Family Vision Media, a non-profit ministry committed to helping Christian parents discern the truth in a culture of lies. Contact the Seltzes: Candescent Counseling and Coaching: https://cccc-usa.com/ By phone: 714-381-2266 Connect with Family Vision Media: www.FamilyVisionMedia.org www.Facebook.com/FamilyVisionMedia www.Twitter.com/FamVisionMedia Find more encouragement and information on our blog: https://familyvisionmedia.org/category/fvm/ Questions? E-mail us! hello@familyvisionmedia.org

What causes estrangement between parents and children? And what are the effects of estrangement on our society? We're all sinful people, we all make mistakes, but we're still called to be the best parents, and the best children, that we can be. Estrangement from those we love is a source of great pain. How do we heal from that pain and move toward reconciliation? Reconciliation comes when we love unconditionally, forgive others fully, and seek forgiveness for our own shortcomings with humility. When two people are estranged, they must both be able to have empathy and see things from the other's perspective. As Christians, we know that only God's love is perfect and able to forgive fully. When we put the love of God to work in our relationships, we're able to love with God's love. We can heal, we can move forward, we can find reconciliation. Scripture mentioned in this episode Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. John 13:35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends. Resources mentioned in this episode A Shift in American Family Values Is Fueling Estrangement, by Joshua Coleman https://www.drjoshuacoleman.com/post/a-shift-in-american-family-values-is-fueling-estrangement When Parents Hurt, by Joshua Coleman https://www.harpercollins.com/products/when-parents-hurt-joshua-coleman?variant=32123000750114 Rules of Engagement, by Joshua Coleman https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/622584/rules-of-estrangement-by-joshua-coleman-phd/ Educated: A Memoir, by Tara Westover https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/550168/educated-by-tara-westover/ Remember, there are two kinds of fire in the world: One that burns and consumes and one that burns and empowers. May God's word and God's love burn brightly in you, giving you the strength to face any fire. Until next time, little embers! Thru the Fire is a production of Family Vision Media, a non-profit ministry committed to helping Christian parents discern the truth in a culture of lies. Contact the Seltzes: Candescent Counseling and Coaching: https://cccc-usa.com/ By phone: 714-381-2266 Connect with Family Vision Media: www.FamilyVisionMedia.org www.Facebook.com/FamilyVisionMedia www.Twitter.com/FamVisionMedia Find more encouragement and information on our blog: https://familyvisionmedia.org/category/fvm/ Questions? E-mail us! hello@familyvisionmedia.org This post may contain affiliate links. We appreciate your support!

Schools have become war zones. Some are unsafe spaces where overt physical acts of violence are regular occurrences. Others have become centers where children are indoctrinated with liberal ideals rather than places to learn reading, writing and arithmetic. Parents have the ultimate authority to raise and educate their children into mature adults. What happens when the educator begins to take the place of the parent? What happens when parents aren't even allowed to see the curriculum being taught? What happens when the values of our faith are attacked and devalued in the education of our children? It's time to take back the responsibility of "training our children the way in which they should go!" What can we do? Teach your children to think critically. Children will naturally development attachments to their teachers. They grow to trust them as a parental figure. Because not everything they hear in school is true, parents must teach their children to think critically and the apply the scripture to any and all ideas presented to them. Get involved in schools and fight for your right to choose what your children are learning. If we don't, the government will gain more power and it will become harder for parents to actually raise their children. When parents take responsibility for the education of their children, great things can happen for you, your family, your children. The country of tomorrow is being taught in the classroom today. We need to understand that there are people who want to tear our children away from what is Biblically right, wholesome, virtuous, and instill in them some radical view of what it means to be a human being today. We can not let that happen. The consequences are too great. Our kids are too precious to leave them to this fate. Scripture mentioned in this episode Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from Resources mentioned in this episode The First Amendment to the Constitution Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. Remember, there are two kinds of fire in the world: One that burns and consumes and one that burns and empowers. May God's word and God's love burn brightly in you, giving you the strength to face any fire. Until next time, little embers! Thru the Fire is a production of Family Vision Media, a non-profit ministry committed to helping Christian parents discern the truth in a culture of lies. Contact the Seltzes: Candescent Counseling and Coaching: https://cccc-usa.com/ By phone: 714-381-2266 Connect with Family Vision Media: www.FamilyVisionMedia.org www.Facebook.com/FamilyVisionMedia www.Twitter.com/FamVisionMedia Find more encouragement and information on our blog: https://familyvisionmedia.org/category/fvm/ Questions? E-mail us! hello@familyvisionmedia.org This post may contain affiliate links. We appreciate your support!

Are Christians out of step with what's going on in the world? Or do we view things from a different perspective? We know that what's happening now is temporary and that God can and will use it for eternal good. How do we respond to what's going on in the world with love, truth AND grace? If we are in-step with God, we will often feel out of step with the world... But that's OK - because we are calling the world to be in step with God. C.S. Lewis said, "You can't get second things by putting them first. You get second things only by putting first things first." When the big issues of life hit - we go back to church FIRST, we get on our knees FIRST. Connecting to Christ, remember who we belong to - that's our source of power, joy, identity and peace. We will never be able to solve the problems of our sinful world, but God can. God's people must turn to HIM! What can we do? We MUST return to church. God's people are made to worship Him in community and we have the liberty to do so. Be safe, follow guidelines as necessary, but we belong in the house of God.  We MUST be on our knees in prayer. We will go through seasons when it seems God is not listening and that our prayers are not being answered. Remember that God answers prayer in His perfect timing, and even when we don't see the answers we want, God uses prayer to change us.  We MUST be in the Word. Fill your mind with God's eternal perspective! If we are out of step with the world, it's OK - as long as we are in-step with Him.  We MUST give God priority in our life. When we put God first, we have the power and strength to face anything we may encounter in our day. Scripture mentioned in this episode Ecclesiastes 3:11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man's heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end. 1 Corinthians 1:26-31 For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” Galatians 4:4-7 But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God. Psalm 31:15 My times are in your hand; rescue me from the hand of my enemies and from my persecutors! C.S. Lewis Quote: You can't get second things by putting them first. You get second things only by putting first things first. Remember, there are two kinds of fire in the world: One that burns and consumes and one that burns and empowers. May God's word and God's love burn brightly in you, giving you the strength to face any fire. Until next time, little embers! Thru the Fire is a production of Family Vision Media, a non-profit ministry committed to helping Christian parents discern the truth in a culture of lies. Contact the Seltzes: Candescent Counseling and Coaching: https://cccc-usa.com/ By phone: 657-325-8635 Connect with Family Vision Media: www.FamilyVisionMedia.org www.Facebook.com/FamilyVisionMedia www.Twitter.com/FamVisionMedia Find more encouragement and information on our blog: https://familyvisionmedia.org/category/fvm/ Questions? E-mail us! hello@familyvisionmedia.org This post may contain affiliate links. We appreciate your support!

There's no doubt we'd all like 2021 to bring some normalcy and hope back to our lives. Is there anything to be gained by reflecting on the past year? For many of us, reflecting on 2020 makes us feel frustrated, powerless, and overwhelmed with disappointments. What if you don't have the energy or strength to look back, let alone look forward? Sometimes God allows our strength to be completely depleted so that we will rely on HIS strength. In this week's episode, Greg and Marie show you how to turn our reflections on last year into a blessing for the new year. Scripture mentioned in this episode 2 Timothy 4:6-18 For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing. Do your best to come to me soon. For Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia. Luke alone is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is very useful to me for ministry. Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus. When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, also the books, and above all the parchments. Alexander the coppersmith did me great harm; the Lord will repay him according to his deeds. Beware of him yourself, for he strongly opposed our message. At my first defense no one came to stand by me, but all deserted me. May it not be charged against them! But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion's mouth. The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen. John 1:14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son[a] from the Father, full of grace and truth. Psalm 23:4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Remember, there are two kinds of fire in the world: One that burns and consumes and one that burns and empowers. May God's word and God's love burn brightly in you, giving you the strength to face any fire. Until next time, little embers! Thru the Fire is a production of Family Vision Media, a non-profit ministry committed to helping Christian parents discern the truth in a culture of lies. Contact the Seltzes: Candescent Counseling and Coaching: https://cccc-usa.com/ By phone: 657-325-8635 Connect with Family Vision Media: www.FamilyVisionMedia.org www.Facebook.com/FamilyVisionMedia www.Twitter.com/FamVisionMedia Find more encouragement and information on our blog: https://familyvisionmedia.org/category/fvm/ Questions? E-mail us! hello@familyvisionmedia.org This post may contain affiliate links. We appreciate your support!

If we truly believe that Christmas is about more than giving gifts, gathering with family, and twinkling lights, then no power on earth can keep THIS Christmas from being the BEST Christmas ever! Resources mentioned in this episode: The Man Who Saved Christmas Remember, there are two kinds of fire in the world: One that burns and consumes and one that burns and empowers. May God's word and God's love burn brightly in you, giving you the strength to face any fire. Until next time, little embers! Thru the Fire is a production of Family Vision Media, a non-profit ministry committed to helping Christian parents discern the truth in a culture of lies. Contact the Seltzes: Candescent Counseling and Coaching: https://cccc-usa.com/ By phone: 714-381-2266 Connect with Family Vision Media: www.FamilyVisionMedia.org www.Facebook.com/FamilyVisionMedia www.Twitter.com/FamVisionMedia Find more encouragement and information on our blog: https://familyvisionmedia.org/category/fvm/ Questions? E-mail us! hello@familyvisionmedia.org This post may contain affiliate links. We appreciate your support!

Technology has significantly altered our lives. When the very creators of smart-phones and social media platforms severely limit how much time their children spend on devices, it should raise a red flag. Studies show that too much screen time can be damaging, yet the average kid has a smart-phone starting at age 10. As parents, we should be asking questions that will help us use these tools wisely and not allow them to become a distraction from more important things. What are the effects of too much exposure to devices and social media? How much time is too much time? What can we do for ourselves and our children to combat smart-phone dependency? God calls us to love our neighbors. This means we are to live in community and be in relationship with the people around us. When smart-phones distract us from forming and cultivating relationships, they not only hinder us from fulfilling God's call on our lives but also encourage inward, self-focus. When we expose our children to this technology, we may think we're giving them access to information and entertainment, but we also set them up to be distracted from the beautiful world that God created for us to enjoy. Scripture mentioned in this episode: Psalm 14:1 The fool says in his heart, "There is no God." They are corrupt, they do abominable deeds; there is none who does good. Luke 10:27 And he answered, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself." Deuteronomy 8:3 And he humbled you and let you hunger and fed you with manna, which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, that he might make you know that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord. Resources mentioned in this episode: Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community by Robert D. Putnam https://amzn.to/2IA2BB2 Remember, there are two kinds of fire in the world: One that burns and consumes and one that burns and empowers. May God's word and God's love burn brightly in you, giving you the strength to face any fire. Until next time, little embers! Thru the Fire is a production of Family Vision Media, a non-profit ministry committed to helping Christian parents discern the truth in a culture of lies. Contact the Seltzes: Candescent Counseling and Coaching: https://cccc-usa.com/ By phone: 714-381-2266 Connect with Family Vision Media: www.FamilyVisionMedia.org www.Facebook.com/FamilyVisionMedia www.Twitter.com/FamVisionMedia Find more encouragement and information on our blog: https://familyvisionmedia.org/category/fvm/ Questions? E-mail us! hello@familyvisionmedia.org This post may contain affiliate links. We appreciate your support!

As parents, it's our responsibility to advocate for our children. But when the culture censors the church and Christian parents, we are stripped of our parental right to equip our children to know right from wrong. - Do not let your voice be silenced! Do NOT leave your kids vulnerable to the lies of this world. It's considered "normal" for 13-year-olds to own a smartphone and access social media apps such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Despite the data that shows a strong correlation between the iPhone release in 2007 and the onset of girls experiencing anxiety and depression due to unhealthy comparison facilitated by social media. Without parental involvement and coaching, this so-called "harmless rite of passage" can leave our children vulnerable to the very culture that finds offense in our Christian values and is actively trying to silence them. The culture tells our children that same-sex relationships and transgenderism are normal and acceptable. Some state medical licensing boards have adopted "affirmative care," which requires doctors to affirm gender self-diagnosis. Testosterone hormone therapy to assist in gender transition ensues. The short-term side effects are pleasant (weight loss, sense of euphoria, and anxiety suppression) and can further affirm the diagnosis. -- However, this treatment path is irreversible, and allowing a child to make this decision at an age when they can not be expected to understand the consequences is heinous! Does this mean that Christians hate transgender people? Absolutely not. We can refuse to condone behavior in love, without shaming or condemning. But we must be allowed to advocate for our children. We can not trust the culture to be the head of our family. Scripture mentioned in this episode: Exodus 20:12 “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you. 1 Thessalonians 5:21 "...but test everything; hold fast what is good." 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. 4For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ. Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Isaiah 55:8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. Resources mentioned in this episode: Irreversible Damage: The Transgender Craze Seducing Our Daughters by Abigail Shrier Get Out Now: Why You Should Pull Your Child from Public School Before It's Too Late by Mary Rice Hasson and Theresa Farnan Remember, there are two kinds of fire in the world: One that burns and consumes and one that burns and empowers. May God's word and God's love burn brightly in you, giving you the strength to face any fire. Until next time, little embers! Thru the Fire is a production of Family Vision Media, a non-profit ministry committed to helping Christian parents discern the truth in a culture of lies. If you or someone you love is struggling with gender dysphoria, please contact us; we would love to talk with you! Contact the Seltzes: Candescent Counseling and Coaching: https://cccc-usa.com/ By phone: 714-381-2266 Connect with Family Vision Media: www.FamilyVisionMedia.org www.Facebook.com/FamilyVisionMedia www.Twitter.com/FamVisionMedia Find more encouragement and information on our blog: https://familyvisionmedia.org/category/fvm/ Questions? E-mail us! hello@familyvisionmedia.org This post contains affiliate links. We appreciate your support!

"Be thankful for what you have." -- Most of us have heard this familiar phrase from a well-meaning friend at some point. The problem with this advice is that it turns our attention inward, toward our possessions. The world wants us to focus on what we have or don't have, but self-focus is thankless by nature. Studies show that acquiring more things and greater material wealth doesn't make us more content. In fact, the more we have, the more we want. As Christians, this kind of consumerism warps our view of God into our own personal Santa. The Bible reminds us repeatedly to give thanks and rejoice - why? Because God is good. When Christ is the source of our joy and contentment, we can live our lives for others. Our joy increases, and worry, fear, and doubt decrease. Scripture mentioned in this episode: 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18 Philippians 4:4-5 Matthew 6:25-34 Remember, there are two kinds of fire in the world: One that burns and consumes and one that burns and empowers. May God's word and God's love burn brightly in you, giving you the strength to face any fire. Until next time, little embers! Thru the Fire is a production of Family Vision Media. Connect with us: www.FamilyVisionMedia.org www.Facebook.com/FamilyVisionMedia www.Twitter.com/FamVisionMedia Find more encouragement and information on our blog: https://familyvisionmedia.org/category/fvm/ Questions? E-mail us! hello@familyvisionmedia.org

The 2020 presidential election has been one of the strangest in history. Would Christians be shocked to know that their religious liberties were the main item on the ballot? In a culture that is more and more aggressively antagonistic to the Christian worldview, how can we be prepared to defend our voice? Did Christians really know what they were voting for? Were they merely voting for the nice guy versus the mean guy? Why didn’t they know? Ignorance of politics can leadto the loss of liberty. Why aren’t pastors more active from the pulpit linking the Bible to politics so their congregants are better informed? The movement within the church to limit discussion of politics while not understanding how that causes the loss of freedom of speech and religion. Response to Tim Keller's statement that there was no moral difference between the party platforms, and how he ignored the sanctity of life. How pastors confuse issues or ignore them completely. Our role as Christians is to be the moral voice to speak to government and against government when it goes off track. In spite of government, the prolife movement is making great inroads. Let the church be the church. Both the church and the government have their role. Candidate personalities and how it impacts voting. How we confuse our arguments as Christians when discussing politics while persuading other Christians. The problem we have in this country is our expectation of government and what role we want it play in our lives -- and, how this leads to feelings of anxiety as we are under attack.

Courage is the ability to move forward in the face of adversity, even when it requires moving toward our fears. In this episode, Marie & Greg Seltz talk about how courage requires love, and love requires an outward focus. Selfishness smothers that courage and allows fear to bind us. Only when we put our faith in God and allow Him to guide our actions, can we break free from fear. Christ is our example: He courageously took on the yoke of our sins so that we have the strength to be courageous for others. If we’ve lost our courage as an individual or as a society, how do we take off this spirit of fear and selfishness? Points to Consider: Courage today looks very different than in the past. Why is that? In the movie Hacksaw Ridge, the main character, a Seventh Day Adventist, served others in battle as a medic while upholding his commitment to his faith and the commandment, “Thou Shalt Not Kill.” What are the consequences of our selfishness? Selfless people can be more courageous Are you connected to your life’s purpose as a Christian? When facing difficult circumstances, we often have a fight or flight reflex. It takes intention and a habit of selflessness to face adversity with courage. Why does our culture value celebrity more highly than courage? Courage is about who you are…not who they are. What does it look like to be courageous in marriage, family, or work? How and when did things change in our society and our learning system? How have "Participation Awards," instead of recognizing a student's talents and abilities, affected the spirit of courage? Have you been inspired by the courage of others? How might God use your courage to inspire others? Fearlessness comes out of our relationship with God. When we're rooted in that, we can find the strength to be courageous. The Love of God is sufficient; How does that affect our attitude toward and response to adversity? (Romans 8)

For many of us, the holiday season means family gatherings and conversations. What do you do when political issues come up? You may be tempted to avoid these discussions altogether, but Christians need to engage and share the truth in love. In this episode of Thru the Fire, the Seltzes help us understand why these conversations can be difficult and give some practical help to keep the tone respectful and loving. Topics covered in today's episode: Our relationship with the people we're talking to is more important than the conversation. The proposed Equality Act and what it means for ministries, charities, churches and Christians. Are these acts nothing more than a means by which to muzzle Christians and biblical morality How do Christians push back against such acts and still speak truth? When discussing government-mandated changes to anti-discrimination laws Christians must: Think critically about such issues Research the issues Be able to disagree with but not disregard the concerns of the opposition Invite our adolescent and young adult children into the discussions Demonstrate Biblical perspective Remember that our identity as a society lies in our creator, not government-mandated behavior Understand that our system of government with all of its checks and balances was formed by our founding fathers because they understood that humans are depraved Finally, it’s important for parents to instill a sense of respect for their elders in their children because those elders have incredible wisdom gleaned from their life experiences that should not be easily dismissed. Thru the Fire is produced by Family Vision Media. For more information, visit ww.familyvisionmedia.org

In this episode of Thru the Fire, Dr. Marie Seltz and Dr. Greg Seltz examine why it seems families and family values, traditional and otherwise, are under attack in our culture. The Family has been devalued. They discuss the history of the degradation of families in America, some of the reasons for it, and what they witnessed serving in urban missions in some of the country's roughest neighborhoods. But, more significantly, they consider how we can reverse this destructive cultural and societal trend and how to bring back families as God intended them to exist. Why have families come under attack in our culture, causing dysfunction and separation? What has led to the loss of traditional families? Extended families no longer live together under the same roof, and that has caused problems Generations are not passing down traditions, morays, manners, and morals down to younger generations Kids don't hear the family's stories through the generations -so families don't mean as much to most kids. The Women's Movement changed families, though those changes often ran afoul of God's teaching Women were no longer reliant upon the husband's income, and their freedom of movement has led to children being under the constant pressure of displacement The parental focus changed from children to individual values of adult fulfillment. Children will have to adapt instead of adult parents having to adapt to the needs of the children. Love points away from the individual (selflessness), sin points towards the individual (selfishness) Personal experience: The Seltzes explain what they saw happening in society while serving in urban missions around the country: How Societal and cultural freedom separated families and led to a disrespect of the family A family name and a family's reputation used to keep children inline The government started instituting policies that were/are anti-family Broken families brought about by separation and divorce forced fathers from the home Through divorce, the courts lowered the expectations of fathers to the barest minimum. Technology is another significant factor that has altered to the family experience in the home: Technology and the easy access to it has further divided families. We don't sit in the same rooms together, watching one TV show or gathering around the table for meals. What the Bible Says About Families Bible and what it says about family identity-"honor thy father and mother." Families were created by God to help us share and practice His love for us. Stable societies are built upon the Family, the Church, and the Government. In our culture, two essential foundations of civil society are missing in many people's lives: Solid families and the Church. What can we do? Family needs to come first again, then the church, then the government. Building Stronger Families can help us share our love and find our identity. Families find solutions and manage crisis Society and the Church need to find ways to love, support and strengthen families. The church needs to model what the family should look like and welcome broken families into the church family.

Do you struggle with political correctness while conversing with friends and family? Are you afraid for yourself and your children with the onset of the Cancel Culture in our society? Do you feel like we’re losing our right to speak freely? How do you reach people for Christ when every moral discussion comes into question? On this episode of Thru the Fire, the husband and wife duo Dr. Marie Seltz and Dr. Gregory Seltz discuss the dangers of Political Correctness and how it has morphed into the Cancel Culture. We have moved from a society of “I don’t want to hear certain truths” to the point of “you can’t say that, and if you do, we’ll punish you!” How did this happen? Why have we moved so far, so fast? The Seltzes examine how technology has contributed to groupthink at the expense of the individual thought. We all seem to cater to groups and groupthink when, in reality, we are individuals in the eyes of God. Young people feel empowered to assemble and join groups without any accountability or individual responsibility because technology allows them to remain mostly anonymous. What are the causes of the cancel culture phenomenon? Finally, the Seltzes provide some practical insight into how we can combat the cancel culture and political correctness. It starts in the home with parents who intentionally nurture a deep love and understanding of who God is and train their children to be responsible, accountable individuals who will stand firm in their faith. Groupthink and the exemption of personal responsibility are popular lies spread in our culture today. By viewing everything through the lens of Biblical authority, you will give your child the ability to discern truth, so they will not be susceptible to these lies. Resources: Resurrection Freedom: God's Power to Change Life's Challenges