Soldiers at War

I fell this week and broke a bone in my knee.  I knew immediately I hurt something but also prayed immediately that God would spare me a broken bone.  He didn’t.  So, I’ve spent the week learning to adjust to pain, an immobilizer, crutches, the inability “to do” (on many levels), having no energy and not being able to concentrate.  Wow!  Who knew one broken bone could cause such a ruckus in one’s life. 

Thankfully, because I know the God of the Word, I can rest in the truth that He allowed this to happen and since I know all of His dealings with me are good, I can trust He will purpose this event for my good and His glory.  God’s Word also tells me why trials come, what they produce and how I am to respond (James 1).  Isn’t that awesome?  Because I know these truths, I no longer have to walk around acting as though some strange thing is happening to me as a result of breaking a bone (1 Peter 4:12).

This broken bone isn’t brought into my life to slow me down or stop me.  No!  It’s to test my faith which produces endurance.  I need to learn to run with endurance and how to fight the good fight of faith.  Yes, I need to take care and give my body time to heal.  But, slow down?  Are you kidding me?  This week’s news included the fact that without parental consent, 15 year old girls can purchase and take the “morning after” pill and the Air Force announced that leaders of all levels (including chaplains) may not "promote their personal religious beliefs to their subordinates or to extend preferential treatment for any religion." The penalty is court-martial.  Slow down?

For far too many years I pursued the things of the world rather than the things of God. Fight?  Hardly.  Because I didn't fight, I'm part of the reason truth has literally stumbled in the streets. Much ground has been lost. So, today as I sit here with a broken bone, I also remind myself I am in God’s boot camp because I need to learn endurance.

Here’s how todaysmilitary.com describes boot camp basic training and combat training.  I think this relates to being in God's army. It says: "Basic training prepares recruits for all elements of service: physical, mental, and emotional. It gives people the basic tools necessary to perform the roles that will be asked of them for the duration of their tour." Yep, this will preach! This is exactly how God intends to use the various troubles and trials that come my way! It goes on to say: "combat training is a journey of self discovery...discovering inner strength and learning valuable skills that will help them succeed as soldiers in the army and in life." Preach it some more! God has certainly used the troubles and trials in my life to help me to discover HIS strength as well as teach me valuable skills that ARE helping me to succeed as a soldier in His army. Oh, how I need to remember that life here is not about me, my comfort, my anything. It's about Him and advancing HIS kingdom. No longer do I want to play the role of the harlot princess pursuing the "good life" and the riches of this world or who whines and complains and wishes she were anywhere other than where God has her. That me didn't even know she'd been recruited into God's army - let alone boot camp. I'm embarrassed that I can say I totally get where Goldie Hawn is coming from in the below scene from "Private Benjamin." No more...  I might have a stint in a leg immobilizer but I’m still mobilized for war! How about you (whoever is reading this)?

Are you in or are you out?

What in the world?

What in the world is going on?  Sure seems like there is more and more evil in the world, doesn't it?  Have you ever seen the World Clock?  If not, you might want to check it out.  Click on the tab deaths and just watch for a few seconds.  Be sure to note the number of violent deaths and abortions.

The recent violent deaths of innocent children is appalling. I've listened to the interviews, news reports (speculations) and seen the social media chatter. The big question seems to be "Where is God"?  To that I want to shout - He lives in the hearts of His people who weep and mourn with you, are praying for you and we seek to comfort you in your suffering as the God of all comfort has comforted us.  I've listened as some say this horrible tragedy is a result of mental illness, because we've taken prayer and God out of our schools or because people are allowed to buy and carry guns. Or, it is simply because evil exists.  Did you know:

• More than 5 children die every day as a result of child abuse. 1
• 1 in 5 girls and 1 in 20 boys is a victim of child sexual abuse. 2
• The U.S. is one of the top 3 destination countries for human trafficking activity. 3
• Vice units across the country can often identify hundreds of underage girls on the streets who are compelled to be victims of child-rape-for-profit 10-15 times or more every night.  Vice estimates that many times that number are likely being advertised for sale online. 4

What in the world is going on?  Is evil winning?  On a regular basis, I have to stop and remind myself that there is no Happily Ever After in this world. Why would I say or suggest such a thing?  Well, would you agree that life in this world is filled with death, sorrow, pain, and suffering?  That's because the ruler of this world is the evil one - satan or the devil himself.  It's a hard truth to accept until the next person dies, or the next wave of sorrow, pain or suffering comes. Or deception. Jesus says the ruler of this world is a "murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him. Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature, for he is a liar and  the father of lies."  As a result of his lies and deception children continue to be his target:

• Over 1 million babies will be murdered this year as a result of abortion.
• 55 million plus to date. 
• Just since you have been reading this?  If you stopped to look at the World Clock earlier, you might want to revisit it and note the number of abortions that occurred during the few short minutes it took to read the above. 

You can't regulate evil.  No matter how many rules, regulations or laws we put into place, they will never stop evil.  But take courage, Jesus has come to save us from the power of the evil one in our lives AND from the penalty our our sins.  And His Word  dispels the lies of the enemy.WOW!

So, when the world wants to know where God is, and wonder what in the world is going on?  We can proclaim - He is alive.  He lives inside you and me.  He lives in the hearts of His people!  Those who show love. mercy, forgiveness, compassion, generosity because we have received these from God through His Son - Jesus Christ.  Those who not only know the Word of God but live it out. In this world, we will have troubles, but take heart - Jesus has overcome the world.  Read Jesus' last words and prayer in John 16:32-17:25 and the important role you play in making a difference in this world!

We sang this song today in church.  It's powerful life changing truth. We CAN make a difference!

What is truth?

When I think and say that America is in a moral mess am I being intolerant, judgmental or pushing my opinions? Good question! My answer might turn you off or bore you but... I believe the Bible is the inspired Word of God. That means I really believe that God through His Spirit moved in the hearts of men to record His Words. Yep, I really do believe this! I also believe that the inspired Word of God is the supreme and final authority for my faith and for my life.  Bear with me one more second because I also believe that Jesus Christ is God who left His throne in Heaven, took on flesh and died for me and for you so we could have forgiveness of our sins and a relationship with Him now and for all of eternity. Oh and something else - I believe that the moment I acknowledged these truths and in my heart and declared Jesus as my Lord and Savior that God put His Holy Spirit within me to enable me to live as Christ lived while on earth - righteous and holy.  Thank you for letting me share this.

So, what I believe does and should impact what I say, do and how I behave. Some might say, well that's fine for you but that's not what I believe and you shouldn't push your opinions on me. Okay - I understand it's just that I have to ask: What is truth?  Is there absolute truth or do we all just do our own things based on whatever sounds right?  I read a Barna report that observed "people's willingness to draw from a variety of conflicting sources" when determining truth. "This is perhaps most clearly evident through the finding that a plurality of adults (44%) contends that, 'the Bible, the Koran and the Book of Mormon are all different expressions of the same spiritual truths.' Just 38% of Americans reject that idea."

Very revealing! Here are some more stats:

• By a 3-to-1 margin (64% vs. 22%) adults said truth is always relative to the person and their situation. (Barna.org)
• By far the most common basis for moral decision-making was doing whatever feels right or comfortable in a situation. Nearly four out of ten teens (38%) and three out of ten adults (31%) described that as their primary consideration. (Barna.org)
• 32% of those born again believe in moral absolutes, compared to just half as many (15%) among the non-born again. (Barna.org)
• One third of born again adults (33%) say that abortion is a morally acceptable behavior, compared with 45% of all adults.
• The United States has one of the highest abortion rates among developed countries ... At current rates, an estimated 43 percent of American women will have at least one abortion by the age of 45." (Carrie Gordon Earll)
• Divorce is more common among "born-again" Christians than in the general American population. (Ronald J. Sider, "The Scandal of the Evangelical Conscience, Why don’t Christians live what they preach?"
• 30% of all adults consider having a sexual relationship with someone of the same sex a morally acceptable behavior. (Barna.org)
• 14% of Elders, 32% of Boomers, 41% of Busters and 40% of Mosaics consider having a sexual relationship with someone of the same sex a morally acceptable behavior. (Barna.org)
• Though many believe pornography is a harmless pastime, it's estimated that more than 20 million Americans are addicted to it ..." (Bill Wilson, “Porn’s Effect Discussed in D.C.)
• About half of all adults (49%) contend that homosexuality is due to non-genetic factors such as upbringing and environment, one-third say people are born gay (34%), and the remaining 17% are not sure. (Barna.org)
• By a 2-to-1 margin (62% - 30%) adults disapprove of clergy marrying gay couples or blessing their marriage unions. (Barna.org)
• Nearly half of the adult population felt that two other behaviors were morally acceptable: having an abortion (45%) and having a sexual relationship with someone of the opposite sex other than their spouse (42%). About one-third of the population gave the stamp of approval to pornography (38%), profanity (36%), drunkenness (35%) and homosexual sex (30%). The activity that garnered the least support was using non-prescription drugs (17%). (Barna.org)
• More than half of all adults (54%) believe that if a person is generally good, or does enough good things for others during their life, they will earn a place in Heaven. (Barna.org)

What is truth?  Well, I can say with absolute certainty that God's Word is truth and God, in His Word, speaks clearly about each of the above stats, thinking and behaviors.

Did you know that God says in His Word that we suppress the truth. He goes on to say that He has made Himself evident - His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature have been clearly seen and understood by all. Now, that's an out there truth. God talks like that in His Word. God puts the truth about Himself and us out there and we have to deal with it. We can choose to accept it as truth or we suppress what He says we know or go and live based on what we think is right. This is a true statement because I experience it every day of my life and certainly every time I come face to face with God through His Word. So I ask myself - if I really believe there is a God and the Bible is His book, then why would I choose to suppress the truth and do my own thing? Or, why would I stop proclaiming truth?

I don't believe what I believe because someone told me to believe it or that was how I was raised or because I just determined it in my own mind. No, I've personally experienced the power of God through His Word.  The truth has jumped off the page, gone straight to my heart and the Word of God together with the Spirit of God have changed my heart, my life, my attitudes, my thinking. I know by experience that God's Word is truth.

I say we all owe it to ourselves to makes absolute certain that what we believe is TRUTH. I say we owe it to ourselves to know if there really is absolute truth.

If you are reading this and don't believe the Word of God is truth or you've not yet come to know God through His Son Jesus Christ, then I beg you to ask yourself....what if I am right?  What if God's Word really is absolute truth? Would you consider taking an hour of your life to sit down, ask God if He really is real and if His book the Bible really is truth?  If you are willing,  please go find a quiet place and pull out your Bible and read through the book of John. Or, go to http://www.esvbible.org/search/John/. As you read, ask God to make Himself real and His Word alive.

I thank God for you.

I don't know nothing about birthin' no baby

I love the Bible account of Deborah.  God had appointed her a judge over Israel.  Pretty special since judges were to save God's people out of the hand of those who plundered them.  Judges 1:18 says:  "Whenever the Lord raised up judges for them, the Lord was with the judge, and he saved them from the hand of their enemies all the days of the judge". During Deborah's day, King Jabin had oppressed cruelly the people for 20 years.  Things were bad.  Community life had all but ceased, the highways were abandoned and hardly a shield, spear or fighting man could be found.  Until it says...until Deborah arose a mother in Israel.

Nowhere does it mention Deborah was a biological mother but she arose a mother in Israel and saved the day! God’s people were in a mess. Their choices and behavior impacted the lives of their families, community and society in general. As a woman (helper and mother) - Deborah was a leader, she was a warrior and she changed her society!  Community life here is much like that of Deborah’s time. Our choices and behavior have impacted our lives, our families, communities and society in general.

I have never had children of my own so I really don't know nothing about birthin' no baby.  But, I do know about mothering and right now we need to be as Deborah.  We need to arise as mothers in America.  My last posts have been an attempt to share the longing of my own heart to arise as a mother and perhaps inspire you that...together we can do it!  Together we can fight for our families, homes, churches and communities.  Together we can use our influence and super powers (so to speak) as God's wonder women to save the day.  

Good and godly mothers think biblically, speak truth into the situations around them and do what is right so that those living within their reach and influence no longer live in oppression or can avoid living in oppression.  I love what Susan Hunt says about spiritual mothering.

"The name El Shaddai and Scripture surely give value to mothering, but they also imply a capacity for mothering that has been given to women. Biological birthing is not the activator of this capacity; women who have never given physical birth still have this mothering capacity and can exhibit mothering characteristics. 

The development of this mothering capacity is affected by instinct and learning but is hindered by sin. When the Holy Spirit produces faith in a woman, she becomes a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17). A dramatic result of her newness is her even greater potential for the development of this female capacity. The Christian woman not only has a new Pattern, she has a new Power. 

As a woman’s growing desire to imitate God produces obedience to His Word, she develops mothering characteristics. Our femaleness gives us the capacity for mothering; our faith produces certain characteristics of mothering. Some characteristics we see from the Scriptures are strength, excellence, tenderness, generosity, desire to nurture, comfort, compassion, affection, protection, and sacrifice. These characteristics are relational – they simply will not allow a person to be an isolationist. The possession of these characteristics creates an intense desire to nurture and to be nurtured. The results in the recipients are security and fruitfulness. They will flourish like grass."

Oh sisters,  we can do it.  Oh please let's do it!  Let's arise mothers in America and let's live out our helper design.  It will not be easy and we will not win any popularity contests while arising.  But, as Nehemiah 4:17 says....."do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight" for those within your reach and influence. The result will be security and fruitfulness and they will flourish like grass.  Glory be.

Mission Impossible?

Here's a blast from the past.

So can I be honest here?  That message of the 80's was the image of womanhood I thought I was suppose to live up to. After exhausting myself, burning more bacon than I ever brought home and giving my husband shivers not eluded to in this commercial, let me assure you the 24 hour woman needs more than perfume!

Last week while studying Genesis, I was reminded that we females are "fashioned" by God.  We come in all sizes, shapes and colors. We can be prissy, athletic or both! We can love pink or NOT. The point is we’ve all been created distinctively female and according to the"helper design". Remember what God said…no helper suitable was made for Adam so God provided one. You say, but I’m not married. I'm not talking about being married. I'm talking about ALL women fulfilling their purposes according to their role as helper (helper design). Read what Susan Hunt says about out helper design:

“Helper is not a fragile word, and we are not called to a mission of fluff. This is a life-giving ministry of nurture, defense, comfort and caring. Adam celebrated the purpose and privilege of this design when he ‘called his wife’s name Eve, because she was a mother of all living’. Two words summarize the helper ministry: community and compassion. But sin marred woman’s design, and now she thinks about her womanhood in terms of her own self-fulfillment. She seeks her own completeness. She is her own reference point. She is her own authority. She abandons her design and mission for a never-ending quest for her own happiness. Woman became a life-taker rather than a life giver… It is because of our redemption that we can live out our helper design. Redeeming love breaks the reign of sin in our lives and empowers us to fulfill our creation mission. And it is our knowledge of our Redemer’s love that compels us to do so.”  Susan Hunt - The Legacy of Biblical Womanhood

Being in the world but not of the world (John 17:16), is all about the hard selfless work of nurturing, defending, comforting and helping others on behalf of God Himself.  And, in doing so, we reflect His image.  Sound beautiful and I want it so much to live this way.  But...

This kind of work is both emotionally and physically exhausting. And, I admit - there are times...days...okay even weeks where I want it to be "all about me."  People’s lives can be messy and getting involved can be costly. Honestly, this life giving mission is impossible apart from the Holy Spirit of God.  And, as Mrs. Hunt says, in the world this kind of helper ministry lifestyle doesn’t fit or make sense. Truthfully, helper ministry only fits and makes sense within a community of women who have surrendered their lives to Christ and understand, embrace and live out their role as helper. Thank God for my sisters!

The Enjoli commercial spoke into my life independence, "self sufficiency is power", pride in my ability to bring home the bacon, fry it up in the pan and never let him forget he’s a man. It was all about me and my glory. The message of the Enjoli commercial is a lie that my generation believed and it is the lie we have passed on to the next generation and the next… This lifestyle and thinking is in stark contrast to the Word of God.

“Helper is not a fragile word, and we are not called to a mission of fluff. This is a life-giving ministry of nurture, defense, comfort and caring.”

Married, single, divorced, widowed our mission and role as helpers is life giving. Reconciliation with God brings life and we speak reconciliation with words, actions, behaviors, and attitudes that nurture, defend, comfort, and care. This is serious, life giving work!  As women, we have a unique role in God’s plan (as do men). Before the foundation of the world, God planned for us. He knit each of us together in our mother’s wombs – distinctively female according to the helper design. God has prepared specific works of nurture, defense, comfort and caring for us each one of us to accomplish. These works are life giving and God glorifying and prepared specifically for each one of us.  Wow!

When the reality of this truth sinks in there is no way we can look around and measure our lives against the lives of others. Knowing this, why would we ever entertain the thought that we are less than or our good works are not as important as the good works of others? I’ll tell you why. We’ve believed a lie! The one that immediately comes to mind is: “Surely God is holding out on me!” Trace it all the way back to the fall. Eve’s and ours! Are you mad yet? Satan’s crafty, lying, killing and scheming ways have distracted us, taken us on a detour, and robbed us of understanding and fulfilling our unique God given purpose. Just like Eve, the evil one has come along and caused us to doubt God’s word, His will and His good intentions toward us.

Enough! We are mad and we aren’t going to take it anymore! Let’s forget all that WAS or even IS and focus on what CAN BE and SHOULD BE!  We can do it!  Amen?