Author: Pastor Jason

Does Marijuana Make God’s Voice Clearer? A Biblical Response

Some people claim that using marijuana helps them hear God more clearly, describing heightened spiritual experiences or revelations while under its influence. While these feelings may seem genuine, it’s crucial to evaluate such claims through the lens of Scripture.

God’s voice is not dependent on altered states of mind. In John 10:27, Jesus assures us that His sheep hear His voice. This promise is based on our relationship with Him, not on external substances. The Holy Spirit speaks to us through prayer, Scripture, and a heart attuned to God… not through mind-altering chemicals like THC.

THC may heighten sensory perceptions, but it can also distort reality, leading to confusion rather than clarity. The Bible warns us to remain sober-minded and alert (1 Peter 5:8), which is essential for discerning God’s guidance. When our minds are clouded, we risk misinterpreting or attributing our own thoughts to God.

True clarity comes from being in God’s presence with an open heart and a sound mind. The Holy Spirit, not marijuana, is the one who leads us into all truth (John 16:13). By relying on Him, we can trust that God’s voice will always be clear, even in the quiet and stillness of our hearts.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can you rely on the Holy Spirit to hear God’s voice rather than external substances?
  2. What practices help you attune your heart and mind to God’s guidance?

Prayer

Lord, thank You for speaking to us through Your Word and the Holy Spirit. Teach me to listen to Your voice with a clear and sober mind. Help me to trust in Your guidance and to discern Your will without relying on anything but You. I give You all honor, all the glory, and all the praise. It’s in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen & Amen.

Forgiveness Isn’t a Moment… It’s a Ministry

Scripture: “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” (Colossians 3:13, NIV)

I used to think forgiveness was a moment. Something you decide once, and that’s it. But I have learned that sometimes forgiveness becomes a ministry. Something you live out day by day, moment by moment, decision by decision.

When my wife left, I chose to forgive. And I have had to keep choosing… Every time a memory came back, every time sadness hit out of nowhere, every time a new revelation or event made the pain fresh again.

One afternoon, my daughter asked me a question that stopped me cold. She looked up at me and said, “Dad, why don’t you ever say anything bad about Mom?” Her words pierced straight through me. She wasn’t asking to challenge me. She wasn’t being critical. She was simply noticing something… and wondering why.

That’s when I realized that forgiveness wasn’t just about me anymore. It was about her too. She was watching. She was learning from how I responded.

That’s why I made a decision early on. I would not speak negatively about her mother. Not because I wasn’t hurting. Not because I didn’t have things I could say. But because she was my wife. She is the mother of my children. And I believe she was once anointed by God to lead, to serve, and to love. Who am I to raise my hand, or my mouth, against that?

“Do not touch my anointed ones, do my prophets no harm.” (1 Chronicles 16:22, NIV)

I trust that God will take care of what needs to be handled. My job is to keep my heart right, and to protect my daughter’s in the process.

Forgiveness doesn’t mean I feel nothing. It means I give everything over to God. It means when bitterness knocks at the door, I don’t answer. It means when people try to speak badly about her, I shut it down. Not because she is perfect, but because I want to be found faithful.

Forgiving wasn’t about excusing what happened. It was about freeing myself from the prison of resentment. By letting go, I wasn’t just obeying God. I was opening my heart to His healing and His peace. Now, I can look back without anger or regret.

My daughter taught me a valuable lesson that day. Children see more than we realize. Forgiveness isn’t just a gift we give others. It’s a testimony of God’s grace to those watching our lives.

This season has taught me that forgiveness isn’t weakness. It’s worship. It’s not forgetting. It’s trusting. It’s not about getting justice. It’s about giving Jesus room to work.

And yes, I am still praying for restoration. I believe God can redeem anything. But while I wait, I will keep forgiving.

Bible Promise:
“So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free.” (John 8:36, NLT)

Reflection Questions:

  1. Who is watching your life that might learn about God’s grace through your forgiveness?
  2. What would it look like to forgive today, even before the situation is fully resolved?

Prayer:
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for showing me what true forgiveness looks like through the cross. Thank You for reminding me that forgiveness is not a one-time decision, but a daily act of surrender. Help me to forgive even when it hurts, even when the story feels unfinished. I trust You with my pain, with my future, and with the people I love. Use my life as a reflection of Your grace.
I give You all honor, all the glory, and all of the praise.
It’s in Jesus’ name I pray.
Amen and Amen.

Feeling Closer to God on Marijuana: A Biblical Perspective

Some people claim that using marijuana helps them feel closer to God or more engaged in worship. While these feelings may seem real, it’s essential to evaluate them against the truth of Scripture. Genuine worship flows from the Spirit of God, not external substances.

The Bible calls us to worship God in spirit and truth (John 4:24). This means approaching Him with clarity of mind, sincerity of heart, and reliance on the Holy Spirit. Substances like THC may create temporary feelings of euphoria, but they can also impair judgment and distract from true spiritual connection. God doesn’t need us to alter our state of mind to encounter Him… He meets us as we are.

Feelings alone aren’t a reliable indicator of spiritual closeness. True intimacy with God comes through prayer, studying His Word, and living in obedience to Him. While emotions are a part of worship, they should flow naturally from our relationship with God, not from external influences.

Marijuana can cloud our ability to hear God’s voice and follow His guidance. The Holy Spirit is sufficient to lead us into deeper worship and connection with the Father. By trusting in Him, we can experience the fullness of God’s presence without relying on substances.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can you ensure that your worship is led by the Holy Spirit rather than external influences?
  2. What steps can you take to deepen your relationship with God in a sober-minded way?

Prayer

Lord, thank You for the gift of worship and the intimacy we can have with You through the Holy Spirit. Teach me to seek You with clarity of mind and sincerity of heart. Help me to trust in Your presence and to rely on Your Spirit for true connection and worship. I give You all honor, all the glory, and all the praise. It’s in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen & Amen.

Can Marijuana Be Used to Glorify God? (Part 3)

As Christians, we are called to glorify God in everything we do, including our health and lifestyle choices. This raises the question: Can marijuana be used to glorify God? While some argue that its medical benefits can honor Him, the recreational use of marijuana often leads to outcomes that contradict biblical principles.

Glorifying God means seeking His will in every aspect of our lives. This includes remaining sober-minded (1 Peter 5:8), avoiding things that enslave us (1 Corinthians 6:12), and honoring Him with our bodies (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). THC’s psychoactive effects often impair judgment, hinder spiritual growth, and create dependencies that conflict with these principles.

For medical purposes, Christians should seek wisdom and prayerfully consider alternatives that align with God’s design. If marijuana or any substance becomes a crutch or distraction from God, it ceases to glorify Him. Ultimately, our goal is to reflect Christ in all we do, trusting Him as the source of true peace and healing.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can you ensure your health and lifestyle choices glorify God?
  2. What steps can you take to avoid dependence on substances for comfort or peace?

Prayer

Lord, thank You for calling me to glorify You in every part of my life. Teach me to seek Your will and to make choices that honor You. Help me to avoid anything that distracts me from Your purpose and to trust in You as my source of peace and healing. I give You all honor, all the glory, and all the praise. It’s in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen & Amen.

God Made It, So Isn’t It Good? (Part 2)

Another popular argument for marijuana use is, “If God made it, it must be good.” While this statement seems logical on the surface, it overlooks an important biblical principle: not everything created by God is beneficial or intended for our use.

Scripture repeatedly emphasizes that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). We are called to honor God with our bodies, avoiding anything that harms or controls us. THC, the psychoactive component in marijuana, can alter our mental state, impair judgment, and lead to dependence. These effects are inconsistent with God’s design for sober-minded living (1 Peter 1:13).

It’s important to differentiate between God’s creation and human misuse. Just as alcohol, opioids, and other substances can be abused, marijuana’s effects depend on how it’s used. As Christians, we must ask: Is this glorifying God and drawing me closer to Him, or is it becoming a stumbling block in my faith?

Reflection Questions

  1. How can you discern whether something is beneficial and aligns with God’s design?
  2. What does honoring God with your body look like in your daily life?

Prayer

Lord, thank You for the wisdom found in Your Word. Teach me to honor You in all I do, including how I care for my body and mind. Help me to discern what is beneficial and to avoid anything that draws me away from You. I give You all honor, all the glory, and all the praise. It’s in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen & Amen.

Is Marijuana from God Because It’s Natural? (Part 1)

One of the most common arguments for marijuana use is, “It’s natural, God made it, so it must be good.” While it’s true that God created everything, not everything in its natural state is intended for consumption or use. For example, poison ivy, deadly mushrooms, and venomous snakes are all part of God’s creation, but they can harm us if misused.

Genesis 1:31 tells us that God saw all He had made and declared it “very good.” However, the fall of humanity introduced sin and brokenness into the world, corrupting even nature. Just because something exists doesn’t mean it aligns with God’s purpose for our lives. As Christians, we are called to use wisdom and discernment in how we interact with creation.

The Bible also calls us to remain sober-minded (1 Peter 5:8) and to avoid anything that enslaves us (1 Corinthians 6:12). THC, the psychoactive component of marijuana, can alter our mental state and lead to dependence. While marijuana may have legitimate medical uses, recreational or habitual use often contradicts these biblical principles.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can you discern whether something “natural” aligns with God’s purpose?
  2. What steps can you take to prioritize sobriety and godly wisdom in your choices?

Prayer

Lord, thank You for the beauty and diversity of Your creation. Teach me to use discernment and wisdom in how I interact with the world You’ve made. Help me to honor You in my choices and to trust in Your guidance. I give You all honor, all the glory, and all the praise. It’s in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen & Amen.

How Can Christians Believe in Miracles?

In a world driven by science and reason, many people dismiss miracles as myths or exaggerations. Yet, miracles are central to the Christian faith, from the parting of the Red Sea to the resurrection of Jesus. How can we confidently defend our belief in miracles?

God Is Sovereign Over Creation: If God created the universe, He is not bound by its natural laws. Miracles are simply instances where God intervenes in His creation to accomplish His purposes.

Eyewitness Accounts: Many biblical miracles were witnessed by large groups of people, adding credibility to their historical reality (e.g., Jesus feeding the 5,000 in Matthew 14:13-21).

Miracles Today: Stories of healing, provision, and divine intervention continue to testify to God’s power. While some may be skeptical, countless lives have been changed by miraculous encounters with God.

Believing in miracles is about trusting in a God who is both powerful and personal. Through apologetics, we can help others see that miracles are evidence of His love and sovereignty.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can you share stories of miracles, biblical or personal, with those who are skeptical?
  2. What role do miracles play in strengthening your own faith?

Prayer

Lord, thank You for being a God of miracles. Teach me to trust in Your power and to share the evidence of Your works with others. Help Kneel Ministries equip believers to defend the reality of miracles with humility and confidence. I give You all honor, all the glory, and all the praise. It’s in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen & Amen.

Why Does God Seem Hidden?

One common question from skeptics and believers alike is, “Why doesn’t God just show Himself?” At times, God may seem hidden, but Scripture assures us that He is not distant or absent. Understanding this perceived hiddenness can deepen our faith and equip us to address the doubts of others.

God Reveals Himself in Creation: As Psalm 19:1 declares, the heavens proclaim God’s glory. From the complexity of DNA to the vastness of the universe, His fingerprints are everywhere.

God Is Found by Those Who Seek Him: Jeremiah 29:13 reminds us that those who seek God with all their hearts will find Him. God’s seeming hiddenness invites us into a deeper pursuit of Him.

God Reveals Himself Through Jesus: In Jesus Christ, God made Himself known in a tangible, personal way (John 1:14). Through His life, death, and resurrection, we see the fullness of God’s love and character.

God’s “hiddenness” is not an absence… it’s an invitation to draw closer to Him. By understanding this truth, we can help others seek and find Him.

Reflection Questions

  1. How has God revealed Himself to you in ways that strengthened your faith?
  2. How can you encourage someone who feels like God is distant?

Prayer

Lord, thank You for revealing Yourself in creation, Scripture, and through Jesus Christ. Teach me to trust in Your presence even when I don’t feel it and to guide others in seeking You with their whole hearts. Help Kneel Ministries point people to Your love and faithfulness. I give You all honor, all the glory, and all the praise. It’s in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen & Amen.

Hagar: Seen by God

Hagar’s story in Genesis 16 is one of heartbreak and hope. As an Egyptian servant, Hagar found herself in a difficult and unjust situation when Sarai (later Sarah) gave her to Abram to bear a child. When tension arose, Hagar fled into the wilderness, feeling abandoned and unseen.

But God met her there. In her lowest moment, the angel of the Lord appeared to Hagar, offering her a promise of blessing and reassurance. Overwhelmed by His care, Hagar gave God a name: El Roi. “the God who sees me.”

Hagar’s story reminds us that God sees us in our pain and meets us with His presence. Even when we feel overlooked or cast aside, God knows our struggles and walks with us. Like Hagar, we can trust that He is always watching over us and working for our good.

Reflection Questions

  1. When have you felt unseen or abandoned, and how did God show His presence to you?
  2. How can you trust in God’s care, even in the wilderness moments of life?

Prayer

Lord, thank You for being the God who sees me. Teach me to trust in Your presence and care, even in my lowest moments. Help me to rest in the knowledge that I am never alone because You are always with me. I give You all honor, all the glory, and all the praise. It’s in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen & Amen.

Engaging a Skeptical World: Sharing Truth with Love

In an increasingly skeptical world, sharing the truth of the gospel requires both wisdom and love. Colossians 4:5-6 reminds us to approach conversations with grace, making the most of every opportunity to point others to Christ.

Listening First: Before we share, we must listen. Understanding someone’s doubts and concerns allows us to respond with compassion and relevance.

Answering with Grace: Apologetics is not about winning arguments… it’s about winning hearts. By speaking with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15), we reflect Christ’s love even in challenging conversations.

Trusting the Holy Spirit: Ultimately, it’s not our words that change hearts. It’s God’s Spirit. Our role is to share the truth faithfully and trust Him to do the rest.

Engaging a skeptical world is not about having all the answers but about pointing others to the One who does.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can you approach conversations with skeptics in a way that reflects Christ’s love?
  2. What steps can you take to grow in your ability to defend your faith with grace?

Prayer

Lord, thank You for the opportunities to share Your truth with others. Teach me to approach these conversations with wisdom, love, and humility. Help Kneel Ministries equip believers to engage a skeptical world with grace and confidence. I give You all honor, all the glory, and all the praise. It’s in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen & Amen.