Pretensions

<sup>Tear Down that Wall!! (I remember this day so well)


2 Corinthians 10:4-5
4</sup>The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. ⁵We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

How much time have you spent wasted worrying about what others think about you? I have been criticized more times than I could ever count in ministry and other areas. I can take that, pray about it and allow God the room to change me if need be... or I can dwell on it and let it define me and become unproductive in my walk with Christ. I had a lady yesterday sending me messages because I participated in a poll regarding the current health care amendment that is being proposed. This lady was basically saying that I was attacking Canada because I said "look at Canada" meaning their health care system (which I would have to say I am well informed on what this package would mean for the US). She went on and on to the point of questioning my Christianity over a stinking poll. I personally thought that she should be worried more about all of the unreached people in Canada and less about me voting in a poll. She even talks about how she would not live here because of the crime and all...lets just forget about being a city on a hill shining our light for Christ or anything. We should all just hunker down where there is no crime, as if that could ever be possible. So, she goes on to basically bash the US when she was saying I was bashing Canada. I was not at all. I am not trying to get into politics or anything but everything I have learned or have heard personal testimonials of, points me to toward the direction of not wanting government controlled health care or a socialist country. I believe in Democracy and I think that we have been very blessed as a country and that the Lord will revive us again. She goes on about how she could NEVER live here and that she is a "Mennonite" and they believe in taking care of the least. That is good and fine because I sure think that we should always always take care of those who are genuinely in need. I just think that it needs to come from cheerful givers and not the government mandating it. I was really floored that someone that is a complete stranger to me would write me like that and go off and then turn around and do the same thing she was accusing me of. I never want to be a stumbling block and I fall short in so many ways, but I think it is fine for me to participate in a poll without someone trying to pick me apart. She told me that I know nothing of their health care and how she had a surgery and got great care. Wonderful! She then goes on to tell me that I can google her if I don't believe her, but that she is a nurse practitioner and her husband as she put it a "Dr. of Pharmacy." I got her whole resume. Well, that left me to conclude that of course she had the best of the best treatment (and I am glad)...she is a nurse practitioner. All of this is to say that it is petty arguments that can steal our focus, pit us against one another, and cause us to want to not put our foot out in muddy waters or uncharted territory. I totally just felt like this lady was an argumentative person and clearly needed someone to throw her lit match on a flame. Well, all of this is to say that we can not let one persons opinion of us define who we are or who we aren't. I can remember when Rod and I first got married and how horrible the first couple of years were. We are both equally stubborn and we knew one thing for sure which was how to push each others buttons. I finally came to a crossroad where I needed to decide some things. Was I going to continue to look at things in terms of flesh and blood? Or would I see that my war is not against flesh and blood? The enemy knows where I am weak and where to attack when he sees any guard down that the armor of God is not covering. Our enemy doesn't hesitate to play dirty! So, I went in prayer and it was if the Lord put this on my heart: Your husband does not define who you are, your family doesn't, or anyone else. I define who you are...so believe me and act on the truth. The more we believe the lies of the enemy the more we will begin to act on how we feel until it becomes a part of our belief system. There is valid criticism that we can learn from but not everything that you hear that tears you down is a word for you if you know what I mean. Words are so powerful! So many of us have been hurt deeply by what others have said and by the lies of the oppressor and the lies we have told ourselves. Yes we can learn from anything, but how often do you and I let one piece of criticism ruin our whole day, week, month, or even year? You and I are not what we have done. Those are two separate things. We may feel that we are scarred by sin or that we are wearing a cloak of sin that will never come off. Not true. When you begin to believe lies over truth you set up pretensions and vain imaginations against the knowledge of Gods word.
The word for pretension in the above verse is the following:

3053 logismo,j logismos {log-is-mos'}
Meaning: 1) a reckoning, computation 2) a reasoning: such as is hostile to the Christian faith 3) a judgment, decision: such as conscience passes

So we are told to cast down these pretensions...the thoughts and attitudes that are hostile to the Christian faith. I am telling you it is detrimental for your freedom in Christ and soundness of mind. When you quit looking to Jesus and start looking at others for worth and approval you will be one big ball of insecurity. Take it from one who knows.

I love the KJV of these verses:

2 Corinthians 10:3-5

³For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:

⁴(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)

⁵Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

So, next time you are imagining that someone doesn't like you, or they are avoiding you, or maybe you are going off the deep end with the "what ifs" of life that have not happened...next time this happens ask God to help you think on things that are true, lovely, praiseworthy, and etc. Ask Him to help you to see the truth and for the stones that have been cast your way to be held captive by the knowledge of His word.

There have been numerous times where I have thought this person or that does not like me so I began to act differently and they did and then it cycled into some sort of tension filled relationship. Other times I have felt rejected so I began to demonstrate that in my behavior feeling that I was going to be rejected by everyone anyway. The list could go on and on. I am just wondering what would happen if we really tapped into the truth of God's word and took those thoughts or imaginations captive. We would be so much more free. So much more secure in the Lord.

How do we do that? Replace lies with truth. You are not going to feel like it but the more you walk in faith the time will come when you truly are persuaded by truth not just feelings or opinions. God is the only one who truly knows you. He is greater than your heart and knows everything.
Imagine you are standing somewhere and you have bricks being stacked up all around you. Those represent the lies that you have been believing and letting define you. The bricks get so high that they become a wall and you can't even see in front of you or strain your neck to look up. What needs to happen to be able to be free? Those bricks need to come down. How? They need to be demolished. Allow Christ to be the one who comes and cuts those bricks to pieces, demolishing the walls around you with the sword of the Spirit. My head can get so crowded and I desperately need constant washing in the word to make sure that my face is set like stone, determined to do His will...not my will or the will of anyone else...His. So let Him tear those things down. Give Him that access! Then, spend time in the word meditating on His thoughts. Fix your eyes on the Author and Perfecter of our faith! If you don't I promise you will get stuck in all manner of people pleasing, fear, worry, and just plain sin.

Galatians 1:10
¹⁰Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.

Just like the Berlin wall separated East Germany from West Germany our vain imaginations and constant worry over what people think separate us from Christ and His perfect plan for our lives. It does not bring Him glory to sit around and wallow in our past sins and failures or past hurts. The only thing that will set us free is to look up.

I am getting ready to start a new bible study class at church for women. With that is going to come opposition so I should not act surprised. People are not going to like you or agree with you on everything. That is why it is so important to have a daily relationship with the Lord. One where Lamentations says to pour out your heart like water in the presence of the Lord. We are so safe to do that with Him. Don't let others be the death of you or allow them to steal your joy and stifle your passion. Believe God.

Free Our Healthcare Petition

CLICK HERE to sign this petition if you are not for socialized health care.

Richard Dawkins Jumps The Shark

Richard Dawkins Jumps The Shark

Shared via AddThis

Shrewd as snakes and innocent as doves.

Top row (L-R) twin sister Holly/my mom/my little sister Stephs or Stephanie/my dad/Heather 16 months older/james her son he is a twin/Will my little brother/me
Bottom row (L-R) Bre- Holly's daughter, Morgie-pooh, Kenley 7 months older than Morgs Heathers daughter/Madison twin to James.
Growing up on a plot of 20 acres my sisters (and brother) and I had lots of room to roam. I can remember as a young girl going "Outback" and sitting in the tall grass staring at the sky and wondering about God. I wondered why I was here and yet with all of my limited faculties I knew that there was someone so much greater than myself or the earth beneath me.
Well, sadly that land has turned into a dump. My sister went there a couple of weeks ago and took pictures. It was so sad to see all of the hard work, blood, sweat, and miles and miles on a lawn mower that my dad had put into it, gone to pot. I don't even want to go back. The pictures were enough.
Since Heather, Holly, and I were sort of the first round of kids so close in age that meant we did THE MOST yard work. I am not bitter or anything but my little sister and brother totally got off the hook while we spent most of our Saturday mornings working in the yard. There is nothing like hauling firewood in the freezing cold with no gloves in a broken wheelbarrow that would dump over a thousand times before you made it to the end of the hill. We never did ask for a new wheelbarrow because it was my granddaddy's. To this day I never want a real fireplace or land! This is not why I am writing. No one and I mean no one could build a bonfire like my dad. Well, once a year or so we would get a pair of what my mom called saddleoxters--they were saddle shoes from Buster Browns. It seems like that is all we wore besides the traditional keds which to this day my mom still calls kids. Her birthday is coming up, I may have to get her a pair of kids! LOL.
Anyway, we would work and work hauling brush to the brush stack and finally the time would come to burn. The thing had to be manned and we really needed a permit to burn like that if you ask me. We loved it. It was like a small mountain. Anyway, my mom would forbid us to wear our shoes down there and get them burned. In the spirit of obedience we would always rush out with excitement and when the fire started creeping out of its bounds we would stomp it out with our shoes. Well guess what...if you stomp out a fire something is going to get burned! Unless you are Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego with a fourth person in the fire!! And burn our shoes we did...it was a fearful thing to have to go back and report that we had melted our shoes.
So, just like sin there have been pet things in my life that I felt I could keep under control and when the fire got out of hand maybe I could just stomp it out without getting burned. WRONG every time. There are things in the bible that we are told to flee, to run from, to not even go in the same direction of. One of them being idolatry. Anything that is more important to us than God. Two Greed. Three Sexual Immorality. Why these three? Because our hearts are so deceitful (Jer 17:9) that we will convince ourselves that we can dabble a little here and there without going too far and before we can even turn back we have been ensnared. It is scary how deceptive our own hearts and minds are.
So, tonight I read this and I thought of you. It meant so much to me. This is taken from "Look Unto Me" The Devotions of Charles Spurgeon by Jim Reimann
day 207
She caught him by his cloak and said "Come to bed with me!" But he left his cloak in her hand and ran out of the house. Genesis 39:12

From the pen of Charles Spurgeon:
In dealing with certain sins, the only road to victory is a hasty escape. Some naturalists of old wrote of the basilisk, a mythical reptile with a deadly gaze. It was said of the creature that its eyes could fascinate their prey, rendering them easy victims. In like manner, even the mere gaze of wickedness puts us in serious danger. So he who wishes to be safe from acts of evil should be quick to run from any opportunities of it.
We should make "a covenant with [our] eyes" (Job 31:1) not to even look at what may cause temptation, for some sins only need a spark to ignite what quickly becomes a blazing fire. After all, who would knowingly enter a hospital ward where those with a contagious disease have been quarantined? Only someone foolish enough to desire the disease himself would take such a risk. If a sea captain knew how to avoid a storm, he would do anything rather than run the risk of weathering it. Cautious sailors have no desire to see how close to sandbars or a rocky coast they can said without springing a leak. no, their goal is to stay as close as possible to the middle of a safe channel.
If I am exposed to great danger today, may I "be as shrewd as snakes" (Matt. 10:16) to get away and avoid it. The wings of a dove may be more useful to me today than the jaws of a lion. It is true I may appear to be a loser by refusing evil company, but it is better to leave my cloak than lose my character. It is not essential I be rich, but it is incumbent upon me to be pure. No ties of friendship, no desire for beauty, no display of talent, and no threat of ridicule should be able to turn me from the wise resolve to flee from sin. I am to "resist the devil, and he will flee from [me]" (James 4:7), but I must flee "the lustful desires of sinful human nature" (2 Peter 2:18) or they will surely overcome me.

O God of holiness, preserve Your Josephs, protecting them from Madame Bubble [an enchanting witch in the Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyon (1628-1688) based on the adulterous woman in Proverbs]. May she not be able to bewitch them with her vile, sinful temptations. May the horrible trinity of the world, the flesh, and the devil never overpower us!

From the pen of Jim Reimann:

Sometimes there will be a cost to fleeing sin. The cost for Joseph was ultimately being sent to prison as an innocent man. Yet that cost was much better than losing his character. Often people say there was no way out, so they fell to their temptation. But God's Word tells us: "When you are tempted, [God] will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it" (1 Cor. 10:13).
Others say, "My temptation was too great for me," but the same verse says, "No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear." Still others say, "God doesn't understand my temptation," but "We do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are- yet was without sin.
"Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need" (Heb. 4:15-16).

_______
So what if you have already fallen and feel like you have blown it when it comes to your character. GET BACK UP and BELIEVE GOD. I am sure you have been disciplined so you know what turn back and strengthen the brethren. Help snatch others from the flames of going down some of the same roads you have been down. Stop listening to the fire breathing liar serpent of old that wants you to feel stamped with condemnation for the rest of your days. If you have repented you are forgiven. He has removed your transgressions as far as the east is to the west. Blotted them out. Hurled them into the depths of the sea.
Whew! I need to go to sleep!!

Why? Adam and Eve

Lately with an active 4 year old mind I have not felt like answering all of the billions of whys? I know this is how we learn but this is how it has been going for us lately:

Morgan:
Why can't we just wear our underwear outside?
Me:
Adam and Eve
Morgan:
Why do we have to dry off when we get out of the bath?
Me:
Adam and Eve
Morgan:
Why do I have to wash my hair?
Me:
Adam and Eve
Morgan:
Why do I have to brush my teeth?
Me:
Adam and Eve
Morgan:
Why do we have to take medicine?
Me:
Adam and Eve
morgan:
Why do you have to drink poo-poo medicine?
Me:
Adam and Eve

So, I know I am blaming it all on them but now when she asks me a question she is answering it herself: Mom why.... because of Adam and Eve?

The Inheritance--by Beth Moore

New Bible Study!! I am so excited that we will be able to offer this 9 week study on "The Inheritance" by Beth Moore.

Tuesday Nights at Hunter Street Baptist Church

Room S107

Church Number--985-7295

Directions and other information CLICK HERE

September 9th-November 3rd

6:30pm until 8:00pm

There is no childcare. There is no workbook, only a listening guide. Please bring a notebook to take extra notes and a set of index cards. Please invite a friend. Contact me at williams4676@bellsouth.net if you are interested.

So often as believers in Christ we live for lesser things and as a result we become bored and stagnant in our daily living. We then turn to the need to try to control everything until we have stifled the life right out of us. That is not what God intended for you and me. Have you lost the passion that you once had? Well, you are not alone. Come join us for a nine week video driven study on “The Inheritance” by Beth Moore. When is the last time you really just let go of the reigns in your own life and said, “You know what, I am going on with You God?” Are you ready for a wild ride? You are not ready for a wild ride if you are the one driving! Come and learn what it means to live and walk in the lines that have fallen for you in pleasant places. Learn what it means to really live this life even in the midst of trials and great hardship and find beauty in our relationship as children of God and co-heirs with Christ. Indeed you and I have a beautiful inheritance (Psalm 16).

Just sayin'

Isaiah 55
Invitation to the Thirsty 1 "Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost.
2 Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare.
3 Give ear and come to me; hear me, that your soul may live. I will make an everlasting covenant with you, my faithful love promised to David.



In a world of instant gratification have you noticed how we are more connected than ever...yet lonelier than ever? We have all of this surface connection stuff: facebook, twitter, blogs, email, text messages and on and on. We are so advanced in technology and so busy with it that we find ourselves running in circles, not really focused, just in an effort to feed the need for relationship.

How many families are so busy on their laptops, blackberries, i-phones, phones, TV, newspapers, magazines, and etc that we don't have time to really know one another. I truly believe that is why families are breaking down. Why a need for intimacy is not met in the confines of Gods plan and then we search for another means to get that need met. How many times have you said or heard: "Just a minute I am reading, watching, listening to this...and then I can get to you.?" Yet there always seems to be another distraction keeping you from stopping and focusing. How many times do you have the TV or radio so loud that you can't hear the still small voice of God?

I believe from experience that if we get our deepest needs met from God that we won't be endlessly searching for constant communication with the masses to feel that we are popular or important. DO NOT GET ME WRONG: I love facebook, blogger, texting, and emails. I am just saying that I think we should work more on the deep end and less on the shallow end. The shallow end meaning places where we really aren't called to accountability--the places where we let others see what we want them to see. I just need a little order and prioritizing to make sure I am not missing out on what is most precious in life. Truly by focusing on God first anything else can just be from the overflow. We need each other desperately and I thank God for the people I have built friendships with through blogging and etc...but how are we really filling ourselves with pseudo-intimacy instead of the real deal with God and others?

Maybe we need to spend some time calling on God to meet the needs that He is so ready to meet. Maybe even take a break from some of our constant distractions until, at least I, can get the right perspective. It is my prayer that we will love Him with all of our heart, soul, mind and strength. This is really from my own thoughts and what the Lord is dealing with me on.

The Bumpit

After the "As Seen on TV--Bumpit" (We have no shame). Morgan wanted them so bad she said mom I saw them on tv.




Before


After

Before

The Inheritance by Beth Moore

Look what came in the mail today!!! The Inheritance--by Beth Moore
I was asked by Morgan to please move out of the way and turn up the tv so she could watch Beth Moore. I kid you not! She had her "Get Out of That Pit" book in hand to take notes LOL!! I was in Lifeway this afternoon and I took the whole set in my purse incase today was the day someone broke into my car. I am so serious. No but if someone stole it I hope they listened to it and were changed for real!
So, I have not been this excited since stalking Lifeway for Esther. I about freaked when I saw it on my doorstep! I think I will stay up all night to watch them!! ;)

Siesta Scripture Memory

Psalm 94:9 Does he who implanted the ear not hear? Does he who formed the eye not see?

The other day I was at my moms house scanning her book shelf to look for any of my old books. I had been searching for a particular bible and I thought I may have left it at home.
I started the Beth Moore bible studies when I was 18 and I had already moved out to live on my own. I was struggling literally to survive. I can remember not owning a stick of furniture and sleeping on the floor with just my clothes hanging in the closet. I worked more than any 18 year old should have to, for very little pay. I could not afford to buy a vacuum and my carpet was new in my apartment and it shed to high heavens. So, I would sweep it with a broom. The only dishes that I owned were what my sister had given me for leftovers from her wedding. How sweet of her not to return them.

Anyway, my eyes landed smack dab on a small NIV blue paperback bible. Is this it...I knew it was the one. Back then, I was not well versed by any means. I had NO CLUE what a verse or chapter was, much less a translation. The only verse I knew besides the rote saying of the Lords prayer was psalm 119:32 I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free.
I remember sitting down and searching through this ancient yet alive and active text. I did not have a clue in the world. There was nothing about my heart that was free at that point. Little did I know that almost 12 years later I would be sitting here...still passionate and in love with His word. He has been the only consistency in my life. The only thing that has been constant and has remained. The Word made flesh to dwell among us.
I was at such a desperate point in my life. Stripped of everyone and I had gone without comfort for much of my life. Then there I was at the stream in the desert. Forever changed...not perfect. As I have journeyed on I have had my share in sin...yet I have fallen on the One who is Faithful and true. I have found mercy, unfailing love, forgiveness, acceptance and most of all a Father who loves me and a royal Husband who loves me right where I am at. In all of my weakness, in all of my frailty, He knows how I was formed and that I am mere dust. He is familiar with all of me, and you, and He loves us so freely.
My love for Him deepens as the time goes bye. I praise Him for His passionate pursuit of my heart and the Grandeur of His love over me. All of these things have been truth to my soul.

So, as I found the bible I LOST IT as tears flooded my face and all I could do is hold that bible and know that it was my starting place with God...a rock of remembrance. Being in the church for a number of years can make you forget the quarry from which you were hewn. Lord, may I never forget! LOST, destitute, doomed for destruction apart from Him. How steadfast He is. My family did not understand why I was crying but the Lord took every tear and stored them in His bottle. Tears of joy to the God I love. To the God who loves me and gives me the capacity to love. Where would I be without Him?? I don't want to know.

As I struggle on this journey I take comfort in the memory verse above...He made my ears...of course He hears me. He made my eyes...of course He sees me with perfect vision and you and I are the apple of His eye. He loves us so tenderly and with such affection. I pray that you will bask in that today just as I need to. That you and I will quit the self bashing and focus on His unabashed love for you and me. We need it.

traveler

I have been getting up super early lately and I spent the weekend at the lake with such a peaceful view of the river and I truly could feel the closeness of the Lord as I wrapped a blanket around me and took it all in. Rod's parents always have such a peaceful home. I can remember when we first started dating and I went to meet his parents for the first time. Our pastor had just preached a sermon and said that whatever your spouses mom or dad looks like...just remember your man will look like that in 50 years. He was talking about looks not being everything. I pull up to the house and I was so nervous. He was taking me to meet his parents on Easter of all weekends. His dad and uncle were outside putting a swing set together and his dad had his shirt off with a bandanna around his head sweating to death! I have never seen him with a bandanna or his shirt off again. My best friend used to date Rod and told me how his parents had a mansion. I was so worried that they were going to be snooty and proper. I could not have been more wrong. All I could say was that I felt peace.

Anyway, I am no writer at all but here are some words the Lord put on my heart the other morning:

Born in to sin from the start
before the foundations of the world, set apart.

the tenderness of God led this child
I am sure with this girl...my angel was wild (Matthew 18:10).

broken...
stubborn...
tattered and torn...
For being so young I sure felt worn.

anger...
emptiness
feeling unloved
I tried to fill my empty places with anything but heaven above.

A heart for God
but to blind to see
I was still in charge
yes, just me.

reckless, destructive
doomed to failure on my own.
I came to the end of the road
with a decision to make...
would I surrender
or make the most costly mistake?

Void and empty in my quest for love.
You chased me down and initiated something divine; something from above.

I never knew of unfailing love.
Save me I cried from the recesses of my soul.
PLEASE come fill this gaping hole!

You reached down from on high and took hold of me.
Oh how I needed You but I was too blind to see.

You changed my name from despair to hope.
There was no going back
this was no joke.

You set my feet upon a rock-
put a new song in my heart-
gave me a firm place to stand.
You have walked with this road with me hand in hand.

You mended me
healed me
taught me to see-
that You are the only One I truly need.

You've gone before me
You've lifted my head-
Awakened places that I thought were long dead.

Fought my battles
routed my enemies
Oh what must take place
in the heavenlies only You know.

I have left Your side and tried to fill myself
Blinded by this world and my stinking self!
Oh why would I leave the God that I love?
Take my heart and seal it for Thine courts above.

Merciful, faithful, true, and just-
at times You have had to discipline me
it was a must!
"This is for your good", I would hear
Your still small voice say.
I love you too much to leave you this way.

Sifted me like wheat, broken and torn
Once again I found out I can't do this on my own.

You have forgiven me, restored me,
when I ran to a far country alone.
I know You shed tears
and longed for me to come home...
searched the horizon until I returned.

Accepted me
redeemed me
You already paid for my sin.
Finished-done-gone with the wind.

Holy, holy holy are You Lord
Your ways are unfathomable
to much for my brain to hold.
Wonderful, Majesty, full of unfailing love.

There are none like You
I know not One.

Thank You for washing me
changing my clothes
giving me garments of fine white linen robes.
A garment of praise
no spirit of despair

Please come Lord Jesus
I long to meet You in the air!


1 Chronicles 29:11
"Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is Yours."

Our Anniversary!

happy anniversary to my man!!!!!!!! Funny story: I buy my own presents so I will get what I like. I have no hard feelings about it...I really like it. I am not one who needs flowers and I don't think he needs to jump through hoops to please me for a birthday or anniversary. I do love written words of affirmation. So, I lost my wedding band a while back and I found one I really liked and he told me I could buy it. So, I was leaving to go run and then go get my ring and Rod said: "Hey babe, get yourself a real nice card while your at it!" We died laughing!!!

But really the Lord has been so faithful and merciful to us.

more pics!

Pictures! It would take too long for me to upload...

The Song of the Beautiful--Lyrics

I have been singing out this song in praise to our God who heals, restores, mends, and makes all things new. I am so thankful for His mercy and the fact that He does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. Praise Him! I can relate to the core with this song. Her new cd is only like 8 dollars at Lifeway. I so urge you to get it. (you can hear small clips to the songs if you click on Life Light Up.

Here are the lyrics to Christy Nockels (formerly Watermark) song "The Song of the Beautiful".


"Song of the Beautiful" Lyrics
by Christy Nockels from the album Life Light Up
The broken, weary and poorFinding...You are the cureThe weak and dying, glorifying, You in it all...It’s the song of the beautiful, Jesus Loves Me...It’s the song of the beautiful, Jesus Saved Me...The song of the redeemed, the echoes of those made free,It’s the song of the beautiful, Jesus Loves Me...The fallen back on their feetThe fatherless now complete...The innocent suffering, rising from wounding, to find...You were there all along!It’s the song of the beautiful, Jesus Loves Me...It’s the song of the beautiful, Jesus Saved Me...The song of the redeemed, the echoes of those made free -It’s the song of the beautiful, Jesus Loves Me...Oh how He loves meOh how He loves meOh how He love me...The broken, the beautiful....The prodigal running home...The widow never alone...The one who is waiting, rising and singing, “You...Jesus, You Are My All!”Written by Christy Nockels© 2009 worshiptogether.com Songs / sixsteps Music (admin. by EMI CMG Publishing) (ASCAP)

Me, Myself, and Lies Group!!!

Picture courtesy of Tammy Allen-Shenke (I love you all)

When I think of the Wisdom & Scope of God's plan...

The following passage (sorry it is down further on the page in Ephesians 3:14-21) is one that I have stored in my heart and it rose up in me tonight as the LORD reminded me of it. I am at the beach and this is a very long awaited trip that we really needed as a family. Rod has been so busy with work (Praise You Lord!) and this is Morgan's first trip to the beach. As I set on the shore last night I just thanked God for allowing me to be here. I always meet with God in a refreshing way when I come here. As I stare out into the ocean I am struck with holy fear and awe at our Creator. The one who spoke this world into existence and tells the very waves where their boundaries will stop. Don't you know those big waves are just jumping up to give Him some praise! All of creation is just groaning until the day when He comes to make all wrongs right. What an indescribable day.

I try to use tangible things to teach Morgan about God. So, I took some sand and showed her the grains and told her that God knew every single number of the grains of sand that were in my hand and in the entire world. We would die trying to count even a stretch of sand...impossible.
He knows every creature in the sea and bird in the air. God is so unfathomable. We can not comprehend His greatness or His glory. The other night I took Morgan outside with me to roll the trash to the street for the purpose of looking at the night sky. I told her how God marshals the starry hosts and knows each one of those stars by name. The sheer power and awesomeness of God. I asked her if she could count the stars and of course she would try and then lose her place in the sky. The fact that He knows every strand of hair we have ever had or will have, or have now to me is incredible. Luke 12:7 (New International Version)⁷Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. Whether the chicken or the egg came first God knows. I personally say it is the chicken. But anyway, not a sparrow falls to the ground that He doesn't notice. And yet this God, this Holy righteous God...cares about you and me. He sees everything. He is already in our tomorrow. I was so mad at something on the news and I told Rod how I know more than anything that I know that God is real, and that Jesus is The Way, The Truth, and The Life...more than anything that is real to me this I know. And how can so many be so blind to the fact that there is a Creator. What a tragedy to think that we just had a big stinking bang or just evolved. Whatever, that doesn't even make sense. **He just came in and told me to go to bed...I don't think that is an area of submission, so I will keep typing.**
When I get away and can have time to think and bring all of my junk to Him I feel as if I am on Holy ground. We should approach our God with reverence, yet there is something about nature and getting out of your usual routine that causes me at least to want to fall on my face. Especially when I look out and for as far as my eyes can see, I see nothing but a vast ocean that only God knows the depth of.

I know how sinful I am...believe me this I know. My heart so wants to please God. I want to be obedient to Him. I want to love Him more and not sin in what I say or do. Truth be told though there are a lot of days lived in victory for me, yet I have never gone a day without sinning in thought, word, or deed in someway even if it was unintentional. I HATE my flesh, in me no good thing dwells apart from Christ.

So, here are the verses. The chapter is Paul talking about the mystery of the gospel revealed especially to the gentiles. His people, a people that were supposed to be set apart to Him were the Jews. You all know that Paul heavily persecuted the church so what better person to write about this under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit than him. If anyone was a recipient of God's unabashed grace, it was Paul. He was the one that was called to go and spread the gospel to the gentiles. "The pagan people" if you will. God grafted us in and we are made right because of Christ. It really is a mystery. I can't even grasp the fact that ALL OF OUR iniquities...past, present, future were laid upon Christ and He bore the punishment for what we deserved. So as he speaks He has this prayer in at the end. I will never forget how this took hold of my heart about 8 or 9 years ago. PLEASE let it speak to you.

Ephesians 3:14-21

Prayer for Spiritual Strength

¹⁴For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, ¹⁵from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, ¹⁶that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, ¹⁷ so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, ¹⁸may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, ¹⁹and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

²⁰ Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, ²¹ to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

So Paul is like praying since the gospel is beyond this mans comprehension and dude is brought to his knees. He is praying that believers would be strengthened with power, through His Spirit in their inner being. Does anyone need to be strengthened? Does anyone need some victory or power that comes from only a work that God can do through the Holy Spirit which dwells in ever believer? I know I do. There have been so many opportunities for me to want to just throw in the towel. I saw a shirt in a window down here that said "Life is Crap" instead of the "Life is Good" logo. It just cracked me up because to a lot of people life is crap. So how on earth do we get some joy, or peace in the midst of it. We have got to let God tend to us. Giving Him access to all of us and just go to Him as broken as you are, as naked in shame that you feel. He is power, He is joy and peace. And here is what I love. This is Gods will for us. Pray it for yourself and others. I have personally prayed that this will be a word for whoever reads this, a word for the weary.

that you, being rooted and grounded in love, ¹⁸may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, ¹⁹and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

We have got to be rooted and grounded in love. Loving God with all of our heart and receiving His love and being rooted and grounded in it is so important for us who are born into sin and are inclined toward sin. It is for our good. God doesn't need our love. He doesn't need us. He is complete. He is GOD! There is a house in my neighborhood that has a willow tree in their front yard. Y'all the wind can barely blow and that tree falls down, roots out of the ground. They still put the tree back and try to stake it down. It never fails the tree is down again and again. I get so irritated that they don't just get rid of the thing for crying out loud. I am like DUDE please get a tree that can grow some deep roots and be able to stand in a storm. We are like that willow tree if we are not rooted and grounded in Gods love. We are full of all manner of insecurity.

There has been something that I have been battling in my mind regarding self-image and I began to obsess over it. I know that I have been so down on myself that it has taken away from me viewing myself as God sees me. I am just not happy about my weight right now and even today Morgan called me "fat mommy". I do not call myself fat or anything in front of her...but I cracked up and so did Rod once she said it. The enemy is not working through Morgan but the enemy will use anything to fuel the fire of our obsession with whatever. He wants us to have misplaced thoughts and affections so we will not be secure and established in Gods love for us. Why? Because if we are secure in the Lord, there won't be much that deters us from reaching out with the gospel to a lost and dying world. I know so many women struggle with their image and in our culture we can get really obsessed with it. What happened to the days when if you were big it meant you were rich and etc?

Again Paul is talking about us knowing the breadth of God's love. The height, the depth. Yet we will never fully comprehend it because Gods love for us and the gospel reaching out to sinners surpasses our ability to comprehend with our minds. In other words there is a big difference in having head knowledge, for knowledge puffs up. Paul was not lacking in zeal or knowledge before he had a head on collision with the Lord. The man was brilliant and zealous in his religious sect, yet for all the wrong reasons. So, instead of just knowing God's love we must accept it, internalize it, combat lies with the truth of His love for us, and bask in His grace. There is so much more I could say. Because of His love we will be filled with the fullness of God. When we are filled with the fullness of God we become secure in His love that surpasses comprehension. I need that. I need that. The church needs that. We can not put limits on God's love or grace. Where would we be without it? He is so other.

Most people don't read my posts that are long or comment on them, but whoever you are...I pray that you will truly have time to think on the Greatness of God and that it will move you to your knees, or better yet your face. We live in a world where rejection is high and we hear "He's just not that into you", or thinner is better, to have love you must give of yourself and you only feel cheap and used. The bar is just too high, and when it is the Lord wants us to get low. Low on our faces crying out to Him. That we would find our worth in Him. Our satisfaction in Him. Crying out for others who are so desperately begging for others to fill their souls needs that only Christ can fill. He is WORTHY yet He esteems us. He opens His hand and satisfies the desires of all things. Lord, please help our unbelief. Please fill our wounded hearts with Your love and peace that transcends all understanding. Guard our hearts and minds and help us to cast down thoughts that are lies with the knowledge of the truth. Tear down our strong holds. Lord, anything that is not worthy of our affection. Rid us of lies that we have believed that have a grip on us. Open our eyes and our hearts to Your Grandeur. You are our faithful, covenant keeping God; slow to anger and abounding in love. You do not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. I praise You Lord. Help us to believe.

Let us not give up for He is able. Take your mustard seed of faith if that is how small it is and place your prayer before Him. He can do something far more abundant than what you and I can even ask or think because of the dynamite power that comes from the Holy Spirit within us.
²⁰ Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, ²¹ to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen

Can I say I am so sick of the enemy! I love this verse above. I am sick of him gaining ground in my family and in my friends lives. his fate is certain: C-R-U-S-H-E-D! Don't let him deceive you. Stay in the word and get on your face even when you don't "feel" like it.

Psalm 33:4
4 For the word of the LORD is right and true; he is faithful in all he does.

The Lord is right and all of His words are true. He is faithful in all he does. Believe Him when you feel otherwise. Watch out for the snakes...the things that want to ensnare you and trip you up from running in this race. Make a plan for victory in this rocky terrain of earth. Here are some words that may help: Proverbs 4:26 Make level paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm.
If you are driving around your pit and expecting not to fall in...you need to get a new path. Mark out a straight path for your feet to follow and take only ways that are firm. Am I making sense?
If you have walked with God for any time and you leave His side to chase after other things I promise you won't be able to fill your voids and you will end up miserable...so Please stay close to Him. If you have left the God you love (fellowship...I am not talking about losing salvation)...Go back!! There is nothing beyond His forgiveness.

Romans 16:27
27to the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen.

I pray, You pray, We pray.

I am headed to the beach technically in a few hours. I have a prayer request that may seem so trivial. Most of you who know me know that my spine is shaped wrong at the top. I have been in pain for the last few days. When my neck goes out it is some of the worst pain I have ever had in my life. It has happened too many times to count. Anyway, PLEASE pray on my behalf that God will heal me and I won't have to go through the things I have for so many years.

THANK YOU SO MUCH. It means so much!!!

My Baby Girl

I wrote this tonight after I finished doing some bible study at Chick-fil-A. I had to turn my head toward the glass while I watched her play because I thought I would bawl my eyes out. I wrote this for her, so I don't suppose many people will be interested. This is just sort of my electronic journal. =) Morgan will be 4 next week and I can't believe how fast it has gone bye.

"Morgan"

The tenderness of God
His mercy so sweet.
What a blessing of grace
this child is to me.

With one child in heaven
and one here on earth
this little one gives me such joy.
It is a wonder my heart doesn't burst!

I never knew how much this handicapped heart could love.
'Til that 5 pound blessing was sent
from our God above.

Four years have gone bye
in the blink of an eye.

I have prayed for her, loved her,
and worried myself to death.
I have laughed so hard
at times I couldn't catch my breath.

She is as stubborn as an ox,
an explorer from the day she could walk.

As I sit here with tears in my eyes...
I know that I am merely a steward of her
and oneday I will have to let her go.

Oh LORD, rewind the clock
STOP the TIME!
Give me memories of days gone bye.

One day she will be grown & leave-
Oh LORD what will she do,
who will she be?
But most of all
will she still love me?

I hear her ask "why" a thousand times a day
the things I take for granted I will miss so much one day.
The tender heart,
the little prayers,
even sometimes the mid-night scares.

I love her so much
my heart can't even tell.
Oh how He must love us,
what joy He must share.

Thank You sweet Jesus
for this little child.
I'll hold her here in my arms
for a while.
She is Yours to fulfill Your purpose and plan.
But for now we'll do life hand in hand.

She will always be my baby girl,
the one who came and rocked my world.
Thank You Jesus,
Thank You for the love You have shown.

You always finish what You start
& my, my, my what a piece of art.
When You do things...You do all things well.
After all YOU ARE THE GREAT "I AM".

You live in me and
one day I'll see Your face-
I will pass the baton
and let her finish the race.

Luke 18:16
¹⁶But Jesus called the children to him and said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.

Only Child

I have so much to type and I tried to this morning but my computer would not work. Anyway, I am going to get my stuff and type away! I still have to finish my David post, and start on the next part of the armor.

I have a question in the mean time:

Are you an only child?

Then here are a few more:

If you are an only child do you think you are spoiled?
What are some of the disadvantages?
If you have siblings...are you close to them?

And any other "only child" insight would be great!

HAIR TIP

Is your hair course, dry, frizzy or just plain BIG? Get ready for this...I will not charge you for this tip. I really believe the Lord inspired me to do this...lol!! I have tried EVERY product under the sun to get my hair to be smooth and etc. All of those products LIED to me. So, the other day I was thinking about how I always put baby lotion in Morgans hair so she will still smell like a baby. Then, I thought hey hey...I am going to try putting it in my hair. So after I got out of the shower and towel dried my hair I covered my hair with the John*on and Joh*son baby lotion. I dried it and I swear to you it was a miracle!! My hair is soft and manageable. UNREAL!! I used my heat protector spray and flat ironed it and I have had people ask about it all week. Even tonight I ran into this lady and we were talking about different stuff and she mentioned that she did hair. She asked me if I minded if she felt my hair and I told her I did not mind. She said that my hair was thick and fine...I let her in on my little secret and she was shocked!! I told her my hair was not fine AT ALL it was like a mane. Miracles people!!

Let me know if you try it.

Also, tonight I had to take Morgan to bible study. I have not had to take her before but since I am the leader and Rod couldn't make it home she went. I threatened her about talking and etc. When I went down on the floor to pray she did to. Then when I was finished she said to the class, "I need to pray to."
I think I was the only one who could understand...but as she was laying prostrate on the floor she prayed and thanked God for our church, the tables and chairs. She thanked him for all the ladies there and said they were so pretty and then she cracked me up so bad...she thanked God for all of their purses because they were so pretty!!!

Lonely Places

I have been going over and over a certain passage of scripture and really thinking on it and trying to enter in that day, time, and the repercussions of ensnaring sin. So, I go into this with prayer that the Lord Jesus would guide my mind, heart, and fingers.

I have extensively study the life of David over the last decade. If you ever have a person that you relate most to in scripture, he is the one I relate with. He came from nothing, was considered little more than a flea by the worlds standards. He was on the run from his enemies for years and escaped being murdered many times. Then, this man becomes the king over Judah. This is a man who had to completely rely on the Lord as he was on the run from Saul, his best friends dad. His family is mentioned later but they are not on the run with him. He had no comfort but to take comfort in the Lord. There are so many ways I could take this because I don't want to turn it into a novel. If you have never sinned grievously, you may want to stop reading now.

We know of the heroic David (where the Lord fought his battles), we see his heart through the psalms as he is constantly running to God pouring out his heart to Him. He was a shepherd, warrior, worshiper of the Most High God, friend, and at times we find him on the run seeming as if he were a criminal when he wasn't. We see him multiply wives and gain a kingdom. We are also told that he shepherded his people with integrity of heart. We see him with nothing and then everything at his disposal. So how like him to we handle those two extremes with contentment?

Then, the downward slope begins. Bathsheba. I hear so many people just focus on the sin but I want to get into the feeling of it. I want to learn from this but also look at how fallen we are and what need we have for a Savior. Let's face it left to our self we will eventually jump head first into a pit of sin "the sin that so easily entangles us"(Hebrews 12:1).

Here you have David at home, in the spring, during the time when kings were off at war ( 2 Samuel 11:1). He was idle yes. He sent Joab off to do his bidding while he remained in Jerusalem. So it is evening time and David gets up from his bed and goes for a little walk on the roof of the palace. Push pause real quick. It is "evening time" and it looks like David had been sleeping. Do you think he was depressed and worn out from all that he had been through to get to where he is now? These are just my thoughts. He knew the law of the Lord and I just wonder if he decided he just needed to chill for a while instead of going to war AGAIN. After all, he was king. This poses a problem because clearly he should have been off to war shepherding and guiding his people, yet it seems as if he is pulled away and has isolated himself.

We also know that David was a handsome man. How many women do you think would be attracted to someone like him? Someone they had heard about with the victories that were won and the victory over Goliath and the Philistines. He was the guy with the looks, and a whole lot of power that was intrusted to him. I imagine him to be level headed as well seeing as he came from the sheepfold. I am a very demonstrative passionate person and I know from reading God's word that David was most certainly passionate about God. There is something about having nothing but God that causes you to be so blessed as you cling to Him because you see that He really is all that you need or all that can fill you. Women are attracted to power, wealth, looks and etc. As a christian woman those things can't be the priority in seeking God's will for a husband or wife. Money can be taken away, looks fade, and you can also fall to low depths.

We are told in detail of David and Jonathan's friendship. Jonathan amazes me when he makes a covenant with David knowing that he would be king next even though Jonathan was heir to the throne (technically). How selfless. They were the type friends that stick closer than a brother. And his friend was gone. I wonder how many times he had imagined the day that would draw near when he would finally be settled in as king. Did he feel inadequate, was he afraid of the task ahead. Being a king has to come with a lot of pressure. I can just imagine at this state he feels lonely, maybe there is a void in his heart, and he wasn't doing what God had called him for. Had his heart become proud?

As he is on the roof he saw a woman bathing. OK lets break it down. Dude is on the roof and a naked chick is within eye sight. Also, Bathsheba is VERY beautiful. I wonder how many heads she turned and what kind of attention she was used to getting from the opposite sex. Did she feel and desire the power of having attention from men? Did she need it to define her or make her feel of worth? David sends someone to find out about her. The man he sent said, "Isn't this Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam and the wife of Uriah the Hittite?" Don't you know that a lot of the men at the palace already knew of her and the fact that she was married (because of her beauty).

-David sees her. He lusts after her. He has all of this power yet he wants to feel powerful by being with this trophy wife. He was being deceived. David went by how he felt, instead of faith and obedience, he let feelings dictate the course.
-David seemed above reproach. This is one reason why we need to be around other people who are walking with the Lord. No one was calling him out on this because they were more afraid of losing their head then helping snatch someone from the flames. That is not a good place to be AT ALL.

He clearly knows that she is married. What was it in him that made him do this? We know that in Deuteronomy 17:17 the Lord warns not to multiply wives "¹⁷ He must not take many wives, or his heart will be led astray. He must not accumulate large amounts of silver and gold"
He had already multiplied wives. They didn't fill the void. He had wealth, it didn't satisfy his hunger. He was standing mighty tall with a fall awaiting him.

David sends messengers to go get her. Again, they don't even question him. People in a position of authority and leadership need people to counsel them and call them to the carpet if need be.

Now I want to talk about Bathsheba for a minute. When David tries to cover up his adultery with Bath (nickname for short) we see how devoted her husband Uriah to his job. He was gone a lot I am sure, especially when you are traveling on foot or by horses and etc. Did Bathsheba feel neglected? She had no children at that point. What did she do all day. Did the one person she wanted to love her and be attracted to her even know she existed? The reason I say this is because she never says no! I won't go with you...I am married. I am sure she got caught up in the prestige, if you will, of being summoned by the king. Did she purposely position herself to take a bath when she knew David would see her. Maybe she was trying to seduce him in some way so she could feel alive again with the emotional death she had experienced from her husband who didn't know if she were dead or alive...but if only she could get the attention of one of the most powerful people...then she would feel special. Did she think she could go and then flee the temptation. Maybe so. Then, she found herself not being able to turn back. Duped by their own lusts and longings, their few minutes of passion would turn into some very long term suffering. One of the reasons the bible says to flee from idolatry, sexual immorality, and greed is because we can't walk around those areas without sinking in quicksand. Running from them "burning sinful bridges" (as Melissa quoted last week on the LPM blog) is the only way to withstand those things.

She felt used, deceived, and dirty. They had their one night stand and then she was sent away after David was done with her. That is what you call desperation. When your feelings take over to the point that you operate purely on your feelings. When I hear the famous words "follow your heart" I want to scream NO!!!! Don't follow your heart!!! STOP! Why because it is our seat of emotions in the Greek. It is deceitful until we have allowed God complete access and covering. When we are seeking Him we can have His heart and be able to trust certain things. We just can't be trusted in our natural man.

This was more than they bargained for.

Bathsheba conceives, and sends word to David that she is pregnant.

(To be continued I have to go to bed...and remember these are just my thoughts)

George Tiller (murderer-murdered)

This is taken from pastor James MacDonald's blog, which you can see here

To Kill an Abortionist!

• Posted By James MacDonald on June 2, 2009
• 
  

OK, so what did you think when you heard that abortionist George Tiller was shot and killed by a pro-life fanatic this past weekend? Did you even know who George Tiller was? Only the most prolific late-term abortionist in America. “Abhorrent evil for financial gain” kind of summarizes his life.

Tiller is the poster child for a seared-conscience- pseudo-Christian. He has aborted tens of thousands of babies moments before their birth. (Abortion is murder any time after conception, but even many pro-abortion Americans shudder at illegal late term abortions.)

Only recently, Tiller was accused on 19 counts of illegally aborting viable babies in violation of a state law that requires a second physician – without legal or financial ties to the abortionist – to sign off on the procedure once the unborn child reaches a state in which it could survive outside the womb. He has an actual incinerator inside his ‘factory’ and destroys the murdered baby parts even as the mother exits the building. Youtube has many videos of Tiller announcing his confidence that he is doing nothing wrong.

“Some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons . . . seared in their own conscience as with a branding iron” (1Timothy 4:1-2).

The Wichita Eagle reports Tiller was shot just after 10 a.m. Sunday at Reformation Lutheran Church, where he served as an usher. (That pastor has a lot to answer for.) The Associated Press reports the suspect arrested is named Scott Roeder, a known fanatical foe of abortion.

Is this murderer a Christian? Is the murderer he murdered at a Christian church a Christian? How wrong is the wrong is using murder to stop the wrongdoing of another wrongdoer? Answer: very wrong! This question is on the edge of what we discussed last week: the difference between the personal ethic Jesus requires of his followers (Matthew 5-7), and the protection/punishment ethic the Lord has entrusted to civil governments (Romans 13:1-7) that frequently FAIL to do their job.

Inside each of us is a God given longing for justice. If we focus exclusively on a particular injustice in society or in our own lives we will become bitter and eventually irrational. Nowhere is this more common than on the front lines of the fight against abortion. How difficult to see up close the greatest injustice of our day unrelenting and increasingly undeterred. Where the injustice is greatest, the greatest faith in the ultimate wrath of God is needed.

Romans 12:19 ” Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY,” says the Lord.

Gerald, (also posting here on Straight Up) just reminded me that the command to leave place for God’s wrath is followed immediately by the Romans 13 passage describing the government as “an avenger carrying out God’s wrath.” (v.4) Surely if our government would do its job in dealing with these murderers there would be less temptation for people to take matters into their own hands. However this clearly does not in any sense justify taking matters into our own hands.

Where government authorities fail in their job, we are to wait on the ultimate justice of God Himself. Of course Tiller deserved death, but in God’s time and according to the means God has ordained. NO ONE HAS THE RIGHT TO TRY AND DO GOD’S JOB FOR HIM!! That is always wrong and a set back for the countless faithful people who war against the evil scourge of abortion with patient reason and Christ honoring, law abiding resistance. We are to focus by faith on what is promised in the future:

Revelation 19:11-15 “And I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse, and He who sat on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and wages war. His eyes are a flame of fire . . . from His mouth comes a sharp sword, so that with it He may strike down the nations . . .and He treads the wine press of the fierce wrath of Almighty God”

Every abortionist and every elected official who supports their slaughter will answer to God for their failure to protect the most innocent life among us, the unborn. We are commanded, COMMANDED! by our Master to WAIT for that day.

Dr. Al Mohler rightly summarizes on his blog: “Murder is murder. The law rightly affirms that the killing of Dr. George Tiller is murder. In this we must agree. We cannot rest until the law also recognizes the killing of the unborn as murder. The killing of Dr. George Tiller makes that challenge all the more difficult.”

My little brother and me

Here is a picture of my brother Will and me. He graduated tonight from high school. I am feeling really old considering he was 5 when I moved out of the house. He has the sweetest heart. I am so proud of him.