disobedient and contrary

Reading of the resurrection of Lazarus today and the various responses to this incredible miracle:

Many Jews believed, but pharisees and the chief priests were fearful and sought to undermine the miracle, to subvert the reality of what had occurred.  They sought to kill Jesus and Lazarus.  An effort to remove any sign of the truth.  (John 11, esp. vs.45-48, 53; and John 12:10-11)

And so it is today.  News organizations omit Christian influence and events.  History revisionists omit from school textbooks anything referring to God in our founding documents.  There is nothing new under the sun. (Ecc. 1:9)

So, even when God proves Himself real, some people will still refuse to believe and actively defy the truth.  Some make it their life's mission to hate God, God's people, and to discredit Him in anyway they can be hiding the truth.  Why?

"I was found by those who did not seek Me; I was made manifest to those who did not ask for Me."
"All day long I have stretched out My hands to a disobedient and contrary people." ~Romans 10:20-21

...because there are disobedient and contrary people.  Boy!  Did this open my eyes this morning!  Sometimes, I am just shocked at people and how totally foolish they can be when the truth is staring them in the face and breathing down their neck...and yet, it seems out of pure stubbornness, they refuse to believe what is blatantly obvious.  But, here it is: people will purpose in their hearts to be disobedient and contrary, unteachable, stubborn, hard-hearted.  And for what purpose: pride.  To what end: eternal torment.    It seems the understatement of eternity, but "pride comes before a fall."  And oh, how they will fall.  As Pharaoh hardened his heart and set his eternal course, so do these disobedient and contrary people.  The course is wide and many there are who find it...leading to death.

"And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil.  For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed." ~John 3:19-20

At the risk of embodying the-pot-calling-the-kettle-"black," this causes me to consider where I am apt to be contrary.  I am the queen of stubborn.  I'm also the queen of say-it-straight like a mack truck.  (yikes.)  And I have to consciously (sometimes even after the fact...like now, as I write this section a day after posting) determine to not fight to have my own way, my own opinion, my own stance... to the death.  Some things are uncompromising, like God's Word, the sanctity of human life, etc.  But I can easily be contrary to people who disagree with me just for the sake of my own pride.  I must humble myself and genuinely attempt to see an issue from an opposing point-of-view.  This is something I have to purpose myself to do since it absolutely does not come naturally.  So, mercy isn't exactly my spiritual gift.  Sorry to those of you who have been the recipients of my lack of mercy.  Rest assured, many in the church have this gracious gift and they are much nicer than I.  So, I admit, I must look in the mirror on this one and make sure that I am not being contrary for the sake of being contrary, but seek the truth wherever it leads.  Because the truth sets us free ....even if it's different from what we originally assumed.

prayer

Sovereign, Almighty Creator, Daddy God,

Thank You for showing Yourself real and true.  In a place where reality is a carnal, ridiculous t.v show and truth is redefined as null, nonexistent, or relative and arbitrary.

So few cling to You anymore.  Even those who seemed to be Your own are turning away to satisfy their itching ears.  I think that's the most disappointing: when those who claim Your truth, love, and salvation pursue the world's version of it...which is a lie and nothing at all, yet the consequences are eternally devastating.

Redeeming Hero of the universe, allow failure to come so that a greater miracle can be done ...to widen our faith and to show Yourself sovereign and worthy of glory.

Come rescue us in this epic life we participate in.  We need our Hero to redeem us from the hand of the enemy and cause us to live happily ever after in Your holy and perfect presence.

Come quickly, Lord Jesus.

Eric Metaxas thoughts

Quotes from Eric Metaxas, author of Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy...

The people who are closest to God offend the most people. 

Satan can quote Scriptures.  Pharisees can quote Scriptures.  Religious bigots can quote Scriptures.  Theologians can quote Scriptures.  The question is not whether you are familiar with the Scriptures; the questions is: are you familiar with the God behind the scriptures, the God who wrote the scriptures, the God who wants to speak to you through the scriptures....  That is the kind of faith can stand up to evil...  Knowing Scripture or thinking you know the God of the Bible doesn't count.  Actually knowing the Bible, standing on the rock that is Christ Jesus: That is what is able to withstand evil in this world.

You have to fight as a disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ...  Conservatives have made an idol out of conservatism...  If you make an idol out of political action or you make an idol being a conservative politically, if you can make an idol out of being a religious conservative...it's still an idol.  You have to worship the living God.  That has to inform your political thinking and action.

It's not about winning.  It's about obedience to Jesus.  Even if I lose...the way Bonhoeffer went to the gallows with the peace of God, I win.  Jesus went to the cross.  Did he lose? No.  Satan lost.  ...It's not about winning at all costs, it's about obedience at all costs.

"Be anxious for nothing" ...Injustice should drive us to our knees... We shouldn't be moved toward anger.  You fight but you fight the Lord's way.  If you don't, God will not honor you and will not give victory.

Evil is defeated.  Evil can not win.

Our Mr. Tom

"Precious in the Lord's sight

is the death of His saints."

~Psalm 116

Tom with Brandon's first catch.

Tom and Si.

There've been intermittent tears at our house today and as I write now.  And I'm sure more to come.

Tom Story ran into the arms of Jesus this morning.

And we miss him already!!!

  

"When someone you love becomes a memory,

that memory becomes a treasure."

How we love you, Tom, and are praying for your precious Karen.  So anxious to get to you!

how to have 1000 addictions

when you love creation more than you love the Creator,

you have given birth to a thousand addictions and to a gangrene that will attach itself to your relationships and erode out the joy meant to be had in your life even in a fallen world.

when you love creation more than you love the Creator,

you are trying to get from creation what creation can not give you.

you are forced to medicate with drugs and alcohol, sex and love, new trinkets and toys...

~Matt Chandler

Creation does not satisfy
The CREATOR does.

Simplify.
Enjoy what's real.
Live.
Love.
Reach.
Pursue beauty...and truth...and peace.
GOD.
Creator.
Avenger.
King.
Good.
Perfect.
Right.
Satisfying.
My cup overflows.

"If the Lord wills, we will do this or that..."

We left our Monterey hotel this morning with grand plans to end up in L.A. at a friend's house.

Silas: "Mommy, where are we going today?"
Mommy: "We are hoping to make it to Mr. Wayne's house."
Silas: "What if we don't make it?"
Daddy: "Oh, we'll make it."

So we made our way down the coast on highway 1.  We fixed our gaze out the window across the ocean.  For days we've been hunting for whales and haven't seen a single one.  I gave up, picked up a book and began to read aloud.  After the first two pages, I glanced up.  
What was that?!  Did I see a whale spout?  
Yes!  
Stop the car!  This is it!  
How could I have seen it in one little glance?  I was reading after all.  
But, yes, there it is again.  A whale.
Finally.
The truck coasts to a hasty stop and out we jump; camera, binoculars in hand.  We see him fluke and spray and roll...way out in the distance.

We are captivated.

The spray center right in the photo is our whale. :)

After a long pause as we spy this one in the distance, we finally decide to continue on.  If we don't, we'll never make it to Los Angeles.  We drive 15 more minutes...  ROAD CLOSED. 
What?  A rock slide? Were there signs?  How far back is the detour?  50 miles?  All the way back to Monterey?  Really?  This will add 4 hours to our day.

There were signs.  We were too busy looking for whales.

What's that verse again?

"Come now, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit'; whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life?  it is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.  Instead you ought to say, 'If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.'  But now you boast in your arrogance.  All such boasting is evil." (James 4:13-16)

Right.  AS THE LORD WILLS.

Jamie met a CHP officer who told us about a secret waterfall and a beach with purple sand and elephant seals.

We found the waterfall.  

We found purple sand.  

We found the Lord's will for our day

...and it was way better than our plans. 

L.A. will come tomorrow, as will the elephant seals.  ...if the Lord wills.
Today, Brandon said it was "a great and fun day."

It was.

 We're in Cambria tonight at a cozy motel.  Just south of San Simeon.

Thank you, Father, for being so totally sovereign.

thankful...#1-7

I am reading what I think is a revolutionary book about living the abundant life in Christ.  I love being a Christian and I love being serious about it.  I love challenging people to go deeper in their relationship and walk with the Lord.

Why should we be content with the status quo when Jesus Himself promised us life and that more abundantly?!!  Do we really believe He can give us the fullest and most satisfying life?  He can!  And He does!

Ann Voskamp is an out-of-the-box, independent thinking, committed to Christ, believer.  Her amazing blog is www.aholyexperience.com and her book is One Thousand Gifts: A Dare To Live Fully Right Where You Are.  Get it!

I am hoping to consistently post my list of 1000's of God's gifts to me on an ongoing basis.  I hope it will cause me to see His hand always around me and encourage you to do the same if you don't already.

Here goes!
Thank You, God, for...
1.  painful twisted ankles forgotten because Christmas excitement and Jesus' hope is overwhelming.

2.  steamy hot noisy running water baths that drown out the loud din of the world.
3.  suction cup balls stuck to the side of the shower reminding me that there is new and young enthusiastic life within these four walls.
4.  Bibles in prison cells that forever change lives without a preacher.
5.  hot cider vapors consuming my face in the cold early sunrise-y morning as I sit near the window with my Bible in my lap loving the cactus and mountain view.
6.  unopened Christmas packages promising that the receiver will soon occupy my home.

7.  skinny black cuddly doggies that snuggle close for warmth and companionship.

More to come!

Nuggets from Francis Chan

"God is the only Being who is good, and the standards are set by Him."

"The point of your life is to point to Him."  
Will that be the theme of my life?  
When I look at my life now or the synopsis of my years on this earth, 
is it about 
"making much out of God"?

"Jesus began speaking in parables 'so that' those who weren't genuinely listening wouldn't get it. (Luke 8)  ...He just wasn't interested in those who fake it."

"Lukewarm people love others 

but do not seek to love others as much as they love themselves.  

[They are] typically focused on those who love them in return...

[but not those with] whom conversations are awkward or uncomfortable."  

ouch.  

"Lukewarm people are thankful 

for their luxuries and comforts, 

and rarely consider trying to give as much as possible to the poor."

"Lukewarm people ask, 

'How much time should I spend praying and reading my Bible?' 

instead of 

'I wish I didn't have to go to work so I could sit and read longer.'"

"If life is a river, then pursuing Christ requires swimming upstream.  

When we stop swimming, or actively following Him,

we automatically begin to be swept downstream.

Or... we are on a never-ending downward escalator.

In order to grow, we have to turn around and sprint up the escalator,

putting up with perturbed looks

from everyone else who is gradually moving downward."

"We are consumed with safety.  Obsessed with it actually.  [W]e've made safety our highest priority.  We've elevated safety to the neglect of whatever God's best is, whatever would bring God the most glory, or whatever would accomplish His purposes in our lives and the world.  ---  Would you be willing to pray this prayer? God bring me closer to You during this trip whatever it takes..."
"People who are obsessed with Jesus aren't consumed with their personal safety and comfort above all else.  Obsessed people care more about God's kingdom coming to this earth than their own lives being shielded from pain and distress."

"Joy is something we have to choose and then work for."

"Oswald Chambers said, 'Never make a principle out of your experience; let God be as original with other people as He is with you.'  I would also add, 'Be careful not to turn others lives into the mold for your own.'  Allow God to be as creative with you as He is with each of us.  God is a Creator not a duplicator."

"[Y]ou must learn to listen to and obey God,

especially in a society where it's easy and expected

to do what is most comfortable."

"The world needs Christians who don't tolerate the complacency of their own lives."

from Crazy Love by Francis Chan.

Crazy Love by Francis Chan

childlike faith

Last Monday night, I received a mysterious text from my darling Aunt asking if we had time for a visitor the following day.  Umm, yeah!

She arrived by 9am on Tuesday morning.

In our preparation to welcome her, Brandon asked me, "Mommy, Great Aunt Toby doesn't know Jesus, does she?"
"No, she doesn't, sweetie," I said.
"Well then, we need to tell her."
"Yes, we do.  Knowing Jesus is the most important thing we do in our whole life."

I didn't know if Brandon really had anything planned and so we continued cleaning up the house (it had gotten neglected...nothing like a surprise visitor to whip us/it into shape in light speed!).

She arrived and the boys were so excited that I'm pretty sure they pulled every toy they own out of their room to show to her.  Silas dragged out this gun and that gun.  LOL.  Eventually we sat down at the table for some pancakes and pears.

Brandon: "Great Aunt Toby?  I want to read something to you."  He proceeded to pull out and read from his Bible various memory verses he had collected from church in recent weeks.  "I'll be right back, Great Aunt Toby, there's something I have to get from my room."  He returned a few seconds later with a neon green bracelet with the words "Jesus made me special" stitched onto it.  "Great Aunt Toby, do you know why I am wearing this bracelet?"

After breakfast, she and I collected the dishes, cleaned up, and chatted.  Brandon entered the kitchen and said, "Great Aunt Toby, I want to read my Bible to you."  Me: "Brandon, can you wait a minute until we finish talking?"  So, Brandon with his Bible sat on the bench in the dining room and patiently waited for us to finish.  Finally, I realized (yes, some of us are slower than others) his motive.  He wanted to share God's Word, God's love and Jesus with my Aunt whom we all love so dearly and pray for so often and desperately plea with the Lord for her salvation and that of her entire family.  I asked him to read to Aunt Toby in the living room while I finished cleaning up.  He read the most random passage from 1 Samuel....all I could hear was something about boiled meat. LOL.  And she helped him with all the hard words...and it blessed my heart.  (All the while, Silas was blasting into the living room with this weapon and that.  Bahahaha!)  It was certainly a sight!  So funny and sweet.  But later as I pondered the morning and really let Brandon's actions settle into my core, I realized that it wasn't just sweet or cute, it was all that I desire as a mother: to raise children who understand the most precious thing in life is Jesus and to introduce others to Him.  It is EVERYTHING.  My 7-year-old, more bold than I, did what I should have done many times over.  And he did it without considering rejection, ridicule, embarrassment.  What a sweet gift he desired to give to my Aunt.  And what a blessing he is to my own heart.

My Aunt is so beautiful and dear to me.  I love her life and her attitude about things.  I see in her so much of what I want to be.  Her first grandchild will arrive in another month...and I am a little jealous of this precious one soon to be born because I have coveted and loved her attention and affection imparted to my own boys.  Soon, she will have her own grandson to embrace, snuggle, chase and have fun with.  Really, I am glad.  Everyone should have a grandma like the one she is going to be.

Share Jesus with your children and with all --- in love, in word, in deed, and in truth.  Raise disciples of Him who gave everything for you and for me and do not hinder them to share.

Have childlike faith.

"Whoever receives one of these little children in My name, receives Me; and whoever receives Me, receives not Me but Him who sent Me." ~Mark 9:37

today God healed my dog

Today was Borrego Days and the first in 6 years that I wasn't organizing and staging the parade.  So, the boys and I readied our bikes for a ride to the parade route.  I asked them to go into the car and grab umbrellas to keep the sun off of them.  Lily (our dog) had been out with the boys and Jamie.  I was inside gathering things together for our day out in Borrego enjoying the Festival.
We loaded our bikes and were about to leave when Jamie said that the dog was missing.

We looked through the house and called for her but to no avail.

She likes to roam the neighborhood so we figured she was out and about and would make her way home soon.   So, the boys and I set off and were gone until about 4pm while Jamie periodically stopped by the house to check to see if Lily had returned.  She hadn't.  We were getting very concerned...especially as the day was nearing dusk.

We had planned a barbecue at our house tonight.  I decided to pull the bounce house out of the garage for my boys to play on.  I went back and forth between the front yard and the garage a few times and was on my way back for one final time to retrieve an extension cord when I heard a noise from inside of my car.  I ran to the back driver's side door and opened it, and there on the floor was Lily!  She had been in the car for 10 hours...and our high temp here in Borrego today was 98.  Needless to say she was incredibly disoriented and weak. I couldn't believe she was alive.

Apparently when the boys went to the car to get their umbrellas, Lily had jumped into the car so she wouldn't be left at home.  Jamie and I never knew she was in there and the boys...being children weren't paying much attention.  I had asked Jamie earlier in the day to check the cars in case we had opened any of them up to grab something and didn't realize she was in there.  He checked, but never saw her.  She is black and the interior of my car is black.

I ran to get her some water but she was too disoriented to drink so I carried her into the house and gave her water from my hand.  She slowly regained some of her strength but was incredibly wobbly and seemed confused.  We began to be concerned about neurological damage and severe dehydration, so we beat feet to an animal urgent care hospital in Escondido.
I was so upset and emotional and blamed myself over and over for not looking hard enough for her.  I sat in the backseat with her while Jamie drove.  I texted several friends and asked for prayer.  She was so unsettled and kept moving, adjusting, and being anxious.  I knew I should pray fervently for this dog.  I felt ridiculous doing it for a dog but I placed my hands on her little head and prayed that God would heal her brain wholly.  Soon, she settled into a comfortable position and rested until we arrived at the animal hospital.  Jamie was rushing to get to the hospital and he said, "Every time I think of passing another car, I hear, 'Oh you of little faith.'"  So, I prayed aloud and we calmly proceeded to our destination.

As soon as we got there, she was checked out and everything seemed completely normal.  They ran some blood tests and other than signs of dehydration (duh!) she was perfectly normal.  She even ran out to us and jumped on us and cried to leave and sniffed around the lobby, etc.

It is now 12:39 A.M. and Jamie and I just returned home from the vet (a 3-hour drive roundtrip).  Our Lily is back to normal.  I do not want to be ignorant of God's work here and so I want to record this here and now.  I can not believe the dog I pulled out of that baking hot car is home, eating, chasing a fly around the kitchen, and now sleeping in her bed beside me.  God, thank You so much that You care for our silly doggies.  Thank You.

Confusing calling and task

"Once I began to exercise those (speaking) gifts, I assumed speaking was my calling.  God soon made very clear, however, that my calling was to surrender my life every day to His will, to be His woman, and to do what He asked, whatever that was.  I remember sensing Him speak to my heart, saying, 'Beth, I do not want you surrendered to an assignment.  I want you surrendered to Me.'  I realized that God did not want me 'hung up' on the kind of assignment He would give me.  He didn't want it to matter to me whether He asked me to teach the Word of God to a hundred people or to rock one baby in the church nursery.  My calling was to be abandoned to Him."  (Beth Moore - Jesus, The One and Only)

My north star.

Jesus.

Family.

(Thanks, Sarah and Sally.)

"Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things,

but one thing is necessary."

(Luke 10:38-42)

**Sigh**

I am worried and troubled about many things, too.  Will my life always be this way?  As a mommy patriot, I can totally overwhelm myself in politics and worry about what kind of a future my kids will have in this country.  I worry about the evil indoctrination of an upcoming generation (as if we don't already have that...but the propensity for it to get worse...ugh!) and the subsequent flushing of the greatest nation in the modern world.

It starts with just one step and then before I know it I am running, desperately sprinting in a direction away from peace, away from trust.

But one thing is necessary.

I have to stop running.  My chest heaving and out of breath.  Tears of worry pool in my eyes.  But, I love this country.  I love my children.  Stop, Kori.  Settle your breathing.  Settle your fears.  Settle your heart.  Trust in Me.  Find a quiet place and rest.  

So, I stop.  I turn off the clamoring, fearful, worrisome noise.  And I go to that which remains steady, true, unchanging for all eternity past, present, and future: the feet of Jesus.  I listen to His words.  I cling to them.  I plant them in my heart and mind and life.  And I remember, as I have hundreds of times before that He is in control.  Nothing surprises Him.  He isn't fretting over debt ceilings, corrupt education, even the 3000 lives that torn from the wombs of women.  He sees, yes.  He is just, yes.  He is waiting, yes.  Just as I must do.

I am burdened in my heart to be a voice calling out to a people spiraling toward destruction to proclaim truth - in things of the Spirit and all things (history, legislation, science).  I know that people will not like me because of it.  And I know it can't matter.  We must be people who are not men-pleasers, but God-pleasers. (Gal. 1:10)

I wonder:  With the burden placed upon my heart for this nation - will I always be this yo-yo of emotion and passion - sprinting desperately in one direction, being slapped upside the head with reality, and returning to quiet myself at the feet of Jesus?  Is there a balance?

Can I passionately, patriotically remain at His feet?  Yes.  I can.  And at times I have.  But, I let busy-ness, commitments, obligations steal me away.

"Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added to you." (Matt. 6:33)  So, it's still about walnuts and rice.

Unbroken...The Story of Olympian and P.O.W. Louie Zamperini

I just finished reading the most unbelievable story and you ought to read it, also.  I blasted through it in just a few days and was totally captivated.  Everyone should read this story.  If you are wondering if it would be appropriate to share with your children, I would save it for older high schoolers as there is some (very little language and other inappropriate things mentioned) disturbing stuff.  But, I have told my children the whole story and even showed them the videos below.  There is a shot of the P.O.W.'s in pretty emaciated conditions - basically breathing skeletons.  It didn't bother my boys, but I want to let you know about that.  

Here are some videos about the life of a true America Hero, Louie Zamperini.  The book covers all of this and so much more.  You would think there couldn't possibly be more to this life, but when you read the book you will be absolutely awestruck by what this man has endured and has become gloriously victorious over.  AMAZING.

At the tail end of the 2nd and 3rd video is a lot of loud static.  FYI.





 

http://www.louiezamperini.com/ is his website.  If you can believe it, he's still alive.

I was so overcome when I finished his story that I immediately looked up his website and wrote him the following letter.  Please get this book.  I borrowed it from the library.  It is excellent and totally inspiring.  Bless you.

Dear Louie,

I just finished reading "Unbroken" not five minutes ago.  I really don't know what to say; but desperately wanted to make contact.

I am 37 years old and pretty ignorant of WW2 history, but as I am now a home schooling mom to two precious boys, I have discovered a new hunger for learning and this book about your story has been absolutely heart-wrenching.  How glad I am for your survival and salvation, and therefore your testimony of the deep healing of Jesus.  I, too, am a Christian...healed by a marvelous God of my own devastation.  Praise the Lord!

I just want you to know that I will never forget your story.  I will share it with my children as they grow and learn and you will forever be a hero to this family.

All God's very best to you, sir.  You are absolutely wonderful, brave, resilient, a beacon of hope and courage.  Thank you for bearing your soul for this book so that many may read it and be deeply inspired.

I hope to raise brave and resilient heroes like you.  Thank you for the example you have set.

Much love and appreciation and so much gratitude for your service to this most beautiful country.  It is because of men like you that I and my family are still living a free life in the beautiful U.S.A.

God bless you,

Kori Peterson

The New Calamity - by John Piper

A post by John Piper on his blog, June 30th.  Sobering and sad.
Recently New York legalized same-sex marriage.  These are his thoughts.

_________________________

"My Eyes Shed Streams of Tears - Thoughts on the New Calamity"

Jesus died so that  heterosexual and homosexual sinners might be saved. Jesus created sexuality, and has a clear will for how it is to be experienced in holiness and joy.

His will is that a man might leave his father and mother and cleave to his wife, and that the two become one flesh (Mark 10:6-9). In this union, sexuality finds its God-appointed meaning, whether in personal-physical unification, symbolic representation, sensual jubilation, or fruitful procreation.

For those who have forsaken God’s path of sexual fulfillment, and walked into homosexual intercourse or heterosexual extramarital fornication or adultery, Jesus offers astonishing mercy.

Such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God (1 Corinthians 6:11).

But last weekend this salvation from sinful sexual acts was not embraced. Instead there was massive celebration of sin.

One estimate said that 400,000 people celebrated gay pride in Minneapolis. That’s more than the population of the city. The number is probably inflated, but for the first time in history, it did include the governor of the state, Mark Dayton.

The Bible is not silent about such parades. Alongside its clearest explanation of the sin of homosexual intercourse (Romans 1:24-27) stands the indictment of the celebration of it. Though people know intuitively that homosexual acts (along with gossip, slander, insolence, haughtiness, boasting, faithlessness, heartlessness, ruthlessness) are sin, “they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them” (Romans 1:29-32). “I tell you even with tears, that many glory in their shame” (Philippians 3:18–19).

This is what our governor was doing on Sunday along with millions of others across the country—knowing these deeds are wrong, “yet approving those who practice them.”

Not only that, we are moving from celebration to institutionalization. On June 24 the New York legislature approved a Marriage Equality Act. This makes New York the sixth state where so-called homosexual marriages will be institutionalized: Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, (and the District of Columbia).

My sense is that we do not realize what a calamity is happening around us. The new thing—new for America, and new for history—is not homosexuality. That brokenness has been here since we were all broken in the fall of man. (And there is a great distinction between the orientation and the act—just like there is a great difference between my orientation to pride and the act of boasting.)

What’s new is not even the celebration of homosexual sin. Homosexual behavior has been exploited, and reveled in, and celebrated in art, for millennia. What’s new is normalization and institutionalization. This is the new calamity.

My main reason for writing is not to mount a political counter-assault. I don’t think that is the calling of the church as such. My reason for writing is to help the church feel the sorrow of these days. And the magnitude of the assault on God and his image in man.

Christians, more clearly than others can see the tidal wave of pain that is on the way. Sin carries in it its own misery: “Men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error” (Romans 1:27).

And on top of sin’s self-destructive power comes, eventually, the wrath of God: “sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. On account of these the wrath of God is coming” (Colossians 3:5–6).

Christians know what is coming, not only because we see it in the Bible, but because we have tasted the sorrowful fruit of our own sins. We do not escape the truth that we reap what we sow. Our marriages, our children, our churches, our institutions—they are all troubled because of our sins.

The difference is: We weep over our sins. We don’t celebrate them. We turn to Jesus for forgiveness and help. We cry to Jesus, “who delivers us from the wrath to come” (1 Thessalonians 1:10).

And in our best moments, we weep for the world. In the days of Ezekiel God put a mark of hope “on the foreheads of the men who sigh and groan over all the abominations that are committed in Jerusalem” (Ezekiel 9:4).

This is what I am writing for. Not political action, but love for the name of God and compassion for the city of destruction.

“My eyes shed streams of tears, because people do not keep your law.” (Psalm 119:136)

wolves in sheep's clothing

Preach the Word!  Be ready in season and out of season.  Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. (2 Tim.. 4:2)

But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. (2 Tim. 2:5) 

I recently had a back-and-forth with someone who claims to be a Christian but is, in fact, a heretic and not unlike the man who would be better off if he tied a millstone around his neck and hurled himself into the depths of the sea.(Mk. 9:42)  Why?  He leads people astray by boldly corrupting the Word of God, and advocates a false & blasphemous doctrine.   Not only is he dragging himself to hell, but he is taking with him his children and anyone else over whom he may have the slightest influence.  Further, those who support or cling to this particular person's "theology" and philosophy are accurately described in the latter part of this passage:

"For God loved the world in this way: He gave His One and Only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.  For God did not send His Son into the world that He might comdemn the world , but that the world might be saved through Him.  Anyone who believes in Him is not condemned, but anyone who does not believe is already condemned, because he has not believed in the name of the One and Only Son of God.

This, then, is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than the light because their deeds were evil.  For everyone who practices wicked things hates the light and avoids it, so that his deeds may not be exposed." (John 3:16-20)

So, I imagine you can guess what type of folks side with a heretic:  those who don't want their actions exposed for the evil that they really are.

We must involve ourselves in a Bible-teaching church.  Are they teaching the whole Word of God or twisting the parts that aren't politically correct so that everyone can feel accepted and uncondemned? This isn't a buffet.  God doesn't make it when we order it.

For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, the will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth and be turned aside to fables. (2 Tim. 2: 3-4)

Eternal.
As far back as forever ago and as far forward as infinitude.  God is unchanging as is His instruction book for how we must live.

As my beloved Chuck Smith (Calvary Chapel of Costa Mesa) once said (and I paraphrase):  "If you want to feel good about your sin and attend a church that helps you to feel good about your sin, then you'll feel good all the way to hell." (Emphasis mine.)

Just 'cause it sounds nice and welcoming doesn't mean it is.

For all the heretics and "tolerance" police who may be reading this:  I'm sure you are ready to accuse me of bigotry and narrow-mindedness.

"Enter through the narrow gate.  For the gate is wide and the road is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who go through it.  How narrow is the gate and difficult the road that leads to life, and few find it.

Beware of false prophets who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravaging wolves."  (Matthew 7:13-15) 

I'll stick to the narrow path.  Because life is a vapor and not worthy to be compared to eternity, and so my soul is firmly set on an eternal perspective and not on pleasing the whims of the latest philosophical craze.

And I'll battle wolves in the meantime.

drive and pray

I love You, Jesus.  I deeply love Your word.  You are the Word!  Hallelujah!  I love that I can come to You at any given moment.  Thank You for being my Healer.  Thank You for being my everything! 

Driving home tonight over the mountains and listening to Casting Crowns, Cindy Morgan, Toby Mac, the Gaither Vocal Band...  I was completely overwhelmed with love for Jesus that I was brought to tears.  He is too wonderful for words and so this post falls so desperately short.

Dance Your Shoes Off!

He's ALIVE!

a new perspective

The Lord's servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.  Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will. (2 Tim. 2:24-26)

I am detouring off my regular morning quiet time to write instead.  This was the first passage in my study today about "gentleness," one of the fruit of the Spirit (Beth Moore's Living Beyond Yourself study into the fruit of the Spirit is wonderful).  It confounded me because I so often find myself in conversations with those that oppose me - whether it be over Biblical or political/moral convictions.

First of all, let me clearly state that what I believe isn't just some far-fetched idea that has no standing.  Faith in God is certain, it is unchanging, it is firm, it is enduring because He is certain, unchanging, firm, and enduring.  His Word (the Bible) is solid.  I may change my mind about many things in my lifetime, but God does not change.  Politics, social issues, and our culture may change and evolve, but God tells us what to think of such things as the value of life, homosexuality, freedom, bondage, etc.  And if I am standing firm on His eternal, unchanging way, then my stance will not waiver...even if the cultural tide changes.  So much of the world is blown about with different "winds of doctrine." (Eph. 4:14)  We change our ideas as the wind changes.  Some think this ever-evolving, "tolerant" (of all things except the one true God) relativism is the way to go, but I choose to think for myself and to cling to that which I know that I know that I know:

• God, 
• absolute truth as defined in His holy and enduring Word, 
• freedom because Jesus has set us free (Gal. 5:1),
• life deeply valuable because God has created men and women in His image,
• the incredible effectiveness of a husband and wife family as the foundation of society.

In the words of the great Del Tackett: "Do you really believe that what you really believe is really real?"  (If you haven't seen The Truth Project yet, purpose in your heart to see it.  Ask to show it in your church.)

So, as I read this passage this morning, I am so encouraged to see God address in His holy scriptures how to deal with those who oppose us (just as He addresses all that concerns us - "His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through Him who called us by His own glory and goodness" ~2 Ptr. 1:3).  With those that oppose me, I must be gentle and kind, able to teach and not resentful.  Ok, so I am not always gentle, kind, able to teach or un-resentful...but I want to be.  I must check the motive of my heart.  Do I just want to be right, or do I want to gently teach others to walk in truth and righteousness for the sake of their eternal souls?  The very fact that verses 25 & 26 say these words encourages me greatly: "...in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will."
Wow!  There is hope!  How often do I forget that the whole world is under the sway of the evil one?  "For we battle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places."  (Eph. 6:12)  Yes!  It is true!  Those who are relentless in the destruction of the unborn and deceptively re-word their cause as "women's rights," those who destroy the family and the God-ordained (He is after all incomprehensibly wiser than us with our little pea brains) role of men and women --- folks who fight tooth and nail for these hideous affairs are under the influence of the most wickedly evil being ever to exist.  But greater is He who is in me than he who is in the world.  (1 Jn. 4:4)  Pray that God will grant them knowledge of the truth, to come to their senses, and escape the death grip the devil has on their lives.  We all are a slave to someone.  If we aren't serving God, then we are serving satan.

There is no walking the fence.

There is no neutral.

There is no middle ground.

Of course, I know this.  But to realize that God could lift the veil and enlighten them to the truth often alludes me...not because I think He can't do it, but because people have hardened their hearts so stubbornly against Him that He gives them over to their lusts, their uncleanness, and the dishonoring of their bodies. (Rom. 1: 24)  BUT GOD can turn a life 180 degrees.  

So, let's be kind, gentle, un-resentful, humble teachers praying at all times for the miraculous work of God in the hearts and minds of a world deceived by the enemy of our souls.  We aren't fighting each other, we are fighting an unseen and desperately wicked being.  How many times have we heard and said, "Love the sinner, hate the sin" ?

Look at the next passage in 2 Timothy

But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come:  For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power....

Well, I can put a check mark by all those adjectives, can you?

Look up for your redemption draws near (Lk. 21:28).  In the meantime, let love, kindness and gentleness rule in your heart and thus in your conversation ("For out of the abundance of the heart does the mouth speak." -Mt. 12:34) in the glorious hope that truth will reign in souls destined for eternal loss so that they may be eternally delivered; so that in this world babies will be valued and granted life; so that those who follow truth will raise a generation of truth-lovers and world-changers.

Let's see those who oppose us in a new perspective today.  Lost, wickedly influenced, deeply loved of God, in the image of their Creator.  And let's be instant in prayer for them, and for us to respond well.

"A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." (Proverbs 15:1)

Thanks for sitting in on my Bible study this morning. :)
Bless you,

seeing the promise afar off

These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. (Heb. 11:13)

Reading through the "Hall of Faith" this morning and taken captive by this verse as I often have tried to express this thought myself, but of course scripture says it most concisely.  It speaks of Abraham and Moses and so many who longed for the Promised Land and never saw it for themselves but trusted the promise of God that it would come to their posterity.

And so it was for the Pilgrims who called themselves "stepping stones," yearning and pursuing freedom to worship God in a free country...most never seeing it for themselves, but knwoing that it wasn't for themselves that they were pursuing it, but for their children and their children's children.  And America's founding heroes: Nathan Hale, the 7 minutemen who perished at the Lexington Battle Green, and multiple others who sacrificed and died that a nation might be free.  They never saw it for themselves, but their children, grandchildren, and great-great-great-great grandchildren embrace the freedom (albeit not with enough appreciation) their ancestors pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor for.  Thank you to those who can't hear the words from me.  They are long gone from this earth but so many reside in the eternal city where I will one day join them and offer my inadequate thanks and appreciation.

Not mentioned are the brave slaves who risked their lives and families for freedom as they fled through the underground railroad, or Martin Luther King who sought equal rights for all, yet never saw it for himself.  Freedom came.  Freedom lives.  And we must continue to hold onto it tightly and never give up the fight.

And so, we who fight for the lives of the unborn may never see it in our day, but we keep on so that our children's children's children may have life and not be snuffed out of earthly existence.

And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. (Galatians 6:9)  

We may be the stepping stones for the millions of unborn that will live to see the light of day.  To God be the glory.  It is God who gives freedom, who gives life.

This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses.  Now, choose life so that you and your children may live.  (Dt. 30:19)