Why Does God Let Random Shootings, Fatal Accidents, and Other Horrible Things Occur?
Since we believe that God is the author of this planet and is sovereign over it, it's inevitable that we ask where he is when these terrible things take place.
I think the Bible answers that over and over again from different angles and in different ways We find our first answer, of course, in the book of Genesis, in which we're told of the fall of humanity. God's immediate response to the transgression of the human race against his rule and authority was to curse the earth and human life. Death and suffering entered the world as a direct result of sin. We see the concrete manifestation of this in the realm of nature, where thorns become part of the garden and human life is now characterized by the sweat of the brow and the pain that attends even the birth of a baby. This illustrates the fact that the world in which we live is a place that is full of sorrows and tragedy.
But we must never conclude that there's a one-to-one correlation in this life between suffering and the guilt of the people on whom tragedies fall. If there were no sin in the world, there would be no suffering. There would be no fatal accidents, no random shootings. Because sin is present in the world, suffering is present in the world, but it doesn't always work out that if you have five pounds of guilt, you're going to get five pounds of suffering. That's the perception that the book of Job labors to dispel, as does Jesus' answer to the question about the man born blind (John 9:1-11).
On the other hand, the Bible makes it clear that God lets these things happen and in a certain sense ordains that they come to pass as part of the present situation that is under judgment. He has not removed death from this world. Whether it's what we would consider an untimely death or a violent death, death is part of the nature of things. The only promise is that there will come a day when suffering will cease altogether.
The disciples asked Jesus about similar instances - for example, the Galileans' blood that was mingled with the sacrifices by Pilate or the eighteen people who were killed when a temple collapsed. The disciples asked how this could be. Jesus' response was almost severe. He said, "Unless you repent, you will all likewise perish," again bringing the question back to the fact that moral wickedness makes it feasible for God to allow these kinds of dreadful things to take place in a fallen world.
( Dr. R. C. Sproul, Now, That's a Good Question!)
Friday, November 8, 2013
Monday, November 4, 2013
Contentment In Christ
Devotional
She had lived ninety-four years, nearly seventy of those years as a widow who had raised two children as a single parent. As we gathered around her graveside with friends and family, the word that was repeatedly used about her was content.Shedidn't complain, wonder, or waver - she was simply content.
Such contentment is remarkable. One Puritan writer called it a "rare jewel." In fact, the Apostle Paul in Philippians 4 tells us that there is a "secret" to contentment. What is the secret? "I can do all things through him who strengthens me" (v.13).
Contentment comes as we live out of our real, vital, personal relationship with Jesus. That relationship is forged in our union with Jesus, and we live through Him as He strengthens us with "his energy that he powerfully works within" (Col. 1:29).
When we live in and through Christ, we learn to be content materially. That's the context of Philippians 5. Paul was in prison, and in those days, prisoners had to provide their own creature comforts, either from their own purses or the gifts and care of family and friends. So, the Philippians wanted to share in his trouble - they sent him money and other physical necessities via Epaphroditus to sustain him.
In response, Paul thanked them for their thoughtfulness. But he also wanted them to know that he was content with his material possessions. "Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content" (4:11). Whether he had plenty or little, Paul could be content with what he had.
How is that possible - to be content with one's material possessions? Only through Christ who strengthens. Only because in Him are great riches, sustaining food, and priceless treasures that sustain the heart when the body goes without.
Indeed, we often have to learn material contentment through difficult situations. Paul was in a Roman prison for preaching the Gospel (1:12-13). Even worse, it appeared that some were using his situation to preach the gospel out of envy and rivalry (1:15), running down Paul and his ministry in order to build themselves up.
If that were our situation, we would be frustrated and upset, far from content. Yet Paul expressed a basic contentment with his situation: "Whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed and in that I rejoice" (1:18). How could he be content when his situation seemed so dire? Only through Christ who strengthens.
Because of his real, vital, personal union with Jesus, Paul was content for eternity. He knew that to live is Christ and to die is gain (v.21). So, his material possessions were not his ultimate gain and his situation was not his final destiny; rather, the beginning, middle, and end were all Jesus. Since Paul had a vital union and communnion with Christ, he could be content with all else. His destiny was to be with Jesus.
Here, then, is the secret to be content, we must see that we have Jesus. And He is enough and all that we need.
(Dr. Sean Michael Lucas, First Presbyterian Church, Hattiesburg, Mississippi, TABLETALK,Oct.2013)
She had lived ninety-four years, nearly seventy of those years as a widow who had raised two children as a single parent. As we gathered around her graveside with friends and family, the word that was repeatedly used about her was content.Shedidn't complain, wonder, or waver - she was simply content.
Such contentment is remarkable. One Puritan writer called it a "rare jewel." In fact, the Apostle Paul in Philippians 4 tells us that there is a "secret" to contentment. What is the secret? "I can do all things through him who strengthens me" (v.13).
Contentment comes as we live out of our real, vital, personal relationship with Jesus. That relationship is forged in our union with Jesus, and we live through Him as He strengthens us with "his energy that he powerfully works within" (Col. 1:29).
When we live in and through Christ, we learn to be content materially. That's the context of Philippians 5. Paul was in prison, and in those days, prisoners had to provide their own creature comforts, either from their own purses or the gifts and care of family and friends. So, the Philippians wanted to share in his trouble - they sent him money and other physical necessities via Epaphroditus to sustain him.
In response, Paul thanked them for their thoughtfulness. But he also wanted them to know that he was content with his material possessions. "Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content" (4:11). Whether he had plenty or little, Paul could be content with what he had.
How is that possible - to be content with one's material possessions? Only through Christ who strengthens. Only because in Him are great riches, sustaining food, and priceless treasures that sustain the heart when the body goes without.
Indeed, we often have to learn material contentment through difficult situations. Paul was in a Roman prison for preaching the Gospel (1:12-13). Even worse, it appeared that some were using his situation to preach the gospel out of envy and rivalry (1:15), running down Paul and his ministry in order to build themselves up.
If that were our situation, we would be frustrated and upset, far from content. Yet Paul expressed a basic contentment with his situation: "Whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed and in that I rejoice" (1:18). How could he be content when his situation seemed so dire? Only through Christ who strengthens.
Because of his real, vital, personal union with Jesus, Paul was content for eternity. He knew that to live is Christ and to die is gain (v.21). So, his material possessions were not his ultimate gain and his situation was not his final destiny; rather, the beginning, middle, and end were all Jesus. Since Paul had a vital union and communnion with Christ, he could be content with all else. His destiny was to be with Jesus.
Here, then, is the secret to be content, we must see that we have Jesus. And He is enough and all that we need.
(Dr. Sean Michael Lucas, First Presbyterian Church, Hattiesburg, Mississippi, TABLETALK,Oct.2013)
Saturday, October 26, 2013
Several Items of Interest
No Flare Up In Syria
Christians with eyes on the Middle East are giving thanks for God's restraining providence in the Syria-U.S.-Iran-Israel-Russia mix-up over President Obama's earlier "red line" comment. Diplomatic interchanges have come and gone, as has the United Nations expected confrontation. Although the situation is still tender and potentially explosive, no further overt confrontation has triggered rockets, nor has Israel been attacked by Iran as "collateral damage." Nothing is settled yet, so intercessors should watch and pray. (The Washington Post, 9/20/13)
Unfinished Business
Even though the Fort Hood shooter is where he belongs, on death row, his victims remain in limbo. The administration classified the 2009 massacre on the Texas military base as "workplace violence" instead of what it was: the assault of an Islamic militant upon our military here at home. The real-life consequence of the designation is that the victims aren't being properly compensated for their loss. Pray for a review to address the inequity.
(Your News Now, 9/26/13)
Spiritual Awakening in Iran
According to Middle East-watcher and Christian author, Joel Rosenberg, an historic spiritual awakening is under way in Iran. Rosenberg recently interviewed Dr. Hormoz Shariat, whom he calls "the Billy Graham of Iran" and "the foremost Iranian evangelist and Bible teacher in the world." During the interview last month, Dr. Shariat reported that "more Iranians have renounced Islam and come to faith in Jesus Christ in the last three decades, than in the last 14 centuries combined." He went on to say there are an estimated one million followers of Christ inside Iran, and that there continues to be a great hunger among Persian-speaking people to hear and understand God's word and the power of the Gospel message. Pray accordingly for similar interventions to spread far and wide.
(Joel Rosenberg Blog, 10/13)
Pray For the Persecuted Church
On Nov. 3 or Nov. 10, 2013 join a global day of intercession for suffering Christians in countries such as China, Iran, North Korea, Afghanistan, Egypt, Nigeria, and more. Please note that while these Sundays are the designated dates for International Day of Prayer (IDOP), you may choose another date. From the IDOP website: "In the traditional church calendar, 'All Saints Day' and 'All Souls Day' stand out in November to remember the saints of the Church and the souls of those who departed this world. It is fitting, then, that the modern church has set apart the month of November to remember those facing martyrdom and to pray for the persecuted Church." See both www.idop.org and www.onewiththem.com.
Christians with eyes on the Middle East are giving thanks for God's restraining providence in the Syria-U.S.-Iran-Israel-Russia mix-up over President Obama's earlier "red line" comment. Diplomatic interchanges have come and gone, as has the United Nations expected confrontation. Although the situation is still tender and potentially explosive, no further overt confrontation has triggered rockets, nor has Israel been attacked by Iran as "collateral damage." Nothing is settled yet, so intercessors should watch and pray. (The Washington Post, 9/20/13)
Unfinished Business
Even though the Fort Hood shooter is where he belongs, on death row, his victims remain in limbo. The administration classified the 2009 massacre on the Texas military base as "workplace violence" instead of what it was: the assault of an Islamic militant upon our military here at home. The real-life consequence of the designation is that the victims aren't being properly compensated for their loss. Pray for a review to address the inequity.
(Your News Now, 9/26/13)
Spiritual Awakening in Iran
According to Middle East-watcher and Christian author, Joel Rosenberg, an historic spiritual awakening is under way in Iran. Rosenberg recently interviewed Dr. Hormoz Shariat, whom he calls "the Billy Graham of Iran" and "the foremost Iranian evangelist and Bible teacher in the world." During the interview last month, Dr. Shariat reported that "more Iranians have renounced Islam and come to faith in Jesus Christ in the last three decades, than in the last 14 centuries combined." He went on to say there are an estimated one million followers of Christ inside Iran, and that there continues to be a great hunger among Persian-speaking people to hear and understand God's word and the power of the Gospel message. Pray accordingly for similar interventions to spread far and wide.
(Joel Rosenberg Blog, 10/13)
Pray For the Persecuted Church
On Nov. 3 or Nov. 10, 2013 join a global day of intercession for suffering Christians in countries such as China, Iran, North Korea, Afghanistan, Egypt, Nigeria, and more. Please note that while these Sundays are the designated dates for International Day of Prayer (IDOP), you may choose another date. From the IDOP website: "In the traditional church calendar, 'All Saints Day' and 'All Souls Day' stand out in November to remember the saints of the Church and the souls of those who departed this world. It is fitting, then, that the modern church has set apart the month of November to remember those facing martyrdom and to pray for the persecuted Church." See both www.idop.org and www.onewiththem.com.
Monday, October 21, 2013
Flourishing as Christians
Psalm 1 is the Bible's best-known passage on meditation. The psalm begins by drawing a contrast between two men. One walks in the counsel of the wicked, stands in the way of sinners, and sits in the seat of scoffers. The other delights in God's law and meditates on it day and night; he prospers in all that he does (vv. 1-3).
DonWhitney's book Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life likens meditation to "steeping a tea bag in hot water." It is a vivid picture, over time the cup of hot water is changed, it takes on the flavor and color of tea.
Meditation is being attentive to theWord of God. It is delighting ourselves in God so much that our conscious focus is on His will and not our own, on His truth and not our speculation, on His way and not the way of the scoffer. Reflection and meditation on God's law produces confidence in his goodness.
Meditation is a way of seeking the things that are above (Col. 3:1). Spending time in theWord of God is to set one's mind and heart on things above. Meditation is the means of renewing the mind (Rom. 12:1-2). Meditation on Scripture allows God'sWord to penetrate our inner being. Meditation brings the light of illumination to or hearts. It brings the power to resist being conformed to the world. Meditation transforms and renews the mind by giving weight to God's interpretation of life.
Notice that in this Psalm, meditation takes place day and night. When my heart faints within me because I am despairing; I need to meditate on theWord of God. When doubts rise up within me, tamping down every reason for hope, I need to meditate on theWord of God. When I am struggling to break free from sinful habits, meditation on theWord of God will usher me to God, who has grace and power to deliver. When I wake up in the morning wondering if anyone really cares for my soul, theWord of God will remind me that God has loved me everlastingly.
The pleasures and delights of knowing God - of being mesmerized and enthralled and thrilled by God - are experienced as you meditate on His law day and night. You will never be a person who sees God as glorious and more delightful than the pleasures of sin unless you are in the Word beholding God every day.
If you are not delighting in God in his Word, you will become enthralled and thrilled by something else, some lesser thing. Remember that you are hardwired for pleasure and delight. God has made you like that because He made you for Himself. You must be feeding the life of faith to grow strong, and you feed it through the Word of God. No wonder Psalm 119 says, "YourWord have I hidden in my heart that I might not sin against you."
You will fourish as a Christian as you meditate on God's law day and night.
(Dr. Tedd Tripp, Tabletalk, October 2013)
DonWhitney's book Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life likens meditation to "steeping a tea bag in hot water." It is a vivid picture, over time the cup of hot water is changed, it takes on the flavor and color of tea.
Meditation is being attentive to theWord of God. It is delighting ourselves in God so much that our conscious focus is on His will and not our own, on His truth and not our speculation, on His way and not the way of the scoffer. Reflection and meditation on God's law produces confidence in his goodness.
Meditation is a way of seeking the things that are above (Col. 3:1). Spending time in theWord of God is to set one's mind and heart on things above. Meditation is the means of renewing the mind (Rom. 12:1-2). Meditation on Scripture allows God'sWord to penetrate our inner being. Meditation brings the light of illumination to or hearts. It brings the power to resist being conformed to the world. Meditation transforms and renews the mind by giving weight to God's interpretation of life.
Notice that in this Psalm, meditation takes place day and night. When my heart faints within me because I am despairing; I need to meditate on theWord of God. When doubts rise up within me, tamping down every reason for hope, I need to meditate on theWord of God. When I am struggling to break free from sinful habits, meditation on theWord of God will usher me to God, who has grace and power to deliver. When I wake up in the morning wondering if anyone really cares for my soul, theWord of God will remind me that God has loved me everlastingly.
The pleasures and delights of knowing God - of being mesmerized and enthralled and thrilled by God - are experienced as you meditate on His law day and night. You will never be a person who sees God as glorious and more delightful than the pleasures of sin unless you are in the Word beholding God every day.
If you are not delighting in God in his Word, you will become enthralled and thrilled by something else, some lesser thing. Remember that you are hardwired for pleasure and delight. God has made you like that because He made you for Himself. You must be feeding the life of faith to grow strong, and you feed it through the Word of God. No wonder Psalm 119 says, "YourWord have I hidden in my heart that I might not sin against you."
You will fourish as a Christian as you meditate on God's law day and night.
(Dr. Tedd Tripp, Tabletalk, October 2013)
Monday, October 14, 2013
Pastor Bill's Thought for the Day
Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.
Isaiah 26:3
We have in this verse of Scripture a promise of peace and considering the elusiveness of peace in our present day world this promise should be well worth our investigating. It is a personal matter! It is the promise of a personal peace in a world that has known very little peace in a long time.
In a world of violence it is a "calm in the midst of the storm." There are two things that we must do to obtain this peace and we can do both. Our mind is to be "stayed on God' and that is a matter of choice. We can control what we are thinking and we can choose what we read and look at. We are to "trust in God" and the more that we read His word and think on and rehearse His goodness, the easier it is to trust Him.
There is much in the world that is disturbing to the disciple of Christ and cannot be denied. It is paraded before us constantly by the media but we must at least give God equal time if we would be "kept in perfect peace."
The media presents the "breaking news" but God has written the final chapter. "Peace on earth" will come in God's time but peace in your heart and mine is promised for right now.
Malachi lived in a time when the general behavior was marked by rebellion and infidelity but there were those who would not be influenced. Malachi wrote, "Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another: and the Lord hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before Him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon His name. And they shall be mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up My jewels; I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him." (Malachi 3:16,17)
Jesus said the time would come when, "...ye shall hear of wars, and commotions, be not terrified:" (Luke 21:9) There are as many wars and commotions in the world right now as there has ever been but we are not terrified because He also said, "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." (John 14:27)
(Pastor Bill Cummins, Sheridan, Wyoming, drbc@bresnan.net)
Isaiah 26:3
We have in this verse of Scripture a promise of peace and considering the elusiveness of peace in our present day world this promise should be well worth our investigating. It is a personal matter! It is the promise of a personal peace in a world that has known very little peace in a long time.
In a world of violence it is a "calm in the midst of the storm." There are two things that we must do to obtain this peace and we can do both. Our mind is to be "stayed on God' and that is a matter of choice. We can control what we are thinking and we can choose what we read and look at. We are to "trust in God" and the more that we read His word and think on and rehearse His goodness, the easier it is to trust Him.
There is much in the world that is disturbing to the disciple of Christ and cannot be denied. It is paraded before us constantly by the media but we must at least give God equal time if we would be "kept in perfect peace."
The media presents the "breaking news" but God has written the final chapter. "Peace on earth" will come in God's time but peace in your heart and mine is promised for right now.
Malachi lived in a time when the general behavior was marked by rebellion and infidelity but there were those who would not be influenced. Malachi wrote, "Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another: and the Lord hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before Him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon His name. And they shall be mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up My jewels; I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him." (Malachi 3:16,17)
Jesus said the time would come when, "...ye shall hear of wars, and commotions, be not terrified:" (Luke 21:9) There are as many wars and commotions in the world right now as there has ever been but we are not terrified because He also said, "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." (John 14:27)
(Pastor Bill Cummins, Sheridan, Wyoming, drbc@bresnan.net)
Thursday, October 10, 2013
Several Items of Interest
Clinic Closings Increasing in the U. S.
Abortion centers are shutting down at an unprecedented rate. The total so far this year is 44, according to a pro-life organization that tracks clinic operations. None was more telling than the mid-July closing of the Planned Parenthood center in Bryan, Texas. It came less than four years after Abby Johnson, burdened by her involvement with abortion, walked out of that clinic as its director and into the offices of the Coalition for Life. "Knowing that the former abortion clinic I once ran is now closing is the biggest personal victory of my life," Johnson said.
This year, 42 clinics that provided surgical abortions have shut their doors, and two that offered chemical abortions by drugs also have closed. That number far surpasses the 25 shutdown last year and the 30 in 2011, by Operation Rescue's count. Some of the shutdowns have been of major clinics. For instance,Virginia's No. 1 abortion provider closed. It had performed 3,066 abortions in 2012 and 3,567 in 2011.
(Christian Renewal, Oct. 2013, www.crmag.com)
A few Scientific Facts about Creation
Which came first, proteins of DNA (Revelation 4:11)? For evolutionists, the chicken or egg dilemma goes even deeper. Chickens consist of proteins. The code for each protein is contained in the DNA/RNA system. However, proteins are required in order to manufacture DNA. So which came first: proteins or DNA? The ONLY explanation is that they were created together.
Our bodies are made from the dust of the ground (Genesis 2:7; 3:19). Scientists have discovered that the human body is comprised of some 28 base and trace elements - all of which are found in the earth.
The First Law of Thermodynamics established (Genesis 2:1-2). The First Law states that the total quantity of energy and matter in the universe is a constant. One form of energy or matter may be converted into another, but the total quantity always remains the same. Therefore the creation is finished, exactly as God said way back in Genesis.
The first three verses of Genesis accurately express all known aspects of the creation (Genesis 1:1-3). Science expresses the universe in terms of: time, space, matter, and energy. In Genesis chapter one we read: "In the beginning (time) God created the heavens (space) and the earth (matter)....Then God said, "Let there be light (energy)." No other creation account (such as evolution) agrees with the observable evidence.
The universe had a beginning (Genesis 1:1, Hebrews 1:10-12). Starting with the studies of Ablert Einstein in the early 1900s and continuing today, science has confirmed the biblical view that the universe had a beginning. At the time that the Bible was written most people believed the universe was eternal. Science has proven them wrong, but the Bible correct.
The earth is a sphere (Isaiah 40:22). At a time when many thought the earth was flat, the Bible told us that the earth is spherical.
Scripture assumes a revolving (spherical) earth (Luke 17:34-36). Jesus said that at His return some would be asleep at night while others would be working at day time activities in the field. This is a clear indication of a revolving earth, with day and night occurring simultaneously.
(The above short items from www.creationmoments.com, 101 Scientific Facts & Foreknowledge)
Abortion centers are shutting down at an unprecedented rate. The total so far this year is 44, according to a pro-life organization that tracks clinic operations. None was more telling than the mid-July closing of the Planned Parenthood center in Bryan, Texas. It came less than four years after Abby Johnson, burdened by her involvement with abortion, walked out of that clinic as its director and into the offices of the Coalition for Life. "Knowing that the former abortion clinic I once ran is now closing is the biggest personal victory of my life," Johnson said.
This year, 42 clinics that provided surgical abortions have shut their doors, and two that offered chemical abortions by drugs also have closed. That number far surpasses the 25 shutdown last year and the 30 in 2011, by Operation Rescue's count. Some of the shutdowns have been of major clinics. For instance,Virginia's No. 1 abortion provider closed. It had performed 3,066 abortions in 2012 and 3,567 in 2011.
(Christian Renewal, Oct. 2013, www.crmag.com)
A few Scientific Facts about Creation
Which came first, proteins of DNA (Revelation 4:11)? For evolutionists, the chicken or egg dilemma goes even deeper. Chickens consist of proteins. The code for each protein is contained in the DNA/RNA system. However, proteins are required in order to manufacture DNA. So which came first: proteins or DNA? The ONLY explanation is that they were created together.
Our bodies are made from the dust of the ground (Genesis 2:7; 3:19). Scientists have discovered that the human body is comprised of some 28 base and trace elements - all of which are found in the earth.
The First Law of Thermodynamics established (Genesis 2:1-2). The First Law states that the total quantity of energy and matter in the universe is a constant. One form of energy or matter may be converted into another, but the total quantity always remains the same. Therefore the creation is finished, exactly as God said way back in Genesis.
The first three verses of Genesis accurately express all known aspects of the creation (Genesis 1:1-3). Science expresses the universe in terms of: time, space, matter, and energy. In Genesis chapter one we read: "In the beginning (time) God created the heavens (space) and the earth (matter)....Then God said, "Let there be light (energy)." No other creation account (such as evolution) agrees with the observable evidence.
The universe had a beginning (Genesis 1:1, Hebrews 1:10-12). Starting with the studies of Ablert Einstein in the early 1900s and continuing today, science has confirmed the biblical view that the universe had a beginning. At the time that the Bible was written most people believed the universe was eternal. Science has proven them wrong, but the Bible correct.
The earth is a sphere (Isaiah 40:22). At a time when many thought the earth was flat, the Bible told us that the earth is spherical.
Scripture assumes a revolving (spherical) earth (Luke 17:34-36). Jesus said that at His return some would be asleep at night while others would be working at day time activities in the field. This is a clear indication of a revolving earth, with day and night occurring simultaneously.
(The above short items from www.creationmoments.com, 101 Scientific Facts & Foreknowledge)
Thursday, October 3, 2013
Several Articles of Interest
Sorry Or Repentant?
Being sorry and being repentant are different. All of us have witnessed a child sorry for the way things have turned out. The same parent's reaction is completely different to the child who comes to them with a repentant heart - sorry for the outcome and for their part in creating the outcome.
You might remember when the Israelites went to conquer the land that was promised to them. In Numbers 14:39, we read that the Israelites were "overcome with grief" because of the word of judgment Moses had brought to them declaring they would not enter the promised land because of their actions. This word created quite a reaction!
They were sorry because of the way things turned out - they were not repentant for their stubborn hearts that caused the outcome. They wanted to receive their portion of the promised land. This lack of a repentant heart caused them to go in the opposite direction the Lord desired. They were clearly instructed in 14:25 to retreat toward the Red Sea in order for them to get their hearts right. Instead, they mustered up their strength and with the wrong heart pursued God's promises. The result was they were routed and did not enter the promised land.
Repentance positions us to receive God's promises! Being sorry for how things have turned out and then implementing our fixes with our strength will have a disastrous outcome. Let us pray that the Church will move beyond being sorry for where our country is and move into repentance for the conditions of our hearts.
Revival is the only hope for our nation. Repentance is the key to revival.
(David Kabal, President and CEO, Intercessors for America)
States Going Pro-Life
While the Repubican-controlled U.S. House passes strong pro-life bills only to have them die in the Democrat-controlled Senate, many states continue to enact more laws honoring the sanctity of life. At least 42 states have passed or introduced legislation to protect innocent pre-born human beings from being killed by abortion. Some states want to stop every abortion of a baby with a beating heart (which can be detected at 12 weeks). Others focus on 20 weeks as a pain-threshold. The very liberal 9th Circuit court has overturned at least three of these fetal-pain laws, paving the way for a Supreme Court showdown. Let us continue to pray, knowing God is listening and caring.
(RueutersNewsServiceForLife, 7/13)
Religious Convictions Denied
In 2006, Elaine Huguenin, co-owner with her husband of Elaine Photography (Albaquerque, NM), declined to take photos of a lesbian "commitment" ceremony, as she was unable to reconcile the ceremony with her religious convictions. She helped the women find another photographer, but stated she could not participate in the event without violating her beliefs about marriage. Not satisfied, the women brought a complaint before the New Mexico Human Rights Commission, which found Mrs. Huguenin engaged in "sexual orientation" discrimination prohibited under state law, and ordered Elaine Photography to pay the plaintiffs' attorney fees.
Fast forward to August 2013 when, following the approval of an intermediate appellate court, the New Mexico Supreme Court ruled that Mrs. Huguenin violated the state's Human Rights Act, despite the fact that to comply would have compelled her to act contrary to her Christian faith. Many analysts have been warning of the adverse effects same-sex "marriage" could have on religious liberty. Now, as exemplified by the NM Supreme Court's decision in May, these fears are being realized. The Alliance Defense Fund will represent the Huguenins' appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court. Concerned Christians are alerted to follow closely and pray much into what will no doubt be a landmark decision, and not just about photography.
(Alliance Defending Freedom, 8/22/2013)
All the above articles from Inttercessors For American, www.IFAPray.org)
Being sorry and being repentant are different. All of us have witnessed a child sorry for the way things have turned out. The same parent's reaction is completely different to the child who comes to them with a repentant heart - sorry for the outcome and for their part in creating the outcome.
You might remember when the Israelites went to conquer the land that was promised to them. In Numbers 14:39, we read that the Israelites were "overcome with grief" because of the word of judgment Moses had brought to them declaring they would not enter the promised land because of their actions. This word created quite a reaction!
They were sorry because of the way things turned out - they were not repentant for their stubborn hearts that caused the outcome. They wanted to receive their portion of the promised land. This lack of a repentant heart caused them to go in the opposite direction the Lord desired. They were clearly instructed in 14:25 to retreat toward the Red Sea in order for them to get their hearts right. Instead, they mustered up their strength and with the wrong heart pursued God's promises. The result was they were routed and did not enter the promised land.
Repentance positions us to receive God's promises! Being sorry for how things have turned out and then implementing our fixes with our strength will have a disastrous outcome. Let us pray that the Church will move beyond being sorry for where our country is and move into repentance for the conditions of our hearts.
Revival is the only hope for our nation. Repentance is the key to revival.
(David Kabal, President and CEO, Intercessors for America)
States Going Pro-Life
While the Repubican-controlled U.S. House passes strong pro-life bills only to have them die in the Democrat-controlled Senate, many states continue to enact more laws honoring the sanctity of life. At least 42 states have passed or introduced legislation to protect innocent pre-born human beings from being killed by abortion. Some states want to stop every abortion of a baby with a beating heart (which can be detected at 12 weeks). Others focus on 20 weeks as a pain-threshold. The very liberal 9th Circuit court has overturned at least three of these fetal-pain laws, paving the way for a Supreme Court showdown. Let us continue to pray, knowing God is listening and caring.
(RueutersNewsServiceForLife, 7/13)
Religious Convictions Denied
In 2006, Elaine Huguenin, co-owner with her husband of Elaine Photography (Albaquerque, NM), declined to take photos of a lesbian "commitment" ceremony, as she was unable to reconcile the ceremony with her religious convictions. She helped the women find another photographer, but stated she could not participate in the event without violating her beliefs about marriage. Not satisfied, the women brought a complaint before the New Mexico Human Rights Commission, which found Mrs. Huguenin engaged in "sexual orientation" discrimination prohibited under state law, and ordered Elaine Photography to pay the plaintiffs' attorney fees.
Fast forward to August 2013 when, following the approval of an intermediate appellate court, the New Mexico Supreme Court ruled that Mrs. Huguenin violated the state's Human Rights Act, despite the fact that to comply would have compelled her to act contrary to her Christian faith. Many analysts have been warning of the adverse effects same-sex "marriage" could have on religious liberty. Now, as exemplified by the NM Supreme Court's decision in May, these fears are being realized. The Alliance Defense Fund will represent the Huguenins' appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court. Concerned Christians are alerted to follow closely and pray much into what will no doubt be a landmark decision, and not just about photography.
(Alliance Defending Freedom, 8/22/2013)
All the above articles from Inttercessors For American, www.IFAPray.org)
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