A friend recently introduced me to Kirk Cameron’s 100-day Plan to Build a Godly Nation. Kirk said, “Rather than waiting for someone else’s 100-day plan to unfold and bite our nails to see what’s going to happen, let’s go on the offense and roll out our own 100-day plan.” He initiated “American Campfire Revival” – 100 daily broadcasts where he prays for restoration in our country and presents a biblical perspective.

On day 50, he told a story of an 87-yearold man that had survived polio, Diphtheria and the Vietnam protests. When it was suggested that 2020 must have been a challenge to him, he said, “No. I learned a long time ago not to see the world through the printed headlines. I see the world through people that surround me. I see the world with the realization that we love big. Therefore, I choose to write my own headlines. ‘Husband loves wife today’ and ‘Family drops everything to come to Grandma’s bedside.’”

Who is among you that fears the Lord, that obeys the voice of His servant, that walks in darkness and has no light? Let him trust in the name of the Lord and rely on His God. Behold All you who kindle a fire, who encircle yourselves with firebrands, walk in the light of your fire and among the brands you have set ablaze, this you will have from My hand: you will lie down in torment. – Isaiah 50:10-11. What firebrands were masquerading as truthsayers in Isaiah’s day? How did they get the people’s ear? Did the king send messengers out to stir up the pot with untruths? The need for discernment through the fog of messaging is nothing new. Isaiah’s admonition is that folks will walk in the light of the fire that is kindled. Kindle it too much, you will encircle yourselves with firebrands. Today, we call it the 24/7 news cycle. A little bit goes a long way. If you are spending more time in scripture than in front of the television, you will be able to discern through any deceptive headlines. If the worldly news is dominating your mindset, Isaiah says that “you will lie down in torment.” It might be a good idea to give up the news cycle for Lent.

Kirk Cameron, a Christian, an actor and producer, went on to list a few headlines he and his wife were choosing to write: “Families decide how to educate their own children”, “Man chooses God’s word as authority, not CNN” and “Woman decides to declare motherhood sacred”. They intentionally discount any headlines that are depressing, discouraging or fearful. One headline I choose, “Be a faithful father and help raise a generation of faithful fathers.”

Prayer guide: Lord, thank You for Your word and for the perspective You provide. I confess I have gotten caught up in the fog of messaging with news headlines of today. As a result, discussions with close friends and family have turned contentious. Forgive me. Your word reminds me to view all things from an eternal perspective – there is nothing new under the sun (Eccl.1:9). Help me tune-in to Your word and turn down the noise in this world. Equip me as Your representative in family to navigate through the fog of messaging with the light of Your word. That is the dad you call me to be and that’s the dad the next generation needs. Amen.

A faithful father navigates through the fog of messaging with the light of God’s word.