This morning I'm listening to Dr. Micheal Youssef's message, "The Truth About America."  What a challenging message it is--calling for Christians to repent.  Here's the summary from the Leading the Way site:

 

Recently, Michael Youssef delivered a powerful message on America's Christian foundation and why it is critical to a free society. Take a few moments to watch this timely and relevant message.

There are so many issues  requiring  a Biblical response from Christians in our country today. From the fairness doctrine, to hate speech, to the unraveling of progress in the fight against abortion, to the possible ratification of the UN Rights of the Child treaty, we are faced with momentous challenges and possible restriction of freedoms, if not downright persecution. However, our problems don't stem from bad policy, they are a result of a culture that has forgotton the God of the Bible.  A joyful Christian wife and mother can have a wide-reaching, future-influencing impact on our culture if we impart to our children the truths of the faith.

Like many, I am not happy with the current political develoments in my country. I don't like the direction in which we are headed.  The answer, however, is not in better conservative politics--although I am conservative as an outworking of my Christian beliefs. Conservative politics is not a substitute for an authentic, Biblical, Christian faith. I am concerned that perhaps we turn more to political answers  than to the source of real change, the Lord Jesus.  Do we perhaps spend more time venting and listening to talkradio than on our knees in our prayer closets?

We do not need to look for a political savior. We need to become more focused on the Living Resurrected Savior, Jesus Christ. Our radio dials need to be tuned in to Adrian Rogers, Chuck Swindoll, David Jeremiah, Ravi Zacharias,  Micheal Yusseff, Alistair Begg, and others who ably defend the faith and teach from Scripture.  Women's authors like Nancy Leigh deMoss, Martha Peace, and others can help mentor us in becoming counter-cultural agents of change!

As we deal with the topic of change, we must develop a total worldview consistent with Scripture. Too often we focus on individual issues  without  "connecting the dots" to see how the issues facing our culture are inter-related. They are not simply  the results from liberals gone amuk or one election cycle, but what happens when mankind tries to create his own perfection, apart from the clear and trustworthy teachings of Scripture. For so long, even we Christian women have ignored Biblical precepts in regards to marriage, parenting, role-reversal, and other topics.   But the good news is that we can rely on the Bible. If we can trust God for our eternal salvation, how much more can we trust him with the ordering of our day-to-day lives? 

Sadly, our culture has for the most part abandoned the Bible as our basis for determining right and wrong.  When we loose our moorings from God's word, perhaps the culture will "coast" for a while on the memory of Judeo-Christians traditions. But the longer we drift from God's word, the easier it is to substitute subjective "this is how I feel"s for the authoritative "Thus Saith the Lord"s of Scripture.  The pages of Proverbs teach, "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding." [3:5]

Our family vision is to train our children up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord [Ephesians 6:4], to take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ [2 Corinthians 10:5],  to be able to answer questions about our faith in a loving yet forthright and informed manner [1 Peter 3:15].  It is also to demonstrate the joy, blessing, and security from following a Biblical pattern of marriage.  My desire is to see my son become a Godly home leader like his wonderful father,  and my daughters trained up able to follow Titus 2:2-3 with joy and great faith in the Lord Jesus, impacting future generations of our family for Christ.

Too often, though, we as Christians are ill-equiped with sound Biblical answers to questions we face today.  Having been in that position, I've determined to teach my children as long as I have freedom to do so.  We must not bury our heads in the sand , ignoring the downward slide of  our culture or hoping it will change without our help. It is time to think about the following questions and the Christian response as we develop our worldview:

How real is the threat to our freedom of religion?

Is concern over humanistic indoctrination in our public schools blown out of proportion?

Are we moving to a collapse of Christianity in this country?  Are we post-Christian?

How can the church survive when 2/3rds of youth in church today will probably drop out of church?

Is there such a thing as absolute truth?  Is the Bible reliable?

Is Sunday School alone effective in discipling children?

Here are some good places to start answering those questions:

http://www.answersingenesis.org/events/state-of-the-nation

 www.christiananswers.net

www.thetruthproject.org

"I therefore the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called.  With all lowliness, and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love: endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace..." Hebrews 4:1-3

Signing off now! Time to rock the little ones!

Some Scripture to sleep on as I sign off:

And Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done. And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.

I like BIG PRAYERS---because we serve a BIG GOD!

My friend Gail sends the neatest emails! Thank you, sweetie, for this one--I just had to share it!

____________________________

RECALL NOTICE:

      The Maker of all human beings (GOD) is recalling all units manufactured, regardless of make or year, due to a serious defect in the primary and central component of the soul.

      This is due to a malfunction in the original prototype units code named Adam and Eve, resulting in the reproduction of the same defect in all subsequent units. This defect has been technically termed "Sub-sequential Internal Non-Morality," or more commonly known as S.I.N., as it is primarily expressed.

      Some of the symptoms include:

      1. Loss of direction

      2. Foul vocal emissions

      3. Amnesia of origin

      4. Lack of peace and joy

      5. Selfish or violent behavior

      6. Desire for wealth and power

      7. Fearfulness

      8. Idolatry

      9. Rebellion

      10. Constant demand for pleasure and comfort

      The Manufacturer, who is neither liable nor at fault for this defect, is providing factory-authorized repair and service free of charge to correct this defect.

      The Repair Technician, JESUS, has most generously offered to bear the entire burden of the staggering cost of these repairs. There is no additional fee required..

      The number to call for repair in all areas is: P-R-A-Y-E-R.

      Once connected, please upload your burden of SIN through the REPENTANCE procedure. Next, download ATONEMENT from the Repair Technician, Jesus, into the soul component.

      No matter how big or small the SIN defect is, Jesus will replace it with:

      1. Love

      2. Joy

      3. Peace

      4. Patience

      5. Kindness

      6. Goodness

      7. Faithfulness

      8. Gentleness

      9. Self control

      10. Connection with Maker

      Please see the operating manual, the B.I.B.L.E. (Believers' Instructions Before Leaving Earth) for further details on the use of these fixes.

      WARNING: Continuing to operate the human being unit without correction voids any manufacturer warranties, exposing the unit to dangers and problems too numerous to list and will result in the human unit being permanently impounded. For free emergency service, call on Jesus.

      DANGER: The human being units not responding to this recall action will have to be scrapped in the furnace. The SIN defect will not be permitted to enter Heaven so as to prevent contamination of that facility. Thank you for your attention!

      - GOD

      P.S. Please assist where possible by notifying others of this important recall notice.

Just a few verses to share today:

Therefore,being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also; knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience experience; and experience hope: and hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

God's Word brings me such comfort and peace. Thank you Jesus for your truth!

 I remember when I first began to study the Bible as an adult.  "If only this book had some sort of checklist that I could go by," I thought. "What is the job description for a Godly wife and mother? " In the intervening years since then, I have learned a little more about Bible study than looking for checklists [:)], but how gracious of God to have not just one but several in there for a newbie like me to grasp! Titus 2:3-5 became a blueprint for my growth as a Christian woman.

"The aged women likewise, that they be in behavior as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; that they may teach the younger women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed. "

That's quite a to-do list!  There are serious consequences for disobeying these commands as well---disobedience would blaspheme God's word!  I used to struggle with these verses because I thought they trampled my freedom as an individual. Ideas that I had learned in school and from culture told me that this teaching for women  was a repressive, throw-back lifestyle based in patriarchal prejudices from way back when [blah, blah, blah....] Talk about being on a slippery slope! [Psalm 73:2]

But God in His wisdom and love has established boundaries and hedges for his daughters [Psalm 73:24]. I have found satisfaction, fulfillment, peace, contentment, work, ministry, and joy in following these simple verses.  I have found that if the Son makes me free, then I am free indeed. [John 8:36] My freedom isn't a pass to live my life any old way, but freedom to live in the way in which I was designed by my creator and saviour.

Romans 6:11-13 puts it this way, "Likewise, reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God."

Yielding to God means agreeing with His plan for my life. If God is good, and He loves me, then His plan [from Titus 2:3-5] must be good, too.  We know God is good and that He is love, so I choose to follow His plan, even though it goes against popular notions and current trends.  I have trusted Him with my eternal soul, and I can trust Him with my daily life! I can say with the Psalmist,

Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah. Ps. 68:19

The word "encourage" has of late become weakened. Current use of the word connotates merely "brightening someone's day." Surely we all need some encouragement in the form of praise or appreciation now and then, but if ever there were a time to engage the fullness of that word, it is now.

Webster's 1828 dictionary defines "encourage" this way:

To give courage to; to give or increase confidence of success; to inspire with courage, spirit, or strength of mind; to embolden; ...

 

"To give courage to." That's a tall order for a greeting card or emoticon in an email. But God's word is up to the task!

"Now we beseech you brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, that ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of the Lord is at hand." 1 Thessalonians 2:1-2

This passage is about end things. And when troubling times come, don't our thoughts seem to jump there? My purpose isn't to discuss eschatology, but to focus on our  hope--the coming of Jesus and our gathering together.

That is a sure event, a true promise, and it should definitely give us courage no matter what our  circumstances. Is our problem that of being "shaken in mind?" Do current events make us fearful instead of faithful?  Then we must cling to God more closely for He will comfort us.  

"In the fear of the Lord is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge." Proverbs 14:26

Are we troubled by spirit or word? Is our faith weak in the face of criticism? Are we afraid because being a Christian is unpopular  and contrary to the spirit of this age?  Then we need to ask the Lord to help strengthen our faith and help us to commit and submit to Him. We must become fixed--not in the sense of repaired, but in the sense of staying on target.  Let us say like the Psalmist, "My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise." [Psalm 57:7].

Are we troubled by so called Christians who claim to know just when the end will be? Are we discerning of the truth? Then let us dig deeper in God's word for wisdom!  Take courage because the time of the end isn't something man can pinpoint beforehand [Mark 13:32]. Our charge is to live expectantly and obediently. Peter described these days and reasoned, "Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness..." 2 Peter 3:11

Courage isn't just a feeling we drum up on demand, it is something we learn through our relationship with the Lord. There is purpose in troubles--they teach us to trust Him.  Paul said that we can even glory in tribulations because we know that "tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope; and hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us." [Romans 5:3-5]

Rather than expecting encouragement to come in the form of others appreciating what we do, let us be encouraged to continue doing what we do for Jesus' glory!

The Lord is exalted....And wisdom and knowledge shall be the stability of thy times, and strength of salvation: the fear of the Lord is his treasure.---Isaiah 33:5-6

 

It had been one of those weeks. Funerals, lesson plans, grocery shopping, Thanksgiving preparations, Dad's appoinment to get set up for another  eye surgery, and all three kids had colds. It was also my turn among the deacon's wives to prepare the communion table for the special Lord's supper we'd be celebrating at church the week of Thanksgiving. My husband watched the children so I could run errands one evening. I had a three hour window to get everything done before Charlene Darling needed to nurse.

As I checked out at Walgreens with some juice for communion, I realized [too late] that I had not brought my wallet. The saleslady--which had up to this point been friendly--stated flatly, "I bet you don't have your driver's license either."  Embarrassed, I left my items there and went to the car, hoping that my wallet had slipped out of the bag. Once again, I was so busy with lots of smaller things that I forgot something very important.

As I drove off, I mentally clicked off all the things I still needed to get done, recalled a similar incident from last week , and reminded myself of a Southern pearl of wisdom:  being flaky is only good if you're a biscuit.

"...Wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?"--

Luke 2:49

This is the time of year when we often complain of not having enough time to get things done, of being overwhelmed with to-do lists,  of being stretched in too many directions at once, as the above story all too clearly shows.  How many of us have stressed trying to get ready for a get-together, snapped at everyone in the house, and then arrive with our game-face on, ready to be the life of the party? It's all too easy to be overcome with busy-ness.  I'm thankful for a loving God [and my strong Christian husband!] who reminds me that I need to be more focused on the Father's business.

We can often let "traditions of men" dictate our employment at this season. I don't mean our jobs, I mean how we employ the use of our time and energies. Are we focusing on the parties, shopping, cooking, Christmas play practices, and other "stuff" that we fill Christmas with? Not that such activities are bad. What joy to share the joy of that Greatest Gift of all with friends and family!  However, it's important to connect each commitment meaningfully to the Christ  about whom this season is supposed to honor.  And it doesn't hurt a bit to trim  down those activity lists! 

The first advent of Christ caused great rejoicing of the angels, the shepherds, the wise men, Simeon and Anna. I want to rejoice with them!  My schedule had better make time for connecting with the Master.  I want to be like Jeremiah:

Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O Lord God of hosts.  Jeremiah 15:16

We had three deaths in our family this week. No, it isn't a misprint--we just found out about the last one after I had posted previously.  Two were natural deaths, the other wasn't.  If ever there were a time to test the validity of  the promises of Scripture, the faithfulness of the Lord we worship, and our own profession of faith, this is the week.  

Without delving into details, let me say that we have found, once again that --

"...all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us. " [2 Corinthians 1:20]  

It is significant that Paul's word to "Rejoice evermore" in 1 Thessalonians 5: 16 is quickly followed with this piece of instruction: "Pray without ceasing." [v. 17].  Our joy can quickly be dampened by circumstances if we aren't in communication with JESUS.

If I may invert the order of a couple of verses, here is another passage that has buoyed me.

We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;  Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; ---2 Corinthians 4:8-9

Why?

For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.---2 Corinthians 4:6

Worth sharing:  

"In its essence, faith is a confidence in the person of Jesus Christ and in his power, so that even when His power does not serve my end, my confidence in Him remains because of who He is. Faith for the Christians is the response of trust based on who Jesus Christ claimed to be, and it results in a life that brings both mind and heart in a commitment of love to Him...God deals with both kinds of us, those who long for more evidence and those of us for whom a little evidence will do. But He works always in concert with a revelation of His character." ----Ravi Zacharias, Jesus Among Other Gods

Don't you love finding something that's a bargain? How about free?

We love good preaching and teaching, but stocking a home library with cds and cassettes of some of our favorite teachers can get very expensive. That's why I visit www.oneplace.com often.

They have so many great preachers and teachers available online, as well as kids dramas and family shows, too.  Some we like are Love Worth Finding, Insight for Living, Let my People Think, Revive Our Hearts, Adventures in Odyssey, and many others.

Quite a few of these have FREE mp3 downloads, some have a small charge. I just downloaded 26 messages from Chuck Swindoll and Ravi Zacharias today for free for us to listen to as we work in the office.  Enjoy!

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

~~Matthew 11:28

"The Bible is God's message to everybody. We deceive ourselves if we claim to want to hear His voice but neglect the primary channel through which it comes."

~~Elisabeth Elliot

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

Galatians 2:20

Have a blessed day!

Philippians 3:20

For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.

~~~~~~Ephesians 4: 31-32~~~~~~~

Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

I just read a really good article by Chuck Swindoll in my email inbox. I'd like to share part of it here:

_____________________________________________________

What is the purpose of life?
How did the world come to be?
How can we know what truth is?

Walk down the street today, and ask ten people these questions. You’ll likely get eleven different answers for each one! An atheist will tell you that the purpose of life is whatever you want it to be. An agnostic will say that we can’t know how the world originated. And truth? Good luck with that one.

Now ask the same questions in your local church. You will be even more shocked. In his book written in 2003, Think Like Jesus, researcher George Barna surveyed a group of born-again adults and found that only 14 percent believe in absolute truth and base their ethical and moral decisions on Scripture. Let that sink in for a moment. Six out of seven Christians believe that truth is relative—that it is open to personal definition and interpretation—and live their lives based on that misguided belief.  

When I ponder those disheartening statistics, I am reminded of the apostle Paul’s strong words: “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is” (Romans 12:2). What Paul was addressing, and what Barna’s research so clearly demonstrates, is the desperate need for God’s people to reject the thought patterns and practices of a world that often ignores, dismisses, or disparages God. In other words, Paul calls us to develop and maintain a thoroughly Christian worldview.

Why is this so critical? The world’s way of thinking is infiltrating the church instead of the other way around. That’s the reason I thought of Romans 12:2. Our decision on this matter is like a continental divide determining the direction in which our thoughts and actions flow. And here’s the challenge. Nothing in this verse happens easily or automatically. Paul’s command requires consecration, transformation, and evaluation. Allow me to define these briefly.

Consecration is the radical separation from a secular worldview and the dedication to a godly mind-set.

Transformation is the deliberate determination to think biblically and to act accordingly.

Evaluation is the unguarded, vulnerable appraisal of our spiritual condition.

As followers of Christ, we must be willing to turn away from the world’s system and to embrace the biblical way of life. No matter the personal, professional, or social cost.

_____________________________________

The Insight for Living website is definitely one to visit--see www.insight.org .

The Bible study is ON for Thursday! KIDS ARE WELCOME!  I'm not sure what will be on the back of my stove to eat, but it'll be something good. It's from 12:30 to 2:30--can't wait to see you all!  We're going to talk about joy and thankfulness [mainly], and who knows what interesting little birdwalks we may take beyond that. 

We've had weather issues for our previous meetings, this time it might be flu problems. Our church attendance was way down because so many had the flu---but at least they stayed home to not spread it!  Local public schools have been out since last week because of it.  This may sound odd for a homeschooler to say, but I'm thankful for a wise public school superintendent who knows it's better to have a few days off to try to let this stuff run its course without spreading infection unnecessarily!  We all know that some folks send their kids to school ill if the doors are open.  So thanks----my Dad wishes he worked for you! He said at his school yesterday kids were walking around sick, many were sick at their stomachs, and the evidence was everywhere [trying not to be too graphic here, folks.]  Bless their hearts.

Anyhoo--the meeting is on, let me know if you can come, and if you're sick.....best wishes for a speedy recovery!!!!!!!!

See ya' later blog pals--got to vote, drop off dry cleaning, return library books, get school done [out for election day? Perish the thought! It's a ready-made field trip!], and HOPEFULLY get my house clean. Yikes!--how come we are so messy?

Well, as I expected, some of the group won't be able to make it. But any reader from Friendship Church, friends, or  family that's in the area are welcome!  You don't need a copy of the book, just bring your Bible and some paper!

I'm preparing for the fun, cleaning house and getting ready to go make some copies of stuff for use to use [NOT THE BOOK THOUGH! ]. 

Just drop me a line through email or on my cbox in the sidebar if you can make it!

Blessings dear sisters--in Christ, Gin

My friend Lisa sent me this. You've probably read it before, but it's worth reading again.

 Malachi 3:3 says: "He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver."    

This verse puzzled some women in a Bible study and they wondered what this statement meant about the character and nature of God.

One of the women offered to find out the process of refining silver and get back to the group at their next Bible Study.

That week, the woman called a silversmith and made an appointment to watch him at work. She didn't mention anything about the reason for her interest beyond her curiosity about the process of refining Silver.      

As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one needed to ho ld the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest as to burn away all the impurities.

The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot; then she thought again about the verse that says:  "He sits as a refiner and purifier of silver."  She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time the silver was being refined.    

The man answered yes, he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he ha d to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. If the silver was left a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed.

The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, "How do you know when the silver is fully  refined?"

He smiled at her and answered, "Oh, that's easy -- when I see my image in it."

If to day you are feeling the heat of the fire , remember that God has his eye on you and will keep watching you until He sees His image in you.

We've been waiting and it's almost here!

The "Created to Be His Helpmeet"  [by Debi Pearl]  study at my house is at 12:30 this Thursday!  YEA!!!!

So far, we have ladies from at least three different churches coming, and are looking forward to a great time of fellowship with the Lord and with each other.  Kids are welcome! 

This will be an open-ended study. Several chapters will be covered at a time, and we'll be meeting twice a month until it's done [roughly the end of the school year].  Moms with small children, pre-teens, empty nesters, and widows will be there. With such an eclectic mix, it's sure to be a time of great fellowship. 

So for friends, family, fellow church members, Knox, Blount, Monroe, or Loudon County folks who may be reading this blog--come on out. Drop me an email for more info!

Once again I have resolved to lose weight this year.

Resolution time--time to take inventory of our lives, our homes, our homeschools.  My dear friend Cheryl--whose husband is a pastor--shared his sermon thoughts from last Sunday. The theme of the sermon was  "Lose the Weight in 2008".  Honestly, I started pulling in belly muscles when she started talking about it.  Odd topic for a church, huh? But wait.

The Scripture he used was Hebrews 12:1-2:

Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us LAY ASIDE EVERY WEIGHT, and the sin which doth so easily beset, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith.....

Well, I've been dwelling on it for a couple of days now. My recurring resolutions of losing weight, getting organized, and staying on schedule haven't been too successful for the last, oh, thirteen years. It's time for some new ones [that might actually work] . 

First things first, though. The verse above poses some questions.  Who are the witnesses of my life, or, Who is watching me?   What are the weights and sins that I need to lay down?  Can I run the race of the coming year  patiently and keep my eyes on Jesus?  If I'm going to lose these weights, what kind of diet will I need to go on? What kind of training program is called for to meet these goals?  

One that will increase "consumption" of the Word and prayer time [1 Peter 2:2]. One that will  include faithful attendance to God's house to hear the Word of preached [Hebrews 10:25]. One that will trim the fat datebook from unnecessary activities and leave a schedule with more time for God [Luke 10:38-42]  One that re-shapes the thought life by focusing on Jesus [Colossians 3:16] .  That's more than a resolution--it's a revolution in the way we live life!

Thanks, Cheryl, for sharing this. 

I know, I know, I put these things on here all the time. But they are so good! These Alpha Omega devotionals are so challenging. I'm really glad they've made them available as  a book now, too.  There's a link in my sidebar to the book at www.Christianbook.com  ENJOY!

Feeble Excuses
Sunday / December 16, 2007

I was listening to my daughter as she gave me the feeble excuse, "But Mom, the rest of the homeschool group is going!" I already knew my answer was going to be "no" to this unchaperoned activity of co-ed young teens, but her words caused me to think about the need we all feel to be like everyone else. I remembered using the same poor excuse with my parents and hearing the same "would you jump off a cliff if everyone else did it, too" lecture. Why do we have such a need to be like others?

 

 

God had been leading His people ever since He first brought them out of Egypt. Why did they think they needed a king now? Moses, the judges, and the prophets had protected, exhorted, and provided directly for His people, but now the people wanted Samuel to find a king to rule over them so they could be like the other nations around them (1 Samuel 8:21-22). Samuel tried to warn them what having a king would do to their lives, but they wouldn't listen. God's response in 1 Samuel 8:7b is probably the answer to all the generations of young people who have ever used the "but everyone else is doing it" excuse, "for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them."

 

 

What excuse are you telling God to justify your sinful actions? Do you find yourself caught up in activities and making purchases so "you can be like everyone else?" If you are His child, He has a different plan for your life than to go with the flow. He wants to set you apart to be holy unto Himself. "As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy" (1 Peter 1:14-16).

Jesus,

I stand convicted of my sinful selfishness. I yield my life to Your correction and ask You to cleanse me of those things which do not glorify You. My body is Your temple, and I give You all that I am today. In Your precious name, Amen.

I just love reading Communication FUNdamentals.  JoJo's blog post about the old couple is hilarious, but is a message we Christians need to remember. Friends, family, and casual readers---head on over to this link:

http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/CommunicationFUNdamentals/441408/?#c874074

In Christ, Gin