don't judge.

I think we often confuse "judging" for identifying what is clearly right or wrong. We have discernment for a reason, so we can know what is right and wrong (not to mention that God clearly tells us most of it straight up). What a confused culture we live in where we can not clearly state what is right before our very eyes. It's like The Emperor's New Clothes. Still, in stating and discerning the obvious, it is not our place to condemn or hate anyone. We are to still be ever so loving. It is a bootcamp I am currently training in...and I am so glad for it. Because I firmly believe there is a way to honor people, not agree, but still love deeply. I am totally thrilled to learn this lesson. It is one I have been anxious to learn for a while now. Bring it!

In all I am currently dealing with, I was initially concerned that I might start fading the black and white lines to a hazy gray. And slip into compromise. But, quite the opposite has occurred. I feel and have total clarity regarding right & wrong, black & white, good & evil, truth & deception. Clarity like never before...and I'm already a pretty black & white gal. Where I first thought I could sort of sympathize and understand, I find that I simply can not understand. Crazy lies. Sad deception. Everything in nature is so obvious.  I can sympathize, though, with the idea that people live with gnawing secrets for too long. I think it so heart breaking that anyone would have to live that way.

I see that things are not as complicated as culture claims them to be. Today, I sat in a writing workshop while a discussion ensued over the issue of abortion. I silently observed. It ended with the dejected statement of surrender, “it's a complicated issue.” 
No, it's not. 
It is not complicated. 
Life is life. If it breathes, has a heartbeat and brainwaves, and is currently growing into a human being, then I think we can assess that it is a human life. And snuffing out that life is murder. Even a child knows this. 
It is our “forward thinking," endless & often unnecessary discussions that become confusing. Confusion seems to result in “it's complicated.” No, you're confused. Put yourself in your right mind and recognize what is before your own eyes. If we would just look at the very thing right before us and stop listening to the lies, then things become very clear. We listen to the lies and let them totally cloud out reason and proof. “The emperor is wearing a glamorous robe.” “Oh, have you ever seen such rich fabric?” “What an immaculate new wardrobe he has!” Everybody's saying it so it must be true, right? Then a child looks at us all like we have lost our minds (because we practically have), and states truly, “The emperor is naked.” And we all ought to glance at each other and start whispering amongst ourselves, “You know, I thought he was naked too.” But no, we see the crystal clear, visible proof literally before our eyes and we still stupidly and stubbornly insist that what we are being told is the truth. 

We have totally allowed ourselved to be completely brainwashed.

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.

Hallelujah...more of You and less of me

dancing "Hallelujah" by Kelley Mooney for our Easter service at church.

Many have complimented me for the dance, for my passion for this country, etc.  And as uncomfortable as I am in those moments, I am also honored by the kind words.  I do seem to be a mover and shaker (I can't help it, I'm wired this way), though I know not all think it's wonderful.  But even amidst the praise, I can't take any credit.  It is my "reasonable service."  My duty.  My gift, wholly possible by God alone.  He could easily have given another the gift.  I am such a failure in grace, love, being a wife...  I'm self-righteous, holier-than-thou, and a jerk.  I'm sarcastic, ugly, and rude.  I am ever these things.  Yet God allows me to be influential and a whole-body worshipper of Him.  

How is that?  

He is mercy.  

He is grace.  

He makes the broken whole.  

He uses the foolish things to confound the wise.  

Who am I?  

A fool for Jesus and a fool for the blessed freedom poured out on this country.  

He makes the ugly beautiful.  Use this fool, Jesus.  And don't ever allow me to think anything good is my doing.  To You alone is all glory and honor and praise. For every good and perfect gift is from above, from the generous Father of lights.  Every good thing can only come from one source:  a good God.  The only true and living God.

dating exclusively?

A precious friend of mine recently started dating again and is dating 3 different men.  She asked her friends if it is considered "cheating" to date more than one man.   First of all, I am totally no relationship expert.  My past dating life is proof, but I want to record my thoughts, so here goes:

Is it ok to see more than one man at a time?

It seemed to be ok in the olden days (or maybe I've just seen too many Jane Austen movies).  But, in today's culture, it is unacceptable (by many).  Why? ...since today's culture is a non-committal, why-buy-the-cow-when-the-milk-is-free mentality?  It is a culture that forces women to settle for less than the best while calling it a "feminine liberation" because now they can have fun too (supposedly) without the "commitment."  But women are created for security and commitment.  It is men who are able to float about, unemotionally tied to anything or anyone, but women are relational.  So, how is this mentality to jump from one guy to the next supposedly better for women than demanding commitment?  And since (many) men won't commit, why is it wrong for a woman to have more than one suitor vying for her affections and her heart?

I dated a lot.  And on two occasions became quite intimately involved (not physically) with some incredible men.  However, as this more-than-a-friendship but not a committed-romantic-relationship drew to be a year or even two years old, I began to wonder: "Where is this going?" "Are we friends or is there more to this?"  "He hasn't said anything to me about us seeing each other exclusively, yet we spend every waking moment together."  "Are we exclusive?"  "Am I available to respond to another who wants to pursue me?"  And to make matters even more confusing...after months (or years) of him not stating his intentions, I would feel it necessary to ask where the relationship was going resulting in his anger over my stepping out of my role as the "non-initiating responder" and thus severing the relationship once and for all.  Was it my fault that I was flailing in the abyss wondering if I was free to allow another man to pursue me when a non-committal one (albeit a genuinely good man) was occupying all my time and energy?

Then, I met a man who pursued me for real.  He even allowed a "surrogate" dad to be our liaison.  It seemed that making myself unaccessible caused this man to jump through every hoop he had to in order to have contact with me.  I get that men love the hunt, the chase.  Ok, that's cool.  So why don't we allow them to chase us?  I don't want to advocate playing games here and pulling the stupid "hard-to-get" maneuver, but our culture has made women far too accessible to any man who may want her.  How is this better since women tend to wear their hearts on their sleeve and are so much more vulnerable than men to have that heart injured?  This man never expected me to return a phone call...he worked feverishly to make sure that he caught me at home when he called (not an easy feat, I assure you).  And he often told me his intentions, how he felt about me, and where he saw the status of our relationship at any given time.  I LOVED this and appreciated it so much because it met my need to know where we stood.  We eventually amicably parted ways and both of us were married soon after, but it gave me a taste of the "right way" to do things.

On another note, my precious husband was/is a pursuer of pursuers.  He knew what he wanted and really didn't care who or what may have been in the way.  Any men who may have been interested in me at any given time were not a hindrance to his pursuing me.  This is one of the reasons why I think that it just may be ok to "date" more than one man...and only if it is agreed that the two of you are not exclusive.  The "one" will stop at nothing to have you.  Once exclusivity is declared, then I think it is right to keep your eyes in one spot.  But what deems exclusivity?  Just saying so?  The promise to marry or at least be in serious pursuance of that end?  It seems that if there is no intent to marry, then there should be no exclusivity.  (Please keep in mind, these are only my rambling thoughts at the moment and a voice of reason can easily sway me toward another opinion.)

Would love to know your thoughts on the subject.

Buyer Beware

"From satan's first entrance on the stage of earth in Genesis 3, he's tried to convince believers that God is holding out on them.  Cheating them.  satan tries to suggest that this life is all we can be sure of:  live it sacrificially and we've lost it all.  he mocks, 'How gullible -- how stupid -- could you be?  Live it up while you've got the chance!'  As we walk up and down the sidewalks of our present Babylons, stay alert to his seductions and the songs in his town square.

In reality, satan is the cheater and Babylon is his queen, offering false fulfillments for any taker.

Buyer beware."

~Beth Moore 

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.

"The eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth

to strengthen those who's hearts

are fully committed to him."

~2 Chronicles 16:9

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"You his son, O Belshazzar, have not humbled yourself, though you knew all this."

~Daniel 5:22

What did Belshazzar know?
He knew the mighty works of the Mighty God and yet refused to acknowledge Him and humble himself.

"That very night Belshazzar...was slain." ~Daniel 5:30

So Belshazzar wasn't ignorant of the works of God and because he knew, God held him responsible to do the right thing.  But in Belshazzar's pride, he refused to do it.  And God held him accountable.

When unrighteousness is revealed to us, and we pursue it anyway - justifying our excuses and lusts - we fail to humble ourselves and we become disobedient, rebelliously defying Holy God.

"God resists the proud..."

~1 Peter 5:5

"God can still love us and oppose us..."

~Beth Moore

I choose to not be willfully ignorant.  I choose to seek out the truth so that I wouldn't even unknowingly sin.  I choose to do my very best to not put myself in opposition to God.  I choose to resist Christian mediocrity.

More gleanings from Beth Moore's study on the book of Daniel.

being Lady Wisdom

Proverbs 8~ 

I read the first few verses and I can relate to the person named "wisdom":  

Lifting up my voice,

taking a high stand,

where the paths of various worldviews meet,

crying out -(vs. 1-5)

"O you simple ones, understand prudence, and you fools, be of an understanding heart!"

I feel like this every day.  Maybe just because I am a loud mouth, and I really desire righteousness in a world where it is terribly lacking.

But I wonder, am I truly wise?  

Certainly, attempting to immerse myself often in the Word of God can only help the cause of speaking with wisdom, but verse 8 says: "All the words of my mouth are with righteousness; Nothing crooked or perverse is in them."  I can't say that without choking it out, because it isn't totally true of me.  All my words are not righteous…maybe self-righteous - which is not only unwise but prideful.  "Nothing crooked or perverse…"  I wish that were true of my conversation.  But, just ask my husband --- plenty of crooked and perverse things escape my mouth all the time.  And if it comes out of the mouth then it must, therefore, be in the heart.  

"Out of the abundance of the heart does the mouth speak." (Mt. 12:34)

If I speak negatively or crookedly, then the same is in my heart.  I want all of my words to be righteous; but to also remain humble.  And there, I believe, the struggle for balance will be lifelong.  "Take heed where you stand lest you fall." (1 Cor. 10:12)  Just when I think I'm doing ok not being judgmental or critical, I let my guard down thinking that I finally get it, only to have it rear it's ugly head again when I'm not looking.  Then, there I am being ugly and I don't see it for weeks, or even months.  Bleh!!!  I hate me sometimes….and usually right after the time I've been loving me so much.  Ha!  Pride goes before a fall. (Pr. 16:18)

And so my prayer is that I might strive and ultimately become this woman of Proverbs 8 who embodies wisdom…that wisdom would take me over and there would no longer be a shred of Kori, but only the wisdom of a great and glorious God channeled through a unique personality: mine.

To balance information/knowledge and the passion therein with a genuine and desperate love for all mankind.  Sometimes I see it in me, but my passion and lack of self-control therein, possibly hurt more than help.  I don't know for sure.  But I'd like to err on the perspective side of my not cutting-the-mustard rather than being-all-that-and-a-bag-o'-chips.

I really could use a little more help in showing that I "rejoice in His inhabited world, and my delight is with the sons of men."  (v. 31)  Truly, though, I wouldn't bother "shouting from the rooftops" if I didn't want the eternal salvation for all the sons of men.  And you must know that there is no greater thing that can be desired for all mankind.

v. 12  "I, wisdom, …find out knowledge and discretion."

Discretion: the quality of behaving or speaking in such a way as to avoid causing offense or revealing private information; carefulness; caution; tact; guardedness; diplomacy; sensitivity

Well, let's face it, "offense" may be unavoidable as it relates to the message of the cross. (1 Ptr. 2:7-8) A non-Christian will be offended by Christ no matter how I say it, but I do want to be careful to be sensitive, and not cold and unfeeling - as I so often can be: wanting to just say it and sometimes not being so careful as to how I'm saying it.  It's no good.
But, what I really love about this particular section of the passage is that wisdom finds knowledge and discretion.  She seeks it out, searches for it, doesn't give up until it is in her possession.  So should we be in our pursuit of knowledge and discretion.  Not just succeeding but thriving in truly speaking the truth in love. (Eph. 4:15)

Above all - I deeply desire to speak excellent things, right things, truth (vs. 6-7).

"Listen, for I will speak of excellent things, and from the opening of my lips will come right things; for my mouth will speak truth…" 

"Part of the process is recognizing and confessing judgmental, impure, or critical thoughts before they can make their way to our mouths and actions." (Beth Moore)


In writing this and also in my recent private devotion times, this idea of being pharisaical is recurring which can only lead me to believe that I am in reality being critical and self-righteous.


"O Lord, I want to be wise about what is good, yet innocent about what is evil (Rom. 16:19).  I want to wash myself clean from every impurity of the flesh and spirit... Yet my life has proven again and again that desire is not enough.  Help me, Lord, for I need You desperately." (Beth Moore)


What can we practically do to be people that embody wisdom?

• Take captive every thought, intent, and motive to the obedience of Christ. (2 Cor. 10:5)
• Refuse to speak of things or participate in conversation not pleasing to the Lord.
• Fill my mind with Scripture (memorizing it) and edifying truth.
• Meditate/dwell on those things that are true, noble, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous, and praiseworthy. (Php. 4:8)

O God! Yes, I need You desperately!! Make every thought, emotion, and breath to be immersed in wisdom.  I'm a complete failure! But God! (How I love those words: "Lord, everything is a disaster, but You..." For with God nothing is impossible.)  He can work this miracle in me.  Please do it, Lord! And help me to actively pursue it.  Take criticism, legalism, and any pharisaical attitude from me.  I sense it in me now and am so thankful to Your Holy Spirit for bringing it to my attention.  You are so good, God.  Thank You.  Change me!

Change my heart, O God.

Make it ever true.

Change my heart, O God.

May I be like You.

Pastor Steve

I want to take a minute to give my pastor props.

He is a man who stands strongly on his convictions and is not afraid to speak what is right even though it may not be popular or politically correct.  One of my favorite mentor ladies, Sally Clarkson, often says that if you take a stand you become a target.  Thus has been the case with my beloved pastor.  Because of his unwavering commitment to God's ways according to the Bible, he has come under intense scrutiny of the community.   Surprisingly he has even become a target of people once involved in our own fellowship.  Yet, in it all he handles it with grace and logic and confidence.  As does his precious wife.

I admire Steve because he not only is deeply passionate for God's Word but is also passionate for the condition and history of our country.

He is a devoted teacher of the Word and a loving shepherd of the flock God has put before him.  His teaching is quite possibly the best scriptural teaching I have ever been under.  He obviously loves the Word and immerses himself in it - exhaustively researching and studying so that he may share it with us.  And how we love it!  We are well-fed, encouraged, and motivated to not only hear the Word but to be doers of it as well.  He is intimately involved in the workings of his church and encourages accountability, service, and right relationships.  I personally have been encouragingly confronted by him on several occasions and his exhortation has been gentle and right.  I love that he is a peacemaker and not a peacekeeper.  He confronts when something must be confronted and doesn't allow for an unhealthy status quo.

I know his job is not an easy one, but it is a blessed one.  And he is absolutely the right person for it.  I know he is encountered with opposition, criticism, and hostility.  As unpleasant as this may be, he remains patient, kind, honest, and uncompromising.

Steve, you are a treasure to your "flock."  We adore you and are so thankful for you.  This post has not even touched the surface of your character and integrity nor has it sufficiently expressed our deep appreciation for you and Marian, but I do hope it is an encouragement.

Many blessings and much prayer for you and your family,

Cast out the scoffer.

I know I'm being repetitive, but a constant theme continues to appear in my reading of Scripture and for the sake of my own family and those close to us who are struggling with a wayward, disrespectful, offensive "child" living in their home; I hope that God's Word will give them direction regarding how to deal with such a one.  And maybe You need a clear Word from Scripture as well.  If not, just bear with me while we move through this trial. (To read my previous post on this subject, click here.)

"Cast out the scoffer, and contention will leave; Yes, stife and reproach will cease." (Proverbs 22:10)

Ironically (or not) I read yesterday Scriptures definition of a "scoffer."

"A proud and haughty man---'scoffer' is his name; He acts with arrogant pride." (Pr. 21:24)

Webster's Dictionary definitions:

• "scoffer" =  one that mocks, derides, or reproaches in a language of contempt 
• "scorn" = to hold in extreme contempt; to think unworthy; to disdain; to slight; to disregard; to neglect
• "haughty" = proud and disdainful; having a high opinion of one's self, with some contempt for others; lofty and arrogant
• "proud" = daring; presumptuous; possessing a high or unreasonable conceit of one's own excellence, either of body or mind

As I write, I wonder how to apply this to my own life: rebellious teenagers aside.  Who are the scoffers in my life?  Will I also be obedient and cast them out?  Who causes contention?  --- From another angle, in what areas am I proud and haughty?  O Lord, deliver me from those.  We all know that pride goes before a fall.  

"Don't bite the hand that feeds you"

...and for goodness sake, if you're on the other end, stop accommodating the biting creature!!

We know some people who are struggling with a child who has become increasingly deceptive, and wickedly defiant.  It is apparent that peers and culture are heavily influencing this one.  Since we are indirectly involved, it has caused me to ponder the best course of action.  My natural leaning is to let the rebellious child go as a prodigal and not allow the demonic presence that is following this one into the home.  But, is this right?  Some feel that grace should be offered and offered and offered even to the sacrifice of their own personal health and life; and even if it takes decades to occur.  I can certainly see the love in this scenario, but it doesn't seem right to me.

"A man of great wrath will suffer punishment; for if you rescue him, you will have to do it again." (Proverbs 19:19)  The NLT puts it this way:  "Hot-tempered people must pay the penalty.  If you rescue them once, you will have to do it again." (emphasis mine.)

I don't think this verse is advising whether or not to rescue such a person, but is telling us that if we do, we will have to do it again and again and again.  We must choose if we want to be a slave to a fool or to let them go on their own.  It is clear that appeasing/rescuing them will not result in turning them away from their bad behavior.

To what extent do we associate with fools?
What if they are Christians?
What if they are family?

It does seem to infer that constant contact/living with/intimate friendship is to be avoided.

"Make no friendship with an angry man, and with a furious man do not go, lest you learn his ways and set a snare for your soul." (Proverbs 22:24-25)
"An angry man stirs up strife, and a furious man abounds in transgression." (Proverbs 29:22)

Proverbs 13:20 tells us to walk (alluding to a long-term relationship) with the wise and that if we associate with fools, we will suffer harm.  

"Bad company corrupts good morals." (1 Corinthians 15:33)  Do I really want the goodness in my home corrupted?  This is a no-brainer.  NO!!!

It is clear that we are not to keep company on an on-going basis with those who are being foolish and with those who will negatively influence us.  The danger is that we may also join them in their sin; and that we will suffer harm.


Scripture is even clearer concerning those who are not Christians.

"Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers.  For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness:  And what communion has light with darkness?  And what accord has Christ with Belial?  Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever?  And what agreement has the temple of God with idols?  For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said: 'I will dwell in them and walk among them.  I will be their God, and they shall be My people.'  Therefore, 'Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you.'" (1 Cor. 6:14-17)

To reach their hearts for the Lord, efforts must be made.  Short visits.  Letters.  Invitations.  Love.  

Balancing love with discernment, wisdom, and just plain old common sense. 

I think it is ok to welcome them into our home as long as it is for a brief period of time and assuming they are not bringing with them darkness, defiance, or any form of a bad attitude that challenges the peace in the home.

No refusing-to-be-saved, sinful, or wicked person will live under my roof; only those who bring with them the Spirit of God.

Scripture is clear.  (Duh!)  Here, we have been debating it --- using a few scriptures and a lot of useless psychobabble (why do we even go there?) and have only argued and upset one another.  But, the answer is always in God's Word.  How come I take so long to get to it?  Ugh!
Thank You, Jesus, that You bring such clarity!





p.s. To read more on this subject, click here.

alliances (continued)

Ok, considering my what-do-I-think-about-alliances-and-helping-countries-in-need question:

After a short discussion on facebook, and a long one with my fantastic hubby (who thankfully thinks way more clearly than I do), I have come to a conclusion on the above mentioned issue.

Regarding the story of the good Samaritan and James 4:17 which states: "He who knows the right thing to do and doesn't do it, to him it is sin."  These verses are in the context of the individual, and not a nation.

We, as a nation, ought to mind our own business and not involve ourselves in foreign alliances or political affairs unless we are directly threatened or attacked.  Save for the nation of Israel and for this reason:

Genesis 12:3  "I will bless those that bless you and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed." (re: Abraham)

As a Christian and because of God's faithfulness to His promises, I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that it is absolutely in America's best interest to stand solidly beside Israel.

Charities and individuals should do what they can according to their convictions to help those in need.

We should welcome true refugees (those whose lives are in danger) and offer them sanctuary.  We should also require them (and any immigrant) to jump through the appropriate hoops to gain their American citizenship and prove themselves.  Or help them (refugees) find another ultimate destination in another country.