Fear Not

(Editor's note:  Originally published in 2009)

“So do not be afraid of them. There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs. Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” Matthew 10:26-30 (NIV)

My maternal grandmother, Hattie Eddy, used to say, “They can kill ya, but they can’t eat ya.” Now, a statement such as this conjured up somewhat disturbing images in my young and impressionable mind, even though it was said with a twinkle in her eye and was intended to calm me over some turmoil in my life. It was Grandma’s way of saying, “Don’t be troubled over what the world dishes out. It can’t hurt you.” Looking back, I can now see that the world made her life miserable at times. She raised nine children during the Depression, had lost a daughter in a drowning accident and a few in childbirth, and the lack of money brought burdens she couldn’t control. Yet, she never failed to have a smile on her face, a laugh in her eyes, and a warm embrace for her beloved family. The world may have attempted to “kill” her, but she knew that it couldn’t consume her heart and soul that God had lovingly prepared for the life she endured.

We’ve all been afraid at one time or another. The world charges in and exerts its influence, causing our hearts to falter in our attempts to bear what it brings. If we allow it to overcome us, we panic and become desperate, often conforming to its demands just to make life easier. Our fears prevent us from taking that step of faith, from giving the Gospel to the lost, and putting aside our own comforts to help those less fortunate. All too often, we forget the words that Jesus told His disciples in preparation for what would come. We fail to remember how precious and dear we are to Him, how much more valued we are, and of our “worth” in His sight.

It is hard to imagine that we do have “worth”. In our fallen and sinful state, our disobedience and rejection of Jesus, it still amazes me that God would find any value in us. However, I am reminded by Charles H. Spurgeon that God loves us simply because He loves us. There is no other explanation. God is love: infinite, immutable, faithful, merciful, and unconditional. His reasons are solely His own and I dare not question His motive. Rather, I grab hold of it and cling to it as if He were my very lifeline, keeping me from drowning in a sea of sin and damnation. I embrace the knowledge that He loves me and is making me into what He would have me be out of a love purer than my imagination can summon forth; a love that whispers to me in the darkness and tells me not to fear, “For I will never leave you nor forsake you.” I will never fully understand His love for me until I stand before Him face-to-face and am completely enveloped in it for all eternity.

So, let the world bring what it may. Let it charge in, baring its teeth in an attempt to consume me. Let fear that rides in on the tides of life be washed back to the sea from whence it came. I will faithfully stand on the promise Jesus made to His disciples, and the one my Grandma gave me. The world may kill the body, but will never have the soul. It belongs to Him, and only Him and no other may have it.

“So do not fear, for I am with you;

Do not be dismayed, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you and help you;

I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”

Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)

Copyright 2006 Karen L. Brahs

Listen...

I am listening to the music of the rain.  As it falls from the gray skies that have enveloped my mountain valley, the patter of its drops fall from the roof onto the ground below.  The nourishment it brings is welcomed by the earth as it soaks deeply into the ground and replenishes the life-giving soil.

I won't complain about the chill in the air, the mud the dog brings in on her little feet, or the droplets she carries into the house on her back.  She smiles at me as she shakes them onto the floor as if to say, "You don't mind if I bring a little in with me, do you?", then makes her odd little circles over the top of her rug before curling into a smaller shape to warm her body.  I clean up any footprints or raindrop spatters that have reached the cabinets and smile back at her.  Today I don't mind.  I am listening to the rain.

The rain is my music.  Its melody is gentle and soothing, reminding me of the continuing providence the earth and its inhabitants faithfully receive.  In the days and weeks to come, there will be a different music played from the heavens.  It will be the music of sunshine and heat the summer will bring; of the occasional thunderstorm that perches atop the mountains surrounding my home, its booming bass drums and timpani echoing back and forth across the valley floor, the lightening flashing its brilliance like crashing cymbals bringing the symphony to its glorious conclusion.  The cadence of life passing by as in a dream will play upon my soul as I listen to the musical laughter of my grandchildren freed from the constraints of school and relishing the days of warmth and frolic.

There is much more music coming, but today, I am listening to the rain.  Verses begin to flood my mind, feeding my soul like the waters feed the earth.

“And if you will indeed obey my commandments that I command you today, to love the Lord your God, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul, he will give the rain for your land in its season, the early rain and the later rain, that you may gather in your grain and your wine and your oil.   And he will give grass in your fields for your livestock, and you shall eat and be full."

Deut. 11:13-15

  “Give ear, O heavens, and I will speak,
    and let the earth hear the words of my mouth.  May my teaching drop as the rain,
    my speech distill as the dew,
like gentle rain upon the tender grass,
    and like showers upon the herb.  For I will proclaim the name of the Lord;
    ascribe greatness to our God!"

 Deut. 32:1-3

 "Behold, God is great, and we know him not;
    the number of his years is unsearchable.  For he draws up the drops of water;
    they distill his mist in rain, which the skies pour down
    and drop on mankind abundantly."

Job 36:26-28

 "May they fear you while the sun endures,
    and as long as the moon, throughout all generations!   

May he be like rain that falls on the mown grass,
    like showers that water the earth! 

In his days may the righteous flourish,
    and peace abound, till the moon be no more!"

Psalm 72:5-7

  Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving;
    make melody to our God on the lyre!

He covers the heavens with clouds;
    he prepares rain for the earth;
    he makes grass grow on the hills.

Psalm 147:7-8

"But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven.  For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust."

Matthew 5:44-45

I know the music of the rain will soon cease and the sign of God's enduring covenant will shine brightly in the sky (Gen 9:8-17).  From one side of my valley to the next, the bow will gleam with vibrant colors of promise, a glorious display in the heavens that will stop even the hardest heart as it gazes upon it in wonder and awe.  The melody that issues forth from the bow will pierce the eye and flow into the heart that desires understanding of the One who placed it there.  That is its purpose and its music will not go unnoticed.

Today I am listening to the music of the rain.  It is carrying me along with its gentle bars of praise and worship, and its heavenly melody is filling my soul.

Tomorrow there will be a different song from heaven.  But for now, I will rest to the musical tones of the rain falling upon my heart.

Do you hear the music?

Al Mohler: Live Dangerously

Editor's note:  I first published this in September of 2010.  The depth to which Albert Mohler took my mind, heart, and soul was profound then, and it remains to this day that the message contained within this post is timeless.

On April 18th, Dr. Thomas White, Director of The Voice of the Martyrs, took his own life.  The reason and circumstances are not important, for only God and Dr. White know the truths behind what we see as a senseless act.  Some will remember him for the end of his life, choosing to build their own story on hearsay and rumor.  In the days to come, bloggers will sensationalize, theorize, and in their own words, either memorialize Dr. White's tireless work, or wrongly tear him down and condemn his final action without truly knowing the circumstances.

It is my belief that we should remain silent.  What may or may not have transpired prior to that ultimate moment of decision by Dr. White is not our concern and he is no longer here to defend himself.  What is done is done, regardless of the motivation that drove him to suicide.  In spite of what some are saying or intimating, only God knew his heart and the reality or truth of his salvation.  In silence, I will leave Dr. White's eternal destination to Him.

As I re-watched this video and listened to Albert Mohler's words, it reminded me of Tom White and his devotion to living dangerously.  I have been a follower and supporter of The Voice of the Martyrs for over a decade.  There was never a time when I would read his opening letter in the monthly newsletter that he would not move and inspire me with his words.  The places he traveled to, often under secrecy, were hostile to the message he was attempting to bring and to maintain it in the hearts of those living in such conditions.  The people he met and prayed with were like those Albert Mohler speaks of: faithful servants, bold, fearless, and persecuted for their love of Jesus Christ.

If Tom White was driven, the road he walked upon was paved with Grace and the LORD directed his feet to deliver the Good News of salvation to a dangerous world.  Although I did not know him, I would prefer to remember him this way and I will continue to praise God for placing men such as Tom White upon this road, a man who was willing to face whatever peril may come, and face it fearlessly.

I would like to dedicate this video to Dr. Tom White and to his precious family, friends, and colleagues who are grieving over their loss.  I pray that he as at peaceful rest with his God and that I may one day meet him and the martyrs he served.

Karen 

And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation."

Mark 16:15

How willing are you to give your all for God; to live dangerously, forsaking every comfort, every security, even to the point of death?

Many have made such great sacrifice.  There is no shortage of stories told of brave men and women who fearlessly walked out into the world for the sake of the Gospel.  The Holy Spirit whispered, "Go," and they faithfully obeyed.  The fruits of their labor were proven as they whispered to the lost, "Come."  And heaven rejoiced, the angels sang, and the Lord smiled as the harvest was laid at His feet.

There are still nations of people spread across the earth who have not yet heard of their Savior Jesus Christ.  But it is not necessary for us to travel to the four corners of the earth in search of them.  The lost also dwell in our neighborhoods, our families, and our own nation.

The opportunities have been given to us.  Yet, it is up to us to make the choice to risk everything for the One Who gave us everything.  Those in the darkest nations who have chosen to give their all to God know the dangerous consequences of their faithfulness.  They know the cost is great and that they will suffer loss and even death for their witness.  Yet, they continue to walk out into their neighborhoods with the Gospel of Jesus Christ in their hearts and on their lips, in spite of what may come.

When the time arrives that we who live in safety and security face the same persecution, will we be as faithful?  Will we be as bold, willing to live dangerously for the sake of Jesus Christ?  There will come a time when we will have to make a choice; a choice to heed the whispered words of God and yield to His gentle prodding.  His Gospel is in need of being heard.  His sheep are in need of gathering.  And workers are needed to help bring in His harvest.

The time to choose to live dangerously for God is now, while there is still time left.

Holding Our Children Accountable

I was poking around my blog this morning and noticed that a visitor had read a post that I published back in June of 2011, entitled "Just Wait Until Your Father Gets Home!"  I had written it a couple of years before that and it was just waiting for an opportune time.  It seems today is another one of those moments as I reflected on what I had written and the state of today's youth.

As I re-read my article, it conjured up a slew of crime news articles I have read over the last few years that involved children from very young ages to teenagers bordering on becoming adults.  Their offenses covered a broad spectrum, ranging from insolence, disobedience, and taking joy rides in their parents' cars to senseless murder.

Of course the secular world is unable to understand the reasoning behind such acts.  After all, they are just kids and kids don't do those kinds of things without a reason, right?   They prefer to point the blame towards society's inability to understand them and their needs, or stamp the latest new psychological label to excuse their behavior on their forehead (if there isn't one that explains away the action, they will create a new label for you).  The child becomes the victim, instead of the person to whom the crime was committed against; making excuses for his actions instead of making him accountable for them.  It's much easier to just prescribe a pill to dull the sense of right and wrong, or place them in secular counseling that has the inability to understand sin and never teaches the truth behind cause and effect.  That way, we won't have to be held personally responsible.  We can blame it on some thing or someone else.

Considering this, it is no wonder our kids are confused and unable to differentiate between what is acceptable and what is not.

Perhaps they are victims in a sense.  However, they have been victimized by unconcerned and uninvolved parents and a humanistic society who have failed them in the harshest way possible.  All too often, they have been raised in a home that's void of God and His instructions on parenting and the warnings He has given parents for failing to raise their children properly.  They are left alone to figure out their place in the social structure, making their own choices without considering the consequences, and a large segment of them are growing up on the mean streets that contradicts the definition of a "civil society."  For many of them, crime is commonplace and a way of life; a way to gain position, recognition, acceptance, to fill their pockets with money to buy worthless and meaningless objects in an attempt to "better" their lives, and to fill that void they have in their lives by making them appear to have value in society.

Our churches are also to blame for the postmodern theology and/or lack of sound and Biblical teaching and guidance that has permeated the pulpit.  Far too many youth pastors are playing church with the kids, engaging them in nonsensical and often spiritually dangerous activities, rather than teaching them what it means to love, obey, and serve God.  They are miserably failing to equip them to face the challenges they will meet.   Sadly, the results of these failures are what we are seeing and reading in today's headlines.

When kids are left to themselves, the possibility of them becoming adults with worse attitude and behavioral problems increases.  All one has to do is read the headlines to see the number of men and women incarcerated inside our prisons for varying crimes against humankind.  There is an endless parade of them and only a handful learn anything from their actions and the time they spend behind bars and go on to lead productive lives.  Because of overcrowding within the prison system, our streets are littered with early-release castoffs looking for their next unsuspecting victim.

Even those who give the appearance of living what the world considers a "normal" and "decent"  life have often accomplished their goals using sinful tactics.  Lying is now accepted as a minor offense, if it's even considered to be one. It is now called "not being completely honest" by politicians and pundits, setting a fine example for our children to learn from.  Cheating is commonplace.  Stealing is downplayed if it's just a "small and insignificant" item.  Morals and values have decreased so dramatically to call them almost nonexistent.  Self has overruled what is best for others and society as a whole.  Honesty in business and personal dealings is a rarity.

All of these ills of society began somewhere and, if we would be honest, we know where to point the blame: ourselves and our ignorant willingness to allow the secular world to define proper and improper behavior in our children and how we should and shouldn't deal with it.  But in today's litigious climate, we find ourselves fearful of reprisal should the parents of the wayward child feel their precious baby suffered emotional harm.  Because of this, the community often turns a blind eye to what is going on around them when it concerns the activities of our youth, afraid of stepping forward and offering the child and his parents a better way.   The result is a community of rebellious youths searching for the thing they, as children, desired the most:  guidance off the path of destruction, and a clear demonstration by the adults in their lives that they are loved.

Although we hate to admit it as we gaze upon a newborn infant, children are born sinful.  They are empty vessels that need filled with Godly wisdom and instruction. (Psalm 12:8; Psalm 14:2; Psalm 57:4)  And they need to be disciplined using God's example when it is necessary (Psalm 34:11).  I deeply admire and respect the parents who love their child so much they made him stand on a street corner with a sign announcing his sin for all the world to see.  It may seem hard and cruel to some who cry, "You shouldn't humiliate him like that!  He's only a child!"  After watching the news video regarding the boy in this post's photo, and hearing his father explain why he made him do it, the lesson was learned and I am confident this young man is being taught Godly values.  One day he will be an adult and his father is counting on that small and possibly embarrassing lesson to help keep his son on the strait and narrow so that he grows up to be the man he wants him to be.

We have One Person that we are responsible to.  God has graciously and lovingly loaned us the privilege of raising a child for Him.  Don't fail Him.  "Train up a child in the way he should go;  even when he is old he will not depart from it." ~ Prov. 22:6 ESV

If parents - and, I might add, grandparents - would apply this tidbit of Godly wisdom in rearing their children, there would be a lot less in the news for us to groan about and grieve over.  Our children would then become the responsible and respectful adults we desire them to be, even if it means forcing them to stand on a street corner with a sign that publicly announces his offense against God.

Allow God to lead you in your home and more important, ask Him to lead you in raising your children (or grandchildren) and guiding them the way you should.  Spend a great deal of time talking to them.  Discover for yourself who their peers are and what they are also involved in.  Closely monitor your child's behavior and look for the warning signs that trouble may be coming.  Don't let someone else raise them for you.  Their values and morals may not reflect your own.  Instruct your children on the things that are most important in life.  Not those new $200 shoes, the big fancy car, or how much money is in their pockets.  But what Scripture tells us to value: a right relationship with God and His Son and the life that awaits us with riches untold.  Teach them what it means to sin against God and the consequences it can bring, both in this world and the next.  And don't downplay what appears to be a minor offense, for there is no such thing in the big scheme of things.

Most important, hold your children accountable for their actions so that, as they grow, you can be assured they won't depart from the things you have taught them.  By doing so, the sign on the street corner won't be necessary.  You will be saving your child from a lifetime of trouble and sparing yourself and the rest of us a world of worry and grief.

Sanctify Me

Sanctify me, O Sovereign LORD, as much as you are able this wretch saved by Your grace.

Make my thoughts captive to Your thoughts.


Cause every action I make to reflect Your own. 
With every step I take, draw me closer to You.


Use my pen to glorify Yourself.  Let Your holiness and righteousness shine forth from these humble pages.  May the light of Your Son that deeply dwells within me shine forth upon those lost in darkness.
 
 
When my mouth utters words, let them always be seasoned with the salt of Your Word and Your Gospel of salvation, penetrating the very marrow of unbelief in the hearts of others and drawing them to Yourself.


And may the time you have allotted me on this earth be pleasing in Your sight so that my 

"whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our LORD Jesus Christ."  (1Thess 5:23)

"Kony 2012" : Whose Right Is It To Right A Wrong?

 (Editor's note:  I have purposely chosen not to link the "Kony 2012" video or anything related to Joseph Kony.  It is my belief that he has already received more notoriety than he deserves.  The only links provided are an article from Tim Challies who was asked to respond to the video, and also one from a survivor of Kony's atrocities (see below for both links), and that also reinforces my position on this "charity.")

I am pretty confident that most, if not all, of my readers have either heard of or watched the "Kony 2012" video that has gone viral on YouTube.  It was recently reported that within mere days, around 60 million people had viewed it.  And if you are like me, you experienced tremendous grief over the plight of the men, women, and children in Uganda who are subjected to this brutal and evil man.

The atrocities Joseph Kony has committed under the name of God certainly must have brought you outrage, greatly offending your moral compass.  You understand that the "Lord's Resistance Army" is an abomination to God and does not line up with his nature, character, or righteousness anymore than that of other cults and those who usurp His holy name for their own twisted and wicked ideologies.

At the video's conclusion,  your reaction probably lined up with the millions of other viewers.  All of the emotions that overwhelmed you while watching it caused you to rise in indignation and disgust and alignment with the movement to rid the world of Joseph Kony as quickly as possible and by using whatever means necessary.  Many of you responded to the producers' request to unite with them, send in your "few dollars," and hunt Kony down like the rabid dog that he is.

And that is exactly what the producers of this video desired, and it is exactly the response they received from the majority of those who watched it.

Although I have known about Joseph Kony for a few years, and his viciousness towards subjecting the people of Uganda to him through brutality and terror, my reaction was slightly different than what I describe above.  In the past, I would have gladly expressed my outrage by joining with those who want him brought to justice, even by taking his life.  But because of who I now am, a true child of God, there was a bit of discomfort that nagged at the back of my mind over "Invisible Children[s]" agenda and how they were working to see it accomplished.

I attempted to express this discomfort on Facebook.  Unfortunately, I seemed to stand alone.  The point I was trying to make was lost amidst the impact the video had made.  What appeared overtly wrong about it was ignored, even by those who share in my faith and belief.  Below is the post I shared with my Facebook friends, many who are brothers and sisters in Christ:

I've been watching the "Kony 2012" video go around FB for the last couple of days and, after reading comments on it, decided to watch the video. Before you rush to judgment and condemn me for what I am about to say, please consider a few things:

1. Am I appalled over what this man stands for and is doing to the children of Uganda? YES, VEHEMENTLY SO!!

2. Do I wish and pray that he would be arrested and brought to justice and his brutality stopped? YES, VEHEMENTLY SO!!

My heart bleeds for these children and the horrors they have suffered through this twisted and God-less man's ideology! My secret hope is that he would be found and forced to greatly suffer himself. But I have another question for all who may be considering joining in this effort:

Where is Jesus Christ and His Gospel in this? As he wept over his brother and yearned to see him again one day in heaven, was "Jacob" told that he would if he held tightly to his faith and trusted in his Savior? Although it was obvious that in his life someone had planted that seed, I didn't hear it reinforced. I only heard that man has the ability to change this world and bring this wicked and evil man to justice. I saw altruism and those whose voices I would never listen to because of their liberal ideologies and unbelief.

I didn't hear the Holy Spirit's voice. I only heard man's.

"Jesus said, “Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands, for my sake and for the gospel, who will not receive a hundredfold now in this time, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and in the age to come eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last first.” ~ Mark 10:29-31

" Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised— who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written,

“For your sake we are being killed all the day long;
we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.”

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord." ~ Rom 8:34-39

"But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong." ~ 2Cor 12:9-10

"Let us therefore strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience. For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account." ~ Heb 4:11-13

"So when God desired to show more convincingly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeable character of his purpose, he guaranteed it with an oath, so that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us. We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek." ~ Heb 6:17-20

"Because you have kept my word about patient endurance, I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world, to try those who dwell on the earth. I am coming soon. Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown. The one who conquers, I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God. Never shall he go out of it, and I will write on him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down from my God out of heaven, and my own new name." ~ Rev. 3:10-12

May God have mercy on these children and may His justice come swiftly with all accordance to His perfect will, and for His honor and His glory.

After carefully selecting and reading a few recent commentaries and opinions on this video, I am relieved that I am not the only one who experienced nagging discomfort and doubt over whether or not we, as Christians, should be involved.  Just because what we hear or see is beyond our imaginations and compassion does not make it immediately worthy of our participation.  We should never allow our emotions to dictate what "causes" we throw our money, energy, and time at, especially when that voice of reason or conviction is heard.  As Tim Challies (click to read his article) encouraged all of us to do:  "breathe."  Take plenty of time to pause, pray, and listen.

I did.  And it was well worth the time it took to do so.

Please take a moment to read a short post entitled "Kony 2012: A Survivor's Perspective."  Because he and his family have lived through the barbarism Kony has inflicted, the author expresses himself in ways that I am incapable of doing.  And the most beautiful part of his letter is his undying belief in the LORD Jesus Christ and how HE expects him to react to this video:

The solution to our problem is not to capture Kony but to help us continue in this process of healing, the thought of capturing Kony arouses more anger, more pain and feelings of revenge that are unbiblical. In fact if you asked me ten years ago what I would do with Kony if I captured him, I would revenge all the evil he has brought on my family. Now I realize that revenge is for God, I personally have handed Kony over to God. The gospel of Jesus has helped me over come these feelings, the thought of arresting Kony arouses sin in me, reminds me of how hopeless I am and how people do not understand me. ~ Kilama Dennis

Instead of rushing out to support this group's altruistic efforts to rid the world of Kony's barbaric cruelty, we should be employing the tools that God has given us and that He expects His children to use.  The Gospel of Jesus Christ should be shared with those who are in fear and living in trials, tribulation, and persecution.  They need to hear from us that there is only ONE Who has the absolute right to right the wrongs committed against humanity.

Kilama Dennis understands that vengeance belongs solely to God.  Because of his relationship with Jesus Christ, he knows that we should never take up our own gauntlets and swords, seeking our own justice and proclaiming that victory is ours.  In spite of what he and his family were subjected to, Kilama has given it all over to God to deal with men like Kony, knowing that God's justice will be exacted with swiftness and finality when the time comes.

 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”  To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.”

Romans 12:19-20

The founders of "Invisible Children" apparently want just the opposite.  Their desire is for justice to be meted out immediately on their terms and using violent means, if necessary. I have no idea if any of them are Christians, but they are attempting to sway the hearts and minds of believers to ignore God's mandate and take matters into our own hands.  God certainly can use situations like this to bring justice.  But I am thinking this isn't one of those times.

Because we understand God's clear and precise instructions of just who is allowed to seek vengeance, our prayers should reflect those of Jeremiah's:

"O Lord of hosts, who tests the righteous,
     who sees the heart and the mind,
let me see Your vengeance upon them,
    for to You have I committed my cause."

Jeremiah 20:12

...of David's:

O Lord, God of vengeance,
    O God of vengeance, shine forth!
Rise up, O judge of the earth;
    repay to the proud what they deserve! 

O Lord, how long shall the wicked,
    how long shall the wicked exult?

Psalm 94:1-3

...and of Isaiah's:

Strengthen the weak hands,
    and make firm the feeble knees.

Say to those who have an anxious heart,
    “Be strong; fear not!
Behold, your God
    will come with vengeance,
with the recompense of God.
    He will come and save you.”

 

Isaiah 35:3-4

By now you are probably saying that I believe we should never defend the defenseless, or that we Christians should isolate ourselves from the world and all that is happening.  If that is your assessment, you are wrong.  What I am saying is that the world needs to know their Savior.  They need to know that there is nothing to fear that man can bring because, if they know Him, He has their back.

Because Jesus Christ or His Gospel of forgiveness, salvation, and eternal life was never mentioned in the video, the producers are doing a great disservice to Him and to the world, not to mention turning believers away from His Word and giving precious dollars to what may not be something we should involve ourselves in, instead of supporting the work He has determined for us.  The people of Uganda need Jesus Christ, not George Clooney, Bill Gates, or a myriad of other "do-gooders" who allow their reputation, voice, and image to be used to further "causes."

I might also note that we must always remember that NO ONE is beyond redemption.  As distasteful as it seems, even the likes of Joseph Kony.  Our God will make that determination, not us.

In the meantime, pray for the safety of the people of Uganda and for the Gospel to be broadcast upon their hearts.  If you are unswayed by what I have written and want to support "Invisible Children," pray your donations go to bring healing and to restore hope to the hopeless that have suffered under Kony.

I think this is the most that Kilama Dennis and his people can hope for through the efforts of "Kony 2012."

Coming Soon To a Church Near You!

After six weeks of familiarizing myself and maneuvering my way through the Movie Maker program that is on my computer, frustration over mistakes I made, major disappointment accompanied by utter disbelief when I lost the entire video on my first attempt to save it as a permanent file, forcing me to recreate the entire thing in two days so I could get it to Beka...and a WHOLE lot of prayer...

...the story of Wongani's Hope is now on video!

My husband, Steve, also worked tirelessly to add 32 voice-overs to the project.  Needless to say, there were many re-takes to get it as close to perfect as we could with a microphone at the kitchen table instead of a sound studio.  As he read through the script I had created, he would often find himself shedding tears as emotions rushed over him, even though he knew the story as well as his own.  I would smile, say "cut," and we would give it another go.  Many prayers were uttered in the making of this video.  But even more amazing were the lessons we received from the LORD as we attempted to create it.  Patience and perseverance brought it to its completion.  God is, indeed, good - all of the time!

The problems didn't stop there, however.  We discovered more when it was finally burned onto a disc.  What we thought was a flawless recording proved to be completely dependent upon my computer's mood.  Although there were a couple of "digital blips" I kept trying to  eliminate (regardless of the number of times I re-saved the file trying to do so, and that kept showing up in different locations), God finally gave us that flawless file.  But not until He decided it was time.

Last night, after two failed attempts to get it posted onto YouTube, my third attempt was successful!  The world can now watch Beka's and Anna's story in living color on YouTube and see the progress that has been made on building the toddler house.

Steven Spielberg we ain't, but we hope the video will tell their story in such a way that you get a better feel for what Beka and Anna are attempting to do in Malawi and the things they have accomplished to date.  It was created to help Beka gain recognition for their work and to offer to churches and organizations who may have the heart to become involved in her fund raising efforts.

Please take 17 minutes and 52 seconds to watch it.  After you do, we are hoping that you will share the video with others so that they, too, can see the amazing work the LORD is doing through these two wonderful women, and unite with us as we joyfully watch God's will completed through them.

If you haven't yet visited my other blog, Wongani's Hope, I pray this video will encourage you to do so.   Only a small portion of Beka's and Anna's story is represented here, and you can fill in the blanks by reading their entire story on the blog.  You won't be disappointed! 

Enjoy!  And please let us know how we did!

A Small, But Necessary, Piece of Real Estate

Fear is a faith destroyer.

I am not talking about a healthy fear, that which speaks of fearing the LORD "with trembling" (Psalm 2:11; 19:9; 22:23; and a multitude of other verses scattered throughout the entire Bible).  Any true Christian understands that principled teaching.  If you don't, perhaps it's time to look for another church.

The type of fear I am speaking of is the destructive kind.  Every one of us can point to a specific time in our lives where it threatened to undermine our faith.  If you can't, I want to know your secret.  Personally, my life has been full of moments where I let it override my trust in God.  And when a person loosens their hold on their ability to trust Him, fear can consume you.

Fear of what life can or is bringing you can weaken the foundation of your faith.  The feeling it brings can be similar to standing in the surf and sensing the sand wash away from under your feet.  Grain by grain, the footing you had is slowly eroded by the onslaught of the waves, until you feel as though you are sinking.  If you stand there long enough, your feet become mired down in the constant motion, making it harder and harder to pull yourself free.  It is then that the healthy fear should kick in, lest you become a permanent fixture of remorse, despair, or anxiousness, forever cementing you in its grip (Psalm 69:14).

Whether you are experiencing fears of joblessness and a dwindling bank account, health concerns for you or others, or the unknown coming around the next corner, remember that there is a Rock firmly placed on that ever-changing shoreline.  It has been divinely placed there for times such as these.  And it has a purpose: to give you a solid and secure footing when trials and tribulations come upon you and threaten to destroy your faith.

It seems I have to be reminded more and more of this, lately.  I am always thinking that my life could be much better.  But, I am eternally grateful that God has been patient with me.  

When I attempt to step off the Rock of faith and trust and onto the unsettled sands of this troubled world, He faithfully and gently steers me back onto it.  And once I am again securely there, He is then able to take me back to when I first learned of grace-saving faith and what it meant to trust Him.

I want to keep my feet firmly planted on that small piece of real estate, especially when I forget what it cost God to purchase it for me, allowing my fears to undermine that precious truth.

And while I am at it, being reminded of my former self and taking a moment to talk with Him about it is also a good thing.

"Be gracious to me, O God, according to Your lovingkindness;
According to the greatness of Your compassion blot out my transgressions.
Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity
And cleanse me from my sin.
For I know my transgressions,
And my sin is ever before me.
Against You, You only, I have sinned
And done what is evil in Your sight,
So that You are justified when You speak
And blameless when You judge.

Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity,
And in sin my mother conceived me.
Behold, You desire truth in the innermost being,
And in the hidden part You will make me know wisdom.
Purify me with hyssop, and I shall be clean;  

Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
Make me to hear joy and gladness,
Let the bones which You have broken rejoice.
Hide Your face from my sins
And blot out all my iniquities. 

Create in me a clean heart, O God,
And renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Do not cast me away from Your presence
And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of Your salvation
And sustain me with a willing spirit.
Then I will teach transgressors Your ways,
And sinners will be converted to You.

Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, the God of my salvation;
Then my tongue will joyfully sing of Your righteousness.
O Lord, open my lips,
That my mouth may declare Your praise.
For You do not delight in sacrifice, otherwise I would give it;
You are not pleased with burnt offering.
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;
A broken and a contrite heart, O God, You will not despise.

By Your favor do good to Zion;
Build the walls of Jerusalem.
Then You will delight in righteous sacrifices,
In burnt offering and whole burnt offering;
Then young bulls will be offered on Your altar."

Psalm 51 (NASB)

The Mistake of Reading Between the Lines

  "Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person."

Colossians 4:6

How often do you find yourself in the position of being misunderstood?

You attempt to make a point on a specific issue but discover that your words failed and others misconstrued what you were trying to say.  Instead of accepting your statement or question at face value and replying logically and with reason, they look for unspoken and hidden agendas behind your words.

The responses you get can vary.  You are either seen as lacking knowledge, judgmental, self-righteous, arrogant, hateful, or a host of other accusations.  If you attempt to continue to drive home your point by reorganizing your words, what you thought was only a soul-searching question can erupt into a full-blown argument.   In order to avoid that result, you walk away discouraged and defeated, dropping your point into the ash heap of unanswered and unresolved societal or spiritual conflicts.

It is understood that we don't all think alike when it comes to our world view and, unfortunately, that is even evident in how we express our faith.  Each of us are built in different ways, and the most revealing of that truth is when we attempt to discuss spiritual matters with others.  We won't always agree on everything that grabs our attention, but at least we can choose to respectfully consider what others are attempting to convey.  And the best way we can do that is by not inserting something into the discussion that was never intended to be there.

A recent conversation with a dear and beloved brother in Christ made me realize that I am not alone in this problem.  He is also experiencing it.  The problem we both have faced is that negative reactions and condemnation can come from Christian family members and/or friends.  He was accused of being "too devoted" to Christ (I was stunned.  Is there such a thing?!).  It was subtly insinuated that I was being hateful and not understanding how God works through others (at least, it appeared to be aimed at me).  We expect to get negative reactions from the secular world.  But when we are called to task by a professing Christian who has misunderstood what it is we are attempting to reveal, it becomes a bigger problem.  The end result can be painful for those of us who are only trying to bring certain things to light, things that may have a direct or indirect effect on others and how they view them, and asking others to consider our point and respectfully inject their own thoughts.

However, what is even more troubling is when our point is understood and we then find ourselves being preached at, directly or indirectly, for asking it in the first place.  I am not perfect, and if the issue at hand is deserving of correction on my part, then I will thankfully and gladly accept being steered back onto the right course.  There have been times when it has been necessary because of my ignorance over certain things.  I am grateful that the LORD has placed others in my life who keep my feet firmly planted.  But when conviction propels me to press home a troubling issue, I expect different reactions from those whom I value as trusted members of the family of Christ.

I am probably the worst offender of having knee-jerk reactions, being forced to recant and apologize.  I read so much that I have formed a bad habit of quickly skimming over things, looking for the meat of what is written, and sometimes not deeply considering what is there before I react.  But one thing I am truly working on is to not make the mistake of reading between the lines and misunderstanding what it is someone is attempting to convey.  When we do that, we become the judgmental ones.  Instead of asking for clarification in order to properly respond, we allow self-righteousness and arrogance to overcome us, forgetting that we are speaking to someone who is also supposed to be valued and trusted to properly handle and dispense the Word of God.

Because of the current problems that are raging around the world, we are often forced to read between the lines, looking for the truth behind what is being told.  What the secular world is allowing us to see can confuse or misdirect us, leading us off the righteous path and onto one that is full of dangerous pitfalls.  The enemy never tires from his deceptions; never growing weary of luring us away from the truth, and his greatest weapon is the church.  Therefore, we are commanded to stay vigilant (Matt. 7:15-16), to exhort (Col. 2:1-3) and, yes, even to correct a brother or sister who has strayed away from truth and is in danger of being deceived (1Thes. 5:14-15).

In order to be able to accomplish this, we must all be united in one spirit and with one mind.  And this uniting should be the most obvious in our conversations with each other.  Each of us have been given the amount of wisdom that God wants us to have.  No more.  No less.  But if a brother or sister poses a important question that reveals the difference between what you have been given and what they have received, it is our responsibility to share the knowledge we have in order for them to gain further understanding.  We should never read something else into what they have presented to us.  And we should never become Pharisee-like in our response by assuming we have greater understanding than they have.

Our reaction should be full of the love we are expected to convey to them, never elevating ourselves above them or lording our self-perceived wisdom over the conversation.  If we would employ the apostle Paul's exhortation in the beginning verse of this post, there would be far less pain inflicted on others and less division among us.

Unless the point being made by others is clouded with unspoken words or obviously off-track, stop reading between the lines.  But if you must, at least have the courtesy to see the point being made.  If you will do that, you may discover that they have wisdom that can be passed onto you as you engage in the conversation.

A pure and honest discussion full of grace and "seasoned with salt" is far better than one that has the potential to break the unity we should have with each other.  Stop allowing the enemy to control the time we spend talking about the things of God.  Pause and consider, then enter into the conversation with a clear mind and heart that is focused entirely on what God may be trying to teach all of us.

Only then will we be able to truly say that nothing was left to conjecture or speculation, but resulting in fruitfulness and for the benefit of us all.

The Christian Compromise Party

Isn't labeling yourself a "Christian Democrat" an oxymoron?

In a broad sense, Webster defines "oxymoron" as "something (as a concept) that is made up of contradictory or incongruous elements." Of course, it can be argued by those bearing the title that they are "fiscal Democrats," as opposed to those who are "social Democrats." However, when you try to separate the two, failure is the only outcome.

Consider this...

If you attempt to define yourself as one or the other, you are compromising your Christianity.  How, you ask? Because if you declare yourself to be a "fiscal Democrat," you are saying you support bigger government, higher taxes, abortion on demand (paid for by your tax dollars), and every other "entitlement" the Federal Government deems worthy  and necessary (paid for by your tax dollars).

If you label yourself a "social Democrat," you support the issues mentioned above,  and more (paid for by your tax dollars), thereby aligning yourself with those in the other category who ultimately take more from us to pay for the things you support.

Sadly, these things are a contradiction to the directions we are given by God in Scripture.  So, if you attach "Christian" to your Democrat party label, it behooves you to reevaluate whether you truly are what you claim to be.

Have I made you think yet?

The same thing can be applied to those who refuse to support either party, based upon their distaste for the current Administration and/or our Congress who appears to be inept at getting anything done.  Perhaps you like the title "Christian Independent" better. You say you love Christ but hate both parties for what you perceive to be their failures in governing this nation.  But, in the meantime, you look with favor upon the current President, in spite of his position on abortion, gay marriage, and every other deviant behavior that's defended by his misguided constituents. You know...a favor for a favor in order to get re-elected?

Or you could label yourself a "Christian Moderate," which makes you neither hot nor cold and places you in the position of being "spewed," or spit, from Christ's mouth because of the bad taste you are leaving there (Rev. 3:15-16).  There is nothing worse than a "lukewarm" fence sitter who will topple either way, depending upon the direction the political wind is blowing.

And of course we have those who stubbornly and determinedly will not budge from their "Christian Libertarian" position (or, better put, philosophy/ideology).  I hate to offend them, but that label is the biggest oxymoron out there.   I can't fault them for wanting to be liberated from the ever-growing monster we call our Federal Government that threatens to consume and rob us of our individual rights granted to us by our constitution.  But...live and let live?  Legalize drugs?  Refuse to lead the fight against abortion? Maintain an isolationist posture, turn your back on growing international situations that may threaten our sovereignty, and not defend our allies as we should - most notably, Israel?  These are just a few of those pesky little problems that define this party, and they certainly don't fit my idea of morality and virtue, much less the way to properly govern this nation and maintain order in society.

Although you may agree with certain talking points from specific candidates, each of these boil down to the position of belonging to the party of "Christian Compromise."  It's not a good position to be in, don't you think?   Especially when it comes to the faith one professes to have and the God you claim to serve.

What many fail or refuse to recognize is that every one of the candidates is just another human being who is a fallen creature quite capable of the things they vehemently insist they oppose.  And when we place too much trust in what they may be saying, we elevate them to a place they don't belong.  They are sinners, just like us.  Each one of them knows how to "game" the system, regardless of the time they have spent in public office and how much they vilify those who have been there longer.  And they will say and do whatever is necessary to draw you to their side and win the nomination.

Age and wisdom has convinced me that a politician is always a politician, no matter how smoothly and convincingly they speak against issues I, too, find disturbing or frustrating.  Campaign promises are empty and meaningless.  Ask yourself how many politicians have been able to accomplish the things they woo you with to garner your vote.  I am betting you will be sitting here a long time trying to come up with even one example.  And regardless of how well-meaning they may be, once they are firmly seated in the oval office and the things that are only privy to that esteemed position are revealed to them, the promises they made take a back seat to the reality of what's truly going on behind the scenes.

Politics is a necessary evil.  I strongly believe it is the responsibility of every citizen to exercise their constitutionally given right to vote for the candidate of their choice.   I may not agree with your choice, but I respect your right to exercise it.  But it doesn't mean that you wear your Christianity on your sleeve, then embrace and espouse the convoluted positions some have on how this country should be run.  By allying with certain candidates who have dangerous ideals that go against the grain of Scripture, and has the potential to further destroy this nation that was founded upon the laws and precepts of God that you claim to embrace, is a dangerous mix, and it's one that should be strongly avoided.

LIVE your faith.  SPEAK up for it.  WALK in it.  REFLECT it...even at the polls.

In order for America to be restored and hope renewed by eliminating the current administration and their dangerous agenda, many of us who will vote may have to choke down a great deal of bile by voting for someone with whom we differ on certain issues.  I am hoping we won't have to.  I am fervently praying that God will clearly and decisively reveal to us His choice.  However, if we refuse to stand up for Jesus Christ in the up-coming election and fail to vote for the man or woman who reflects Him the most, we'll stand for nothing and deserve everything that comes.

And that's not the position I want to be in when I'm standing before Him and He asks me, "So...how'd that 2012 election go for ya?"

When November rolls around, GET OUT AND VOTE, AND VOTE RESPONSIBLY!  Do yourself a favor and ignore all the media hype and influence, and the continual barrage of accusations of ignorance by others because you think and believe differently.  At this point in the game, all the name-calling and dirt-dredging is pointless and biased, from all directions.  This nation desperately needs a change from the "change" it got in the last election. It's time to toss out the labels and use the brains God has given us by applying HIS wisdom and electing HIS choice for America, regardless of the party platform the candidates are standing on.

Personally, I'll be eternally grateful when our true KING returns to reign. We sure won't find ourselves trying to choose the best candidate because HE will be the only one.  Until then,  when my pencil is poised over the ballot, I will remember Joshua's warning to the Israelites:

"Now therefore, fear the LORD and serve Him in sincerity and in faithfulness.   Put away the gods that your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD.  And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the LORD, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.”

Joshua 24:14-15 ESV

I just wish Jesus would return before the next election.  Hardly a day goes by that I don't groan over what I read, hear, or see and long with every fiber of my being for Him to come back and restore order.  If He would, then we would have nothing more to concern ourselves with, the squabbling over who is best suited to bring America and the world out of the ashes of ruin will thankfully end, and true peace and prosperity will be known by everyone.

THAT'S a party I want to be part of.