True View Ministries Blog

Like most of you, I am grieved about the massacre that happened in Orlando this past Sunday.  We are called in God’s word to hate what He hates and to love what He loves; I also believe we are to be grieved by what grieves Him. Here are some of the things related to the Orlando massacre that grieve me, and I believe grieve God too:

·      I am deeply grieved that 49 people –all of whom were precious to Jesus who created them and gave His life for them--were unexpectedly and violently  killed, souls who may never have received the gift of salvation for which Jesus paid the price and longed for them to receive. I am greatly grieved for those victims who didn’t know Jesus who were killed, because they will spend an eternity in hell separated from Him and all that is good. I am certain that if they could speak to their family and friends now, they would beg them to turn to Jesus and accept the forgiveness He freely offers to all who repent! (See the story of the rich man and Lazarus, Luke 16:19-31) I pray that God would teach us all to number our days so that we would get a heart of wisdom (Psalm 90:12) and live for the purpose each one of us was put on the earth: for the pleasure and glory of God. (Isaiah 43:7) I greatly rejoice that many potential victims were spared, and I pray for the full recovery of those who were injured, especially for the salvation of those who don’t know the Lord. 

·      I grieve for the victims’ families and friends, and for all who mourn the loss of the victims.  I grieve realizing they may hold the false notion that has infiltrated our culture that everyone who dies-- or ‘good people’ as defined by the world-- go to heaven. I pray that if they are not already saved, that they would come to know that the only One Who is truly good is God, and that the only way to heaven is through Jesus who gave His life for all who would put their trust in His work of atonement on the cross. (See Mark 10:18; John 14:6; John 11:25; Acts 16:31; Romans 10:9)

·      I grieve for the killer Omar Mateen and for all Muslims who have been deceived by Satan into thinking that it is a ‘good work’ to kill ‘kafirs’ (all non-Muslims) and to die as a martyr, and who falsely believe that such actions will lead to their going to Paradise.  I pray that all people—including all Muslims-- will come to know the love of Jesus, Who rather than wanting us to shed the blood of innocent people or to die a martyrs’ death, willingly shed His own blood on the cross and laid down His life for us, giving the assurance of heaven to all who put their trust in what He did for them. In sharp contrast to the god of the Muslims, the true God does not ask us to kill others; rather, He asks us to love everyone and to pray for our enemies and those who persecute us. (See Matthew 5:43-44; Luke 6:35)

·      I grieve that under the guise of ‘tolerance’ and ‘multi-cultural diversity’ many in our nation have become indoctrinated to believe that Islam is a ‘religion of peace’, when in fact it is not, rather, it is a political ideology more than it is a religion. I am grieved Omar Mateen’s action was totally aligned with the teaching of Islam, a belief system that separates people into two groups: Muslims, and ‘kafirs’  (non-Muslims) who are to be annihilated if they do not accept the tenets of Islam. (https://www.politicalislam.com/about/)  I am grieved that so many people around the globe, and increasingly so in the United States, are being deceived by what some people-- even those in leadership positions in our government and our media—falsely say about Islam. I grieve that some people think—even some  ‘professing’ Christians-- that the God of the Bible and the god of the Muslims are the same. That is because they are ignorant of Who God really is as revealed through the Bible, and they are also ignorant of the teachings of Islam as stated in the Koran, the Hadith, and the Sunna.  I am also grieved that many Christians have been more interested in their own comfort than in the salvation of others and therefore they have failed to carry out the great commission that Jesus entrusted to us, ‘to go and make disciples of all nations’ (Matthew 28:16-20) so that people around the globe, including Muslims, would know the truth that would set them free from falsehoods, and  receive the love their hearts long for that can only be found in knowing Jesus.

·      I am deeply grieved that a pastor who professes to be a Christian proclaimed that it was not a tragedy because the victims deserved to be killed since they were homosexuals, and spewed other vitriolic statements regarding the victims. (https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/acts-of-faith/wp/2016/06/14/pastor-refuses-to-mourn-orlando-victims-the-tragedy-is-that-more-of-them-didnt-die/) It is heart breaking because that pastor and anyone else who believes what he stated obviously does not understand the true heart of God and grossly misrepresents Him.  Yes, homosexuality is a sin—an abomination to God—and He is grieved that we in America have legalized homosexual marriage and promote and approve of that which He in His wisdom knows is destructive to our good. However, it is a sin—like every other sin-- that His blood is able to cover and He gave His life so that ALL people, regardless of their particular sins, could find forgiveness through His atoning work on the cross. I believe Jesus is grieved whenever a person dies who did not come to Him and receive the forgiveness of sin that He offers.  The Word tells us in Ezekiel 18:32, "For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone who dies," declares the Lord GOD. "Therefore, repent and live."  Yes, I pray that we as a nation would turn from our sin of accepting and promoting homosexuality, but I also pray that we as professing Christians would repent of the sin of pride that has led some to believe that the sin of homosexuality is somehow worse than their own sins against a holy God. We ALL have sinned and fall short of the glory of God and we are ALL desperately in need of the forgiveness of our sins that Jesus purchased for us on the cross. (Romans 3:23)

·      I grieve that politicians, the press, and others in the public arena are once again looking to blame someone-- or ‘something’, like guns—rather than the perpetrator of the act. I grieve because I know that God will hold each person accountable for his or her sin, and our culture of ‘blame’ is being stirred up and used by Satan to lead people to think that they will be able to get away with their sin by placing the blame for their actions on someone or something else.  God’s word is very clear that each of us will reap what we sow, (Galatians 6:7-8) and that each of us will have to stand before the throne of God and give an account of what we have done while we lived on earth. (2nd Corinthians 5:10)

·      I am grieved that Satan is not only behind, but is also using all of these violent terrorist acts as another way to instill fear, distrust, and division in our nation as we blame one another for the crisis we are in. I am grieved that our country-- that still has as its pledge, ‘one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all’-- has become more divided than at any point in my life as a sense of both personal and corporate ‘entitlement’ has swept over our nation and the reality of personal responsibility has seemingly be swept away . I see divisiveness as one of Satan’s tactics to destroy us, the country that for so long was the ‘city on a hill’. (http://www.globalresearch.ca/the-city-on-the-hill-american-exceptionalism-and-redemptive-violence/5350265) Satan knows the truth of God’s word that ‘a house divided against itself cannot stand’. (Mark 3:25) I am grieved that our nation that was founded upon ‘the rule of law’-- laws inspired by God and based upon the fundamental liberties that He as Our Creator gave to us and that granted us greater freedoms than any other nation has ever known--is moving rapidly toward ‘lawlessness’ where we will be subject to the rule of whoever wields the most power.  I pray that we as a nation will wake up and realize how uniquely blessed we have been to have liberties and laws based upon God’s Word, and we will safeguard the Constitution that our founding fathers sacrificed their reputations, homes, fortunes and very lives in order for us to have, a Constitution and Bill of Rights that has enabled us to enjoy the freedoms that we have taken for granted and are dangerously close to forfeiting.

·      Most of all, I am grieved that even many Christians in our nation are looking to political figures to ‘save us’ and fail to grasp the root cause of the increasing violence and terror attacks, as well as our nation’s other grave problems: we have forsaken God. And He is the only One Who can save us! He blesses the nation that trusts in Him and obeys His commands; He brings judgment on the nation that rejects and disobeys Him. (Romans 15:4; 2nd Timothy 3:16; Jeremiah 12:17). We in America have turned our back on God, and He is turning His back on us, for He longs for judgment to cause us to consider our sins, to cry out to Him, and to turn back to Him. Crises are going to increase in number and intensity unless we repent and turn away from the sins our nation has committed against a holy God. I am grieved that many people think that we ‘deserve’ to be blessed by God, even though our nation has defied His commands by: committing idolatry in so many ways, including but not limited to materialism and covetousness, an obsession with entertainment, alcohol and drugs and other forms of ‘self-indulgence’; legalizing abortion that has murdered over 58 million children God created in His image; accepting as normative fornication, adultery, divorce, homosexuality, and various other forms of sexual sins; embracing injustice and corruption in our government; and turning our back on God’s firstborn, Israel, to name just some of our nation’s sins.

We are in a spiritual battle for the souls of those in our nation. Satan has done a great job of getting us to listen to him and to turn on one another; God desires that we turn to Him, repent of our sin, and forgive one another. Only God has the power to deliver us from the muck and mire we have gotten ourselves into! 

When we as a nation put our trust in God and realized our dependence upon Him, we were blessed, and we proved the truth of His Word: ‘Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people whom he has chosen as his heritage!’ (Psalm 33:12 ESV)

 His plea to America today is the same as the one He gave to the nation of Israel in the Old Testament when they too forgot the God Who had been the Source of their blessings:  Repent and turn away from your idols, and turn away your faces from all your abominations…. Repent and turn from all your transgressions, lest iniquity be your ruin (Ezekiel 14:6; Ezekiel 18:30 ESV) But if any nation will not listen, then I will utterly pluck it up and destroy it, declares the LORD.” (Jeremiah 12:17 ESV)

 God, Who is merciful and Who even relented in judging wicked Nineveh when that city repented during the days of Jonah, also makes a promise in His Word,’… if that nation, concerning which I have spoken, turns from its evil, I will relent of the disaster that I intended to do to it. (Jeremiah 18:8 ESV)

May we who know God and His merciful, compassionate heart of love be found faithful to fervently pray for our nation to repent, to boldly stand for the truth of His Word regardless of the cost, and to share the good news of His love for everyone and His desire that all should repent and be saved! 

I have recognized over the past week that when I see the word “SALE!’ attached to something I want, I am extremely tempted to be self-indulgent. Following in the footsteps of my Mom, I’m the shopper who is rarely if ever tempted by anything that is full price, but if you put the ‘sale’ ticket on it, I’ve found it can be difficult (sometimes it seems almost ‘impossible’!) for me to resist. Whether I need it or not. Maybe that’s not your issue, but my guess is that you too often find yourself being self-indulgent rather than self-controlled.

We live in a culture that promotes and rewards self-indulgence: America’s motto for today seems to be, “If it feels good, do it! And don’t judge me for anything I do!” According to Webster’s dictionary, to indulge means, “to yield to the gratification or practice of habit without restraint or control”. Virtually every advertisement entices us to indulge ourselves, to satisfy our every sensual urge. Obesity statistics and bulging waistlines reveal that we indulge in food. Most Americans’ lives are consumed and satiated with sports, TV, movies, Facebook,Youtube, Instagram and a myriad of other forms of entertainment that ‘feed our flesh’. The indebtedness of the vast majority of Americans and their families is indicative that we are a culture that indulges ourselves with ‘more and better’ things that we falsely think will enhance our lives. Our culture’s addiction to alcohol and illegal as well as prescription drugs is also symptomatic of our desire to avoid any kind of pain and indulge in whatever seems to give us pleasure—even if the pleasure is momentary. The whole sexual ‘revolution’-- including the increasing ‘normalization’ of promiscuity, adultery, homosexual sex, bi-sexual sex, and now each person supposedly ‘choosing’ the sex he or she ‘feels’ they should be (or to be no sex at all)— also testifies to our nation’s grave sin of self-indulgence.

We are a culture consumed with pursuing whatever we ‘feel’ will make us happy, and we resent anyone trying to restrain us from indulging in what we want, when we want it. At the heart of this are three erroneous and deceptive assumptions:  (1) that life is all about me (2) that my happiness is the ultimate goal in life (3) that happiness comes from yielding to my selfish desires.

Thankfully, God’s Word gives us the truth that can set us free from these gross deceptions, and it instructs us in righteous living so we can experience the truly joyous life God longs for us to have!

1) We will have true joy when we comprehend the reality that we were not put on the earth for our pleasure but we were created for the glory and pleasure of Almighty God.

…everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.” Isaiah 43:7 Isaiah 43:7 ESV

Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created. Revelation 4:11 KJV

2) We will have true joy when we seek to accomplish the goals that God has entrusted to us rather than seeking temporary, fleeting ‘happiness’ through gratifying our selfish desires.

For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance as our way of life. Ephesians 2:10 Berean Study Bible

We will have true joy-- when we know God and experience intimate fellowship with Him.

And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. John 17:3 ESV

God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. 1st Corinthians 1:9 ESV

We will have true joy when we learn to fear Him (revere and worship Him) and to follow the commandments that He gave to us for our good and for the glory of His Name.

Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind. Ecclesiastes 12:13 NIV

We will have true joy as we are conformed to His holy image, which can only be done through the power of the Holy Spirit at work in all those who believe in and trust in Jesus and His atoning sacrifice on the cross.

For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. Romans 8:29 ESV

As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy. 1st Peter 1:14-16 ESV

We will have true joy when we serve as ambassadors for Christ who preach the good news of the gospel and go and make disciples.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. 2nd Corinthians 5:17-20a ESV

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age. Matthew 28:19-20 ESV

While we are on this earth, we are to remember that we are merely sojourners here so we will keep our focus upon God and the eternal purpose and works that He has entrusted to us that lead to true joy, not upon the temporary, fleeting pleasures of this world.

Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. 1st Peter 2:11 ESV

 [looking away from all that will distract us and] focusing our eyes on Jesus, who is the Author and Perfecter of faith [the first incentive for our belief and the One who brings our faith to maturity], who for the joy [of accomplishing the goal] set before Him endured the cross, disregarding the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God [revealing His deity, His authority, and the completion of His work]. Hebrews 12:2 AMP

…as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. 2nd Corinthians 4:8 ESV

3) We will have true joy-- as well as peace, abundant and eternal life-- when we live in accordance with God’s will, which is characterized by self-control and abstaining from rather than indulging in the selfish desires of our flesh.

Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness?  Romans 6:16 ESV

For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. Romans 8:6-8 ESV

…for if you are living according to the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live. Romans 8:13

The true joy that every soul longs to have is found in a relationship with and in the Presence of our Holy God--Who promises to make Himself known to all who seek after Him (Jeremiah 29:13)!

You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Psalm 16:11 ESV

If you are not experiencing the joyous life God created you to have, ask the Holy Spirit to convict you of any area in your life where you are seeking to satisfy your selfish desires rather than to satisfy God’s perfect desires for your life.

Lord, thank You for Your Word which is truth, and for loving me so much that You made it possible for me to experience a truly joyous, abundant life here on earth, as well as giving me the assurance of an eternity in Your glorious Presence! Keep my eyes fixed upon You, Your desires, and eternity, and may my desire always and only be to please and glorify You!   

The word never, is only beneficial when describing things that God has said will never happen or to keep a person safe.  Here are a few examples:

God is never going to change God will never sin God will never flood the earth again

Never do drugs

Never drink & drive

dictionary.com defines ‘never’ as:
 Nev-er

1. not ever; at no time:

2. not at all; absolutely not:

3. to no extent or degree:

Often I hear people use this word in a way that does significant damage to their spiritual walk.  Here are a few examples about the times we may be tempted to use this word:  

“We know that’s never going to happen….” in response to a relationship problem, marriage issue or work dilemma.

“She’s never going to change” in response to a person

“He’s never going to get accepted” into that program/college/trade school

“They will never agree to that” in response to a governing body or place of employment

“I would never do that” in response to judging someone else’s sin

“He would never say/do that” in response to a bad report from a teacher about your child

“God will never answer this prayer/perform a miracle for me/care about this.”

The word ‘Never’ is a life killer, dream stealer, hope thwarter, and prayer thief.

5 Reasons Why We Need to Stop Using the Word ‘Never’:

1. ‘Never’ is faithless word & without faith we cannot please God  

“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”  Hebrews 11:6 NIV

2. ‘Never’ brings death to a situation vs. hope & life which God is the author of

“The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”  Proverbs 18:21 NIV

3. ‘Never’ is not the truth  (unless you’re repeating something God said will never happen.)                                                                  

“Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”’ Matthew 19:26 NIV

4. ‘Never; completely diminishes the power of God in our lives because it is a lie

“Blessed is the man who makes the LORD his trust, who does not turn to the proud, to those who go astray after a lie!” Psalm 40:4

5.   Saying ‘Never’ is worse than doubt, it is making yourself ‘God’ over that situation or person you are praying for or talking about.  The word ‘never’ declares that you are the authority in the matter and it is blasphemous and idolatry.  Our God is a redeemer, an expert in the restoration of all things, He makes all things new, He regenerates people from death to eternal life, and specializes in the impossible!  When you say you believe that God raised Jesus from the dead, and with the same mouth proclaim that He will “never” fix your marriage or change your friend you are a double-minded man!  Look what James 1:6-8 says: “But he must ask in faith, without doubting, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. He is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.”  (bold letter added for emphasis) 

The use of the word ‘never’ in your life keeps you from living a life of faith.

I challenge you to stop using the word ‘never’ and begin today to replace it with life-giving words of hope and truth from God’s Word.  

“You were wearied with the length of your way, but you did not say, “It is hopeless”; you found new life for your strength, and so you were not faint.”  Isaiah 57:10 ESV

“Even when there was no reason for hope, Abraham kept hoping--believing that he would become the father of many nations. For God had said to him, "That's how many descendants you will have!”  Romans 4:18 NLT

In what situation do you find yourself in that there may be ‘no reason for hope’ as was the case with Abraham?  Choose to keep on believing in God’s truth today. 

What are you hoping for?  Write out some Bible verses to study and repeat that will bring hope to your life.

Our God specializes in the impossible!

Have you ever been at the crossroads between ‘should I say something?’ & ‘I’ll just ignore this’? That’s the intersection my 14 yr. old son found himself in due to the lack of godliness among the many kids he interacts with everyday.  Here’s the scene:  Zach was in a high school weight room lifting weights with his peers when a song comes on that is full of explicit sexual content and        ‘f-bombs.’  Zach is totally distracted by the vulgar nature of the song and tells me about it as soon as he gets in the car that day.  Here’s the conversation:

Zach: “Mom, when I workout I like to think about God and I feel like He gives me strength to lift and then as I’m doing that today this terrible song comes on…”

Me: “Were the coaches in the room?


Zach: “Yeah, I think 2 or 3 of them”

Me: “Did you go and tell them that you would like to listen to different music?”

Zach: “No, I feel like they wouldn’t listen to me…maybe if I told them it was affecting my performance that would get their attention because I feel like that’s all they care about.”  

Sidenote: As a mother I feel that as early and as often as I can I want to be in the “coaching” role that tells my children how to handle a situation, that they are capable of addressing it on their own, and then praying for them to have courage and do the “hard” thing, because the right thing is often the “harder” thing in the short-term and easier in the long-term.

Me: “Well, first you need to talk to the coaches and ask them to change it and if they are unwilling, then you need to bring your iPhone with your earbuds and listen to your own music.”

Zach: “We aren’t allowed to have our iPhone in the weight room because they said they don’t want us to be distracted.”     (I find this ironic due to the huge distraction that such graphic music can be)

Me: “Anytime that anyone is asking you to sin (listening to vulgar music) and the way for you to not sin (listening to your own music on your iPhone or similar device with earbuds or wearing ear plugs) is against the rules, then you have my permission and God’s to break the rule.  We are free to disobey any rules/policies that go against God’s rules/policies.”

Zach: “Well I just decided to ignore the music the best I could.”

Me: “How do you know that God hasn’t placed you in that weight room to make a difference and make the place better for all the guys that are in this program?  You addressing this with your coaches could positively impact the environment for everyone.”

Zach: “I just feel like I’m only one person & they listen to the masses, my weight lifting partner was singing all the words and I don’t think anyone else cares.”

Me: “God cares, and you are believing the lie Zach that one person cannot make a difference.  One person can make a difference especially when that one person has the power of God in them!  Jesus was only one person and he made quite an impact, and we have the same power in us that Jesus has.”

Today I’m praying for my son to have the courage to address this issue with his coaches this week.  I’m also praying for myself, my other children, and you & your families that all of us would recognize that we have been called to be more than conquerors over this present darkness!  If Zach is unwilling to do this on his own, then we still plan to have him talk to the coaches himself but he will do it with his dad by his side.  

“So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.”  James 4:17 ESV

Change can happen and can start with us!   Zach is in the weight room to build his physical strength and while that is of some value, God puts us in the weight room of life to grow our spiritual strength!  Be a spiritual warrior!  Is God asking you to speak out against something in your current situation or environment?  If you’ve ever doubted that God can use you, please consider the following 20 people:

Abraham was old Isaac was a daydreamer Jacob was a liar Joseph was abused Moses had a stuttering problem Gideon was afraid Rahab was a prostitute Jeremiah & Timothy were young David had an affair & was a murderer Jonah ran from God Naomi was a widow Job went bankrupt Peter denied Christ The disciples fell asleep while praying The Samaritan woman was divorced Zaccheus was small Paul was too religious Timothy had an ulcer Lazarus WAS DEAD!!!

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 ESV

My 11 yr. old son Tyler has huge dreams when it comes to playing hockey!  Recently, he had 4 days of tryouts which involved a couple rounds of cuts.  He excitedly came home from Day 1 and said “I think I did awesome!”   As a parent, I love the confidence especially because he thanked God for helping him.  Day 2 however, was a different story and Tyler was unsure of how to rate the day.  The crooked smile and eye rolling when asked how he thought he did was a give-away that all was not well, but he finally settled on the fact that he thought it was a “little lower than good but better than ‘iffy’” kind of tryout day.    When there are many other boys that want your spot in a AAA hockey program any day that is just “better than ‘iffy’” is not a good day.  To demonstrate where he thought he was he decided to draw a graph indicating that Monday was “really good,” and Tuesday was somewhere in between “good & iffy!”  (see chart below)

As he pondered the current state of his performance, he quickly decided to flip over the graph paper and to loudly proclaim “now to predict Wednesday and Thursday!  Really good & really good!”  I also noticed when he flipped the graph over to predict the next 2 days that he never even added the bad, horrible or really bad options that he initially had as options on the front side of the graph.  After he made his predictions, he never flipped that graph over again!  (see graph below).

I thought of the many times God indicates in Scripture that we are not to look back, but forward. When used in Scripture it is often indicating that when God calls us to something then we must not get distracted and turn/shrink back, or have a divided heart caring for both for the things that God is calling us to or the things of this world.

Jesus said to him, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.”  Luke 9:62 ESV

It can be easy to allow past failures to keep us looking back on the past and dwelling on them instead of looking ahead and trusting God for a hopeful future.  Tyler decided to put his faith in who God is and stopped looking at the past, it was a new graph!   Tyler’s final prediction of the exact AAA team he would be placed on (there were 2 options) was incorrect on the graph, but he has faith that the God who made Him has put him exactly where He is supposed to be, so he’s not looking back and rehashing his tryout triumphs or trials but is instead looking forward to the new season God has prepared for him.

What do you need to stop thinking about today?

“Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead,”  Philippians 3:13 ESV

My 14 yr. old son in his own words would describe himself as “cool with a little side of nerd,” as opposed to a “nerd with a little side of cool!” Lol!  He loves technology, computer coding, robotics, 3D printers, the periodic table of elements and other things that give me a headache just thinking about!  It was when we were out together that he learned a valuable lesson and I was reminded of one: The importance of asking specifically for what we want or need.

I was in the middle of planning for a fundraiser and we were looking for signed jerseys from local Pittsburgh professional athletes when Zach & I stopped in to our chiropractor’s office.  While there, I realized that my chiropractor may know some athletes, and the conversation went like this:

Me:  “So I’m planning a fundraiser right now and was wondering if you or anyone you know might have access to any players from any of the Pittsburgh sports teams that may be willing to sign a jersey for a fundraiser?

Hesitating for a moment he answered: “not really, nobody is coming to mind, but let me think about it.”

I determined it was a good time to teach a lesson to my son Zach.

Me: “Zach, if you feel that you are operating in God’s plan for your life and that you want or need something, you must always be willing to ask specifically for what you need and keep asking until you find it.

Zach laughing says, “ok mom, so will you buy me a new gaming computuer?”  

Me: “No”

Zach: “Awww mom, c’mon you said if I asked I could get what I want…”

Me: “Well it’s not a guarantee that you are going to get what you ask for, but it’s almost a guarantee that you will not get what you don’t ask for!  And when I hear the word no, I just keep on asking and telling people about what it is I’m looking for until I get a yes.”

With a sly smile Zach proceeds to ask our chiropractor who is now busy giving me an adjustment, “Dr. Todd will you buy me a new gaming computer?”

Laughing he says “no, but I can introduce you to a guy that can teach you how to build your own!”

In that moment it was as if the skies had parted and angels were singing!  Zach’s face lit up and he exclaimed “seriously?!”

Now Dr. Todd had no idea that his answer was a far better outcome for Zach who had only asked for someone to purchase him a gaming computer, but ended up with something far greater than he could’ve hoped for or imagined…an opportunity to build his own!  The “nerd” in him was beyond excited and his mind raced with all the possibilities of building his own gaming computer.  

With eyebrows still raised Zach asked “how soon can you get me his number?  That would be amazing if I could learn to do that!  Mom, would you let me do that this summer?”

Me: “Of course!”

We walked out and I was reminded of the verse that says in part “…you have not because you ask not,” and another verse where God says that he “is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us,” Ephesians 3:20 ESV

That day God surprised Zach when he provided an opportunity that was far greater than what he had orginally asked for!

This election year is the most critical one in recent history.  The next president will likely appoint 3-5 Supreme Court Justices who will profoundly impact the future direction of our nation and whether we hold to a strict or loose interpretation of the Constitution.  In other words, whether we will be a nation governed by law or man!  What is at stake is whether we will maintain or forfeit the rights that our founding father’s sacrificed their reputations, their homes, careers, and even their very lives to ensure that we as American citizens would have. We must take the privilege and responsibility we have to vote very seriously.

No person in their own wisdom can fix the problems of our nation; they are spiritual in nature and they stem from our nation turning our back on God and His commands. Our only hope as a nation is to be found in our turning to God. It is imperative that we elect a leader who knows God; who realizes that we must turn to Him for guidance and direction; and who is willing to humble himself/herself and seek God’s direction as he/she leads our country. Scripture and history reveal that, ‘as the leader goes, so goes the nation’. George Washington and Abraham Lincoln-- who many consider to be our nation’s two greatest presidents-- were men who met the above criteria. Washington shaped the destiny of our nation during our nation’s crucial formative years, and Lincoln’s pivotal leadership preserved the unity of our nation when the forces behind the Civil War would have divided us. We are desperate for leadership like theirs during this critical juncture in our country’s history. It was their character and their choosing to lean upon the Character of God that made them great leaders; God granted them the wisdom to lead as they sought His guidance and direction.

What characteristics should a Christian look for in a leader? No person has had a greater impact on our world than Jesus so it makes sense that we should look to his life to help us determine the most important leadership qualities. Keep in mind that there is no perfect person or leader-- other than Jesus-- but we in America have the privilege and the responsibility as citizens to vote for the candidate who most closely aligns with God’s leadership standards. Below are some of the character qualities of Jesus, which also constitute a great leader:

1) Humble and Servant leader: Jesus was a servant, as was clearly displayed when He washed His disciples’ feet at the Last Supper. He did not seek power for Himself; He always sought to serve others and to bring glory to His Heavenly Father.  We all have been called to emulate His example, as Paul charged us to do in his letter to the Philippians.

Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. Philippians 2:3-7

Which of the candidates exhibits the greatest humility? Which candidate most closely appears to be a ‘servant leader’ whose primary purpose is to serve others and God rather than to achieve a position of power to further his/her own agenda and achieve a name and power for himself/herself? Are there any candidate(s) who are arrogant, conceited, and appear to be primarily interested in elevating themselves out of selfish ambition?

2) Knowledgeable of and subservient to the will of God: Jesus always sought to know the will of God, His Heavenly Father, and he always obeyed Him-- even when that meant his death on a cross (Philippians 2:8) He would go off to pray early in the mornings to meet with His Heavenly Father. After hearing from God the Father, Jesus would go to the places His Heavenly Father led him to go; interact with the people with whom His Heavenly Father told him to interact; and he would speak the words His Heavenly Father gave him to speak. Jesus knew he could nothing apart from his Heavenly Father and he made it clear that he was dependent upon Him.

Jesus answered, “My teaching is not my own. It comes from the one who sent me.” John 7:16

“For I have not spoken on my own authority, but the Father who sent me has himself given me a commandment—what to say and what to speak.”  John 12:49 Jesus gave them this answer:  “Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does.”  John 5:19

Which of the candidates by their words and their lives acknowledge that they look to God and rely upon Him for direction and strength? That they trust in and seek always to obey God’s commands? Which candidate do you think will consider God’s commandments and godly principles in their decision-making? Is there any candidate who you doubt has a personal relationship with God? A candidate(s) who you are concerned whether he/she knows the truth of God’s word and whether he/she would seek guidance from Him?

3) Truthful and full of integrity: Jesus is the truth! (John 14:6)

Jesus always spoke the truth, and all of his actions lined up with the truth that he spoke.

And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14

Which candidate appears to be the most trust worthy based upon what he/she says and does? Do the candidate’s actions line up with his/her words or do they prove his/her words to be false? Is there any candidate whose integrity you question? Does he/ she speak falsely against others (Exodus 20:16)?

4) Faithful and steadfast, even in the face of trials: Jesus’ life on earth epitomized faithfulness. He was faithful to His Heavenly Father as well as faithful to the people He came to ‘seek and save’. When tempted by Satan, Jesus didn’t succumb to the temptation to satisfy his own desires or to seek glory for himself; he remained faithful to the will of His Heavenly Father.  In the Garden of Eden when Satan again came to tempt him to disobey God, Jesus made the decision to remain faithful even though he knew it meant great humiliation, excruciating pain, and a horrific death. He was faithful to the end out of obedience to His Heavenly Father, and he also remained faithful for the sake of all who would receive the gift of salvation that his death purchased. As he sits at the right hand of the Father in Heaven, Jesus is still faithful to his own as he lives to intercede on their behalf.

Which of the candidates do you believe would remain most faithful to their oath to uphold the Constitution of the United States? Which candidate do you believe will be most resolute in standing up for, and if necessary, defending the rights of the American people as guaranteed by the Constitution, such as freedom of speech and freedom of religion, and the right to bear arms? Which candidate do you think will be able to remain strong and prevail when there is the temptation to compromise or make unwise ‘deals with the devil’, whether concerning domestic or international policies? And which candidate will remain faithful not only to the American people but also will stand with Israel, our only democratic ally in the Middle East, and more importantly God’s chosen people, for whom it was prophesied,  “Blessed are those who bless you, and cursed are those who curse you.”? (Number 24: 9) Is there any candidate(s) whose stance on issues has wavered and/or you are concerned if they would be faithful to uphold the rights guaranteed to people under the Constitution? Do you question any of the candidate’s allegiance to Israel?

5) Righteous:  Jesus always is fair, just, and does what is right and in ways that are right. In other words, Jesus would never ascribe to the belief that, ‘the end justifies the means’ because ALL that he does is good and moral. He would not take part in activities that were unrighteous-- or immoral-- in nature.  

Which candidate demonstrates that he/she is the most righteous one? Are there any candidate(s) that cause concern because of unrighteous activity or behavior?

6) Compassionate and caring: The essence of Jesus’ nature is love.  He is completely selfless and always seeks to meet others’ needs.

Which candidate demonstrates the most sincere selfless love, respect, and concern for the welfare of others? Is there any candidate(s) that causes concern because he/she demonstrates a lack of love and respect for others?

Although this is not an exhaustive list, hopefully it will provide guidance to you as you prepare to cast your vote. Most importantly, make sure to pray and ask God to give you discernment and wisdom regarding not only for whom to vote, but also please pray for all elected and appointed leaders as we have been commanded to do (1st Timothy 2:1-4) as well as for our nation to repent and turn to Jesus—the Way, the Truth, the Life, and our only Hope!

There are so many times when I’m mentoring someone that I will hear the phrase “I know exactly why they did….” or “I know (this person) was talking about me, because I could just tell…” or “I know what she was thinking…she was thinking I was going to do…I could tell by the look on her face”  and so on.  God is the only one who with perfection, can accurately know a person’s intent.  We may think we know, we may share the story with hopes to build a “case” and gain support for our theories (aka: gossip) but ultimately we do not know WHY people do what they do, and assuming often leads to several dangers which I’m going to address later.     These dangers were recently made known to me when I did this very thing: assumed intent.

I started 2016 with a terrible pneumonia which manifested on Monday, January 4th!  With a constant 104 degree temperature, and extreme fatigue I laid in bed for several days just trying to rest.   Finally, when I made my way into the laundry room and after 4 days of being in bed it was quite full of laundry that needed to be cleaned.  I must add that based my family’s lack of tending to basic household chores while I was sick I was not surprised to find the laundry room a wreck too; what I was not prepared for was the demand that I found there.  To my utter dismay I found a note demanding that I clean a specific basket of clothes immediately (as noted by the explanation point.)  It was clear that one of my children thought it would be acceptable to demand I clean his/her clothes.  In my anger I texted a picture of the disrespect to my husband with the following note:  

There is was written in black and white the demand:  Clean!  Next, I was about to text my mother the same picture because I knew she would be shocked to see such disrespect!  Then my husband quickly responded to inform me that this was simply a note to ensure that I did not re-wash this basket because it was clean clothes that just needed to be folded and my daughter was trying to help me with the laundry but it was too late and she had to go to bed so she didn’t fold that basket, I laughed so hard at myself.  What an example of misinterpreting intent!  I so easily miscalculated the intent of a written message, imagine how much more we miscalculate when trying to discern non-verbal cues or actions that others take when we don’t ask them specifically what they intended!   

Here are 3 dangers, and I’m sure there are more but these 3 surfaced right away for me during my incident with the note.

We believe a lie that we create in our own mind- In my situation the lie was: nobody does anything to help around the house and I obviously have done a bad job parenting because one of my children is extremely rude and disrespectful.  In the case of some of the women I have talked to, it may be the lie that “so and so” doesn’t like them, or is mad at them because….(which has never been spoken).  Perhaps they believe the lie that their mother-in-law thinks they don’t keep a clean house because every time she comes over she does the dishes and wipes down countertops!  These are all assumptions based on our own “issues” and often do not have any truth in them at all.

We allow a seed/root of bitterness to grow- In my case, I was bitter that it seemed to be an expectation that I was going to clean these clothes, I was so bitter that I threatened to punish this child until Jesus’ return!  Hahaha.  So Christlike…just kidding.  For other women it may be that they grow bitter about attending family gatherings, speaking to certain neighbors and they harbor this bitterness until it becomes an enormous, mentally-exhausting and sometimes all-consuming issue.

We sin- Once bitterness enters we may have a tendency to act out of pain/anger and gossip about the incident (I had to text my husband right away to gain support), or treat others in a way that does not show the love Jesus has commanded us to love one another with.

Don’t assume anything.  When you feel that there is an “issue” or that someone has sinned against you at work, in your extended family or in your home that involves you specifically be sure to speak to the person directly and honestly and ask what his/her intent is and do not be afraid to share how that person’s actions make you feel. “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother.” (Matthew 18:15 ESV) This requires patience, strength & humility which are all found in the Holy Spirit that dwells within you!

Who do you need to talk to today to discover their intent?

 Almost daily I hear about situations that leave me incredulous about the moral decline in our culture. A friend shared with me an article that appeared in Glamour magazine last week that showcases the depth of the depravity in our society, and it also rekindled in me the burning desire to rally us as Christians to take a stand and fight against the lies that are pummeling our youth like a tidal wave.

Read these excerpts from Glamour’s January 18, 2016 article, “Girl Meets World's Rowan Blanchard's Brave Statement: ‘I Identify as Queer’” that were written by Laurel Pinson:

 “Rowan Blanchard, the winning young star of the Disney series Girl Meets World, may be only 14, but she’s already establishing herself as a fresh, outspoken voice for her generation….there’s a reason we chose her to serve as Glamour’s Instagram Ambassador at last year’s Women of the Year Awards….Now, the star is opening up about her sexuality—revealing this weekend on Twitter that she doesn’t want to label herself in any way, and thus identifies more as “queer.”…In a post on Twitter, she wrote "In my life—only ever liked boys … however I personally don't wanna label myself as straight, gay or whateva so I am not gonna give myself labels to stick with - just existing." In penning such a brave admission, Rowan joins the ranks of several other stars who have eschewed labels in regards to their own sexuality. In an interview with Paper, Miley Cyrus said that when it comes to sex, she is “literally open to every single thing that is consenting and doesn't involve an animal and everyone is of age.” Similarly, Kristen Stewart told Nylon that she doesn’t label her sexuality, adding, “I think in three or four years, there are going to be a whole lot more people who don’t think it’s necessary to figure out if you’re gay or straight. It’s like, just do your thing.” These stars aren’t alone: Earlier this year, a study found that nearly a third of Americans age 18 to 29 don’t consider themselves completely straight, and more than half of those surveyed agreed with the statement that “sexuality is a scale.”  It's likely that more and more young people will see things like gender and sexuality as increasingly fluid—and here's hoping that there are more articulate voices like Blanchard's to join the chorus.”

WHAT IS YOUR RESPONSE?

 So what is your reaction as you read this? Are you shocked? Shaking your head in disbelief--   perhaps even in judgment--at these young starlets and their expression of their ‘newfound sexuality’? Are you wondering, ‘How’d we ever get to this place in our culture?’ Or are you wondering how many parents—even Christian parents—allow and are unconcerned that their teenage girls read magazines like Glamour that applaud and herald today’s confused Hollywood stars like Rowan? Or have you become so numb to the moral decline in our society that you read the article, shrugged your shoulders, and thought, ‘That’s so sad, but there’s nothing I can do to change the direction that our culture and world is taking’.

 As I read the article, I immediately was reminded of Judges 21:25 “In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes.”  Doing what was right in their own eyes led to confusion, chaos, and depravity back then, just as it is doing in America today. Whereas God is a God of order (1st Corinthian 14:33), Satan is the author of confusion (James 3:15-18) and the ‘gender confusion’ highlighted in the article is the fruit of and evidence that Satan is at work in the lives of our youth. Our culture has turned its back on God, the ‘King of Kings’ and people are choosing to do whatever they ‘feel’ is ‘right’ for them to do, without any acknowledgement that God is the Righteous One Who has already and alone can determine what is ‘right’ and what is ‘wrong’. So what’s the big deal? The big deal is that a large number of our youth and young adults are being led down a path that leads to their destruction.

THIS TREND IS ROOTED IN REBELLION AND DANGEROUS

This trend to think that one’s ‘sexuality is a scale’ and ones’ ‘gender and sexuality as increasingly fluid’ grieves me. It grieves me but does not surprise me. The groundwork for this rebellious thinking was laid long ago. In fact, it originated back in the Garden of Eden.  Rowan Blanchard, Miley Cyrus, Kristen Stewart, and yes, even you and I, are all too often like Adam and Eve, thinking that we are wiser than God and know what is best for us. There were dire consequences for Adam and Eve because of their disobedience to God’s command, and there will be dire consequences for this generation who choose to listen to Satan’s lies rather than to obey God’s perfect will.

I am grieved because the consequences of believing the lies our youth and young adults are being taught about their sexual identity will never lead to their experiencing the joy, peace, and true love they were created to enjoy and that can be found only in a life of obedience to God. I am grieved because God loves the world so much that He gave His Son’s precious life for humanity (John 3:16), and it’s His desire that ‘all would come to know Him’ (1st Timothy 2:4)—which certainly includes Hollywood stars and today’s youth and young adults. And I am especially grieved because we as the Church have allowed these lies to be promulgated in our schools, in the media, and even in some churches -- on ‘our watch’-- and all too often we as the Church have remained silent instead of taking action to counter the destructive lies of Satan. We know that ‘people perish for lack of knowledge,’ and yet too often we say nothing instead of sharing the knowledge of Christ and His truth in love with them.

OUR YOUTH ARE BEING LED INTO A MINEFIELD

 What’s going on in our society can be compared to sending our youth and young adults into a field laced with mines that are camouflaged and covered by gorgeous flowers, luscious trees, extravagant water fountains, and other beautiful objects strategically placed and designed to entice them. Our youth have been encouraged to go and play in the minefield without being forewarned that underneath the beautiful objects lie bombs that will blow up on them and cause serious harm to their bodies, to their souls, and can lead to eternal suffering as well. Importantly, a path runs through the field, and if taken and stayed upon, will keep them from ever having to encounter any of the bombs. However, the vast majority of those who influence our youth and young adults are telling them that the path of safety is boring and will keep them from truly enjoying the beauty to be found in the field, so instead of encouraging them to get on the safe path they are encouraging them to go where the mines are.

 The mines, or bombs, are the lies that have been developed and strategically placed by Satan to entice our youth to follow his ways and their own selfish desires. The Path is Jesus-- also known as the Way, the Truth, and the Source of all Life, and He alone can overcome the destruction and death that Satan ‘the Deceiver’ and ‘Father of Lies’ seeks to bring upon all of God’s creation. The influencers are educators, the social media and journalists, Hollywood, politicians, and their peers, among others.

 So, ‘What are YOU going to do to intervene in this tragic situation?’ Are you going to let today’s youth and young adults go into the minefield without warning them about the destructive mines, even if they may resist your warning? Are you going to tell them there’s a path they can take that will not only keep them safe from the devil’s lies and destructive power, but is also the only path that will lead to their experiencing true joy, peace, and true love? Are you willing to do whatever God asks you to do to help steer them onto the ‘path of righteousness’ that alone can protect them and that leads to the truly abundant life?

SPECIFIC THINGS YOU CAN DO TO INFLUENCE OUR CULTURE FOR CHRIST

 Below are just some of the things that you can-- and I believe the Church must do-- to safeguard our youth and young adults and help them to understand the joy of godly living.

 1) Pray! This is the most critical thing we all can do, and something we must do to stop the onslaught of the Enemy and to help return this generation to the path of righteousness.  Pray for yourself, that God would give you a love for this next generation that would cause you to overcome any fear, unbelief, or passivity so that you will be found faithful to put on the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:1-18) and fulfill the call to ’fight the good fight of faith’ (1st Timothy 6:12). Pray for boldness and courage to take a stand in this ‘wicked and perverse generation’. Pray that the Holy Spirit would give wisdom and discernment to your children; to your grandchildren; to teenagers, youth and young adults that you know (and also those who are known only to God!); Hollywood stars; the media; educators; political leaders, and all those who influence our culture so that they would turn to God, realize His love for them, follow His commands, and turn their back on Satan and his lies. Pray that we as the Church would rise up and proclaim the truth of God’s Word in love to a generation that is being deceived and is desperately in need of knowing the life-giving Word and love of God! Pray for this generation which is being swept up in the lies of ‘tolerance’ that is leading us further down the road of judgment against a Holy God Who created us to be ‘male and female’ and gave us the gift of sex to be used in the context of marriage between a husband and wife.  Consider starting a prayer group with other like-minded women to pray together for your children and grandchildren and for ‘God’s children’ in your community, the state, our nation, and the world. Pray that they would be consumed by the ‘fear the Lord’, ‘walk in the truth’, and stand firmly upon His Word.  Another way that you can ‘war’ for this generation is to prayer walk: in your neighborhood, around schools, around other public and private buildings, either alone or with others. 

 2) Daily read and carefully study God’s word so that you will be equipped and able to discern the difference between truth and the lies of the enemy. Consider the minefield analogy: a mine expert knows the importance of remaining on the safe path, and he also knows that where to look for mines, what they look like, and how to detonate them if he does get off the path. Studying the Word of God will train you to be ‘an expert’ who knows God and the importance of obeying His perfect commands. It will enable you to identify and overcome Satan’s lies if you or a loved one disobeys God and gets off the path, and it also will instruct you on how to get back on the ‘path of life’.

 3) Teach and instruct your family in the truth of God’s word so that they too will ‘know the truth that will set them free’. (John 8:32) We have been commanded to instruct our children in the truth (Deuteronomy 6); many of the youth and adults who believe the lies of the enemy are doing so because parents have abdicated their responsibility to instruct their children in God’s word. Determine to make bible reading and instruction part of your family’s daily routine, applying God’s word to the issues of daily living and current events. Make sure to joyously share with your children and grandchildren that they are ‘fearfully and wonderfully made’ (Psalm 139:14) by God Who is perfect in all of His ways (Psalm 145:17) and Who intentionally created them to be male or female for their good and His glory (Genesis 5:2).  Let them know that sex is a wonderful gift, but a gift that God in His wisdom has reserved for marriage between a man and a woman. Live out God’s word by modeling what a godly life and marriage looks like; wives respecting your husbands, and husbands loving your wives as they love themselves, both husband and wife submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ (Ephesians 5:21-33).

 4) Teach and disciple non-family members in the truth of God’s Word. We have been commanded both ‘to love God’ and ‘to love others as God has loved us’ (Luke 10:27), and if we love God and others we will be faithful to share the ‘good news’ of the gospel with them, ‘going and making disciples’. (Matthew 28:19) There are many ways in which you can obey these commands, such as:  teach a Sunday school class; lead a Bible study in your neighborhood or in your church for Moms where you teach them God’s Word and encourage them to instruct their own families in the truth of God’s Word; lead a Bible study for teenage girls/young adults in your neighborhood, church, or school district; mentor a teenage girl or young adult from your church, neighborhood, or school district; get involved with the Boys/Girl Clubs of America, Girl Scouts, your local juvenile detention facility, or other organizations where there is the opportunity to develop a relationship with youth/young adults and share and model the truth of God’s love to them.

 5) Get educated regarding what is being taught in your local elementary, middle, and high school(s) as well as your universities, whether or not your kids or grandkids attend them (and especially if they do!) God is concerned about the souls of these precious students and knows the importance of training up a child (Proverbs 22:6) and that what we think will direct the course of our lives (Proverbs 23:7). We as Christians should be concerned about what children, teenagers and young adults are being taught; it matters to God and it should matter to us!  Do not assume that just because your child is in a Christian school or even home schooled that this doesn’t concern you; the people who are being led astray are dear to God, and as His child you have a responsibility to reach out to and help them.  Remember, your children will be impacted by what is elevated in our culture:  they’ll either succumb to or influencer it.

 6) Contact your school board members as well as your state education personnel if you determine that what is being taught in your public schools does not line up with God’s Word (most likely it does not) and work to change the curriculum. Organize with other parents who are concerned about our education system and seek to make changes in the curriculum, such as removing/altering sex education and other programs that undermine God’s Word and your God-ordained parental authority. Prayerfully consider running for your school board or other public office, and make sure to actively support elected and appointed officials at all levels of the government who (at least most closely!) hold to a biblical worldview.

 7) If after attempting to change an anti-Biblical curriculum at your child’s school be prayerful and willing to remove your child from the school—no matter how affordable, convenient, or prestigious it is in the world’s eyes-- if that is how the Lord leads you. 

So what is God leading you to do to stand up for truth and to extend God’s love to this generation that is so precious to Him?

 Recently my nine-year-old son began to lose a small patch of hair on his head. At first, I wasn’t overly concerned. Perplexed, but not really concerned.  After confirming that he and his sister hadn’t been experimenting with a razor or scissors, we made a trip to our doctor where we learned that Matt has alopecia areata (AA).  AA is a mysterious “disease” where a person loses his or her hair.  The degree of severity is vast, ranging from being confined to a singular patch on the head to total loss of hair over the entire body.  Fortunately, AA isn’t due to poor health nor is it life threatening.  It seems as though the worst part of the disease is the psychological effect it has on the individual losing hair. It has been 2 months since Matt’s initial diagnosis and the patch I initially noticed has now grown to about 5 square inches, and at least 12 other patches have developed.  His case appears to be one that is not of the ‘lesser degree’.

Years ago-- before coming to a mature relationship with Christ-- I would have flipped out and worried constantly about my little boy.  Thoughts such as, “Why is this happening?  Did he do something to cause this?  Did I do something to cause this?  What if kids begin to mock him? What will people think about me as a mother for allowing it to happen?” would have plagued me. I not only would have tormented myself with unending questions, but I am sure I’d have had countless sleepless nights and many a  “drink” to calm me down. BUT because God entered into my life and has radically transformed it, that is not my response today. I now have such freedom in knowing that I can cast all my cares and fears on God (1st Peter 5:7), which has allowed me to keep calm in the midst of this situation, and to truly experience peace in knowing that everything is going to be ok because God is in control, regardless of the severity of his condition. I know it isn’t in my power to control the situation; I can’t heal Matt. But I can choose how I will respond to the situation: whether I will spend useless, destructive time worrying and fretting over something I can’t control, or whether I will put my confidence in God, Who is in control and Who  knows what’s best for Matt and loves him the most!

As I have ‘cast my fears on God’— turned them all over to His most capable and loving hands, He has reminded me that He is the Creator of all things.  He not only created my precious little boy, but He also created me and gave me the gift of being his mother.  God entrusted me with the responsibility and privilege of raising Matt, and although Matt’s bout with AA was a surprise to me, it is no surprise to Him. I am confident that God will guide my husband and me, grant us His wisdom, and give us everything we need to come alongside Matt and to encourage him through this situation. Most of all, I know that we are not going through this situation alone; God is present with us every step of the way and He will not forsake us. As I realized these truths, it was as if The Lord gave me a big, warm hug!    

My faith in Christ grows daily as He constantly reveals Himself to me through scripture and prayer, and through the awareness of His abiding presence with me (Isaiah 41:10). It has been His strength at work in me that has carried me through many times of uncertainty in the past.  He has always been faithful to give me the peace I desperately need; I have no doubt that he will continue to be faithful and to deliver me from any fears that may arise in the future about Matt’s condition.  Of course I would love to say I could pray this whole thing away, but that isn’t always how it works.  God has a plan for our sweet boy and this disease is apparently part of it. I believe that God is able to work ALL things--which includes Matt’s disease--for Matt’s good and for the glory of God (Romans 8:28). Whatever may happen in the future regarding his condition, I will continue to trust our Heavenly Father and to seek His guidance and peace, resting in His love, His faithfulness, and His goodness.

In the wake of the recent mass murders that took place in Oregon where the killer mortally wounded those students and faculty who affirmatively answered his question, ‘Are you a Christian?’ and in a time when presidential candidates are being queried about their religious beliefs, it is important that we know what it really means to be ‘a Christian’. How would you respond to the question, “Are you a Christian?’  Upon what would you base your answer? Would you say that you are a Christian if you knew that it would cost you your life, as it did those in the Oregon shootings? If it meant ridicule, loss of your job, or persecution?  Many people, especially in the United States, profess to be Christian, but are they really when we consider their definition of a Christian in light of God’s Word? 

 For over half of my life, if I’d been asked those questions I likely would have responded something like this:  “Of course I’m a Christian. I was born into a Christian home and went to church every Sunday (I mean we even attended church when we were on vacations!). As a child we had nightly devotions in our home, and I certainly believed that Jesus died on the cross to save people from their sin. I thought about God a lot and loved discussions about spiritual things. I prayed before and even after meals, and whenever I needed something from God (usually it was a prayer along the lines of asking Him to get me out of whatever mess I’d gotten myself into!). I wasn’t an atheist, a Buddhist, a Hindu, a Muslim, or any other religion, and I was raised in a home where we faithfully attended church, and I did believe that God loved me… so, yes, I must be a Christian!

 But was I really a Christian?  My life pretty much revolved around my pleasure and my thoughts were on what made me happy, not on what God desired from or for me. God was a part of my life, but He certainly was not the center or focus of my life.

I was what I describe as a ‘roller-coaster Christian’.  I had highs with God when I pursued Him, followed by lows when I turned my back on Him, which led me to cry out to God and brought me back up to a high with Him, followed shortly by a low as I pursued my agenda rather than His better one. Maybe you’ve been on that roller-coaster ride with God too; or perhaps you are on it now and want to get off.

By God’s grace, I found that there is a better way of living.  A MUCH better way!  And it is found by giving your life to the One Who is ‘The Way’!

At 37 years, after realizing that living life by my standards instead of following God’s commands brought disaster and disappointment, I finally was willing to humble myself and get down on my knees and give my life to God…my whole life…not just some of the time, but ALL of the time! To fully surrender my will, my dreams, and my desires to doing His will-- no matter what.

From that time on, my life has been radically transformed. I confessed my sins before God and repented; I changed the whole focus and direction of my life. I became what the Bible describes as ‘born again’ or a ‘new creation’ in Christ (2nd Corinthians 5:17); the old passed away and the new life came. I no longer lived life in my own strength and power; I began living through the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit who I received when I truly accepted by faith the gift of salvation Jesus offered me by dying in my place on the cross. Jesus said that a person MUST be ‘born again’ to see the kingdom of God. (John 3:3) 

I was done with ‘roller coaster Christianity’ (which is really not Christianity at all!) and started living consistently for the pleasure of God rather than for my own pleasure-- and that has brought purpose and true joy to my life!

Being a Christian means to be a “follower of Christ”, Who Himself said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”(John 14:6)  In fact, early Christians were known as followers of “The Way’ because Jesus clearly stated that He alone was THE way to salvation and His followers-- also known as disciples-- taught that the only path to salvation was through faith in Christ; that is what true Christians believe today as well. If there were any other way other way, why would Jesus have endured the cross? 

The essence of Jesus Christ’s life was that He fully submitted to the will of His Heavenly Father. Jesus’ only will was to do the will of His Heavenly Father. Jesus only did that which He saw His Father doing, and He only spoke the words His Father gave Him to speak (John 5:19 John 12:49). The full extent of His willingness to surrender His will to do what His Heavenly Father desired is epitomized in the Garden of Gethsemane. After asking, if possible, that the ‘cup’ of going to the cross be removed from him, he uttered, “Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” (Luke 22:42) As ‘Christ-followers’, we will follow Jesus’ lead and no longer live for what pleases our earthly, bodily desires; instead we will choose to live for the pleasure and will of God, trusting that whatever He asks of us is always and ultimately for our good and for God’s glory. 

Being a true Christian involves more than just believing that Jesus died on the cross to save ‘the world’ from its sin, but trusting that Jesus died on the cross to save YOU from YOUR sin. It is believing by faith that Jesus gave His life in place of yours when He died on the cross and bore the punishment that you deserved for rebelling against a holy God. Christians understand that they owe Christ their very life, that their life is not their own, it was purchased with the price of Jesus’ blood (1st Corinthians 6:20). As a Christian, your desire is to live for the purpose and will of God Who demonstrated His lavish love for you in that while you were still a sinner, Jesus died to save you (Romans 5:8). You come to know that you can fully trust God with every aspect of your life because He has proven the depth of His love for you.

Jesus chose to exchange his life for yours out of obedience to His Heavenly Father, and he was willing to obey God the Father because He intimately knew Him, loved Him, and fully trusted Him. Likewise, being a Christian means knowing God and having an intimate, personal relationship with Him. To be a Christian means more than knowing ‘about God’. It means truly knowing Him…knowing His character and His ways. And the more you know Him, the more you love and worship Him and discover that He is perfect in all of His ways. Out of reverence, awe, and love for Him, you will want to align your will and desires with His; you will love what He loves and hate what He hates. Knowing that He is the Creator of the Universe and that He created it for His pleasure and glory, a follower of Christ realizes that God alone is the One Who determines what sin is, which is disobeying His commands, or ‘missing the mark’ from His standpoint, not anyone else’s.  And how does a person come to know God’s heart, His character, His ways, His thoughts, determine what He loves and what He hates?  By spending time with Him! By reading and studying His Word (the Bible), by communing with Him in prayer, and by being in fellowship with other Christians. 

A Christian knows that ‘apart from Christ’ she can do no good thing (John 15:5), and that being a ‘good person’ or doing ‘good works’ cannot earn salvation. It is “…by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.” (Ephesians 2:8) The only ‘work’ that must be done is the work of believing (John 6:29) in the atoning work that Jesus did on the cross on your behalf and receiving the gift of salvation that He purchased for you.

When a person believes in Jesus’ death and resurrection on her behalf and gives her life to Christ, she receives the gift of the Holy Spirit Who comes to live in her and empowers her to overcome the temptation to sin, and enables her ‘to do all things through Christ who strengthens’ her. (Philippians 4:16) It is the presence of the indwelling Holy Spirit that a person receives when they put their trust in the finished work of Christ on the cross in their place that brings about the ‘transformed life’ that is the mark of a true follower of Christ.

Becoming a Christian does not mean that you will never sin again. It does mean that the Holy Spirit at work in you is grieved when you do sin, and you know to go to Jesus to confess your sin and receive the forgiveness He gives to all who put their trust in Him, (1st John 1:9) and who is able to remove your sin ‘as far as the East is from the West’. (Psalm 103:12)

When you truly comprehend that Jesus willingly sacrificed His perfect life for you—not because you did anything to deserve His sacrifice, but because He obeyed His Heavenly Father Who loved you so much that He sent His Beloved Son to die in your place, you will love God and your desire will be to please Him and to live for His glory. And if you love Him, you will want to obey Him. (1st John 5:3) When you obey Him, you will abide in Him, and when you abide in Him, His life will be at work in you and you will produce ‘fruit that lasts’. (John 15:1-16) What is ‘the fruit that lasts’? It is the fruit of the Holy Spirit:  love, joy, peace, patience, kindness; goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. And it is the surest evidence that a person has repented, been ‘crucified with Christ’, ‘born again’, and has Christ at work and alive in them. (Matthew 3:8; Galatians 2:20)

Would you say that you truly are a Christian given the statements and scriptures above?  Are you living for Christ?  Have you surrendered your will to do His will? Are you willing to die for Him? Would those who know you best say that there is enough evidence to convict you if you were accused of being a Christian? 

If you answered ‘no’ to any of those questions, Jesus is longing for you to come to Him; to confess your sin; and to give full control of your life over to Him. It is not a fair exchange; in exchange for your sinful, powerless life He will give you His everlasting life-- the only life that is worth living-- and the Source of all power, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.    

The other day while cleaning out an old TV cabinet, my kids stumbled on a “Journal and Playbook” that I was assigned to fill out for one of my college courses at the University of Colorado.  As we laughed and perused through the pages something significant jumped out to me.  

On one page it asked me to, “List everything you can think of wanting right now.”  I listed “deeper faith in God” as one of my answers.  On the next page of the journal it asked me to “Imagine yourself magic; What magical things can you do?”  (yes, this was college, in case you wonder why my punctuation and sentence structure is often amiss-- now you’ll know why!  Lol! )  Anyway, so I noticed that I put, “talk to God on the phone if I wanted,” and, “travel to heaven to visit the dead,” and, “create a potion to live forever.”  Later in the “Inspiration Guide” part of the journal I was asked to “write your favorite inspiring things inside of these shapes.”  Again I was surprised to see that I had written, “A good day with God.”  What?!?!   I wasn’t going to church. I had never read the Bible. And I CERTAINLY wasn’t living to please God. At this point in my life I had determined that it was impossible to please Him, so I’d given up completely on trying to be ‘good’ enough for Him. My college goal was to have fun without breaking any ‘major’ laws, or at least not to get caught breaking any.   

Why was God on my mind so much?   Has He been on your mind?  Even though I thought about God, I never asked anyone any questions about Him.   I’m not sure why I didn’t ask anyone questions about Him; likely because most of the people I hung out with were not asking questions either. We were all consumed with just living for our own pleasure. 

When prompted to, “List some of your favorite books.” in the journal, I listed, “Bible Stories.”  This was a set of books my mom read to me for a couple years when I was in 1st and 2nd grade at bedtime. These books were all based on Biblical principles.  

As I pondered the fact that I had a desire to speak to God, to know God, to have a good day with God, and to live forever, I am surprised that it took nine more years before my life was radically transformed by the renewing of the Holy Spirit.  This fact has brought me such hope for those that I pray for on a regular basis.  God has always been at work in my life! And He is at work in your life and the lives of those you pray for too.  We will all be without excuse.  He will make Himself known.  I now realize the big difference between my college years and when I finally started a life-transforming relationship with God nine years later can be summed up in these two verses:  

Deuteronomy 4:29 ESV But from there you will seek the LORD your God and you will find him, if you search after him with all your heart and with all your soul.

Jeremiah 29:13 You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.

I was not seeking in college with all my heart and soul; I wasn’t even seeking with half a heart.  I was merely wishing…but God was faithful to answer-- in His perfect way and His perfect timing-- nine years later when upon meeting a ‘real Christian’ I truly desired to seek Him with ALL my heart.  I rejoice with thanksgiving that I don’t need to, “Imagine myself magic” to speak to God, to know Him, to have a good day with Him, or to live forever.  Those things are all now my daily reality!  God gives me the privilege of all of these things-- and so much more-- because I have chosen to believe in and receive His Son Jesus as my Savior!  

No magic. Just Mercy.  I sure love Him!

Recently I stumbled across a blogger and his followers that were a group of “recovering Christians” so to speak.  They used to believe and now they don’t.   As I began to do what Jesus has commanded by teaching what the Scriptures say in love, the feedback I got was “your message has been removed/deleted for preaching.”  What?  Why?  I was answering people who were directly responding to my comment regarding the blog post, and we were engaging in a respectable conversation regarding Scripture.  

Paul warns us in 2 Timothy that a time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching.  In our virtual worlds of twitter, blog sites, YouTube and other engaging platforms there is often deleting vs. dialoging, insults vs. investigation, and ridicule vs. reason.    

Paul gives us this charge in 2 Timothy 4:1-5 reminding each of us that we all have a ministry to do the work of an evangelist.

Preach the Word “4 I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: 2 preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. 3 For the time is coming when people will not endure sound[a] teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, 4 and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. 5 As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.” 2 Timothy 4:1-5 (ESV)

Just 5 verses after this charge is given, Paul let’s us know through his experience that we may lose friends over this, we could be “deleted” or deserted by friends and family.  Paul while doing this very work was deserted by a guy who loved the world more than God. “For Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica.”  2 Timothy 4:10 (ESV)

If we truly love others, then we must confront erroneous thinking/behavior or we cannot say we are loving others.  

If I see a train coming and somebody standing on the tracks oblivious, I’m going to do everything I can to keep them from getting hit; however, if they hit a button to make me “go away,” “delete me,” or try to put me in jail, or force me to obey their orders etc…and I continue to stand for Truth then one day I, like you will be able to proclaim as Paul did that “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”  2 Timothy 4:7

Do not get tired in doing the right things.  In your opinion based on 2 Timothy above do you think the time is still coming that Paul warned about or do you think it has arrived?

Recently I’ve been reading a lot about parenting, marriage and Godly relationships as well as mentoring women on this issue.  As parents we can be prone to enabling our children without even being aware of it!  Daily we are given opportunities to equip our children, and teach them that God is the Source and we are only here as a resource to point them to the Source.  God needs to be their Savior and mine vs. me trying to be their savior and “save the day”!  Here is a quick formula I’ve been using when my children (ages 14, 12, & 10) come to me with their “struggles.”    It’s the 1, 2, 3 of equipping thee.

1. I love you 2. You are capable 3. Pray to God and ask Him to help you right now

Here’s an example of when I had to use this recently with my daughter.   One night she was babysitting with a friend in our neighborhood when I get a call.

Daughter:  “Mom, you have to come here right now!  The light in the hallway just turned off by itself and we are totally freaked out.”  

Me:  “Are there any other lights on?”

Daughter: “yeah”

Me: “I think the lightbulb in the hallway just burned out, you’re going to be fine.  I love you, I know you’re capable of handling this, and I want you and your friend to pray and ask God to help you have courage and not to be afraid.”  

Daughter:  “but I really need you to come here, I would feel a lot better.”

Me:  “You are capable of praying and asking God for His peace.  I’ll text you soon and check on you, but I’m not coming over there.  You can do this.”

Daughter:  “Fine.”

20 Min. Later.  I got the text below and celebrated.  

As we prepare to celebrate another anniversary of our nation’s founding and with the news of the Supreme Court’s ruling in favor of gay marriage, I can’t help but reflect upon how drastically our nation has changed since my childhood. Freedoms—like freedom of speech, religion, and the right to bear arms– that our God-fearing founding fathers sacrificed their livelihoods and even their lives to obtain, and that I and many have long taken for granted, are under attack and before long could be just a memory. We are definitely living in a day when that which is evil is being called ‘good’, and good is being called ‘evil’. (Isaiah 5:20)

 It is growing increasingly difficult to speak out against gay marriage in our nation without being accused of being intolerant, a bigot, a ‘hater’, or worse. As several florists, photographers, and bakers can already attest– and perhaps many more of us will find out– it can be very costly to take God at His Word and to refuse to condone ‘gay marriage’ —which in fact is an oxymoron since God created marriage and defined it as being between a man and a woman. (Genesis 2:24) Regrettably, the fear of real or imagined reprisal from family, friends, or even the government, is causing some professing Christians to remain silent on the subject of ‘gay marriage’ and the LGBT movement.  

Others remain silent because they lack knowledge of what the bible has to say about the subject--whether because they are ‘unchurched’ or have not personally studied it or because their pastor avoids preaching on the topic; some are confused and not sure what they believe because what they hear in the mainstream media from certain religious leaders, politicians, Hollywood stars and other media personalities contradicts what they have been taught to believe and they do not feel confident that they know how to respond to this crucial issue which has temporal and eternal significance.

 It is time that we as the Church—Jesus’ Bride– speak up and stand on and for the Word of God!

 Rather than acquiescing to the accusation, “Who are you to judge someone else’s lifestyle?’ Christians need to make it clear that we are not judging anyone! We need to assert that we are not expressing our opinion. We are just agreeing with God, the Ultimate Judge, and what He has clearly stated in His Word regarding both the sanctity of marriage and the sin of same gender sexual relations. (I wholeheartedly agree with those who say we must not remain silent on what God has to say about sexual relations between heterosexuals who are not married to one another either!)

 Rather than remaining silent when people assert that a person who claims to be gay was born that way and has no choice in the matter, we need to speak the truth in love that since the fall of Adam and Eve ALL of mankind has been born with a sin nature and we will continue in our sin unless we receive a ‘new’ nature. We need to share in love that it is only when a person receives a ‘new nature’ by being ‘born again’ through faith in Jesus’ redemptive work on the cross that ANYONE—‘gay’ or ‘straight’; male or female; rich or poor; black, white, yellow, red; or whatever else might distinguish individuals from one another—can have the power to overcome the temptation to sin. Praise be to the Lord Who gave us both the power to resist the temptation to sin and the power to overcome the penalty of our sin, which is death, through the power of the Holy Spirit Who is at work in all who put their faith in Jesus’ finished work on the cross!

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. 1st Corinthians 10:13 (ESV)

 We need to make it clear that the sin of homosexuality, being a lesbian, bisexual, transgender, transsexual, or any other choice regarding sexual behavior is not the ‘unforgivable sin’. The ‘unforgivable sin’ is refusing to receive Jesus’ free gift of salvation. Sin is the name God gives when we ‘miss the mark’ and disobey or rebel against His Word and His will.

 So why should we focus on this particular sin? Why are we considering this sin rather than any number of other sins like fornication, adultery, lying, drunkenness, gluttony, or gossip?  Because this sin– which not so long ago was considered ‘abnormal’ even by the American Psychiatric Association – is now being promoted as an acceptable ‘lifestyle’, even one that is to be embraced and celebrated. Those who label it ‘sin’ are increasingly under attack and considered to be an abomination, and pressured to adopt the culture’s view.

 Why is it critical that we label sin for what it is rather than calling it our ‘choice’, our ‘lifestyle’, a ‘disease’, or something else?

 First, we can call something anything we wish but our calling it something else does not make it so.  Only God Who created and rules the world has the authority to call something sin, and He has already written in the bible what sin is.  It is rebelling against Him and going against His Word. Both the New and Old Testament make it clear that same gender sexual relations is sin because it violates His commands and His will.

 You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abomination. Leviticus 18:22 (See also Leviticus 20:13)

 Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. 1st Corinthians 6:9-10 (See also 1st Timothy 1:9-11; Romans 1:18-32; Jude 1:7)

 Secondly, if we ‘misdiagnose’ something we won’t know to take the necessary action to remedy the situation. For example, if I have swallowed something poisonous, I need to know what it was I swallowed in order to take the appropriate antidote.  Similarly, I must go to the Great Physician Jesus, Who alone has the power to save me from my sin. If we do not label sin for what God clearly states it is in His Word, then rather than humbling ourselves and going to Jesus to receive the forgiveness that He promises to all who confess their sin, we will continue in our sin and ultimately receive the penalty that our sin deserves—death and eternity in hell.  In other words, if we refuse to acknowledge that our sin is indeed ‘sin’ we will not realize our desperate need for a Savior Who alone can deliver us from our sin.

 Can you imagine being around a person who you know has an incurable disease and not telling them that there is an antidote for it if you know there is one? Could you stand by and do nothing as they or others celebrate the person’s condition because they are ignorant of its fatal nature? Would a loving person say or do nothing if it was in her power to share the antidote that alone could save the person’s life?

 Then how can we as Christians be silent when we know that belief in Jesus’ atoning work on the cross is the ONLY way that sinners can be saved? Wouldn’t remaining silent when you have the ability and God’s command (Matthew 28:19) to share the necessary way for salvation be the ultimate act of ‘hatred’?  And wouldn’t remaining silent also be an indication of your lack of love for God Who sacrificed His beloved Son Jesus to be the ‘antidote’ for sin?

 Are there some who oppose gay marriage who hate those who are homosexual and lesbians?  Regrettably, I am sure that there are some. Most grievously some of them claim to be Christians and to represent Christ.  But there is a large number who oppose gay marriage who does so because first and foremost they love God and know that if they love Him they will support and obey His commandments. (John 14:15, 23)

 Secondly, they share God’s love for those who are homosexual, lesbian, and bi-sexual and it grieves them to think that if those who have succumbed to that sin do not repent of it that they will spend eternity in hell. Those who truly love God and share His heart of love for others who are caught in sin—any and every kind of sin– will feel compelled to speak up and share the redemptive power of the gospel with them. They will also pray for them and not deride them. Have you extended the love of God by sharing the gospel with anyone you know who has been taken captive by the sin of same gender sexual relations or anyone who has bought our culture’s lie on the issue?  

 The real ‘haters’ are those who hate God and want to do away with the commands He has provided in the bible for our good because He loves us and knows what is best for us. They hate those who represent God and His Word because they have been deceived by Satan and falsely believe that those opposed to ‘gay marriage’ want to keep them from something good, rather than wanting to protect them from that which is harmful to them and displeases God. 

 When God created the world, after He made Adam He said that it was not good that he be alone. So He designed the perfect helpmate for him, a woman who Adam named Eve.  A woman who God designed in every way—including physically–to complement, or complete man. Then God gave them the joint assignment ‘to be fruitful and multiply and to fill the earth’. That was an assignment that neither could do alone; they needed each other.  Clearly, God did not choose to put two men or two women together as two of the same gender could not have fulfilled His command to reproduce. God knew that the very best helpmate for man was woman, and that man was the very best helpmate for woman. Not just for reproductive purposes, but in His infinite wisdom He created them in His image– both men and women– to reflect different aspects of the triune Godhead and to assume different– but equally vital– roles. His plan for marriage was for man and woman to be united as one flesh, and to reflect the mystery of Christ’s love for and oneness with the Church. (Ephesians 5:22-35)

 As Our Creator Who made us for His pleasure and glory (Isaiah 43:7), God alone has the right to define what marriage is, which He did in the beginning when He created man and woman for oneness and fruitfulness. Throughout the bible God reaffirms the role of marriage and the importance of family, and throughout the bible God consistently addresses the issue of same gender sexual relations as sin. His design for marriage and family has not changed, nor has His Word regarding same gender sex. Unfortunately, mankind has not changed either. Like Eve and Adam in the Garden of Eden who doubted that God’s Word was for their protection and for their good, we too think we know better than God and we too rebel against His perfect word and will.

 Satan’s successful ploy in the Garden of Eden was to get Eve and Adam to doubt the legitimacy of God’s love for them when He restricted them from eating from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. God was very clear in His instruction; there was no equivocation or room for doubt. Yet, Satan appealed to the desire of their eyes and the lust of their flesh.  Rather than calling upon God to deliver them from their temptation, they gave into it. Unfortunately, all too often that has been the story of mankind ever since. Rather than believing that God loves us and that every command He gives us is for our good, we have doubted His love and falsely assumed that His commands are to keep us from something good rather than to protect us. Those who are caught up in the sin of same gender sexual relationships have bought the same lie that Adam and Eve did:  the lie that God’s Word is not to be trusted and that they know what is better for them than God does.

 God warned Adam and Eve that if they disobeyed His command that death would be the result.  And it was. If people today rebel against His Word and do not repent and turn to Jesus, they will face the consequences of their sin too, which is death. (Romans 6:23) There will be consequences not only for those who themselves rebel against God, but also for the nation that turns its back on God’s commands (Psalm 9:17; Jeremiah 13:25; Ezekiel 14:13), which is also why we as Christians should be concerned about the direction of our nation and vocalize our opposition to laws that are made which are contrary to God’s commandments. We also must pray for those who have been taken captive by this sin to be open to hear God’s Word, and pray that we who know and love God will lovingly and boldly share with them how they too can be delivered from the power and penalty of sin and enjoy the peace that is only found in a life surrendered to God’s will.

In His love and mercy God made a way for Adam and Eve—and all of us who inherited their sin nature– to be fully reconciled to Him, a Holy God.  The question for each and every person regardless of their sexual ‘orientation’ or ‘preference’ is the same:  Will you accept the free gift of deliverance from death that God has provided through trusting in Jesus’ death in your place on the cross, or will you choose an eternity in hell by rejecting the free gift He has provided? Will you live your life in rebellion against God’s commands, or in submission to them?

 In this nation we have enjoyed the privilege of sharing our faith without fear of being fined, imprisoned, or facing physical suffering. We cannot be certain of how long we will continue to have that privilege; hostility toward Christian values in this country is growing more intense and increasing at an alarming rate, as is global persecution.  I believe that you and I and all believers are at a crossroads where we are going to have to choose between the fear of man and the fear of the Lord. Are we going to stand on and for the Word of God, or are we going to bow down to ‘political correctness’? Do you love the applause of men—as the Pharisees did (John 12:43)—more than the praises of God?  Are you more concerned about offending a Holy God or of offending people who are ignorant of God’s Word or who purposely rebel against Him? Do you love yourself and your comforts more than you love the souls of those who will perish for all eternity if they do not turn to Jesus and repent?

 God has put governmental authorities in place that we are to respect and obey.  However, as we see from the example given in Acts 5:29 after Peter and John were told by the authorities that they were not to declare the gospel, Peter responded, “ We must obey God rather than men.” Is that your conviction too? Think how different history and even your life would be had the apostles remained silent because they were unwilling to face persecution for the sake of sharing the truth of God’s love and His commands in a hostile culture. The Holy Spirit in them compelled them to share the gospel regardless of the cost.  Are you listening to and following the leading of the Holy Spirit, or are you responding to the world, your flesh, and the devil that conspire to keep you silent?

 Jesus told us that if we followed Him that we would be persecuted; that we as His servants are not above our master who willingly suffered and laid down His life out of obedience to the command of His Heavenly Father. If we are persecuted for remaining faithful to God and to His Word our response should be the same as Jesus’:  ‘Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34)

 Jesus also said, Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.  (Matthew 5:10) Have you considered that the greatest blessings of your life may be found in the days ahead in a culture that wishes to silence you, but desperately needs to hear the gospel message that you have been commanded to share? If you love others– and especially if you love God– silence is not an option.

Are you protected from identity theft?  The identity theft I’m talking about is the not type of theft where someone steals your SS# and spends your money on designer handbags, luxurious vacations or shady pharmaceuticals from another country…no, this is the type that we willingly allow to take place if we are not covered.   I know people who use “Lifelock” to protect their money and social security numbers from the physical hacker, but what about the spiritual hackers?  Are we as diligent?  Are we even aware?  We have a high priest named Jesus who died for us to be “covered” from Spiritual identity theft!  When we put our faith in Him, and believe in Him as our Lord & Savior we are now covered by His blood shed on the cross and He has given us a new identity.  We become “children of God.”  Many people mistakenly think that all people ever born on earth are “God’s children” and that is not true.  We are born sinners and are part of the earthly family that is comprised of naturally born sinners.  

“as it is written: ‘None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God.  All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one.’” Romans 3:10-12

“Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned—“  Romans 5:12

We have all sinned, and the Bible is clear that everyone is sentenced to death as a result of their sin. For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.  Romans 6:23

To be part of God’s family you must enter by birth, but this is a spiritual birth by your Heavenly Father.  This new birth puts you into God’s family in the same way your physical birth put you into your earthly father’s family.  By trusting Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, you became a child of God by birth.  This is the true meaning of the term “born again.”

Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” John 3:3 ESV

But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.  John 1:12-13

“But to all who did receive Him…” it is your decision to trust in Jesus Christ as your Lord & Savior.    “To them gave he the right to become children of God…”   Being part of God’s family separates you from the devil’s family as a sinner on earth and gives you a NEW IDENTITY.  Your new identity is now in Christ.  It’s a long list, but I included some of the verses that discuss your new identity as a son/daughter of God below.  

When we let other people define us, or we allow our title at work, paychecks, houses, cars, clothes, charity work, ministry, children, the behavior of our spouse, or ANYTHING else define our worth & value we are allowing ourselves to be victims of spiritual “IDENTITY THEFT!”  

Our true value and worth can only be found in Christ.  All others are frauds, hackers and deceivers wanting to drive, distract and discourage you from enjoying the peace, joy and freedom that is found only in Christ!  Stop comparing yourself, your kids, your paycheck, your decorating, your achievements etc. to others to increase your own value.  Those things are all temporary and could be changed in an instant.  

In the past I have allowed many hackers to define me:  At age 11 I went on my first diet because other girls told me I was fat, so my identity began to be driven by the scale and what others said was true about me.  As an adult I threw away my scale because I realized that for me, I was allowing the number on it to define my value and worth.    

I had many positive labels also; however, when I put my total worth and identity in the positive labels others assigned to me it was so much work to always measure up, and it gave other people the ability to control my thoughts, moods, attitudes, and actions because it was all based on performance.  I believed that performance = value.  Robbed again!  

Then I was born again, and after having been strengthened in Christ through His Word, I am no longer a slave to the labels others give me or the labels I wanted them to give me, instead I remind myself that God alone defines my value and He died to label me as His child!  The only performance He required is that I believe in HIs Son that He has sent.

In what/Whom do you find your identity?   Believe in Jesus and find your identity in Christ!  No hacker, scammer, or deceiver can steal it or snatch you out of God’s hand.  

I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. John 10:28

written by: Jamie Shaver

The Word of God Says that those of us who are in Jesus Christ have the following identity.  Say them out loud to yourself!

I am faithful (Ephesians 1:1)

I am God’s child (John 1:12)

I have been justified (Romans 5:1)

I am Christ’s friend (John 15:15)

I belong to God (1 Corinthians 6:20)

I am a member of Christ’s Body (1 Corinthians 12:27)

I am assured all things work together for good (Romans 8:28)

I have been established, anointed and sealed by God (2 Corinthians 1:21-22)

I am confident that God will perfect the work He has begun in me (Philippians 1:6)

I am a citizen of heaven (Philippians 3:20)

I am hidden with Christ in God (Colossians 3:3)

I have not been given a spirit of fear, but of power, love and self-discipline (2 Timothy 1:7)

I am born of God and the evil one cannot touch me (1 John 5:18)

I am blessed in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing (Ephesians 1:3)

I am chosen before the creation of the world (Ephesians 1:4, 11)

I am holy and blameless (Ephesians 1:4)

I am adopted as his child (Ephesians 1:5)

I am given God’s glorious grace lavishly and without restriction (Ephesians 1:5,8)

I am in Him (Ephesians 1:7; 1 Corinthians 1:30)

I have redemption (Ephesians 1:8)

I am forgiven (Ephesians 1:8; Colossians 1:14)

I have purpose (Ephesians 1:9 & 3:11)

I have hope (Ephesians 1:12)

I am included (Ephesians 1:13)

I am sealed with the promised Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13)

I am a saint (Ephesians 1:18)

I am salt and light of the earth (Matthew 5:13-14)

I have been chosen and God desires me to bear fruit (John 15:1,5)

I am a personal witness of Jesus Christ (Acts 1:8)

I am God’s coworker (2 Corinthians 6:1)

I am a minister of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:17-20)

I am alive with Christ (Ephesians 2:5)

I am raised up with Christ (Ephesians 2:6; Colossians 2:12)

I am seated with Christ in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 2:6)

I have been shown the incomparable riches of God’s grace (Ephesians 2:7)

God has expressed His kindness to me (Ephesians 2:7)

I am God’s workmanship (Ephesians 2:10)

I have been brought near to God through Christ’s blood (Ephesians 2:13)

I have peace (Ephesians 2:14)

I have access to the Father (Ephesians 2:18)

I am a member of God’s household (Ephesians 2:19)

I am secure (Ephesians 2:20)

I am a holy temple (Ephesians 2:21; 1 Corinthians 6:19)

I am a dwelling for the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 2:22)

I share in the promise of Christ Jesus (Ephesians 3:6)

God’s power works through me (Ephesians 3:7)

I can approach God with freedom and confidence (Ephesians 3:12)

I know there is a purpose for my sufferings (Ephesians 3:13)

I can grasp how wide, long, high and deep Christ’s love is (Ephesians 3:18)

I am completed by God (Ephesians 3:19)

I can bring glory to God (Ephesians 3:21)

I have been called (Ephesians 4:1; 2 Timothy 1:9)

I can be humble, gentle, patient and lovingly tolerant of others (Ephesians 4:2)

I can mature spiritually (Ephesians 4:15)

I can be certain of God’s truths and the lifestyle which He has called me to (Ephesians 4:17)

I can have a new attitude and a new lifestyle (Ephesians 4:21-32)

I can be kind and compassionate to others (Ephesians 4:32)

I can forgive others (Ephesians 4:32)

I am a light to others, and can exhibit goodness, righteousness and truth (Ephesians 5:8-9)

I can understand what God’s will is (Ephesians 5:17)

I can give thanks for everything (Ephesians 5:20)

I don’t have to always have my own agenda (Ephesians 5:21)

I can honor God through marriage (Ephesians 5:22-33)

I can parent my children with composure (Ephesians 6:4)

I can be strong (Ephesians 6:10)

I have God’s power (Ephesians 6:10)

I can stand firm in the day of evil (Ephesians 6:13)

I am dead to sin (Romans 1:12)

I am not alone (Hebrews 13:5)

I am growing (Colossians 2:7)

I am His disciple (John 13:15)

I am prayed for by Jesus Christ (John 17:20-23)

I am united with other believers (John 17:20-23)

I am not in want (Philippians 4:19)

I possess the mind of Christ (I Corinthians 2:16)

I am promised eternal life (John 6:47)

I am promised a full life (John 10:10)

I am victorious (I John 5:4)

My heart and mind is protected with God’s peace (Philippians 4:7)

I am chosen and dearly loved (Colossians 3:12)

I am blameless (I Corinthians 1:8)

I am set free (Romans 8:2; John 8:32)

I am crucified with Christ (Galatians 2:20)

I am a light in the world (Matthew 5:14)

I am more than a conqueror (Romans 8:37)

I am the righteousness of God (2 Corinthians 5:21)

I am safe (I John 5:18)

I am part of God’s kingdom (Revelation 1:6)

I am healed from sin (I Peter 2:24)

I am no longer condemned (Romans 8:1, 2)

I am not helpless (Philippians 4:13)

I am overcoming (I John 4:4)

I am persevering (Philippians 3:14)

I am protected (John 10:28)

I am born again (I Peter 1:23)

I am a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17)

I am delivered (Colossians 1:13)

I am redeemed from the curse of the Law (Galatians 3:13)

I am qualified to share in His inheritance (Colossians 1:12)