True disciples are misfits, oddballs, ‘peculiar people!’ Why? Because they are intentionally weird? No! Because they are beloved of their Father and called to His higher purposes, no longer loving the things that ‘the world’ loves. The “world” is Jesus’ short-hand for the systems around us that are built around getting wealth, gaining power, enjoying pleasure, serving Self. When the Spirit reconciles us to our Abba, we love Him more than ourselves, more than this life. That changes us, makes us noble, altruistic, loving; and markedly different - which sets us up to be hated.
Joseph’s brothers hated him, not because he was cruel, not because he was judgmental, but because he was blessed with his father’s favor! (Genesis 37:4) Likewise, Jesus told His disciples that they would be hated by the world because of their Father’s favor. “If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first. The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you.” (John 15:18-19, NLT) That is not one of my favorite verses. I enjoy having people say nice things about me. I like to fit in and be accepted. Don’t you?
I know some ‘Christians’ who take pride in the fact that their family has rejected them or that they are reviled by coworkers, but when I look at their lives even as a fellow disciple of Christ, I don’t like them! Their experience of rejection has nothing to do with being a disciple. Rather, they invite ridicule and rejection by being rude, or cruel, or hypocritical, or because they are a terrible worker! Peter’s first letter is written around the theme of suffering for the sake of Christ. In it he tells us to make sure the insults are not invited by our sinfulness or stupidity! "So be happy when you are insulted for being a Christian, for then the glorious Spirit of God rests upon you. If you suffer, however, it must not be for murder, stealing, making trouble, or prying into other people’s affairs. But it is no shame to suffer for being a Christian. Praise God for the privilege of being called by his name!" (1 Peter 4:14-16, NLT)
As America becomes less and less ‘culturally Christian,’ true disciples will find themselves living as ‘outsiders’ more often. The natural desire for acceptance will cause us to want to accommodate ourselves to the world around us. But we must not love the world’s affirmation more than our Father’s approval. The Word urges us to keep our distinctive love for Him intact, no matter the pressure we feel. "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." (Romans 12:2, NIV)
What is your highest value, disciple?
Do you spend much time and money trying to fit in, being fashionable, following fads?
If so, it’s time to re-discover the One who is our True Center! "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter (completer) of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." (Hebrews 12:2, NIV)
Here’s a word from the Word that will deeply challenge you as you grasp the truth in it. May the Spirit give us ears to hear His words. It was originally penned by Peter to slaves who had become disciples! They were not told to ‘assert their rights!’ Their calling, as is ours, was to live in God’s love, awaiting His redemption. What a challenge. Will you embrace it?
"Of course, you get no credit for being patient if you are beaten for doing wrong. But if you suffer for doing good and endure it patiently, God is pleased with you. For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you.
He is your example, and you must follow in his steps. He never sinned, nor ever deceived anyone. He did not retaliate when he was insulted, nor threaten revenge when he suffered. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly." (1 Peter 2:20-23, NLT)
Friday, June 05, 2009
Thursday, June 04, 2009
Rahm Emanuel’s Challenge
NBC profiled the Obama White House in a special program that aired this week. In an interview with Rahm Emanuel, the chief of staff, Brian Williams took note of the high personal cost that the 49 year old man is paying to be a part of Obama’s administration. Politics aside, one has to be challenged by the dedication to 7 day work weeks and 18 hour days. Emanuel, a four term Congressman whose dream was to become the first Jewish Speaker of the House, gave it up to serve this President. He lives apart from his wife and three children, seeing them only a few times each month. The story of sacrifice was repeated by numerous staffers. These men and women do it for a political cause, for ambition; perhaps for a man.
Disciple, we are called into the service of the Lord of Glory, whose ‘administration’ will never end. When we advance His Kingdom, we not only change the way people live for a few years; we are privileged to change hearts and reconcile people to their Father, bringing them to life eternal! It is a noble cause and it will require sacrifice. "Then Jesus said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross daily, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but are yourself lost or destroyed?" (Luke 9:23-25, NLT)
Have you put parts of your life off limits before the Lord? Does He own all of you? Those are tough questions that we must answer daily. We receive the life of the Spirit once when we are converted, born anew as children of God. Remaining in His service is an ongoing process, requiring choices along the way. Jesus speaks to this when He says, “No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God." (Luke 9:62, KJV) In case that metaphor is hard for you, here’s the line in The Message: “No procrastination. No backward looks. You can’t put God’s kingdom off till tomorrow. Seize the day.”
Is He able to ask you to forgive when you prefer to hate?
Will you let Him call your kids into His fulltime service knowing that it will mean less comfort, less ‘success?’
Will you put aside personal desires to say ‘Yes,’ to holiness of heart and mind?
Are your weekends His or yours?
Being a disciple of Jesus Christ is not for wimps! Church-ianity, the preferred religion of many, allows a person to choose the hours of his ‘service,’ to give only as much of himself as he chooses to give, to volunteer and feel good about it. Christianity is an all or nothing Call to the service of a King.
Watching Rahm Emanuel explain his dedication to making the vision of President Obama a reality, I was challenged anew to give myself to my Lord and King. Here’s a word from the Word. Though familiar, I urge you to read it carefully and then take a few moments to re-dedicate ALL to Him.
"Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. Soldiers don’t get tied up in the affairs of civilian life, for then they cannot please the officer who enlisted them. And athletes cannot win the prize unless they follow the rules. And hardworking farmers should be the first to enjoy the fruit of their labor. Think about what I am saying. The Lord will help you understand all these things.
Always remember that Jesus Christ, a descendant of King David, was raised from the dead. This is the Good News I preach. And because I preach this Good News, I am suffering and have been chained like a criminal. But the word of God cannot be chained.
So I am willing to endure anything if it will bring salvation and eternal glory in Christ Jesus to those God has chosen." (2 Timothy 2:3-10, NLT)
__________________
You are my life,
O precious Christ.
You are to me
The pearl of greatest price.
My love for You will never die.
Jesus, You are my life.
O Holy Fire,
Love's Purest Light.
Burn all desires 'til
You are my one delight.
My love for You will never die
Jesus, You are my life.
O conquering King,
Conquer my heart
And make of me a pleasing gift to God
My love for You will never die
Jesus, You are my life.
I come to You.
I run to You.
There's no greater joy
Than knowing You.
Jesus You Are My Life
Fry, Steve© 1994 Maranatha Praise, Inc. / Word Music, Inc. (a div. of Word Music Group, Inc.)
CCLI License No. 810055
Disciple, we are called into the service of the Lord of Glory, whose ‘administration’ will never end. When we advance His Kingdom, we not only change the way people live for a few years; we are privileged to change hearts and reconcile people to their Father, bringing them to life eternal! It is a noble cause and it will require sacrifice. "Then Jesus said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross daily, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but are yourself lost or destroyed?" (Luke 9:23-25, NLT)
Have you put parts of your life off limits before the Lord? Does He own all of you? Those are tough questions that we must answer daily. We receive the life of the Spirit once when we are converted, born anew as children of God. Remaining in His service is an ongoing process, requiring choices along the way. Jesus speaks to this when He says, “No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God." (Luke 9:62, KJV) In case that metaphor is hard for you, here’s the line in The Message: “No procrastination. No backward looks. You can’t put God’s kingdom off till tomorrow. Seize the day.”
Is He able to ask you to forgive when you prefer to hate?
Will you let Him call your kids into His fulltime service knowing that it will mean less comfort, less ‘success?’
Will you put aside personal desires to say ‘Yes,’ to holiness of heart and mind?
Are your weekends His or yours?
Being a disciple of Jesus Christ is not for wimps! Church-ianity, the preferred religion of many, allows a person to choose the hours of his ‘service,’ to give only as much of himself as he chooses to give, to volunteer and feel good about it. Christianity is an all or nothing Call to the service of a King.
Watching Rahm Emanuel explain his dedication to making the vision of President Obama a reality, I was challenged anew to give myself to my Lord and King. Here’s a word from the Word. Though familiar, I urge you to read it carefully and then take a few moments to re-dedicate ALL to Him.
"Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. Soldiers don’t get tied up in the affairs of civilian life, for then they cannot please the officer who enlisted them. And athletes cannot win the prize unless they follow the rules. And hardworking farmers should be the first to enjoy the fruit of their labor. Think about what I am saying. The Lord will help you understand all these things.
Always remember that Jesus Christ, a descendant of King David, was raised from the dead. This is the Good News I preach. And because I preach this Good News, I am suffering and have been chained like a criminal. But the word of God cannot be chained.
So I am willing to endure anything if it will bring salvation and eternal glory in Christ Jesus to those God has chosen." (2 Timothy 2:3-10, NLT)
__________________
You are my life,
O precious Christ.
You are to me
The pearl of greatest price.
My love for You will never die.
Jesus, You are my life.
O Holy Fire,
Love's Purest Light.
Burn all desires 'til
You are my one delight.
My love for You will never die
Jesus, You are my life.
O conquering King,
Conquer my heart
And make of me a pleasing gift to God
My love for You will never die
Jesus, You are my life.
I come to You.
I run to You.
There's no greater joy
Than knowing You.
Jesus You Are My Life
Fry, Steve© 1994 Maranatha Praise, Inc. / Word Music, Inc. (a div. of Word Music Group, Inc.)
CCLI License No. 810055
Wednesday, June 03, 2009
“God, I’m scared to death!”
During the first year of the Civil War, General McClellan, the head of the Union Army, waited and waited to commit his troops to battle. Finally President Lincoln sent a sarcastic note to the General that had this memorable line: "If you're not planning to use your army, may I borrow it?"
"Ready, aim... aim, aim, aim." Some people aim to do read their Bible, aim to get to church, aim to pray today, aim to get a grip on a sinful habit, aim to restore a broken relationship .... but they never do. Procrastination to another day only increases the feelings of discouragement over a task that grows more daunting as they dither. So, what is on your to-do list? What goals for this Summer, for the remaining part of 2009 (it’s nearly half gone, you know!), for today are in your mind? If you have not yet taken that first step of identifying reasonable goals, do it NOW! Take a small pad of paper and find a quiet spot for 15 minutes. Pray, committing yourself to the Spirit's guidance, then take pen in hand and write... at least 3 tasks you must accomplish- with deadlines. Then, go back and prioritize those tasks. Make another list of the resources (material and people) that you know to gather to get it done? It is not hard to be productive. It just requires a little thought and courage.
OK, I know some of you are objecting right now: "Jerry, I just live from day to day and let God lead me." Sounds good enough, but for most people that is just an excuse for inaction. Somebody said: "One of these days is none of these days." God has a hard time guiding us when our bottoms are planted deeply in the living room recliner! The best and most honest prayers are not prayed from comfortable chairs. They are prayed in urgent, desperate moments when our illusions of control are shattered, when our souls are distressed, when hope is slipping away. Take a lesson from that. Get up, get out, and get on with it. Put yourself on the edge where you feel some desperation and your prayer life will take new life -- guaranteed!
Others of you are saying: "Jerry, I've failed so many times. I am so afraid..." People fail. It’s a fact of life. If you’re unwilling to fail, you’re unable to succeed! I failed in many attempts and I am afraid, too! Every time I take the pulpit I feel fear – not of public speaking – but that I'll get it wrong and misdirect God's people. When people ask me to help them with some of life’s thorniest issues, I feel fear – that I’ll offer the wrong advice and increase their difficulties! FEAR CAUSES ME TO PRAY DESPERATELY. Fear is no reason to quit. Fear drives us to our knees and causes us to declare our dependence on God every day, for every task. If you’re only attempting what you know you can safely accomplish, you’re not doing much!
Inspired by the Spirit, Paul wrote to a younger, often waffling Timothy, urging him to get on with the work of leading the church in Ephesus. The young pastor had a church full of problems that outstripped his experience and capabilities, but Paul reminds him of his true Source of strength: "I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you. For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline." 2 Timothy 1:6-7 NLT Those last three words are an amazing combination of empowering gifts!
Power! That is controlled strength, the ability to get the job done.
Love! Nothing motivates us like love. Nothing ultimately influences people more effectively than love.
Self-discipline! That is incredibly important for "He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls." (Proverbs 25:28, KJV)
The time of excuses is OVER. "Ready, aim... FIRE!"
"Father, thank you for opportunities. Forgive us for leaving so many of them unclaimed. We worship You and acknowledge that You know all our tomorrows. Renew our vision and our faith. Help us to see the tasks to which You are calling us. Give us courage to embrace them. Forgive us for our reluctance to move out of our comfort zone, to become radicals in our pursuit of Your will. Stir us, move us, fill us -- this is our prayer, Spirit of God. We are Yours. Make us fit for Your use, worthy of the high calling You have given us in Christ Jesus, our Lord. We pray in His holy Name. Amen."
"Ready, aim... aim, aim, aim." Some people aim to do read their Bible, aim to get to church, aim to pray today, aim to get a grip on a sinful habit, aim to restore a broken relationship .... but they never do. Procrastination to another day only increases the feelings of discouragement over a task that grows more daunting as they dither. So, what is on your to-do list? What goals for this Summer, for the remaining part of 2009 (it’s nearly half gone, you know!), for today are in your mind? If you have not yet taken that first step of identifying reasonable goals, do it NOW! Take a small pad of paper and find a quiet spot for 15 minutes. Pray, committing yourself to the Spirit's guidance, then take pen in hand and write... at least 3 tasks you must accomplish- with deadlines. Then, go back and prioritize those tasks. Make another list of the resources (material and people) that you know to gather to get it done? It is not hard to be productive. It just requires a little thought and courage.
OK, I know some of you are objecting right now: "Jerry, I just live from day to day and let God lead me." Sounds good enough, but for most people that is just an excuse for inaction. Somebody said: "One of these days is none of these days." God has a hard time guiding us when our bottoms are planted deeply in the living room recliner! The best and most honest prayers are not prayed from comfortable chairs. They are prayed in urgent, desperate moments when our illusions of control are shattered, when our souls are distressed, when hope is slipping away. Take a lesson from that. Get up, get out, and get on with it. Put yourself on the edge where you feel some desperation and your prayer life will take new life -- guaranteed!
Others of you are saying: "Jerry, I've failed so many times. I am so afraid..." People fail. It’s a fact of life. If you’re unwilling to fail, you’re unable to succeed! I failed in many attempts and I am afraid, too! Every time I take the pulpit I feel fear – not of public speaking – but that I'll get it wrong and misdirect God's people. When people ask me to help them with some of life’s thorniest issues, I feel fear – that I’ll offer the wrong advice and increase their difficulties! FEAR CAUSES ME TO PRAY DESPERATELY. Fear is no reason to quit. Fear drives us to our knees and causes us to declare our dependence on God every day, for every task. If you’re only attempting what you know you can safely accomplish, you’re not doing much!
Inspired by the Spirit, Paul wrote to a younger, often waffling Timothy, urging him to get on with the work of leading the church in Ephesus. The young pastor had a church full of problems that outstripped his experience and capabilities, but Paul reminds him of his true Source of strength: "I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you. For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline." 2 Timothy 1:6-7 NLT Those last three words are an amazing combination of empowering gifts!
Power! That is controlled strength, the ability to get the job done.
Love! Nothing motivates us like love. Nothing ultimately influences people more effectively than love.
Self-discipline! That is incredibly important for "He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls." (Proverbs 25:28, KJV)
The time of excuses is OVER. "Ready, aim... FIRE!"
"Father, thank you for opportunities. Forgive us for leaving so many of them unclaimed. We worship You and acknowledge that You know all our tomorrows. Renew our vision and our faith. Help us to see the tasks to which You are calling us. Give us courage to embrace them. Forgive us for our reluctance to move out of our comfort zone, to become radicals in our pursuit of Your will. Stir us, move us, fill us -- this is our prayer, Spirit of God. We are Yours. Make us fit for Your use, worthy of the high calling You have given us in Christ Jesus, our Lord. We pray in His holy Name. Amen."
Tuesday, June 02, 2009
The Belly god
Cindy Jackson has spent a small fortune and endured 47 surgical procedures in an attempt to turn herself into the likeness of a Barbie Doll! It isn't that she lacks intellectual capacity. She is a member of Mensa, a world wide group of very smart people. Ms. Jackson is simply in love with her body. Many of us are! We spend countless days obsessing with the size of our waist, the taste and temperature of our soup, the aroma of our coffee, the cut of our suit, or the quality of our sexual experience.
The Scripture colorfully calls this kind of person as one "whose God is their belly!" Richard Foster writes, "Any life lived on the order of the body alone will end in emptiness. We simply cannot sustain meaning when the only measure of life is endless experience." (Longing For God, IVP, 2009)
A great dinner is to be enjoyed. Caring for our appearance is not a bad thing. God created us with the capacity to experience pleasure. My intent today is not to urge a life of deprivation or pain on anyone. In a twisted way, there are those who profess to be followers of Christ Jesus, who worship the belly god by turning the good news of salvation into a long list of rules designed to curb the appetites of the body. The Word repeats their mantra: "Don't handle! Don't taste! Don't touch!" (Colossians 2:21) and then reminds us of the folly of a religion with this focus: "These rules may seem wise because they require strong devotion, pious self-denial, and severe bodily discipline. But they provide no help in conquering a person's evil desires." (Colossians 2:23, NLT)
Disciple, our focus is higher than this body! We are to love God - with all our mind, heart, and strength. In this, we find life to the full which He promised. We understand that the body is perishing and we do not despair because of that fact. We feed, clothe, and care for our body as the 'temple of the Spirit,' which it is, but we refuse to make it our god.
Consider the wisdom in this passage. "For many walk, (live their daily lives) of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame- who set their mind on earthly things.
For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself." (Philippians 3:18-21, NKJV)
Are you worshipping your stomach?
Do you define 'the good life' by food, comfort, or appearance?
If so, break that idol! "Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God." (Colossians 3:2-3, NKJV) Practice the discipline of fasting (not just food!) to allow the love of God to flourish. Cultivate the inner beauty of a clean and righteous heart that cannot be taken away by the passing of time.
Those who serve the belly god become enslaved by the search for more and more exotic experiences to sate the senses. Lust and gluttony corrupt every part of their lives, shape every interaction, and ultimately their god is wrenched from their grasp by age and death. Those who serve the Savior are led to life, know joy, and relinguish their body and appetites even as they take hold of eternal life, right here, right now!
_______
Light of the world
You stepped down into darkness
Opened my eyes let me see
Beauty that made
This heart adore You
Hope of a life spent with You
So here I am to worship
Here I am to bow down
Here I am to say that
You're my God
And You're altogether lovely
Altogether worthy
Altogether wonderful to me
Here I Am To Worship
Tim Hughes, 2000 ThankYou Music
CCLI License 810005
The Scripture colorfully calls this kind of person as one "whose God is their belly!" Richard Foster writes, "Any life lived on the order of the body alone will end in emptiness. We simply cannot sustain meaning when the only measure of life is endless experience." (Longing For God, IVP, 2009)
A great dinner is to be enjoyed. Caring for our appearance is not a bad thing. God created us with the capacity to experience pleasure. My intent today is not to urge a life of deprivation or pain on anyone. In a twisted way, there are those who profess to be followers of Christ Jesus, who worship the belly god by turning the good news of salvation into a long list of rules designed to curb the appetites of the body. The Word repeats their mantra: "Don't handle! Don't taste! Don't touch!" (Colossians 2:21) and then reminds us of the folly of a religion with this focus: "These rules may seem wise because they require strong devotion, pious self-denial, and severe bodily discipline. But they provide no help in conquering a person's evil desires." (Colossians 2:23, NLT)
Disciple, our focus is higher than this body! We are to love God - with all our mind, heart, and strength. In this, we find life to the full which He promised. We understand that the body is perishing and we do not despair because of that fact. We feed, clothe, and care for our body as the 'temple of the Spirit,' which it is, but we refuse to make it our god.
Consider the wisdom in this passage. "For many walk, (live their daily lives) of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame- who set their mind on earthly things.
For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself." (Philippians 3:18-21, NKJV)
Are you worshipping your stomach?
Do you define 'the good life' by food, comfort, or appearance?
If so, break that idol! "Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God." (Colossians 3:2-3, NKJV) Practice the discipline of fasting (not just food!) to allow the love of God to flourish. Cultivate the inner beauty of a clean and righteous heart that cannot be taken away by the passing of time.
Those who serve the belly god become enslaved by the search for more and more exotic experiences to sate the senses. Lust and gluttony corrupt every part of their lives, shape every interaction, and ultimately their god is wrenched from their grasp by age and death. Those who serve the Savior are led to life, know joy, and relinguish their body and appetites even as they take hold of eternal life, right here, right now!
_______
Light of the world
You stepped down into darkness
Opened my eyes let me see
Beauty that made
This heart adore You
Hope of a life spent with You
So here I am to worship
Here I am to bow down
Here I am to say that
You're my God
And You're altogether lovely
Altogether worthy
Altogether wonderful to me
Here I Am To Worship
Tim Hughes, 2000 ThankYou Music
CCLI License 810005
Monday, June 01, 2009
The murder of Tiller
Yesterday morning, Dr. George Tiller was shot dead in the foyer of the church he attended as he was serving as an usher. Tiller, for those who do not know, was one of a very small group of physicians who performed late term abortions, even in the third trimester of pregnancy. He justified his action by saying that nearly all of those abortions involved a fetus with severe abnormalities. Even if that is true, Dr. Tiller was taking human lives. Reports say that a 51 year old man who has a history of rebellion against the government, calling himself a ‘sovereign citizen,’ shot the doctor. Other reports label the man as being part of the ‘pro-life’ movement. I say he is a deluded fool. Delusion is a huge risk to everyone who rejects accountability to God, government, and Church. A man who becomes a law to himself is loose cannon. I would like to ask him what logic made him believe that one kind of murder justifies another? Tiller’s killer is not pro-life!
The whole news story is a tragic one, with no bright spot, nothing I can find as redeeming. Our ‘me-first’ culture has sanctioned an awful curse called abortion. It is an issue of deep concern to me now and it has been for years. Back in the mid-1980’s I was a co-founder of a ministry that offered help and hope to pregnant women. Our philosophy was that we would not use fear or graphic pictures to inflame emotion! We determined would always be truthful and demonstrate real compassion, to help women make the right choice in a desperate situation. The ministry survives today, though I am no longer involved with it, and I still believe that love the response the Lord asks His people to adopt when dealing with sin!
That said, I am not deceived about the hideous nature of abortion. It is a sin against humanity and God, one of the ongoing acts in our country that invites His judgment. Any nation that sanctions the destruction of the life of the least and the helpless is a nation in danger of God’s correction. Despite the propaganda of the industry, almost all abortions are done for the convenience of those who had sexual intercourse without thinking of the consequence of conception. The flags of incest and rape are waved constantly as a justification for abortion, but even a generous accounting allows that less than 2 or 3 out of 100 abortions involve those circumstances. It is a national tragedy of unbelievable proportion, when one considers that just over 1 million lives end each year in doctor’s offices and clinics in America. That has continued since abortion was legalized in the United States in 1973 by the infamous Supreme Court decision known as Roe vs. Wade.
The Word stirs God’s people to action on behalf of those who are powerless saying, "Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed. Rescue the weak and needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked." (Psalm 82:3-4, NIV) The ethics of life and justice, however, do not allow any one person to become judge and jury, exacting a mistaken justice with a handgun in a church lobby! Nor should our concern for the life of the pre-born cause us to forget compassion for the woman bearing the child.
Serving God in a sinful world is not an isolated act of righteousness here and there. It is a way of life encompassing all of our choices. We cannot fulfill our high and holy calling without cost. We must be wise, patient, and loving; never allowing our choices – individually or corporately to be fueled solely by emotional fervor. We must remain in submission to God and keep strong ties with all of His people to avoid the deceptions that will twist our best service into a caricature of godliness and holy living.
"How can I stand up before God and show proper respect to the high God? Should I bring an armload of offerings topped off with yearling calves? Would God be impressed with thousands of rams, with buckets and barrels of olive oil? Would he be moved if I sacrificed my firstborn child, my precious baby, to cancel my sin?
But he’s already made it plain how to live, what to do, what God is looking for in men and women. It’s quite simple: Do what is fair and just to your neighbor, be compassionate and loyal in your love, And don’t take yourself too seriously— take God seriously." (Micah 6:6-8, The Message)
The whole news story is a tragic one, with no bright spot, nothing I can find as redeeming. Our ‘me-first’ culture has sanctioned an awful curse called abortion. It is an issue of deep concern to me now and it has been for years. Back in the mid-1980’s I was a co-founder of a ministry that offered help and hope to pregnant women. Our philosophy was that we would not use fear or graphic pictures to inflame emotion! We determined would always be truthful and demonstrate real compassion, to help women make the right choice in a desperate situation. The ministry survives today, though I am no longer involved with it, and I still believe that love the response the Lord asks His people to adopt when dealing with sin!
That said, I am not deceived about the hideous nature of abortion. It is a sin against humanity and God, one of the ongoing acts in our country that invites His judgment. Any nation that sanctions the destruction of the life of the least and the helpless is a nation in danger of God’s correction. Despite the propaganda of the industry, almost all abortions are done for the convenience of those who had sexual intercourse without thinking of the consequence of conception. The flags of incest and rape are waved constantly as a justification for abortion, but even a generous accounting allows that less than 2 or 3 out of 100 abortions involve those circumstances. It is a national tragedy of unbelievable proportion, when one considers that just over 1 million lives end each year in doctor’s offices and clinics in America. That has continued since abortion was legalized in the United States in 1973 by the infamous Supreme Court decision known as Roe vs. Wade.
The Word stirs God’s people to action on behalf of those who are powerless saying, "Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed. Rescue the weak and needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked." (Psalm 82:3-4, NIV) The ethics of life and justice, however, do not allow any one person to become judge and jury, exacting a mistaken justice with a handgun in a church lobby! Nor should our concern for the life of the pre-born cause us to forget compassion for the woman bearing the child.
Serving God in a sinful world is not an isolated act of righteousness here and there. It is a way of life encompassing all of our choices. We cannot fulfill our high and holy calling without cost. We must be wise, patient, and loving; never allowing our choices – individually or corporately to be fueled solely by emotional fervor. We must remain in submission to God and keep strong ties with all of His people to avoid the deceptions that will twist our best service into a caricature of godliness and holy living.
"How can I stand up before God and show proper respect to the high God? Should I bring an armload of offerings topped off with yearling calves? Would God be impressed with thousands of rams, with buckets and barrels of olive oil? Would he be moved if I sacrificed my firstborn child, my precious baby, to cancel my sin?
But he’s already made it plain how to live, what to do, what God is looking for in men and women. It’s quite simple: Do what is fair and just to your neighbor, be compassionate and loyal in your love, And don’t take yourself too seriously— take God seriously." (Micah 6:6-8, The Message)
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