Category: Abortion

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Got Peace Today?

For July 10, 2022
In the Book of Acts, we witness the formation of the Christian Church and the evangelistic activities of the Apostles and First Century Christians unfolding before us. It begins with the Lord telling His Followers to wait in Jerusalem for the promise of the Holy Spirit. (Acts 1:4-5)

On the Day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit descended on those who were in the upper room, in one accord, praying and waiting intently for God’s manifestation. Under the Holy Spirit’s power, they boldly proclaimed the Gospel, the message of Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection for the forgiveness of sins and the gift of eternal life. As a result, the “Good News of Jesus Christ” spread from Jerusalem to every corner of the world.

Miraculous signs and wonders followed as these Spirit-powered men and women as they shared their testimonies of having encountered the living Christ personally; He was no longer dead, but alive and victoriously seated at the right hand of God.

As their message “turned the world upside down” (Acts 17:6), they became a threat and encountered severe backlash from established religions and the government. Although criticized, persecuted, beaten, imprisoned, martyred, the Christian movement or The Way (cf. Acts 9:2; 22:4) continued to grow exponentially numerically while also spiritually flourishing as well.

In the face of opposition, they found that eternal peace that the Lord had promised them a few days earlier,

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27 (NIV)

This new paradigm is forged from an extraordinary inner transformation, through the Born Again experience that finds its power and scope in our eternal connection with God where we can fully practice our faith, hope, and love to His glory and our collective benefit.

The vicarious work the Lord performed at Calvary’s Cross on our behalf inspires our humility and gratitude. He loved us and died for us when we were sinners with no desire for Him or the things of God.

We now can have the presence of His Holy Spirit within us to impart a deep abiding faith in the Lord, a hope for His promise of eternal life, and an unselfish love for God and others.

Because we are sin-tarnished, we must place our faith in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior and His perfect righteousness at all times. There is no place for our self-righteousness, which will always be “filthy rags” even on our best day. (Isaiah 64:6)

When we encounter problems, God supplies us  with a peace that defies logic, as we pray and trust in Christ to resolve the issue perfectly, as the Bible teaches us (my emphasis),

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:4-7 (NIV)

Jesus wants to give us His peace as we await His glorious return. Won’t you give Him your heart today and receive His deep, lasting, incomparable peace? Got peace today?

What a Wonderful Savior!

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We’ve Been Given Free Choice

For July 3, 2022
In the beginning, God created Heaven and earth. Before resting, He created man and woman and placed them in the Garden of Eden. God created the human species to be His crowning achievement by making us in His image and entrusting us to have dominion over His earthly creations,

Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.” So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.” Genesis 1:26-28 (NIV)

Genesis 1:31 tells us God considers all His creation to be “very good!” Through His Creation, we clearly see His majesty and design in the most intricate detail to invoke our feelings of happiness, purpose, and well-being.

The Psalmist declares the Lord made us lower than the angels, crowned us with glory and honor, and He placed all things under our feet (Psalm 8:5). Truly, God has given us an amazing pedigree that is up to us to accept.

He made you and me in His image for eternal fellowship, bound by His unselfish love and complete acceptance. He wants us to experience His “very best” for us in every way—spiritually, physically, and emotionally.

We should never consider ourselves to be mistakes or afterthoughts. We are His special, unique individuals whom He has created to fulfill His perfect, eternal design for the universe. God created you and me, with all our complexity, to function according to His perfect design.

It saddens me people chose not to see themselves as God’s beloved creation; greater than Mount Everest, the Grand Canyon, Aurora Borealis, and the sun, moon, and stars combined—in His loving eyes.

Satan’s job is to confuse and distort God’s perfect plan by telling us we are flawed and worthless. He has convinced many of us we are “ugly” and/or we “won’t amount to anything.” As a result, many of us believe we will be “nothing but failures” in this life.

But these are lies, for no two of us are exactly alike by design. God created us differently, much as if the pieces of a jigsaw puzzle that when assembled create a beautiful portrait of His love, redemption, and glory.

Unlike any other created being, He has given us the ability to choose a life that reflects His dignity and affect positive changes in ourselves and others. God has also given us the freedom to choose where we will spend our eternity; in Heaven with Him or in Hell separated from Him. Jesus describes Hell as a place where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth; where the worms never die and the fire is not quenched (Matthew 13:42, Mark 9:48).

The “weeping and gnashing of teeth” is the self-inflicted consequence of those who chose to reject Christ when they should have accepted Him in this life. For in death, atheism and agnosticism no longer exist when we stand before our Creator and Maker; instant “believers” in God’s existence, and His perfect, final judgement.

Unfortunately, there are many who have chosen to spend an eternity separated from God. They will regret not accepting the grace and mercy Jesus freely gives us through His vicarious death for our sin and resurrection for our justification. (Romans 4:25)

Adam and Eve chose to disobey God and sin and death were their punishment ,,,and ours. But Jesus Christ, the Son of God, freely chose to give up His perfect, sinless life for our sinful and imperfect ones, so that God could forgive our sins and give us His eternal, abundant life. (cf. John 3:16-17, Romans 3:23, 5:19, Ephesians 2:1-10)

Joshua in the Old Testament also made a choice. The Lord tasked him with the responsibility of providing spiritual, moral and civic leadership to a group of seventy folk who had now swelled into a massive throng of well over two million.

For 110 years, he showed an unwavering commitment to serve the Lord under Moses’ tutelage. He was with Moses at Mount Sinai when the Lord gave Moses the Law. He also helped Moses lead God’s people through the wilderness. The only families the Lord allowed from Egypt into the Promised Land were his family and Caleb’s.

Joshua chose to remain faithful to the Lord, and he and his family received their portion of the Promised Land. So committed was Joshua, that just before he dies, he offers a challenge that still inspires God’s people,

Now fear the Lord and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your ancestors worshiped beyond the Euphrates River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.  Joshua 24:14-15 (NIV)

We can choose to be living examples of God’s love and grace in the world instead of weapons for death and destruction. Won’t you choose to be God’s crowning achievements of creation and salvation by living out living out His redemptive plan? We all have a choice—choose to serve the Lord!

What a Wonderful Savior!

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God’s Secret Place For Us

For June 26, 2022
Psalm 91 remains one of the most beloved Psalms; having provided God’s people with a rich fervor and comfort unlike any other Psalm for three thousand years. We cannot underestimate its significance as a rich source of encouragement during moments of trial.

Even the Enemy, Satan, used a paraphrase to tempt our Lord in a futile attempt to dissuade Him from fulfilling His redemptive mission. (cf. Matthew 4:6, Luke 4:10-11.)

This most wonderful passage begins with these comforting words,

He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust.” Psalm 91:1-2 (NKJV)

This palm provides us with a practical application of God’s Word that relates to our human experience, as this author observes,

[God’s Word] meets the deepest needs of the soul—by solutions of its problems, disclosures of God’s character, presentations of the way of pardon, consolations and promises for life and death.1

The Psalmist uses metaphorical language to create a picture of God’s tender care as our protector and provider, like an eagle for its brood in the mountain nest. It this way it illustrates God’s protection and faithfulness; especially when we face danger as another writer attests,

In its exquisite beauty it reflects deep trust and confidence. Those in communion with God are assured of a holy serenity and security at all times. Jehovah is a sure defense.2

The Psalmist shows God to be the one who shelters and protects His children; shielding us tenaciously from all danger with His two wings: preservation and providence—even in today’s world.

By faith in Christ, we can know God’s love and abiding presence, so that despite our circumstances, we can find the Lord to be faithful to His Word and protective of His beloved children. Over two thousand years of human history, the testimonies of His Saints continue to affirm 2 Timothy 1:12 (NLT),

I know the one in whom I trust, and I am sure that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until the day of his return.

Psalm 91 is a testament of God’s presence on our spiritual pilgrimage. Although He may seem hidden in moments of our darkest despair, He is faithful to meet our needs as He promises and is always our “present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1) Won’t you give the Lord your heart today and know Him personally?

What a Wonderful Savior!

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A Spiritual Vision Is Needed Today

For June 19, 2022
The Bible teaches that “when people do not accept divine guidance, they run wild. But whoever obeys the law is joyful.” Proverbs 29:18 (NLT)

What we experience in this chaotic present day can be attributed to a departure from the Judeo-Christian values we were founded on as a nation. Moral consciousness, intercessory prayer, faith in God, selflessly serving others, distinguishing between right and wrong, expressing love and forgiveness are traits of a healthy and prosperous God-fearing society,

Godliness makes a nation great, but sin is a disgrace to any people. Proverbs 14:34 (NLT)

Some argue that our country was founded on disparity and injustice. And as we consider the history of some natural-born US citizens, unfortunate events, (e.g., slavery, prejudice, segregation, discrimination, etc.), yet evoke feelings rage even today. From a purely secular standpoint, some of those feelings may seem justified.

However, from a spiritual standpoint, we can understand that ours is not a perfect world. Exploitation and victimization happen everywhere. Thus, the work of mutual respect and reconciliation is much needed—amongst and within all races. People must turn to civility and understanding, because we need each other and we share this world together.

Some contend, I suspect from a victimization standpoint, that they are exempt from racial prejudice; contending that victims cannot be hateful, self-serving or prejudice. Yet the Bible teaches that all humans will engage in evil acts (cf. Romans 3:10, 23), and that “if we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth.” 1 John 1:8 (NLT)

No one particular race “cornered the market” on victimization or being victimized in the US for instance. We all have a history of giving and/or receiving discrimination, injustice, and hostility—even within our own races.

Nevertheless, I am grateful to live in this country, which the Lord has blessed with opportunities that we often take for granted: to freely worship, to express opinions without censorship, to elect our representation, to travel where we want when we want, and to take on vocational pursuits that enable us to live the “American dream.” Such endeavors allow us to benefit from a capitalistic system that supplies us with goods and services that enhance our standard of living and improve our overall quality of life.

Yet those same freedoms allow some to abuse, assault, and perform other atrocities that disclose the depravity of the human heart. Although disenchantment and despair have become more prevalent today causing many to turn to drugs, sex, alcohol, power to find purpose, fulfillment and meaning, God’s still invites us to repent and return to Him wholeheartedly,

Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14 (NLT)

“Doing life” can sidetrack us so that we lose our spiritual vision. Here, we can replace our love and service to God with a love and service to the world. But spiritual vision allows us to exercise our faith in a faithful God, who can save us from ourselves.

As we trust Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, we can discover a rich, fulfilling life and experience victory through prayer and faith, as we trust Him for the attainment of specific outcomes under His divine will.

Prayer is an often overlooked means of communication with God that helps to renew our trust in the sovereign power of the living Christ. Through prayer, we become attentive to his voice, as His Holy Spirit brings His Word (vis-à-vis the Holy Bible) to mind. It is through the miracle of prayer that we can find renewal and victory; confident that God hears and will answer us, when we pray according to His will.

Through prayer, drought, floods, social hostility, violence, political uncertainty, economic upheaval, inflation, unemployment, poverty, homelessness, pestilence, disease, despair, and disenchantment can be offered to the God of the Universe, who promises to “supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 (NLT)

Prayer is the act of the Holy Spirit stirring us to rely on the Lord for our sustenance. God is the originator and object of prayer. When we pray, we fulfill His will for our lives and the lives of others as we pray for them.

Prayer is essential to our life and existence as Christians, and its effectiveness rests solely on God’s providence—as He responds according to His eternal timetable. Our confidence rests in knowing that our God and Savior will always supply us with the power we need to overcome.

Won’t you put your faith in Christ and pray for renewal and revival today? Only then can we find true peace, joy and fulfillment.

What a Wonderful Savior!

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Finding Encouragement in Today’s Troubled World

For June 12, 2022
The Old Testament patriarch, Job, whose life is featured in the Bible book that bears his name, helps us find encouragement in today’s turbulent world. The NLT Bible depicts Job as a man who was “blameless with complete integrity,” and that he “feared God and stayed away from evil.” (Job 1:1)

The Lord blessed both him and his wife with children and abundant wealth. Yet, according to His infinite foreknowledge and wisdom, God allowed Satan to take away almost everything he had—including his health.

However, never losing his faith in God, Job recognizes the frailty of the human life. In addition, the wisest man who ever lived, King Solomon, follows up on this narrative when he observes how our life after death is the “great equalizer,”

Riches won’t help on the day of judgment, but right living can save you from death. When the wicked die, their hopes die with them, for they rely on their own feeble strength. Proverbs 11:4, 4 (NLT)

In today’s mixed up world, it often appears that we increasingly embolden the wicked to commit wickedness… with impunity. However, they may seem to get by, but they will never get away,

For the LORD sees clearly what a man does, examining every path he takes. An evil man is held captive by his own sins; they are ropes that catch and hold him. He will die for lack of self-control; he will be lost because of his great foolishness. Proverbs 5:21-23 (NLT)

Job builds on the idea of justice and retribution under the authority of the Righteous Judge and discloses his unwavering faith in the Lord,

But as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and he will stand upon the earth at last. And after my body has decayed, yet in my body I will see God! I will see him for myself. Yes, I will see him with my own eyes. I am overwhelmed at the thought! Job 19:25-27 (NLT)

Job submitted to God by remaining patient in tribulation (Romans 12:12), as he withstood the faith test. In the end, God blessed him with more than he had before the period of testing began.

Again, Job never lost faith in God, even under the most disheartening of circumstances. Instead, he was absolutely convinced that even under the most severe of trials, the Lord was in complete control of his life and circumstances!

With the vicissitudes associated with our fleeting life, we are mere pilgrims swiftly traveling toward a certain eternal destiny,

How frail is humanity! How short is life, how full of trouble! We blossom like a flower and then wither. Like a passing shadow, we quickly disappear. (Job 14:1-2 NLT)

In the end, God is worthy of our faith in all things. His people can find encouragement knowing that He is sovereign in His power and dominion. Thus, He has established limits on all of Satan’s evil schemes and devices while He perfects His will in us,

We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. Romans 5:3-5 (NLT)

Job also affirms how our Lord wants to complete His perfect work in us by any means necessary,

If someone dies, will they live again? All the days of my hard service I will wait for my renewal to come. Job 14:14 (NIV)

After a life of patient waiting, a glorious renewal comes to us through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. We who have been to the cross by faith and saw the nail prints in His hand and feet; we believe He died for our sins and rose for our justification. Under the power of the Holy Spirit, we fight the good fight knowing we have the ultimate victory.

Burdened by the weight of our trials, we can lose sight of how God is performing His perfect work in us and for us. The fear of being oppressed and/or destroyed by Satan may interrupt our joy in the Lord momentarily. But we can take comfort knowing that he has neither the power nor the ability to destroy us because we belong to God,

We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. Through suffering, our bodies continue to share in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies. 2 Corinthians 4:8-10 (NLT)

Further,

That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (NLT)

Our trials are not our destruction. And by His power, we can exercise patient endurance while waiting for His deliverance, which will happen in a manner whereby He receives the glory—not us.

Be encouraged; we shall live and reign with Christ forever in glory! Then, God will give us rest from all of our labors as we share eternity with Him. Won’t you trust Christ today, and experience His lasting peace, joy, and encouragement that can soothe troubled hearts?

What a Wonderful Savior!

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