It’s no secret that the wicked revile and mock the righteous. When believers teach that Jesus is the sole Savior of sinners, or that the wicked should repent of their evil deeds and hope in Christ, they can incur the wrath of the unrighteous. When believers hold forth the goodness of God’s commands about life, marriage, sexuality, children, dignity, and integrity, they can provoke the ire of evildoers. The biblical authors recognize this reality, so we shouldn’t be surprised when it happens. Wicked people love the darkness, so they scorn those who walk in the light. But this scorn is temporary. The biblical authors see further down the road, and they tell what the future holds. Our mourning shall turn to dancing. Our sorrow shall turn to joy. Our lament shall turn to laughter. And I don’t mean frivolous, lighthearted, or occasional laughter. I mean the kind of laughter that’s deep, lasting, and gratifying. Sober Warning of Judgment According to Proverbs 29:2, “When the wicked rule, the people groan.” And that groaning is understandable. When the wicked are in power, life becomes difficult. God’s ways are ignored, sinful deeds are pursued, and God’s people are opposed. When the wicked rule, people get hurt, the vulnerable are oppressed, the poor are exploited, and the defenseless get overlooked. When the wicked rule, foolishness reigns. When the wicked rule, the situation doesn’t feel like blessing; it feels like misery. When the wicked rule, the situation doesn’t feel like blessing; it feels like misery. But their rule is temporary. But their rule is temporary. Despite how intractable and invincible the wicked seem, God will bring them down. Sometimes we live to see it happen. Other times we must remember that the final judgment will make all things right. The Bible’s warning to the wicked, nevertheless, is that their plans will fail and their judgment is certain. In Psalm 52:5, David says to the wicked, “God will break you down forever; he will snatch and tear you from your tent; he will uproot you from the land of the living.” The imagery is jarring, isn’t it? The words communicate suddenness and permanency. If the people groan when the wicked rule, how do they respond when the wicked are removed? In particular, how will the righteous respond when the wicked face the final judgment? Laughter of Relief and Joy The righteous will praise God’s justice, and they’ll exult in his righteous judgment. David says, “The righteous shall see and fear, and shall laugh at him, saying, ‘See the man who would not make God his refuge, but trusted in the abundance of his riches and sought refuge in his own destruction!’” (Ps. 52:6–7). We shouldn’t imagine some sick or twisted glee. We shouldn’t imagine some out-of-place delight that revels in violence or indulges in hatred. Laughter signals an explosion of relief, a delight in vindication. This laughter is like the positive twist in a film or book—the evil plots come undone while the opposed and afflicted person experiences a rush of felicity and strength. Laughter signals an explosion of relief, a delight in vindication. This laughter is holy and righteous. It isn’t out of place; it’s altogether fitting. Revelation 19 echoes that response: When the new Babylon (the world system) falls, the multitude in heaven cry out, “Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God, for his judgments are true and just; for he has judged the great prostitute who corrupted the earth with her immorality, and has avenged on her the blood his servants” (vv. 1–2). They cry out, “Hallelujah! The smoke from her goes up forever and ever” (v. 3). The laughter in Psalm 52:6 is a hallelujah—an exultation in God’s righteousness and a celebration of his avenging acts. It arises from the comfort that the wicked shall no more rise against God’s people, and it recognizes that the longed-for day of perfect justice has arrived. Join God’s Laughter Remember, too, that God himself laughs. In Psalm 2, the nations plot in vain against Yahweh and against the Messiah (vv. 1–3). What is God’s response to this earthly plotting and scheming? “He who sits in the heavens laughs; the Lord holds them in derision” (v. 4). In Psalm 2, the Lord laughs at the futility of the wicked; in Psalm 52, the righteous laugh at the fall of the wicked. A divine reversal is coming. Jesus himself says so: Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh. Blessed are you when people hate you and when they exclude you and revile you and spurn your name as evil, on account of the Son of Man! Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven; for so their fathers did to the prophets. (Luke 6:21–23) Jesus’s promise will come true. We shall laugh and leap. Our joy will be full and lasting. Evil will fall, justice will reign, and God’s kingdom will be ours forever. Because of the wicked’s words and ways, the righteous will face unwarranted hardships and suffering. But lift your eyes and tune your ears. Do you hear that sound? The Lord in heaven laughs at the foolish schemes of man. We may not be laughing yet, but we’ll join in soon.

While visiting a Christian college in 2016, then presidential candidate Donald Trump jokingly bragged, “I could stand in the middle of Fifth Avenue and shoot somebody, and I wouldn’t lose any voters, OK? It’s, like, incredible.” Thankfully, he has never tested that boast. But in his second term, he’s attempting to do something nearly as incredible—nominating an abortion supporter to head the nation’s public health services. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is a peculiar choice for numerous reasons. He’s a lifelong Democrat who supported pro-abortion candidates John Kerry, Hillary Clinton, and Barack Obama before running as a pro-abortion candidate for the 2024 Democratic Party presidential primaries. After receiving almost no support, he dropped out and ran as an independent. In August, Kennedy suspended his campaign and endorsed Trump. At the time, he suggested Trump offered him a job if he was to return to the White House, but neither Kennedy nor Trump offered details. Now we know the job offer was to be the secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), an agency that plays several important roles in regulating and overseeing abortion. The nomination is a signal that the GOP has fully shifted from the pro-life party to one that’s unapologetically pro-choice. And Kennedy’s confirmation to the position would be a political inflection point for the pro-life movement. As former vice president Mike Pence said, “I believe the nomination of RFK Jr. to serve as Secretary of HHS is an abrupt departure from the pro-life record of our administration and should be deeply concerning to millions of Pro-Life Americans who have supported the Republican Party and our nominees for decades.” Trump’s return to his long-standing pro-choice position was likely inevitable. Sometime during this year, he made the (apparently correct) assumption that he could be openly pro-abortion and yet many pro-life voters would cast their ballot for him anyway since the Democrats were even more extreme on abortion. What’s surprising, though, is the concerted lack of response by those committed to opposing abortion, especially from some of America’s most prominent pro-life organizations. Deafening Silence Back in May, Kennedy said in an interview that he opposes any government limits on abortion access. When asked if he supported keeping abortion legal for a full-term baby (i.e., near the delivery date), Kennedy affirmed that was the case. Later, he clarified his position: “Abortion should be legal up until a certain number of weeks.” Trump’s return to his long-standing pro-choice position was likely inevitable. What’s surprising is the concerted lack of response by those committed to opposing abortion. Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America (SBA) responded at the time by saying his comments made him “unacceptable to millions of pro-life voters nationwide.” Yet now that Kennedy is nominated to head the HHS, SBA has been silent (as of the time of publication, SBA hasn’t posted a comment on their website). But SBA isn’t the only one. I reached out to SBA, Americans United for Life (AUL), Family Research Council (FRC), Live Action, National Right to Life Committee (NRLC), Students for Life, and the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC). Only one of those groups was willing to comment. ERLC is the public policy arm of the Southern Baptist Convention. President Brent Leatherwood said, “Just under four years ago, 49 senators rejected Joe Biden’s nomination of Xavier Becerra because of his steadfast support for abortion. With the opportunity that exists in the post-Roe era to begin establishing a true culture of life, the Senate must weigh whether it wants to grant the powers that come with this position to someone with Kennedy’s pro-choice views.”* The silence of these other pro-life groups is, as they say, deafening. Each had previously issued a denunciation when Biden nominated Becerra to HHS (see the statements from SBA, AUL, FRC, Live Action, NRLC, Students for Life, and ERLC.) Yet only one has gone on record as opposing Trump’s pro-abortion nominee. What’s changed? (UPDATE: Just prior to publication, I found Students for Life issued a statement to POLITICO in which they praise Kennedy. The group’s chief policy strategist, Kristi Hamrick, said that Kennedy’s shift back in May is a sign that “he is someone who will listen” to the pro-life movement going forward. “When faced with evidence, he changed his views,” she said. “How intelligent, refreshing and unlike so many in the health care space.” But that is completely wrong. Kennedy didn’t change his mind “when faced with evidence” (he made the original statement on Thursday and flip-flopped on Friday). His change of mind came from the pressure put on him by groups like SBA—pressure they are no longer willing to apply. And is it really so “intelligent” and “refreshing” for politician to claim abortion should only be restricted “in the final months of pregnancy”? While restrictions only in the last months of pregnancy is the current official position of the GOP, it is not a position that is moral or acceptable to true pro-lifers.) For decades, the pro-life movement was accused of caring less about abortion than about ensuring Republican politicians were elected. Like many pro-life advocates, I considered it an absurd slander against these honorable nonpartisan organizations (full disclosure: I’ve done work for AUL, ERLC, FRC, and SBA). Yet it’s becoming harder to defend the actions of groups when they seem to oppose abortion only when it’s promoted by Democrats. These national pro-life organizations are likely feeling the same pressure as other socially conservative organizations to not criticize Trump. It’s especially difficult for pro-life groups when it might be board members and donors putting pressure on them to remain silent. But if these organizations won’t consistently defend the unborn regardless of which party is in power, why should they even exist? Call for Accountability and Faithful Witness Unfortunately, the silence of national pro-life groups provides cover for Republican senators to support Kennedy’s confirmation. But those truly committed to the pro-life cause don’t have to remain silent. We should encourage both Congress and national pro-life groups to stand for the unborn and insist on principled leadership that consistently opposes abortion, regardless of political expediency. Silence in the face of political pressures that conflict with foundational values only erodes the credibility of those claiming to defend life. The pro-life movement must prioritize its mission above party lines, demonstrating that its commitment to protecting life isn’t subject to the shifting sands of political allegiance. Those truly committed to the pro-life cause don’t have to remain silent. If pro-life advocates and organizations are willing to hold both parties accountable, they can help preserve the movement’s integrity and strengthen its long-term influence. A selective defense of life threatens to transform the pro-life cause into a mere political tool, diluted and manipulated by partisan interests. But by speaking out against any pro-choice nominations—regardless of who makes them—these organizations affirm their true commitment, not just to a platform but to the lives they profess to defend. The call now is clear: If the pro-life movement is to remain a credible and effective voice, it must reject any temptation to trade moral clarity for political favor. Those who genuinely stand for life will echo the courageous voices of the past, calling leaders to account and reminding them that the sanctity of life isn’t up for negotiation. Let’s encourage all advocates to remain steadfast, ensuring the pro-life witness remains unblemished, unwavering, and unapologetically committed to the defense of the unborn—no matter who occupies the Oval Office. *Here is the full statement provided by ERLC’s Brent Leatherwood: As we go through the nomination process, presidents are entitled to bring forth individuals they believe can competently and wisely fill roles across the executive branch. Alongside that, the Senate has a vital constitutional role to play in examining, advising, and confirming the individuals they feel can best carry out the duties of these respective positions. That is the standard that should be applied for every nominee, including Mr. Kennedy. He’s been selected to lead a department that is a central agency in the fight to protect preborn lives, a cause Kennedy has long opposed. Just under four years ago, 49 senators rejected Joe Biden’s nomination of Xavier Becerra because of his steadfast support for abortion. With the opportunity that exists in the post-Roe era to begin establishing a true culture of life, the Senate must weigh whether it wants to grant the powers that come with this position to someone with Kennedy’s pro-choice views. At the same time, I am praying for Mr. Kennedy. I’m praying that for all his focus on healthy living, he actually sees that abortion is completely antithetical to health and living. That he comes to realize how it destroys the physical life of a child and does untold damage to the life of the mother. That he understands the federal government has an immense role to play in recognizing the inherent right to life that already exists for every American, born and preborn alike. And finally, I pray that the Lord would help him to see the ways his rhetoric about freedom is actually limited and shallow; because the freedom to take an innocent life is no freedom at all, but instead an example of how our culture remains enslaved to an abortion regime that perpetuates a culture of death. Here at the ERLC, we will be a voice that continually appeals to the consciences of leaders and policymakers about the dignity of preborn lives and the need to protect them. Anyone seeking to lead HHS must recognize this is the urgent challenge of our time.

Read And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together, for the mouth of the LORD has spoken. (Isa. 40:5) Reflect To say I’m bossy about Christmas is an understatement. As a kid, I insisted my sisters and I sleep in the same bedroom on Christmas Eve so we could all enter the living room together in the morning and share the first sight of presents piled under the tree. I made sure they both had a water bottle and a book to read if they woke up early, so they wouldn’t need to venture out and ruin the wonder. (As an adult, I’ve tried to convince them to ditch their husbands for a night so we can keep the tradition going. No luck so far.) Glory abounds at Christmas—in that sight of presents under the tree, in spectacular light displays, in the rousing harmonies of a congregation singing carols by candlelight. If we’re not careful, we become captivated by the wonder of all the secondary glories of Christmas and miss the main event. If we’re not careful, we become captivated by the wonder of all the secondary glories of Christmas and miss the main event. Isaiah knew what it meant to behold true glory. He was given a vision of God on his throne, and it almost killed him: “Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts!” (Isa. 6:5). Yet Isaiah wasn’t the only one who’d get to see the Lord. Through the prophet’s words, God comforted his people exiled in Babylon with an astonishing promise: “The glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together” (40:5). At Christmastime, we celebrate the coming of this glory. Jesus took on humanity, and he entered our world in a grubby stable. Glory arrived. “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14). Most who saw Jesus during his lifetime missed his glory. But now in the Bible, we see it—the glory of his miracles; his teaching; his sinlessness; his death, resurrection, and ascension. Do you see it? Or are your eyes fixed on something else this Christmas? Amid the festive spectacles, are you too distracted to look on and bask in your Savior’s glory? Do your eyes flit so quickly between your calendar, your to-do list, and your messy house that you don’t even notice Christ? Through Scripture, we behold Jesus now. As we look, the Spirit transforms us more and more into Jesus’s image so we share his glory (2 Cor. 3:18). Yet this isn’t enough. Charles Spurgeon wrote, “How partially we see Christ here. The best believer only gets half a glimpse of Christ.” Do your eyes flit so quickly between your calendar, your to-do list, and your messy house that you don’t even notice Christ? These partial glimpses make us long for Christ’s return, when we’ll finally see him face to face. Only then will Isaiah’s prophecy be fulfilled as God keeps his promise: “The glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together, for the mouth of the LORD has spoken.” On that day, we’ll delight together at the greatest spectacle any of us has ever seen. In anticipation of that glory, we can rejoice in what Scripture reveals of Jesus today. Let’s look and look until we see. Respond Who or what has most of your attention this Christmas? What habits or practices can you start in the coming weeks to fix your eyes on Christ’s glory? How might you stir your longing for his return amid the season’s busyness?

Panacea is a solution or remedy for disease and illness. Poison is the opposite of panacea BUT poisonous plants also contain healing properties! Medicine has come a very long way over the many centuries. Today I’d like to share with you some of the old medicines that can harm but they can also heal. Throwback Thursday’s: Panacea & Poison For centuries healers and medicine workers practiced and harnessed the healing powers of poisonous, toxins and venom as medicine. There are many different medicines that are derived from poisonous plants, consider the anti-venom and serums that are provided to those bitten by a snake or a spider, the venom is actually the poison. Poisonous Plants Used As Medicine Pacific Yew | The Yew tree is used to inhibit the progress of certain cancers. Opium, Mandrake, Henbane, and Hemlock All of these plants can be toxic in high doses but all of them have been used for topical numbers in the past. Deadly Nightshade (Belladonna) For centuries nightshade has been used to poison enemy troops during wars. This same plant that will kill will also heal. Doctors use Belladonna to alleviate motion sickness, treat IBS, and other inflammatory conditions. The plant is also used to control muscle spasms and Parkinson's disease. Topically Belladonna can be used as a pain reliever. Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) This beautiful plant can provide much healing but if a person were to eat it they would be terribly sorry because it can be deadly if it is eaten. Back in the 18th century, a physician from Britain made an infusion using foxglove and it was discovered it can treat drops, also known as, edema. In modern day medicine, they have found that deriving specific chemicals from the plant to make medication with can help people who suffer from congestive heart failure. So you see some of the same plants that can have a negative effect on our bodies can also have a very positive effect. Always study and know your plants before trying to treat yourself. Any of these plants can be very dangerous if used in the wrong manner. Always consult a medical professional before trying anything new. Emory University shows us how poison plants revolutionize medicine:  Medicine has come a very long way, especially for homesteaders. One of the most important things for us homesteaders is being completely self-sufficient. Taking a look back in history at some of the medicines the can be deadly that can also heal is a real eye opener. I do not suggest trying to make any medicines from these specific plants, I do however hope to inspire others to learn about how amazing medicine truly can be. What do you think about poisonous plants used as medicine? Let us know in the comments below. Here are the must know rules on picking edible & medicinal plants! Follow us on facebook, instagram, pinterest, and twitter!

The mummified remains of a sabre-toothed cat cub has been recovered in an exceptional state of preservation from the permafrost of Siberia. Radiocarbon dating found the cub lived and died 35,500 to 37,000 years ago. Paleontologist Alexey Lopatin found the cub while looking for mammoth tusks on the Badyarikha River in the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) in 2020. The mummy consists of the head and top half of the body of a felid cub, complete with thick brown fur, toe pads, claws, muscles, skin, even whiskers preserved in the permafrost. The bottom half of the cub was not preserved, except for some incomplete pelvic bones articulated with the femur and shin bones found encased in the ice. The remains were CT scanned for detailed analysis of the bones. The scans were compared to ones from the body of three-week-old modern lion cub, with particular focus on the crania and teeth to determine its species. Measurements of the bones and examination of other anatomical features (eg, eye shape, nose and nostril proportion, fur lengths) found that the cub belonged to the species Homotherium latidens. The eruption stage of the incisors indicate the cub was also just a three-week-old kitten when he died in the frigid cold of the Arctic Circle. This is the first Homotherium mummy ever discovered. It is only the second example of H. latidens from Late Pleistocene Eurasia, and the first one found in Asia. The study of the mummy of the Homotherium latidens cub made it possible for the first time to observe its fur, the shape of its muzzle, the shape and position of the auricle, the morphology of the mouth opening and nasal planum. The shape of the front paw of this predator was studied, and the features of the distribution of its muscle mass were established, also for the first time. New information about the juvenile stages of development of the skull and limbs makes it possible to establish the peculiarities of the early postnatal ontogenesis of Homotherium. Also, the discovery of H. latidens mummy in Yakutia radically expands the understanding of distribution of the genus and confirms its presence in the Late Pleistocene of Asia. Thus, for the first time in the history of paleontological research, the external appearance of an extinct mammal that has no analogues in the modern fauna has been studied directly. Researchers will continue to study the sabre-toothed kitten. They will attempt to extract DNA from the remains, and the cub having been frozen for 35,000 years in ice bodes well for successful extraction. A follow-up paper will go into further detail on its anatomical features.

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