You will never hear these people say the following. . .
Unborn Baby: "I think I am superior to all others, and my needs are more important than all others, so everyone who is not an embryo or a fetus should be killed so I can enjoy my life better."
Young Child: "I think I am superior to all others, and my needs are more important than all others, so everyone who is not a child should be killed so I can enjoy my life better."
Person with Down Syndrome: "I think I am superior to all others, and my needs are more important than all others, so everyone who is 'normal' should be killed so I can enjoy my life better."
Elderly Person: "I think I am superior to all others, and my needs are more important than all others, so everyone who is not a card carrying member of AARP should be killed so I can enjoy my life better."
How come you never hear these words or words similar to them from the so called weak and vulnerable in our society?
Someone along the way decided they were superior to others and thus God's gift to this earth. Although they don't believe in a God, or a Creator, they still have the gall to think they are God's gift to this planet.
They judge others according to how close they fit to being like them and those that don't quite measure up are pushed to the outskirts of society and are deemed the ones to die, so they can enjoy their lives better.
Some of these less fortunate are left to die, others are told it's time, and still others are outright murdered. Regardless of the means, the goal is to eradicate those from our society that are weaker, imperfect, and an inconvenience.
So, it's the so-called beautiful people who make these kind of statements not the weak and vulnerable. Have you ever noticed that? It's never a less fortunate person pushing for another group in society to be on the hit list.
Maybe real beauty is found in imperfection! Maybe the heart of the unborn, the children, the childlike, and the elderly is where real love and beauty can be found because their hearts are closer to God. These are the specific groups God commanded us to defend. He has a special heart for them. I have to believe their hearts are closer to their Creator and that is why they are full of love and acceptance for all of God's creations and why you won't hear excluding comments and ugly death threats from them.
Oh, if we all could be more like those under attack these days. For instance, when I walk into a room my young child's face lights up at the sight of me. Too bad we don't show the same reaction to all the people God has created.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Why I Signed the Manhattan Declaration
Daniel 3:16-18 (New International Version)
Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to the king, "O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up."
My daily bible study was on Daniel 3 this morning. When I read these words it summed up for me the reason why I signed the Manhattan Declaration earlier this week. These three men resolved to not bow down or serve any other god other then their God even if that meant defying the King's command and facing his judgement of being thrown into a fiery furnace.
Daniel 3:28-29 (New International Version)
Then Nebuchadnezzar said, "Praise be to the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who has sent his angel and rescued his servants! They trusted in him and defied the king's command and were willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God. Therefore I decree that the people of any nation or language who say anything against the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego be cut into pieces and their houses be turned into piles of rubble, for no other god can save in this way."
The New Testament chapter I read today was Mark 15, which recalls the events of the day Jesus Christ was crucified dead and buried. This ties perfectly into the last sentence of Daniel 3 - "for no other god can save in this way."
No earthly idol or man made god can save us from our sin and certain eternal destruction. Only the God of heaven and earth, the Creator of the Universe, the Christ Jesus can save us in this way.
The idols of our day include:
Money - Sex - Material Possessions - Physical Appearances - Fame - Power - Drugs - Security - Status
People compromise or conform every day in order to hang onto these false gods that do not save! Even those who call themselves Christians.
Why?
If we really knew the Christ who truly saves, we would all resolve not to conform or compromise our loyalty to our Lord.
This includes conforming to the government policy of the day, if it is evil and contrary to God's Word. This is why I signed the Manhattan Declaration!
The God I serve is able to save us from this situation, but even if He doesn't, I want the Government to know I resolve not to serve their gods or bow down to any other god.
Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to the king, "O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up."
My daily bible study was on Daniel 3 this morning. When I read these words it summed up for me the reason why I signed the Manhattan Declaration earlier this week. These three men resolved to not bow down or serve any other god other then their God even if that meant defying the King's command and facing his judgement of being thrown into a fiery furnace.
Daniel 3:28-29 (New International Version)
Then Nebuchadnezzar said, "Praise be to the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who has sent his angel and rescued his servants! They trusted in him and defied the king's command and were willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God. Therefore I decree that the people of any nation or language who say anything against the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego be cut into pieces and their houses be turned into piles of rubble, for no other god can save in this way."
The New Testament chapter I read today was Mark 15, which recalls the events of the day Jesus Christ was crucified dead and buried. This ties perfectly into the last sentence of Daniel 3 - "for no other god can save in this way."
No earthly idol or man made god can save us from our sin and certain eternal destruction. Only the God of heaven and earth, the Creator of the Universe, the Christ Jesus can save us in this way.
The idols of our day include:
Money - Sex - Material Possessions - Physical Appearances - Fame - Power - Drugs - Security - Status
People compromise or conform every day in order to hang onto these false gods that do not save! Even those who call themselves Christians.
Why?
If we really knew the Christ who truly saves, we would all resolve not to conform or compromise our loyalty to our Lord.
This includes conforming to the government policy of the day, if it is evil and contrary to God's Word. This is why I signed the Manhattan Declaration!
The God I serve is able to save us from this situation, but even if He doesn't, I want the Government to know I resolve not to serve their gods or bow down to any other god.
Monday, November 23, 2009
The Manhattan Declaration
The Manhattan Declaration
Please take the time to read this document. It is so very important!
Please, also, go to focusonthefamily.com to listen to today's program titled: A Manifesto for Righteousness which discusses the Manhattan Declaration.
I heard Dr. Dobson say that if taxpayers are forced to pay to fund abortions, he and his wife cannot participate, even if that means they have to live in another country for the rest of their lives. Are we as committed? I pray it does not come to that but what would you do if it did? What are we doing to prevent our leaders from taking us down that road.
I signed this document today and I pray you do as well.
Please take the time to read this document. It is so very important!
Please, also, go to focusonthefamily.com to listen to today's program titled: A Manifesto for Righteousness which discusses the Manhattan Declaration.
I heard Dr. Dobson say that if taxpayers are forced to pay to fund abortions, he and his wife cannot participate, even if that means they have to live in another country for the rest of their lives. Are we as committed? I pray it does not come to that but what would you do if it did? What are we doing to prevent our leaders from taking us down that road.
I signed this document today and I pray you do as well.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Friday, November 20, 2009
Be Fruitful. . .
I have been searching the scriptures for information of education recently. I want to see what education looks like from a biblical perspective, What did the first glimpses of education look like for Adam and Eve, Noah, Abraham, etc.? I suspect we have gotten off track along the way and I just had a desire to look into it a little deeper.
I didn't get far into the chapter of Genesis before I came to a few verses that took me down a rabbit trail.
Genesis 1:28 God blessed them and said to them, "Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground."
I had always glossed over that 'be fruitful' phrase assuming it meant the same as multiplying and filling the earth. However, when I got to the story of Noah, I noticed that God used this same phrase with Noah. In fact, he says it three times. It must be pretty important.
Genesis 8:15-17 Then God said to Noah, "Come out of the ark, you and your wife and your sons and their wives. Bring out every kind of living creature that is with you—the birds, the animals, and all the creatures that move along the ground—so they can multiply on the earth and be fruitful and increase in number upon it."
Genesis 9:1 Then God blessed Noah and his sons, saying to them, "Be fruitful and increase in number and fill the earth.
Genesis 9:7 As for you, be fruitful and increase in number; multiply on the earth and increase upon it."
These were the first commands given by God to Adam and then to Noah. Did he only want them, including the animals, just to multiply and fill the earth or is there more to the command?
I looked up other verses in the bible that talk about fruit or being fruitful in the hope of understanding this better. If I had a bible with the Greek meanings of the words, I would have used that, too. But I don't, so you go with what you have.
Psalm 1:3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.
God is often called the living water. We often talk about being rooted in God's Word. Fruit is often referred to as Godly characteristics or works. Is this verse to describe a person who draws life from God, is rooted in God's Word, is maturing and growing in their faith, becoming ready, to be and do what God has assigned, sustaining and persevering his whole life in the faith, and is successful because he does the will of God? Is this what God meant about being 'fruitful'?
Proverbs 11:30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise.
This verse looks like evangelizing; rooting others in God's Word and leading others to eternal life.
So far, we have a picture of 'fruitful' being both personal growth and helping other to grow in the knowledge of God.
Matthew 7:16 By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles?
Authentic, life saving fruit cannot be produced if the life source is anything other than the Godhead himself. So, 'be fruitful' is also telling us the source of life, and of fruit, is God and nothing else.
John 15:2 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes[a] so that it will be even more fruitful.
God is the Gardener who perfects us and our fruit! We can rest in His work in us because it has a perfect purpose, although painful at times.
Gal. 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
These are characteristics a fallen world cannot produce on their own without first having known such shown toward them and then having been transformed by God himself.
I never noticed the last line of this verse before. What does it mean against such thing there is no law? I wondered if before the fall - when there was yet no need for the law - did these things come naturally to Adam and Eve because of their intimate relationship with God? Which led me to the next verse.
Rev. 22:2 down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.
Adam and Eve had access to the Tree of Life until sin entered the world. We will once again have access to the Tree of Life when Jesus restores all things back to their former eternal characteristics.
Psalm 128:3 Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your sons will be like olive shoots around your table.
Wives have children (increase and multiply). A Christian Mother who raises her children in the fear and knowledge of the Lord is being 'fruitful'. In fact, she must first be drawing life from God herself. She must first be rooted in God's Word. She is then able to show her children where to draw life from and how to stay rooted in God's Word for themselves. She understands who the perfecter of her faith is, and the faith of her children, and she diligently teaches her children to walk in God's ways and to rest in his will. By doing so, she fulfills both Psalm 1:3 and Proverbs 11:30. Mothers have suck a divine priviledge!
The first instruction of education is to know God!
The second instruction is to always walk with him and in His will!
The third instruction is to teach your children to do the same through example and diligent teaching!
How do the three commands given to Adam and then to Noah conflict with what the world teaches?
The world teaches there is no God or that you are your own god. The world teaches no Creator but rather chance. The world doesn't acknowledge a divine life source because they don't believe in a heaven or hell. The world doesn't value children or the call for mothers to raise them in God's Word. The feminist movement puts a womans value elsewhere. The U.N. and agencies like Planned Parenthood would rather control the population and limit it's growth. A generation who isn't drawing from the authentic eternal life source isn't able to teach their children to do so either.
If no one heeds God's command in this area, the next generation may be similar to the one of Noah's generation. However, I know there are Christian families all over the world who do heed God's command, although we are in the minority. We must be even more diligent and reliant on God so that our children may be a beacon of light to the world. May God bless the efforts of those who obey.
I will continue to look up what education looks like in the bible, but the first and most important aspect to knowledge and wisdom is the fear and knowledge of God.
I didn't get far into the chapter of Genesis before I came to a few verses that took me down a rabbit trail.
Genesis 1:28 God blessed them and said to them, "Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground."
I had always glossed over that 'be fruitful' phrase assuming it meant the same as multiplying and filling the earth. However, when I got to the story of Noah, I noticed that God used this same phrase with Noah. In fact, he says it three times. It must be pretty important.
Genesis 8:15-17 Then God said to Noah, "Come out of the ark, you and your wife and your sons and their wives. Bring out every kind of living creature that is with you—the birds, the animals, and all the creatures that move along the ground—so they can multiply on the earth and be fruitful and increase in number upon it."
Genesis 9:1 Then God blessed Noah and his sons, saying to them, "Be fruitful and increase in number and fill the earth.
Genesis 9:7 As for you, be fruitful and increase in number; multiply on the earth and increase upon it."
These were the first commands given by God to Adam and then to Noah. Did he only want them, including the animals, just to multiply and fill the earth or is there more to the command?
I looked up other verses in the bible that talk about fruit or being fruitful in the hope of understanding this better. If I had a bible with the Greek meanings of the words, I would have used that, too. But I don't, so you go with what you have.
Psalm 1:3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.
God is often called the living water. We often talk about being rooted in God's Word. Fruit is often referred to as Godly characteristics or works. Is this verse to describe a person who draws life from God, is rooted in God's Word, is maturing and growing in their faith, becoming ready, to be and do what God has assigned, sustaining and persevering his whole life in the faith, and is successful because he does the will of God? Is this what God meant about being 'fruitful'?
Proverbs 11:30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise.
This verse looks like evangelizing; rooting others in God's Word and leading others to eternal life.
So far, we have a picture of 'fruitful' being both personal growth and helping other to grow in the knowledge of God.
Matthew 7:16 By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles?
Authentic, life saving fruit cannot be produced if the life source is anything other than the Godhead himself. So, 'be fruitful' is also telling us the source of life, and of fruit, is God and nothing else.
John 15:2 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes[a] so that it will be even more fruitful.
God is the Gardener who perfects us and our fruit! We can rest in His work in us because it has a perfect purpose, although painful at times.
Gal. 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
These are characteristics a fallen world cannot produce on their own without first having known such shown toward them and then having been transformed by God himself.
I never noticed the last line of this verse before. What does it mean against such thing there is no law? I wondered if before the fall - when there was yet no need for the law - did these things come naturally to Adam and Eve because of their intimate relationship with God? Which led me to the next verse.
Rev. 22:2 down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.
Adam and Eve had access to the Tree of Life until sin entered the world. We will once again have access to the Tree of Life when Jesus restores all things back to their former eternal characteristics.
Psalm 128:3 Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your sons will be like olive shoots around your table.
Wives have children (increase and multiply). A Christian Mother who raises her children in the fear and knowledge of the Lord is being 'fruitful'. In fact, she must first be drawing life from God herself. She must first be rooted in God's Word. She is then able to show her children where to draw life from and how to stay rooted in God's Word for themselves. She understands who the perfecter of her faith is, and the faith of her children, and she diligently teaches her children to walk in God's ways and to rest in his will. By doing so, she fulfills both Psalm 1:3 and Proverbs 11:30. Mothers have suck a divine priviledge!
The first instruction of education is to know God!
The second instruction is to always walk with him and in His will!
The third instruction is to teach your children to do the same through example and diligent teaching!
How do the three commands given to Adam and then to Noah conflict with what the world teaches?
The world teaches there is no God or that you are your own god. The world teaches no Creator but rather chance. The world doesn't acknowledge a divine life source because they don't believe in a heaven or hell. The world doesn't value children or the call for mothers to raise them in God's Word. The feminist movement puts a womans value elsewhere. The U.N. and agencies like Planned Parenthood would rather control the population and limit it's growth. A generation who isn't drawing from the authentic eternal life source isn't able to teach their children to do so either.
If no one heeds God's command in this area, the next generation may be similar to the one of Noah's generation. However, I know there are Christian families all over the world who do heed God's command, although we are in the minority. We must be even more diligent and reliant on God so that our children may be a beacon of light to the world. May God bless the efforts of those who obey.
I will continue to look up what education looks like in the bible, but the first and most important aspect to knowledge and wisdom is the fear and knowledge of God.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Nehemiah - How One Man Made a Difference - Part 6
As the wall neared completion, the opposition stepped up its tactics, this time trying to distract and draw away from the work. Four times the opposition attempts to draw Nehemiah away from the city and his work and four times Nehemiah says no.
On the fifth attempt they send along an unsealed letter (anyone could have read it before it got to Nehemiah)for him to read. The letter points out the presence of a 'rumor' that Nehemiah and the people are planning a revolt and that Nehemiah is positioning himself to become King. They are in essence saying either come out here and meet with us OR we will pass this information along to the King (Blackmail).
The fact that the letter was unsealed, and most likely leaked out to the general population, was a ploy to undermine Nehemiah to the people with the intent of entangling them in "What if" thinking and become so burdened by questions they lose their resolve, commitment, and allegiance to Nehemiah's lead on this project and thus stop working.
I love Nehemiah's response in verse 8...I sent him this reply: "Nothing like what you are saying is happening; you are just making it up out of your head." He recognizes the tactics being used and what their objective is.
Nehemiah turns to God and prays, "Now, strength my hands." He doesn't succumb to the pressure. He doesn't allow an ounce of weakness or fear to set in but rather turns to God and ask for the strength to be given to work harder to overcome these new obstacles.
Later, a man named Shemaiah suggest that he and Nehemiah meet inside the temple and lock themselves in inside in order to save Nehemiah's life. He informs him there are men coming to kill him. But Nehemiah discerns that this man is not his friend but rather has been hired to intimidate him into sin so they could discredit him to the people. Divide and conqueror tactic. The lesson we can learn from Nehemiah here is that those who appear to be our friends are not always so and we should use discernment. What looks like truth isn't always truth.
Nehemiah again prays to God. This time he asks God to remember the deeds these guys are doing against him. Nehemiah knows he can't waste time seeking vengeance or getting wrapped up in this game playing. Plus, he knows it's not his to seek. He gives it back to God to handle. He trust that God sees, God knows, and that God will handle it. He shows his trust by simply saying 'remember'.
The wall is built in 52 days!
What is the response of the opposition upon hearing of the walls completion? Fear and loss of self-confidence. Nothing like God to shut up the scoffers. Why was this their response? They knew this was done in the strength of God. God brought testimony to Himself through the success of this project. Even those who won't bow down and worship the Lord are aware of his presence and his deeds!
Well, even though the wall is done, the power struggle continues. Posturing for the hearts of the people continues. The opposition sees their need to be elevated in the eyes of the people in order to gain influence. They realize the only way to elevate themselves is to in fact discredit Nehemiah. They stay close to Nehemiah (keep your enemies close mentality) in order to try to trip him up or hear him make a mistake that they can use against him and to their favor.
The lesson here is to always be on guard, never trust the enemy, and do not give the enemy a foothold to use against you or to accuse you. Unrepentant sin in our lives allows a foothold for Satan into our hearts and he only needs a little to take an inch. Protect yourself and don't buy into the lies he wants you to believe!
In summary, Nehemiah shows us the opposition gets stronger as you get closer to completing God's work and we must always be on our guard, discerning, trusting God, praying to God, and living a righteous life in order to protect ourselves from the enemies attacks.
Trust God to take care of those scheming against you and God's people. Their day of judgement will come.
On the fifth attempt they send along an unsealed letter (anyone could have read it before it got to Nehemiah)for him to read. The letter points out the presence of a 'rumor' that Nehemiah and the people are planning a revolt and that Nehemiah is positioning himself to become King. They are in essence saying either come out here and meet with us OR we will pass this information along to the King (Blackmail).
The fact that the letter was unsealed, and most likely leaked out to the general population, was a ploy to undermine Nehemiah to the people with the intent of entangling them in "What if" thinking and become so burdened by questions they lose their resolve, commitment, and allegiance to Nehemiah's lead on this project and thus stop working.
I love Nehemiah's response in verse 8...I sent him this reply: "Nothing like what you are saying is happening; you are just making it up out of your head." He recognizes the tactics being used and what their objective is.
Nehemiah turns to God and prays, "Now, strength my hands." He doesn't succumb to the pressure. He doesn't allow an ounce of weakness or fear to set in but rather turns to God and ask for the strength to be given to work harder to overcome these new obstacles.
Later, a man named Shemaiah suggest that he and Nehemiah meet inside the temple and lock themselves in inside in order to save Nehemiah's life. He informs him there are men coming to kill him. But Nehemiah discerns that this man is not his friend but rather has been hired to intimidate him into sin so they could discredit him to the people. Divide and conqueror tactic. The lesson we can learn from Nehemiah here is that those who appear to be our friends are not always so and we should use discernment. What looks like truth isn't always truth.
Nehemiah again prays to God. This time he asks God to remember the deeds these guys are doing against him. Nehemiah knows he can't waste time seeking vengeance or getting wrapped up in this game playing. Plus, he knows it's not his to seek. He gives it back to God to handle. He trust that God sees, God knows, and that God will handle it. He shows his trust by simply saying 'remember'.
The wall is built in 52 days!
What is the response of the opposition upon hearing of the walls completion? Fear and loss of self-confidence. Nothing like God to shut up the scoffers. Why was this their response? They knew this was done in the strength of God. God brought testimony to Himself through the success of this project. Even those who won't bow down and worship the Lord are aware of his presence and his deeds!
Well, even though the wall is done, the power struggle continues. Posturing for the hearts of the people continues. The opposition sees their need to be elevated in the eyes of the people in order to gain influence. They realize the only way to elevate themselves is to in fact discredit Nehemiah. They stay close to Nehemiah (keep your enemies close mentality) in order to try to trip him up or hear him make a mistake that they can use against him and to their favor.
The lesson here is to always be on guard, never trust the enemy, and do not give the enemy a foothold to use against you or to accuse you. Unrepentant sin in our lives allows a foothold for Satan into our hearts and he only needs a little to take an inch. Protect yourself and don't buy into the lies he wants you to believe!
In summary, Nehemiah shows us the opposition gets stronger as you get closer to completing God's work and we must always be on our guard, discerning, trusting God, praying to God, and living a righteous life in order to protect ourselves from the enemies attacks.
Trust God to take care of those scheming against you and God's people. Their day of judgement will come.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Nehemiah - How One Man Made A Difference - Part 5
In Chapter 4, we saw God frustrate the plans of the opposition and the work on the wall continued. In Chapter 5, another problem arises, this time though it's not an external threat but rather an internal one.
Nehemiah learns that some wealthy Jews are taking advantage of their poor neighbors by charging them high interest rates. This practice is putting undue pressure on the people to the point that some are being forced to sell their children into slavery.
The people bring their complaints to Nehemiah. Now, Nehemiah is in Jerusalem because God placed the rebuilding of the wall project on his heart, and in the process of rebuilding this wall, the people begin to trust him, and they start to look to him for leadership in other areas, too.
This may or may not be more than he bargained for but the people seem to be looking to him for help. Again, he hears of a situation that makes him angry, just like when he heard the initial report of the destruction in Jerusalem that led him to be even be here in the city. So, Nehemiah once again steps up to the challenge.
He calls a meeting, inviting the people responsible, and lets them know that he knows what they are doing and that it will stop immediately. I think this takes courage on his behalf. These people have been there longer than he, are probably in a higher position than he, and most likely more financially secure. To have the humble new guy rock the boat seems pretty brave to me. Nehemiah can stand firm and courageously because he has both truth and God on his side. Who can stand against that?
It says in verse 8, ... They kept quiet, because they could find nothing to say. There was not defense or rhetorical response because they knew for themselves what they were doing was wrong. These were learned men, they knew the law. Nothing like a public airing out to shame you into changing your ways.
Nehemiah demands them to not only stop the practice but to give back what they took as collateral. He makes them swear not to do it again and asks God to shake out any that do not keep his promise.
I find it interesting that their is no list of consequences given. It you do this...then this will happen. It's not a man made punishment Nehemiah is looking for here. He is invoking God to determine the punishment and carry it out. I don't know about you but I would be very fearful of trying to get away with doing this again.
Later, when Nehemiah is Governor, he is careful to set a good example for others in the way he behaves. It says that he didn't use his stature or position or the resources available to him as Governor to Lord it over the people or at their expense like previous Governors had done. Verse 15 says ... But out of reverence for God I did not act like that. Instead, he and his men were devoted to serving the people rather than prospering themselves.
The rebuilding of the wall is a perfect example of Nehemiah concerned for the whole of the people instead of a few. A rebuilt wall would protect and secure all the people.
Nehemiah was also generous with his resources and with his time with others. What he had was less than other governors but he shared more with the people than his predecessors. Verse 19 reads, Remember me with favor, O my God, for all I have done for these people.
Thoughts after reading this chapter:
1. Has sin in our own lives caused an internal threat to our life? Sometimes it's the enemy within that brings down the house. What might be in our hearts that is manifesting itself in outward sin that maybe we have been ignoring or naively thinking doesn't matter? It would be wise for all of us to examine our own hearts and put to death the internal enemy before it destroys us.
2. How might the actions of wealthy Christians in American or Europe be harshly affecting the poor Christians in other parts of the world? How does our sense of entitlement and our materialistic/consumption lifestyles put undue pressure on poorer Christian countries? How has our greed affected the world economy tied to our dollar or our markets? How does cutting the rain forest in South America affect the weather pattern in Africa (droughts)? Are we hurting 'our own' through our greed and consumption? Are we an internal threat in today's Jerusalem to our poorer neighbors? Would Nehemiah call us out publicly today and insist that we stop, and those who don't be shook out by God?
3. What if the greedy financial guys on wall street and the greedy politicians in Washington had to give back all of the money they lost on our behalf by their scheming? What if they had to vow before God to never do it again? You wouldn't have retirees with an empty retirement account or homeowners with no home to live in.
4. What if our elected officials followed Nehemiah's example by being a leader that works to improve the collective situation of the people versus trying to protect their own coffers or agendas? Where does our 'wall' today need to be repaired or rebuilt? What is broken in our security front that must be repaired to ensure our safety? Debt?
5. What if we were all more generous with what God has given us to use? Do we understand that what we have belongs to God and not us? The answer to that question usually determines how generous you are with your resources.
6. How might God remember us? With favor or Judgement? Nehemiah did what he did because he loved God and wanted to please him. He didn't do it because he was just a nice guy or someone with a desire to elevate himself through self-sacrifice. He truly loved the Lord and wanted to serve him. He is looking for his reward in heaven when he sits in the presence of the Lord. He wants to hear from his master that He remembered his faithfulness and is pleased with him.
Nehemiah learns that some wealthy Jews are taking advantage of their poor neighbors by charging them high interest rates. This practice is putting undue pressure on the people to the point that some are being forced to sell their children into slavery.
The people bring their complaints to Nehemiah. Now, Nehemiah is in Jerusalem because God placed the rebuilding of the wall project on his heart, and in the process of rebuilding this wall, the people begin to trust him, and they start to look to him for leadership in other areas, too.
This may or may not be more than he bargained for but the people seem to be looking to him for help. Again, he hears of a situation that makes him angry, just like when he heard the initial report of the destruction in Jerusalem that led him to be even be here in the city. So, Nehemiah once again steps up to the challenge.
He calls a meeting, inviting the people responsible, and lets them know that he knows what they are doing and that it will stop immediately. I think this takes courage on his behalf. These people have been there longer than he, are probably in a higher position than he, and most likely more financially secure. To have the humble new guy rock the boat seems pretty brave to me. Nehemiah can stand firm and courageously because he has both truth and God on his side. Who can stand against that?
It says in verse 8, ... They kept quiet, because they could find nothing to say. There was not defense or rhetorical response because they knew for themselves what they were doing was wrong. These were learned men, they knew the law. Nothing like a public airing out to shame you into changing your ways.
Nehemiah demands them to not only stop the practice but to give back what they took as collateral. He makes them swear not to do it again and asks God to shake out any that do not keep his promise.
I find it interesting that their is no list of consequences given. It you do this...then this will happen. It's not a man made punishment Nehemiah is looking for here. He is invoking God to determine the punishment and carry it out. I don't know about you but I would be very fearful of trying to get away with doing this again.
Later, when Nehemiah is Governor, he is careful to set a good example for others in the way he behaves. It says that he didn't use his stature or position or the resources available to him as Governor to Lord it over the people or at their expense like previous Governors had done. Verse 15 says ... But out of reverence for God I did not act like that. Instead, he and his men were devoted to serving the people rather than prospering themselves.
The rebuilding of the wall is a perfect example of Nehemiah concerned for the whole of the people instead of a few. A rebuilt wall would protect and secure all the people.
Nehemiah was also generous with his resources and with his time with others. What he had was less than other governors but he shared more with the people than his predecessors. Verse 19 reads, Remember me with favor, O my God, for all I have done for these people.
Thoughts after reading this chapter:
1. Has sin in our own lives caused an internal threat to our life? Sometimes it's the enemy within that brings down the house. What might be in our hearts that is manifesting itself in outward sin that maybe we have been ignoring or naively thinking doesn't matter? It would be wise for all of us to examine our own hearts and put to death the internal enemy before it destroys us.
2. How might the actions of wealthy Christians in American or Europe be harshly affecting the poor Christians in other parts of the world? How does our sense of entitlement and our materialistic/consumption lifestyles put undue pressure on poorer Christian countries? How has our greed affected the world economy tied to our dollar or our markets? How does cutting the rain forest in South America affect the weather pattern in Africa (droughts)? Are we hurting 'our own' through our greed and consumption? Are we an internal threat in today's Jerusalem to our poorer neighbors? Would Nehemiah call us out publicly today and insist that we stop, and those who don't be shook out by God?
3. What if the greedy financial guys on wall street and the greedy politicians in Washington had to give back all of the money they lost on our behalf by their scheming? What if they had to vow before God to never do it again? You wouldn't have retirees with an empty retirement account or homeowners with no home to live in.
4. What if our elected officials followed Nehemiah's example by being a leader that works to improve the collective situation of the people versus trying to protect their own coffers or agendas? Where does our 'wall' today need to be repaired or rebuilt? What is broken in our security front that must be repaired to ensure our safety? Debt?
5. What if we were all more generous with what God has given us to use? Do we understand that what we have belongs to God and not us? The answer to that question usually determines how generous you are with your resources.
6. How might God remember us? With favor or Judgement? Nehemiah did what he did because he loved God and wanted to please him. He didn't do it because he was just a nice guy or someone with a desire to elevate himself through self-sacrifice. He truly loved the Lord and wanted to serve him. He is looking for his reward in heaven when he sits in the presence of the Lord. He wants to hear from his master that He remembered his faithfulness and is pleased with him.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Nehemiah - How One Man Made A Difference - Part 4
Chapter 4 of Nehemiah begins with opposition. The opposition in this case were greatly incensed that progress was being made on the rebuilding of the wall.
Here's are some truths I learned from reading this chapter that can apply to our lives today.
1. Success should expect opposition.
When we are doing God's work, you can bet Satan will be incensed at any progress we make. We should expect then that Satan and his hosts will oppose, ridicule, and prey on our fears and inadequacies in every attempt to get us sidetracked or to stop altogether. He will do anything to prevent us from being successful and furthering God's Kingdom. It should be of no surprise to us when we sense these things beginning to happen nor of where they come from and why. So, what are you to do about it?
2. Appeal to God for protection and judgement
Nehemiah didn't waste time fighting the battles with the opposition himself. He prayed to God for help and for judgement on those working against him. He trusted God to remove the obstacles and do what was necessary to keep them moving forward. He stayed focused on the task and kept the people focused as well, allowing God to handle the big stuff. This is a very important point. Let God! Don't try to fight all the battles yourself. God is bigger and better at doing that then we are. When we stop to fight against Satan, we stop working on our task, and Satan is more than happy to engage in battle with us because it keeps us distracted from doing the work of God. It is better to let God handle the battle with Satan because he is capable of winning and we are not.
3. Take counter action
Nehemiah prayed but he also did something to counter the attacks. He didn't ignore that there was a problem or potential problems. He took inventory of what was happening and then implemented counter plans to head off trouble. He was aware and prepared. He didn't hide his head in the sand and just pray for God to remove the obstacles and sit and wait for that to happen. They kept moving forward but with a knowledge and preparedness for what might occur.
4. Don't give into Fear
The people were working very hard and were becoming exhausted. Exhaustion limited their coping and internal resolve and fear set in. Fear can have a very crippling effect. It can cause inaction, freezing you, and preventing you from going on. Fear in this case had the power to stop this project all together. Nehemiah had to recognize what was happening and counter this problem as well. If he would have ignored what was happening within the spirit of the people, the project would have died. He would have lost the peoples ability to continue on. However, he took inventory of the collective spirit of the people and took it seriously. By acknowledging it he was able to counter the direction they were headed and turn them around. How did he do this?
5. Remember who God is
Nehemiah 4:14 After I looked things over, I stood up and said to the nobles, the officials and the rest of the people, "Don't be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your bothers, your sons and your daughters, your wives and you homes."
REMEMBER the things God has already done for you and KNOW that he will do them again. Be strong in the Lord and trust in him.
6. Adjust when necessary
Nehemiah now had to change the work load to help counter the attacks. Again, he didn't just sit and wait for God to stop the opposition they continue on but with an adjusted plan. Half the people worked and the other help served as armed guards. The worked slowed down but it did not stop. The people doing the work felt more secure knowing they were protected.
7. Stay connected as a unit.
Nehemiah 4:19-20 Then I said to the nobles, the officials, and the rest of the people, "The work is extensive and spread out, and we are widely separated from each other along the wall. Whenever you hear the sound of the trumpet, join us there. Our God will fight for us."
Nehemiah got the group together from time to time probably to keep them cohesive, understand the issues they were facing, keep their spirits up, review progress being made, etc. It's important to keep the whole end goal in mind. In life we sometimes think only about our little portion of work and neglect to understand how it fits into the big picture. It's important to not let our little section become more important than the whole. Sometimes we have to sacrifice our part in order to help someone else be successful in their part so the overall project and people are successful. I;m finding this is a key concept in mothering.
8. Work Hard to the End
Just because they had to adjust and make half the men guards didn't mean they slowed down. They just worked harder and longer. They didn't adjust the timeline for completion because of a few obstacles. They buckled down and kept the urgency in tack.
9. Stay alert for trouble
The men understood the plans of the opposition and were alert and diligently watched for the attacks and were prepared! If we know the enemy is coming we should be always watching for him to arrive and be preparing and ready when he comes. Don't be taken off guard and unprepared. This is why being in the Word on a daily basis is so important. It prepares us for battle.
10. All are to be both watchmen and workers
Too often we think of ourselves as workers and that it is not our duty to be watchmen too. Or, we view ourselves has watchmen and we don't empower the workers to to help identify threats. By pigeonholing the people into specific categories you create a weakness that can be penetrated. By expecting each to do both you are more fortified, quicker to identify threats and problems, and quicker to respond to danger. To be successful we all need to be both working and watching out for the best interest of the project.
Finally, here are a few thought provoking follow up questions for you to consider.
1. Where are you letting fear or inadequacy prevent you from starting or finishing a project (especially one God had called you to)?
2. Are you able to identify the threats/dangers and counteract them? Do you turn them over to God and at the same time stay prepared and focused, not giving up or slowing down?
3. How might you apply these principals in your daily life (Work, Family, Church, Community)?
Lord, Thank you for giving us such rich wisdom and Godly examples in your Word so that we may learn to live a Godly life centered on you. Amen
Here's are some truths I learned from reading this chapter that can apply to our lives today.
1. Success should expect opposition.
When we are doing God's work, you can bet Satan will be incensed at any progress we make. We should expect then that Satan and his hosts will oppose, ridicule, and prey on our fears and inadequacies in every attempt to get us sidetracked or to stop altogether. He will do anything to prevent us from being successful and furthering God's Kingdom. It should be of no surprise to us when we sense these things beginning to happen nor of where they come from and why. So, what are you to do about it?
2. Appeal to God for protection and judgement
Nehemiah didn't waste time fighting the battles with the opposition himself. He prayed to God for help and for judgement on those working against him. He trusted God to remove the obstacles and do what was necessary to keep them moving forward. He stayed focused on the task and kept the people focused as well, allowing God to handle the big stuff. This is a very important point. Let God! Don't try to fight all the battles yourself. God is bigger and better at doing that then we are. When we stop to fight against Satan, we stop working on our task, and Satan is more than happy to engage in battle with us because it keeps us distracted from doing the work of God. It is better to let God handle the battle with Satan because he is capable of winning and we are not.
3. Take counter action
Nehemiah prayed but he also did something to counter the attacks. He didn't ignore that there was a problem or potential problems. He took inventory of what was happening and then implemented counter plans to head off trouble. He was aware and prepared. He didn't hide his head in the sand and just pray for God to remove the obstacles and sit and wait for that to happen. They kept moving forward but with a knowledge and preparedness for what might occur.
4. Don't give into Fear
The people were working very hard and were becoming exhausted. Exhaustion limited their coping and internal resolve and fear set in. Fear can have a very crippling effect. It can cause inaction, freezing you, and preventing you from going on. Fear in this case had the power to stop this project all together. Nehemiah had to recognize what was happening and counter this problem as well. If he would have ignored what was happening within the spirit of the people, the project would have died. He would have lost the peoples ability to continue on. However, he took inventory of the collective spirit of the people and took it seriously. By acknowledging it he was able to counter the direction they were headed and turn them around. How did he do this?
5. Remember who God is
Nehemiah 4:14 After I looked things over, I stood up and said to the nobles, the officials and the rest of the people, "Don't be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your bothers, your sons and your daughters, your wives and you homes."
REMEMBER the things God has already done for you and KNOW that he will do them again. Be strong in the Lord and trust in him.
6. Adjust when necessary
Nehemiah now had to change the work load to help counter the attacks. Again, he didn't just sit and wait for God to stop the opposition they continue on but with an adjusted plan. Half the people worked and the other help served as armed guards. The worked slowed down but it did not stop. The people doing the work felt more secure knowing they were protected.
7. Stay connected as a unit.
Nehemiah 4:19-20 Then I said to the nobles, the officials, and the rest of the people, "The work is extensive and spread out, and we are widely separated from each other along the wall. Whenever you hear the sound of the trumpet, join us there. Our God will fight for us."
Nehemiah got the group together from time to time probably to keep them cohesive, understand the issues they were facing, keep their spirits up, review progress being made, etc. It's important to keep the whole end goal in mind. In life we sometimes think only about our little portion of work and neglect to understand how it fits into the big picture. It's important to not let our little section become more important than the whole. Sometimes we have to sacrifice our part in order to help someone else be successful in their part so the overall project and people are successful. I;m finding this is a key concept in mothering.
8. Work Hard to the End
Just because they had to adjust and make half the men guards didn't mean they slowed down. They just worked harder and longer. They didn't adjust the timeline for completion because of a few obstacles. They buckled down and kept the urgency in tack.
9. Stay alert for trouble
The men understood the plans of the opposition and were alert and diligently watched for the attacks and were prepared! If we know the enemy is coming we should be always watching for him to arrive and be preparing and ready when he comes. Don't be taken off guard and unprepared. This is why being in the Word on a daily basis is so important. It prepares us for battle.
10. All are to be both watchmen and workers
Too often we think of ourselves as workers and that it is not our duty to be watchmen too. Or, we view ourselves has watchmen and we don't empower the workers to to help identify threats. By pigeonholing the people into specific categories you create a weakness that can be penetrated. By expecting each to do both you are more fortified, quicker to identify threats and problems, and quicker to respond to danger. To be successful we all need to be both working and watching out for the best interest of the project.
Finally, here are a few thought provoking follow up questions for you to consider.
1. Where are you letting fear or inadequacy prevent you from starting or finishing a project (especially one God had called you to)?
2. Are you able to identify the threats/dangers and counteract them? Do you turn them over to God and at the same time stay prepared and focused, not giving up or slowing down?
3. How might you apply these principals in your daily life (Work, Family, Church, Community)?
Lord, Thank you for giving us such rich wisdom and Godly examples in your Word so that we may learn to live a Godly life centered on you. Amen
Friday, November 6, 2009
Update on Spiritual Battle
The young man I wrote about yesterday has voluntarily checked himself back into a treatment facility.
He shared that he was too ashamed to tell anyone how he was still feeling and he was thankful that the one person he confided in both HEARD him and ACTED on his behalf.
Friends, there is great shame associated with depression. A person doesn't want to feel the way they do but they don't know how to feel anything different. They compare themselves to others who seemingly have no difficulty in their lives and consider themselves failures. It is very difficult to admit that you can't help yourself and even more difficult to ask someone for help when you are feeling so low and worthless. You can convince yourself that no one cares or would understand, so it becomes easier to drown then to reach out for a lifeline.
Again, I believe both of these individuals to have been very brave. I, also, believe God is working in both of their lives and is interceding on their behalf. I can't wait to see how God continues to touch on their lives and what they will do in service to God because of his abundant provision in their lives.
Continue to pray for them and for all those that suffer.
He shared that he was too ashamed to tell anyone how he was still feeling and he was thankful that the one person he confided in both HEARD him and ACTED on his behalf.
Friends, there is great shame associated with depression. A person doesn't want to feel the way they do but they don't know how to feel anything different. They compare themselves to others who seemingly have no difficulty in their lives and consider themselves failures. It is very difficult to admit that you can't help yourself and even more difficult to ask someone for help when you are feeling so low and worthless. You can convince yourself that no one cares or would understand, so it becomes easier to drown then to reach out for a lifeline.
Again, I believe both of these individuals to have been very brave. I, also, believe God is working in both of their lives and is interceding on their behalf. I can't wait to see how God continues to touch on their lives and what they will do in service to God because of his abundant provision in their lives.
Continue to pray for them and for all those that suffer.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Spiritual Warfare For a Stranger's Soul
My daughter called this morning. I could tell by her voice something was wrong.
She shared with me how a former co-worker had recently returned to work after being gone for some time. She was excited he was back. One day while catching up, he shared with her that while he was away he had been in a mental hospital on suicide watch. My daughter having experienced this same situation for herself at one point in her life was very sympathetic and supportive toward him and his plight. He must have sensed she understood because today this young man took a very brave step and consequentially, then my daughter took one, too.
This young man called her today saying he was having very strong urges to kill himself and he just needed to talk to someone.
He was hurting! And despite the very real pain he was in, he made a decision to not isolate himself, and chose instead to reach out to someone. How brave! It is a very brave thing to be vulnerable with another person, to ask someone for help, to be honest with what is going on in your mind. I give this young man so much credit for taking a leap of faith and trying to connect with someone when everything in his being was telling him to just give up. For those who have never gone through this, you cannot imagine how difficult this step was for him.
After talking with him, my daughter called me. I heard the words 'previously on suicide watch' and 'having very strong urges to kill myself' and instantly knew someone needed to get to him NOW!
After asking if she knew any of his family members, I told her she needed to take this very seriously. She needed to call someone in his family and share with them what he told her. Someone who loved him needed to get to him as soon as possible. She immediately followed through with that.
While she was making that connection, I cried and prayed. Actually, I pleaded with God!
You see there have been numerous high school suicides in our area in the last few months. One local high school lost 4 kids in six months to suicide. It has become a very real problem and many are gathering together to figure out how to prevent this from happening. Local churches are even working with public school systems to understand the problem and how to help.
So, I pleaded with God through burning tears that this would not be another lost soul.
I pleaded with God that first of all, someone would get to him immediately so that he would not be alone very long.
I pleaded that God would protect him until someone arrived.
I pleaded that someone would come into his life with the message of hope in Jesus Christ.
I prayed that his pain would not be for nothing and that this was part of his journey in finding Jesus and salvation, not death and eternal damnation.
I begged God to protect him so that Satan would not win this soul.
I asked God to send his guardian angels to gather around him and to keep Satan away from him. I could actually picture this in my mind. The angels were more powerful and Satan was kept out. Satan was mad as hell but he couldn't penetrate or influence the boy any longer.
I just kept weeping and praying for this young man I didn't even know.
The phone rang and scared me half to death. I was so absorbed in engaging God that I had blocked out everything else around me. The ringing phone brought me back to reality. I believe the Holy Spirit was working through me to intercede for this young man, leading me with the sense of urgency and determination needed for battle. I felt like I was in a war and pleading with God for victory. I didn't even know this man but, yet, I was fighting for his life on his behalf. This is the work of the Holy Spirit.
It was my daughter, calling with a report, that she had contacted his aunt (who happens to work at the same place they do). The aunt was at work and said he too was there having just punched in for the day. My daughter was relieved he was okay and around the people who knew him. She proceeded to share with his aunt all that he had shared with her.
This, too, was a very brave thing to do. She was concerned for his safety but also conflicted with the possibility that he might see it as a betrayal of trust and never open up to her again. In her mind, she was risking their friendship. However, there was still a friendship to risk, and more importantly, a friend to rescue and that took precedent. She did the hard thing for a friend, for his own good, even if he didn't see it that way right now.
Our phone call was interrupted by another call she had to take. When she called me back she reported that both the aunt and the owner of the business were sitting with him while waiting for his mother to come. She was able to talk to him and he said he wasn't mad and, in fact, he thanked her.
I have no idea what will come of this situation. I pray those angels stay right where they are and preserve this man's soul until he reaches out for God himself. I believe that God works in the lives of even those who have not yet called on him as Lord, but will someday. I believe that if he is one of God's own, he will be protected.
Please pray for him along with me that Satan does not win this soul. Let us intercede on behalf of a man we do not know but is known by the God we serve. Let us do for him what he cannot do for himself at this point. Pray for his rescue from darkness and the chains that hold him there and for his salvation and freedom in Christ.
I want my daughter to know how proud I am of her for taking this seriously, for saving his life, and giving him a chance at gaining salvation. I know she, too, has suffered in the past, and this could open up wounds with fresh scars, so I ask for prayers for her too.
Let us never take a life for granted - even that of a stranger.
Lord - Thank you for coming through today in a big way and for always being stronger than the enemy. Thank you for displaying your power to my daughter and may this young man someday see that same power for himself in his own life. Please continue to guard and watch over both of these individuals in the days to come. Amen.
She shared with me how a former co-worker had recently returned to work after being gone for some time. She was excited he was back. One day while catching up, he shared with her that while he was away he had been in a mental hospital on suicide watch. My daughter having experienced this same situation for herself at one point in her life was very sympathetic and supportive toward him and his plight. He must have sensed she understood because today this young man took a very brave step and consequentially, then my daughter took one, too.
This young man called her today saying he was having very strong urges to kill himself and he just needed to talk to someone.
He was hurting! And despite the very real pain he was in, he made a decision to not isolate himself, and chose instead to reach out to someone. How brave! It is a very brave thing to be vulnerable with another person, to ask someone for help, to be honest with what is going on in your mind. I give this young man so much credit for taking a leap of faith and trying to connect with someone when everything in his being was telling him to just give up. For those who have never gone through this, you cannot imagine how difficult this step was for him.
After talking with him, my daughter called me. I heard the words 'previously on suicide watch' and 'having very strong urges to kill myself' and instantly knew someone needed to get to him NOW!
After asking if she knew any of his family members, I told her she needed to take this very seriously. She needed to call someone in his family and share with them what he told her. Someone who loved him needed to get to him as soon as possible. She immediately followed through with that.
While she was making that connection, I cried and prayed. Actually, I pleaded with God!
You see there have been numerous high school suicides in our area in the last few months. One local high school lost 4 kids in six months to suicide. It has become a very real problem and many are gathering together to figure out how to prevent this from happening. Local churches are even working with public school systems to understand the problem and how to help.
So, I pleaded with God through burning tears that this would not be another lost soul.
I pleaded with God that first of all, someone would get to him immediately so that he would not be alone very long.
I pleaded that God would protect him until someone arrived.
I pleaded that someone would come into his life with the message of hope in Jesus Christ.
I prayed that his pain would not be for nothing and that this was part of his journey in finding Jesus and salvation, not death and eternal damnation.
I begged God to protect him so that Satan would not win this soul.
I asked God to send his guardian angels to gather around him and to keep Satan away from him. I could actually picture this in my mind. The angels were more powerful and Satan was kept out. Satan was mad as hell but he couldn't penetrate or influence the boy any longer.
I just kept weeping and praying for this young man I didn't even know.
The phone rang and scared me half to death. I was so absorbed in engaging God that I had blocked out everything else around me. The ringing phone brought me back to reality. I believe the Holy Spirit was working through me to intercede for this young man, leading me with the sense of urgency and determination needed for battle. I felt like I was in a war and pleading with God for victory. I didn't even know this man but, yet, I was fighting for his life on his behalf. This is the work of the Holy Spirit.
It was my daughter, calling with a report, that she had contacted his aunt (who happens to work at the same place they do). The aunt was at work and said he too was there having just punched in for the day. My daughter was relieved he was okay and around the people who knew him. She proceeded to share with his aunt all that he had shared with her.
This, too, was a very brave thing to do. She was concerned for his safety but also conflicted with the possibility that he might see it as a betrayal of trust and never open up to her again. In her mind, she was risking their friendship. However, there was still a friendship to risk, and more importantly, a friend to rescue and that took precedent. She did the hard thing for a friend, for his own good, even if he didn't see it that way right now.
Our phone call was interrupted by another call she had to take. When she called me back she reported that both the aunt and the owner of the business were sitting with him while waiting for his mother to come. She was able to talk to him and he said he wasn't mad and, in fact, he thanked her.
I have no idea what will come of this situation. I pray those angels stay right where they are and preserve this man's soul until he reaches out for God himself. I believe that God works in the lives of even those who have not yet called on him as Lord, but will someday. I believe that if he is one of God's own, he will be protected.
Please pray for him along with me that Satan does not win this soul. Let us intercede on behalf of a man we do not know but is known by the God we serve. Let us do for him what he cannot do for himself at this point. Pray for his rescue from darkness and the chains that hold him there and for his salvation and freedom in Christ.
I want my daughter to know how proud I am of her for taking this seriously, for saving his life, and giving him a chance at gaining salvation. I know she, too, has suffered in the past, and this could open up wounds with fresh scars, so I ask for prayers for her too.
Let us never take a life for granted - even that of a stranger.
Lord - Thank you for coming through today in a big way and for always being stronger than the enemy. Thank you for displaying your power to my daughter and may this young man someday see that same power for himself in his own life. Please continue to guard and watch over both of these individuals in the days to come. Amen.
Governor Schwarzenegger Places Special Interests Before California Students by Signing Harvey Milk Bill - Christian Newswire
Governor Schwarzenegger Places Special Interests Before California Students by Signing Harvey Milk Bill - Christian Newswire
If my children went to public school in California, I would keep my kids home on May 22nd, EVERY YEAR!
If my children went to public school in California, I would keep my kids home on May 22nd, EVERY YEAR!
Monday, November 2, 2009
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