Earlier today at 6:45 a.m., a horrifyingly sinful act was witnessed when three innocent people were gunned down in Moneta, Virginia during a live WDBJ-TV interview: a reporter (Alison Parker, 24), a cameraman (Adam Ward, 27), and a woman being interviewed (Vicki  Gardner). It is heartbreaking that both Alison and Adam were killed, but I'm grateful to the Lord that Vicki has already undergone surgery and is in stable condition.

Though I'm aware of the evil in this world, I was still stunned by this act of violence by Bryce Williams (legal name: Vester Lee Flanagan) who was once a reporter and co-worker of both Alison and Adam at WDBJ. Two hours after the shooting, Williams faxed a 23-page manifesto to ABC News. In this manifesto, Williams claims that he was racially discriminated against and harassed by black men and white women because he was a homosexual black man. Williams also stated that he's "been a human powder keg for a while…just waiting to go BOOM!!" and that the church shooting in Charleston was the final spark that ignited his bustling fuse. Sadly, he also stated what many who are lost in their sins say—that God told him to do it. But those of us who truly know God, know this is not true. And my heart grieves for others who, like Bryce Williams, are completely deceived by their own sin nature.

It seems lately, that every time we watch or hear the news, there's always something that tempts us to fear man rather than God. There seems to be constant heart wrenching news about violence and the increasing depravity of man being celebrated while character, honor and holiness is being beaten to a pulp or threatened to be silenced. So what's a Christian to do? We are to do what we should always be doing—getting on our knees: repenting of our sins, asking God to forgive others, and praying for the wisdom, courage and love to do what's right in God's sight.

"And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him [the Almighty] who can destroy both soul and body in hell."

-Matthew 10:28, ESV

News like this senseless and tragic shooting today, should not rattle or frighten a Christian or scare us into remaining in more of a Christian bubble than some of us already are. News like this should wake up the idle Christians from their selfish stupor and exhort the faithful Christians to continue preaching the Gospel with more compassion and urgency. Ultimately, there is no human program, law or institution that can or will stop the cause of these continual evils we inflict upon one another. The only solution, the only true hope and help for anyone, is to hear and believe the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

So before you decide to judge, hate and call Bryce Williams ugly names, remember that we're all capable of such heinous crimes. Remember that in the sight of the one and only holy God, we all have sinned the greatest sin—rebellion against God Almighty; therefore we all deserve the greatest punishment—eternal damnation in Hell. But because God is gracious and full of mercy and compassion, He crushed His own Son, making Christ the propitiation for our sins. Making Him who knew no sin to be sin for us—us, who knew nothing but sin prior to the Father's gift of faith in His Son.

Remember what the Holy Spirit inspired the Apostle Paul to write to the Ephesians. Then pray for Bryce Williams' family and friends and others like him. Pray for God to grant them all the gift of repentance that leads to saving faith in Jesus Christ. And be brave—pray for God to give you opportunities to share the Gospel of His grace with others, even people you may feel uncomfortable or fearful around (homosexuals, drug users, or simply people who aren't like you).

"And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience—among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. But God, being rich in mercy because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—and raised us with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus"

-Ephesians 2:1-6, ESV

"My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."

-Psalm 73:26, ESV

Psalm 73:25 says, "Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you." Both verses 25 and 26 resonate the song of my literal and figurative heart; for God alone makes my physical heart beat, and He alone made my figurative heart alive in Christ. Without the LORD I wouldn't have physical or spiritual life...and neither would anyone else.

This past Friday, my Cardiac Electrophysiologist confirmed that I have an uncommon heart arrhythmia called sick sinus syndrome (SSS). What this means is that my heart can no longer keep a steady rhythm because it's "sick".

The power and comfort of God's hand in mine

Season by season, I watch Him amazed

In awe of the mystery of His perfect ways

All I have need of His hand will provide

He's always been faithful to me

"I can't remember one single regret

In serving God only and trusting His hand

I can't remember a trial or a pain

He did not recycle to bring me gain

All I have need of His hand will provide

He's always been faithful to me

"This is my anthem, and this is my song

The theme of the stories

I've heard for so long

God has been faithful; He will be again

His loving compassion—it knows no end

And all I have need of, His hand will provide

"He's always been faithful

He's always been faithful

"Great is thy faithfulness, O God my Father

There is no shadow of turning with Thee

Thou changest not, Thy compassions they fail not

As Thou hast been, Thou forever will be."

It's been a while since I've shared anything about my physical health (my last post was in November 2014). Perhaps you thought the Lord healed me from my serious health afflictions...but He hasn't...yet. And that's okay with me.

I'm now entering my 11th year of constant and often debilitating pain, extreme fatigue, seven surgeries in seven years (my most recent was a few weeks ago). I'm also still adding new specialists to my already large repertoire (an Endocrinologist, Cardiac Electrophysiologist, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, and more). In addition to all this, it looks as if I'm going to need at least one more, and possibly two surgeries this year (one for my hyperparathyroidism and the other for a cardiac pacemaker).

The reason it's been so long since I've shared anything about my continually declining health, is because I've wrongly concluded that it's better for me to encourage you rather than burden you with my seemingly, never-ending litany of trials. But when I was discussing this issue with my oldest son earlier today, I realized how wrong I've been not to share more about my weaknesses; because how then, can anyone see Christ's power manifested perfectly in me (2 Cor 12:9-10)?

Though our Father God has graciously allowed me to keep my heart and mind focused on the things eternal rather than on the things temporal—like my physical health, it's wrong of me not to share the pains of this journey with you. So please forgive me.

I want so much for you to be strengthened in your faith, to keep your sights vertical rather than horizontal, that I've neglected to show you how to do that when you're in the trenches...in the heat of the battle between your flesh's desire and your renewed desire to please and honor the Lord.

"Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God. For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry. With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you; but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. For this is why the gospel was preached even to those who are dead, that though judged in the flesh the way people are, they might live in the spirit the way God does."

-1 Peter 4:1-6, ESV

Because the focus of what I do is not for physical results (comfort and healing), my hope is not deferred and my fervor is not exhausted. Part of my daily regime is to eat healthy, exercise five to six days a week (though it's painful and makes me very ill), drink about 72 ounces of water plus juice daily, and do more than my doctors ask. I don't practice these disciplines because I love my body and want nothing more than to be healed, I do them because I love Christ and know my body belongs to Him, and not me (Gal 2:20).

Some people wrongly assume because I'm so disciplined, it means I'm not tempted by my sinful flesh to gratify it, rather than honor Christ. But I am often tempted and sometimes give into my temptations to be lazy and do nothing; to be mediocre, rather than do all things with excellence as unto the Lord. I'm constantly tempted by my flesh to be so self-absorbed, that at times, I more resemble a black-hole, than a light to the world.

I could use God's grace as an excuse to remain enslaved to my fleshly desires (saying, "I'm only human", "God's not finished with me yet" or "I'm a work in progress"), or I could avail the great and wonderfully freeing gift from God given only to Christians—repentance. My confidence in my Father's forgiveness endows me with spiritual strength to persevere; to run my course and to finish well with urgency, rather than be satisfied with complacency (1 Jn 1:9, Rom 5:1-5).

Sadly, this is not the same experience all professing Christians know and understand. Some who profess Christ as their Lord and Savior live like they're their own lord and savior. They praise Jesus when things go well. And they may even praise Jesus and express trust when trials come their way. But when God's refining fire tests their faith over an extended period of time, their false profession and fruitless deeds are consumed by God's holiness (1 Cor 13:5). As Jesus says, there are those who hear the Gospel and joyfully receive it, but once painful trials come their way, they turn away from the Word rather than turn to it (Lk 8:13).

Those who do not truly know God only "love" Him when they think they can get something by claiming association with Him; including false piety. But when the show of false piety during difficult times gets old, their quick and easy profession of trust in Jesus, just as quickly, produces self-righteous demands, even arrogantly accusing God of not keeping His promises.

Throughout Scripture, we see how our gracious and merciful Father God uses even the fall of man that brought sin and suffering to this world, as a tool to reveal to us where we truly stand with Him: still in our self-righteous sin, or justified by the righteous works of Christ (Gen 3:24, Rom 5:16).

Those who are truly saved will never turn away from God or accuse Him of wrongdoing. Rather, they will turn all the more to Him, crying out to Him night and day, seeking to repent of any sins that are obvious or oblivious to them; begging God to help them see Him clearly and love Him more dearly. Those who abide in Christ will hunger and thirst for righteousness and look to the LORD for help rather than try to seek comfort from unbelievers who can only provide temporal remedies for our physical bodies, but can offer no real comfort for our eternal souls.

I don't remain true to God because I'm holier than others. I remain true to God because I'm keenly aware of the wretch that I am; the utter depravity of my sinful heart and mind, and my growing ineptness to do anything worthy of being called good by the only One who is good. Because I'm so desperately insecure in myself and often terrified of what others think of me or might say or do to me, I cling to Christ all the more and desire to remain hid in Him because He is my Strong Tower—the only place I can be me and feel completely safe, compassionately accepted, perfectly loved, and profoundly secure.

My faith and the life I live are not strong because of me. My faith and life are strong because of the One who holds and owns them both—Jesus Christ the Lord (Gal 2:20).

As I continue to struggle physically and spiritually—to live a life that most pleases, honors and glorifies the Lord, I often grow weary of the fight and am tempted to give up. But when I cry out to the LORD, He lifts me from my miry pit and sets my feet on solid ground (Mt 11:28-30, Ps 40:1-3). If you do the same, you will receive same because I don't have any more of Jesus than you do (Gen 4:6-7). As Burk Parsons wisely said,"We don't need more of Jesus, just less of self. We already have all of Jesus."

"Not to us, O LORD, not to us. but to your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness! Why should the nations say, 'Where is your God?' Our God is in the heavens; he does all that he pleases.

"I lift my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth."

-Psalm 115:1-3; 121:1-2, ESV

What does it mean, to give thanks in all circumstances?

In First Thessalonians chapter five, the Apostle Paul closes with a list of things that every Christian ought to do (vv. 12-22), but can't do in our own strength or by our own sheer will. Perhaps we can accomplish some, or all that's on this list, but it would only be a temporary appearance of godly character rather than a faithful and continual walk. For we know if we do not abide in Christ, we will not bear His fruit. And any true godly quality we exhibit is a demonstration of the power of the Holy Spirit within us (1 Cor 2:5), not from our flesh that continually desires the ways of this world.

I often refer to my physical trials as a gift from the Lord and something He has seen fit to work in my life for my greatest benefit. And often, I get questions and comments from people who are outraged by my proclamation that a good and loving God would bring pain into my life. They tell me I'm rather foolish and audacious to claim God would do anything besides make me healthy, wealthy and happy. But that's not what God says.

"For the Lord will not cast off forever, but, though He cause grief, He will have compassion according to the abundance of His steadfast love; for He does not willingly afflict or grieve the children of men."

~Lamentations 3:31-33 (ESV)

In Psalm 119 verses 67 and 71, the psalmist sees the good purposes of afflictions in this life: they keep us from going astray and give us deeper understanding and appreciation for God's holy statutes. The writer of Hebrews also echos this in chapter 12 when he talks about God's loving and faithful discipline, which is painful at the time, but for those who endure and are trained by it, they will yield the peaceful fruit of righteousness.

"Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through Him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us."

~Romans 5:1-5 (ESV)

Wow! Who doesn't want to build endurance, character and hope? Everyone, both believers and non-believers aspire to such a high and noble stature, but this can only be obtained by divine providence; by the power of God's Holy Spirit that indwells the children of the Most High God.

I would be lying if I didn't admit the hardships of these 10 years, with the past five encumbered by many hospital admits, five surgeries, countless procedures and tests, and the acquisition of more specialists than there are colors in the rainbow. Constant physical pain, and I mean pain on the scale from 5 - 10 on good days, every day, non-stop (up until recently) has really worn on me. It was always something, one thing after another. I was either tearing a muscle, a tendon, or an organ wasn't working right or my blood work was out of whack...again. It was a constant dance for my doctors to try to figure out what would help me without causing something else in my highly precarious system to malfunction.

And I'm supposed to be grateful for this? Yes!

"So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light and momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the thing that are unseen are eternal."

~2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (ESV)

Did you hear that? Did you hear what our heavenly Father said here? He said that He makes even the most agonizing and grievous things in this life work for our benefit! So then, if God uses even the "bad" experiences to work for our greater good, then the question is, why is suffering a bad thing if it's working good in us and for us—for this life and the one to come?

If this doesn't give you reason to be grateful for whatever you may be suffering today, consider Hebrews 5:7-8, "In the days of His flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to Him who was able to save Him from death, and He was heard because of His reverence. Although He was a son, He learned obedience through what He suffered." We are not greater than Jesus (Lk 6:40), so if He "learned obedience through what He suffered" how much more will we learn? Besides that, let's do a reality check here. Jesus didn't deserve one iota of suffering, but we deserve more suffering than we will ever know because God poured out His wrath on His Son instead of us.

In view of this awesome mercy and grace from God, we should rejoice in the freedom of our salvation and give thanks to God in all and for all circumstances. Our circumstances don't determine our joy; Jesus does, and He's already sealed it by giving us His Holy Spirit.

"Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid...I have said these things to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart, I have overcome the world."

~John 14:27, 16:33 (ESV)

P.S. I almost forgot. For those who've been praying and have asked about my heart issues; the meds are working and I'm doing well. Thank you for your prayers and thank you for asking! ♥

There's so much in this life to be fearful of: loving someone, because they may not love you back; rejection from family, friends, co-workers and even other Christians; public humiliation; being ignored, forgotten and used.

I don't want to be afraid of what others think of me, will do to me, or not do to me (Gal 1:10).

I don't want to be afraid of never being physically healed. I don't want to be afraid that my doctors may not always know exactly the right thing to do (Prov 2:6).

I don't want to be afraid of giving up on ministry opportunities or public services because of my faith and abandon to Christ and His Word. I don't want to be afraid of that phone call, text or email where someone tells me that I'm too narrow-minded of a Christian for their feel-good, man-centered ministry (Gal 2:20).

I don't want to be afraid of speaking the truth in love, just because it's not the truth someone wants to hear (Prov 27:5-6).

"I tell you, My friends, do not fear those who kill the body, and after that have nothing more they can do. But I will warn you whom to fear: fear Him who, after He has killed, has authority to cast into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear Him!"

~Luke 12:4-5 (ESV)

The only fear I want to have is for the Lord God Almighty. Not afraid to be near Him, but have a holy and awesome fear of Him—knowing who He is, what He can and has every right to do to me; yet He withholds evil and only gives me good, because of Jesus Christ.

"Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ... For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by His life."

~Romans 5:1, 10 (ESV)

Fear of God is the only healthy fear. All other fears are crippling. But the fear of God causes us to be humbled by His mercy and grace, while strengthening us to rejoice in His exceeding kindness toward us who are in Christ Jesus. 

The fear of God is sobering and brings any human being into right relationship with Him as we see Him as He is, and not as we would like Him to be (e.g., warm, fuzzy, feel-good, not-very-holy deity).

I want to let go of all my fears that inhibit me from fully living in the freedom Christ died to give me. I want to live in God's perfect love that casts out all fear, because fear has to do with punishment (1 Jn 4:18). And since I am in a right relationship with God; forgiven and free, why should I fear what man might do or take away from me? I shouldn't.

Therefore I resolve to:

"Then those who feared the LORD spoke with one another. The LORD paid attention and heard them, and a book of remembrance was written before Him of those who feared the LORD and esteemed His name. They shall be Mine says the LORD of hosts, in the day when I make up My treasured possession, and I will spare them as a man spares his son who serves him. Then once more you shall see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between one who serves God and one who does not serve Him."

~Hosea 3:16-18 (ESV)

Being "out there" in social media and writing online brings a lot of people into my life. More than I can fit into my home and more than I can usually respond to in a timely manner...if at all. This makes life a bit more interesting and often fills my days and heart with praise to God, prayers for friends (some I've never met in person) and also some heartaches along the way.

I never set out to be a writer. I never set out to have readers or have people who would "follow" me. I wasn't raised in a Christian home, so I set out to be a diligent student of God's Word. I wanted to learn how to be an excellent Proverbs 31 wife and mother, a loving sister/friend to fellow Christians and an exemplary witness of Christ to the lost world. I set out to know what my spiritual gifts are and use them as God has ordained in His Word (Rom 1:11-12, 15:2; 1 Cor 12:7) to edify the Body and cause many to give thanks to the Father—while bringing glory and honor to His name (1 Pet 1:6-7). That's all.

But then one day, my wise Father in Heaven decided to allow a thorn in my side; a painful and often debilitating medical issue that disables me from using my spiritual gifts as I once did...within the safety of my church's walls and the homes of sisters in Christ.

For the past 10 years my health has slowly declined and in the past five years I've undergone five surgeries, countless tests, numerous procedures, several hospital admissions and too many emergency room visits to mention. With endless medical activities and being in constant pain, daily tasks were often impossible and using my spiritual gifts outside my home were far from my mind. Yet, I was compelled by the Holy Spirit to do well with all that God has given me...to run this race and finish my course (Eph 2:10, Heb 12:1-2).

So my darling husband and I prayed about how I would continue to use the gifts He gave me for the purpose in which He gave them. It seemed impossible. How can I teach and exhort women and encourage all saints to press on toward the upward call of God in Christ Jesus (Phil 3:14), if I can't even get out of my house? This all happened in 2008 when blogging was still a bit of a mystery to many, including me. As a matter of fact, I'd never heard of it before my husband mentioned it to me.

After much prayer, my wise and loving husband directed me to begin blogging about all that God has taught me. To be honest, I thought this was silly and a bit arrogant. I mean, who am I? I'm a nobody. I'm just a simple Christian stay-at-home-wife and mother. Why would I write anything, put it online and why would anyone read it? Crazy. But trusting God who was kind enough to provide order and give me a wise and godly man as my head, I submitted and began doing what I didn't understand nor felt comfortable doing...blogging.

Surprisingly, people started reading my blog, commenting and even emailing me questions, concerns and requests for prayers. It wasn't too long before sisters who created online women's ministries began to contact me asking if I'd like to join their ministry.

Fast forward six years and here I am...still writing on my personal blog, at The Christian Post Blogs and working on my first women's Bible study entitled, My Second Love: A Study of Biblical Submission and The Proverbs 31 Woman.

So what does all this have to do with praying for a bigger heart rather than a thicker skin?

Being online makes me an easy target for verbal brutality that most would never engage in face-to-face. So, as you can imagine, I could have a pity party, become bitter and quit writing altogether because honestly, I never asked for this. I never set my heart on being a writer or anything that would put in me in the public's eye. I'm inherently an introvert and prefer to spend time alone with God and my family. In general, people frighten me. So I could buck up, and harden my heart (a.k.a thicken my skin) so these verbal daggers no longer hurt me. Or I could choose to learn from faithful saints who've gone before me and emulate my Savior's heart, by loving my enemies.

Because I never desired to write...at all, and surely not in a public arena, I never had, nor now have any personal agenda or motivation to write. Therefore, I don't tend to write about things that garner much applause—which I'm grateful for lest my pride rise up within me and disable me from speaking God's truth.  I simply write as I feel led by the Lord in accordance with His Word and inline with my spiritual gifts. Which means the crux of my writings are exhortations to my brothers and sisters in Christ to remain steadfast and immovable; to contend for the faith and remain faithful to Christ, His Word and His precepts that accords with sound doctrine.

With that said, in the past six years, the Lord has kindly brought me wonderful brothers and sisters in Christ to encourage me, challenge me and help me as I follow God's will. I've been greatly encouraged by knowing there are many Christians out there who still hold steadfastly to God's Word, prefer His will over their personal emotions and experiences and who boldly declare the excellencies of Christ and rejoice in His holy magnificence!

Along with these wonderful readers (some who have become my friends), I've also, by God's providence have been allowed some not-so-kind travel companions who are more concerned about making God and His Word pleasing to the world than making their lives most pleasing to God.

Without knowing anything about me or reading the Scriptures I share in my articles that would renew their minds and transform their hearts in Christ, they choose to hurl insults, presume erroneous facts about my character and douse me with extremely painful wishes (e.g., "hope you see Judas in Hell). This makes me want to run and hide. So I do...to my God and Savior, Jesus Christ, my Strong Tower, who reminds me that no matter how wretched people think I am, I know I am worse—or else God the Father would've never sacrificed His one and only Son to save me.

"When King David came to Bahurim, there came out a man of the family of the house of Saul, whose name was Shimei, the son of Gera, and as he came he cursed continually. And he threw stones at David and at all the servants of King David, and all the people and all the mighty men...

"Then Abishai the son of Zeruiah said to the king, 'Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? Let me go over and take off his head.' But the king said, 'What have I do to do with you, you sons of Zeruiah? If he is cursing because the Lord has said to him, 'Curse David,' who then shall say, 'Why have you done so?... It may be that the LORD will look on the wrong done to me, and that the LORD will repay me with good for his cursing today.' So David and his men went on the road, while Shimei went along on the hillside opposite him and cursed as he went and threw stones at him and flung dust."

"For this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in His steps. He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in His mouth. When He was reviled, He did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but continued entrusting Himself to Him who judges justly."

~2 Samuel 16:5-6, 9-10, 12-14;

1 Peter 2:21-23 (ESV)

I am grateful for all the precious brothers and sisters whom the Lord has brought to encourage and pray for me. And I'm continually learning to pray for a bigger heart, so I can be just as grateful for those whom the Lord has allowed to curse me.

I hope this has encouraged some of you today who may be enduring similar trials because of your abandoned love for Christ.

Remember, our lives here are but a mist, and it'll all be better when we get Home (2 Cor 4:16-18, Col 3:1-4).

Is there life after death? Are we reincarnated and come back as something else depending on the kind of life we previously lived? Can the dead rise back to life? Is there really a Heaven and Hell?

The answers are: yes, there is life after death; no,  reincarnation isn't real; and yes, when a person dies, they will be resurrected either to eternal life in Heaven with God, or eternal damnation in Hell with Satan and his demons (John 5:28-29).

Two days ago, we rejoiced in the reason why Good Friday is so good—because, once and for all, the penalty for sin was paid in full for those who by faith, repent and trust their lives to Jesus (Hebrews 10:10).

“For if we have been united with Him [Christ] in a death like His, we shall certainly be united with Him in a resurrection like His. We know that our old self was crucified with Him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. For one who has died has been set free from sin. Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with Him. We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over Him. For the death He died He died to sin, once for all, but the life He lives He lives to God. So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus."

~Romans 6:5-11

Faithful and beloved saints of Christ Jesus, I need your prayer support again.

Earlier today, I was contacted by a precious sister in the Lord, Amy Spreeman who co-hosts "Stand Up For the Truth", (with Mike LeMay), on Q90 FM,  in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

Amy requested an interview with me that will air live, tomorrow (March 27, 2013) from 9:00-10:00 a.m. My segment will go from 9:00-9:20 a.m.

You can either listen live by clicking this link: Stand Up For the Truth, or listen later by clicking this link: archived podcasts.

Okay, it's confession time. Most of you may not know this, but I'm an ardent introvert. I like love being alone and I love the quiet. Being with a group of more than one other person makes me nervous...sometimes even one other person makes me nervous, depending on who they are.

Most of my life, I've loved silence and precious times of meditating on God's word. And none of this is because I'm such a wonderfully strong Christian. No, it's because I'm selfish and prideful and I don't like to think of others or really put myself in situations where other people can see or hear me; it's my way of avoiding any kind of criticism, constructive or not.

I like to be safe. And being alone with God is always the safest place to be, but it's not always the place He calls us to.

The verses after the above passage tell us that Jesus then took the three (Peter, James and John) down the mountain to heal a demon-possessed boy. And this is what He calls us to do as well. Our Lord calls his disciples up the mountain to spend refreshing and glorious time with Him, then He commands us to go back down to a sin-filled land where there are a multitude that need the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Remaining in a holy huddle is not an option. But it is utter disobedience.

Throughout the gospels, we read that Jesus spent much of His time serving and teaching others. Then He would slip away to desolate places so He could pray (Mk 1:35, Lk 5:16).

Two things my Lord has taught me through this is:

I never set out to be a writer. I never set out to do anything that would draw attention to myself. I don't like that. It makes me queasy. If I had to describe myself with other biblical figures, I'd have to say that I'm a strange mix of Moses and Jonah. I can't speak with eloquence and I'm often stiff-necked and slow to obey.

But, I'm getting old and tired of being a schizophrenic version of Moses and Jonah. Tomorrow, I'll be 44 and it'll mark my 40th year of walking with the Lord. That's my favorite part of this birthday! I love that God saved me when He did and I love looking back and recounting all His goodness to me and those around me (Ps 9:1-2). God has given me a beautiful life and I wouldn't trade it in for the world.

In the Bible, God uses the number 40 as a time for preparation (e.g., Moses' 40 years in Midian before being called by God to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, 40 days and 40 nights on the mountain receiving the 10 commandments, Jesus' 40 days and 40 nights of fasting) and even in how God creates human beings—a baby develops in his/her mother's womb for 40 weeks. So I've been wondering if God has been preparing me for something different than what I've been doing in the safety of my home, behind my computer.

I've prayed and asked and haven't received a clear answer yet, but like I said, I want to be more like Abraham and not like that crazy mix of Moses and Jonah, so I'm content to wait on the Lord for what is ahead, if, that is, He chooses to reveal it all to me. And even if He only chooses to reveal one step at a time rather than allow me to see the entire path, I am satisfied (Ps 119:105).

Since I trust in the One who is leading me through this journey I have resolved to follow...immediately, without hesitation, no matter how dreadful the situation might make me feel. I will follow, because I know my Father in Heaven is sovereign, He is good and He loves me; that makes all my steps secure (Ps 40:1-3).

May the Lord God be glorified through this interview and may the name of Jesus Christ be high and lifted up. Let us all, make much of Jesus rather than ourselves.

"So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift...And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.”

~Matt 5:23-24, Mk 11:25

"Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy! He who goes out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, bringing his sheaves with him...And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up...And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace."

~Psalm 126:5-6, Gal 6:9, James 3:18

"Whoever loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. And whoever does not take his cross and follow Me is not worthy of Me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for My sake will find it."

~Jesus the Christ (Matt 10:37-39)

To abort or not to abort...that is the question. But what is the answer? I mean, the right answer?

It’s amazing how many people establish an opinion on important issues without having all the facts. If we're honest, we'll all admit, everything we hear or read in the media isn't “the whole truth and nothing but the truth”. The media (depending on the source), will either skew facts or completely dismiss some, so the public will have no choice but to agree with the media representative's opinion.

Personally, I don't believe the American people are so feeble-minded. I believe whether Christian or non-Christian, we're all endowed by our Creator with a conscience that allows us to distinguish between right and wrong. And if we're provided with accurate information regarding any issue, we are capable of making decisions that are right in the sight of God. 

Almost one and a half years ago (September 26, 2011), Living Waters Publications (LWP) released the 180 Movie; a 33-minute documentary made available to the public via DVD purchase or can be viewed online at www.180movie.com.

This vividly intense documentary shares the truth about abortion, it’s effect on the morality of our nation and people just like you and me. Because the issue of morality was brought up by some of the interviewees, a clear and biblical Gospel presentation is also included in this movie. Which I'm so grateful for and expected nothing less from Ray Comfort and his ministry family.

I found the 180 Movie to be a passionate and intellectually gripping movie. Ray Comfort, Founder and President of Living Waters, presents the viewer with a perspective on abortion that speaks directly to the condition of a person’s heart, rather than keep abortion at a comfortable, political distance. Our faithful brother Ray opens the movie with a stern warning that history will be repeated, if we aren't wise enough to educate ourselves and learn from it.

Abortion  isn't only a hot political topic, but it can hit closer to home. It can affect marriages.

Prior to marriage, some couples don't consider whether or not abortion is an option for their spouse. They assume their husband/wife feels the same. But when they are surprised with the news of a baby they were not expecting (emotionally, financially, etc.) or they discover that the baby has a deformity or other possible health issues, sadly, abortion is often mentioned by medical professionals, friends and family members.

Married women account for 18.4% of abortions*, often leaving devastating heartache that some marriages don't recover from. So why not provide information to everyone, prior to marriage about the truth of abortion?

In the state of Texas, a Woman’s Right to Know Act - HB15, went into effect on September 1, 2011. This bill mandates that all medical facilities supply women who requests an abortion to receive proper information 24 hours prior to the procedure. HB15 also requires all doctors performing abortions to show women the sonogram of their unborn child and verbally describe his/her physical traits and vital development. Women can choose not to look or listen, but the doctor performing the abortion is required by law to share the truth with her regarding her unborn baby so she can make an educated decision.

Below are links to local pregnancy centers in the Dallas area who fully disclose the truth about abortion, both for women who are considering having an abortion, and support for those who've already had one.

Real Options for Women, 700 E. Park Blvd., Ste 206, Plano, TX 75074 | Phone: 972-424-5144

Mid Cities Pregnancy Center, 8251 Bedford-Euless Rd, Ste 220, North Richland Hills, TX 76180 | Phone: 817-577-4387 ** 1111 W. Airport Frwy. Ste 229, Irving, TX 75062 | Phone: 214-441-3460

Dallas Pregnancy Resource Center, 12959 Jupiter Rd, #260, Dallas, TX 75238 | Phone: 214-343-9263 ** 6500 Greenville Ave, #405, Dallas, TX 75206 | Phone: 214-369-6281 ** 3901 Holystone St, Dallas, TX 75212 | Phone: 214-905-9068

For those of you who do not live in the Dallas, Texas area, I recommend these two options to call for prayer, loving and truthful counsel and compassionate help: Heart Changers and Every Life is Beautiful.

*Statistic taken from The Center for Bio-Ethical Reform,www.abortionno.org/Resources/fastfacts.html

Remember when we were little and there was always that older family member or teacher in our life that we could always trust to look out for our best interest...whether or not we wanted them to?

Remember how they always spoke the truth to you, with a loving smile, a gentle touch and strong words of wisdom that cut your heart if you were in sin, yet was exactly what you needed to carry you through a trial?

I'm grateful to my heavenly Father for all those adults who were used by God (whether they knew it or not) to make a frightened and often troubled little girl feel safe and loved. And as if that weren't more than I deserved, by God's grace and tender mercies, He provided me with the most magnificent husband who loves me better than anyone ever has because He loves me with God's perfect love that considers Christ first, rather than his personal desires, or even mine. I rest perfectly in that love.

Many Christians lack much of God's peace that transcends understanding (Philippians 4:6-7). Like the rest of the world, we fret over painful circumstances and wallow in self-pity rather than stand firm like soldiers in Christ (Is 46:8-10; 1 Cor 16:13). We whine like infants in a playpen when something doesn't feel good and we moan constantly, demanding that someone give us quick and constant relief, as if we deserve it.

We all know that fear is the opposite of faith. And we know that fearing anything or anyone except God is sin when we allow our fear to determine how we react or respond to something or someone. If our fear influences our behavior, we're demonstrating we don't trust God and His unchanging character (Ps 78:21-22).

So what's the cure for this manifestation of distrust and lack of faith in God? The cure comes like a soothing balm that envelopes the soul with inexplicable peace, while providing supernatural strength (2 Cor 12:10; 1 Pet 4:11) through all trials, for every child who remembers this foundational truth: He is the LORD, He is sovereign, He is good and He loves His children to the uttermost (John 13:1)...even to the point of relinquishing His glory to come to inhabit the earth in human form, to suffer and be crucified so that we who are guilty of the most heinous crime (sinning against a righteous God) might be reconciled to Him in love and holiness (Philippians 2:6-8).

Mediate on the wondrous works of God to prevent from being swallowed up by thoughts of self-comfort or preservation.

Lack of trust results in lack of peace, but great trust, produces great peace and thanksgiving to the Lord.

Mike Huckabee, former Governor of Arkansas has encouraged faithful Christians across our great nation to support Chick-fil-A and the Cathy Family (owner/founder of the company) as they uphold God's definition for marriage.

As expected, the world is enraged with Christians who are honest and loving enough to stand firm in the faith they profess. Often Christians are called hypocrites because when push comes to shove, we don't stand firm in what we claim to believe. Like many, peer pressure cripples our personal convictions and sadly makes us deny the words of the Christ who died to save our lives.

Ironically, these same people who are persecuting the Cathy family claim they would never want to believe in Christ because we don't always live what we claim to believe. Basically, if we don't stand firm and live holy lives as unto the Lord Jesus the world hates us and ridicules us, labeling us as spineless hypocrites. But if we do stand firm on the precepts of our God and Father, then we're labeled as being hateful and intolerant of everything that's different from us. We are intolerant, but only of all that which is evil.

Loving good and rejecting evil is not hateful...it's good. I think even unbelievers would agree to that. I mean, who would rather be brutally beaten than offered help when in need? We all want good done to us, but we don't always give it. No one desires evil to come upon them, but many give it.

Conclusion: if the founder and owners of Chick-fil-A have always professed their faith in Christ as the foundation for how they run their company, why are so many in an uproar when, against massive pressure, the Cathy family continues to affirm God's definition of all things (in this case, marriage)?

Let's honor and support those who honor God. And let's patiently love those who don't.

When I was only three years old and I lied, I knew it was wrong. No one had to tell me lying was wrong. I knew lying was wrong even when I thought up the lie and chose the “perfect” time to tell it.

When I was about five years old, I knew it was wrong to steal my friend's ring, but I wanted it. Knowing it was wrong, I stole it in secret. Just like my lie was crafted in secret; and so are all sins...planned and plotted in the recesses of our sin-filled flesh that only Christians battle with daily.

God is faithful, and He did for us, what He promised:

One of the things that amazes me about God is how He enables our finite minds to understand deep things about His infinite Being no matter our age or intellect.

All I needed was someone (it happened to be my Sunday School teacher) to teach me God’s 10 Commandments to realize that I had, at four, already broken eight of them (it turns out it was actually nine, but I hadn't learned yet that Jesus said if you hated someone, you've committed murder in your heart [1 John 3:15]).

I was taught how holy, righteous, perfect, good and sovereign God is, and in the brilliance of His holiness, I clearly saw that I was in big trouble and I was terrified and ashamed. That’s why the Good News of Christ’s suffering and death on the Cross for my sins became the best news I had ever heard!

It wasn’t difficult at four to trust Christ with my life. It didn’t make sense to me to trust anyone else. Because, who could or would take someone like me and love me enough to take my guilt, shame and punishment upon themselves just so I could live and have my eternity in Heaven secured? No one. No one else would or could, for I knew that only Jesus was God made flesh and He alone was sinless; therefore He alone was qualified.

I’ve seen some terrible things in my lifetime. I’ve witness horrors that have happened to people I don’t know as well as people I do know. And sometimes, that person was me.

I remember one of those dark times where the hands of evil lashed out its fiercest blows on my frail, little four year old body and refused to cease for the next 13 years. I remember wondering if there was ever going to be an end to this slavery of anger and horrid brutality.

In my teen years, I remember trusting an older man who worked with me and found that trusting him, would become a source of great shame. No matter how hard I tried, the water couldn’t wash away what he did to me...especially the pain in my heart and doubts in my mind that somehow, it was my fault. Filled with the horrors of being violated, and anguished with doubts, I was afraid to tell anyone.

At the time, I felt the only way I would no longer be a victim, was simply to no longer be. At 15, I chose to end my life so no one could ever hurt me again. I attempted to take the life God gave me three times.

As I sat at my desk writing my “good-bye” note, I had a question for God, not because I wanted to please Him, no, in this moment I was only concerned with self-preservation and revenge on all who hurt me. But I wanted to make sure I was still going to Heaven, so I asked, “Father, someone told me that if I took my own life, You would hate me forever and send me to Hell because this is the only sin you will not forgive. Is that true?”

The LORD answered through His Word, “You are My child. I will never leave you or forsake you (2 Cor 4:9). Your life is secure in my Son (Jn 10:28-29) and in Him, you were given the freedom to please Me and no longer give into the wicked desires of your flesh (Heb 11:6, 1 Pet 2:16). Whenever you disobey Me, I am grieved (Eph 4:30). I gave you life, and only I have the right to take it (Job 1:21).”

To this, I broke down in bitter tears. My heart was racing and I could barely breathe as I considered my Heavenly Father’s words to me. All I could think was, "Only God, only God has loved me like no other. Only God has been there for me, loved me, listened to me, protected me, provided for me, comforted me and sat in my troubles with me while others did to me whatever seemed right to them."

I didn’t care if I hurt anyone else. At that point I didn’t care if other peoples' hearts broke. I felt as if they deserved to feel some of my pain. But God feel my pain? No! I couldn’t bear the thought of grieving or hurting the One who already hurt and suffered so much for me. I couldn’t bear the thought of hurting the One who gave His life for me, so that I could live...not die!

It no longer mattered what others did to me or what they thought of me. I could only think of loving Jesus with everything I had. That day, I took my “good-bye” letter, changed the “Dear mom and dad” to “A Selfish Act”. I’ve kept it for years and shared it with many teenagers and their parents so I could share with them, what God had shared with me that day—the unsurpassing joy and greatness of knowing Christ.

I chose that day, to no longer believe the deception that I was a victim of this world and circumstance. Instead, I chose then and still choose now, to stand in awe of God and His Gift of Life in Christ Jesus.

I am not a victim of this world or the people in it. I have been made a new creation in Christ and am a victor in Him.

Now the choice is yours. Will you choose to continue living in the deception that you are a victim of Satan, this world and/or your circumstances? Or will you choose to live in the truth with me? Will you resolve this day to refuse to sit around waiting for the world to happen to you, but instead, be determined that you will happen to the world, because Jesus Christ happened to you?

If you’ve chosen the latter, then go now and share the Good News of Jesus Christ with anyone and everyone God lays on your heart. Not because it is your duty, but out of desperate love and gratitude for our Savior and Lord who did what He didn’t have to: trade our trash for His treasure.

“Either Jesus Christ is a deceiver and Paul is deluded, or some extraordinary thing happens to a man who holds on to the love of God when the odds are all against God's character. Logic is silenced in the face of every one of these things. Only one thing can account for it—the love of God in Christ Jesus. 'Out of the wreck I rise every time.'”

~ Oswald Chambers