Current Events – Page 28

Tortured for Christ

Leave a Comment / March 28, 2011 March 28, 2011

**A group of armed Muslims opened fire on Christians at an open-air prayer meeting in Pakistan this week, killing two men.

**Anti-Christian violence has increased in northern Nigeria since January of this year, when 200 armed Fulani youths attacked churches and Christian homes. Sectarian violence between Christians and Muslims in Nigeria began in 2001 with a large-scale riot in the city of Kaduna.

**In Uzbekistan, six Christians leading a service at a nursing home on March 13 were detained by police and charged with resisting police orders and violating procedures for conducting a meeting.

**The battle over Bibles continues in Malaysia. In January 2011, port authorities confiscated 30,000 Bibles that a branch of Gideons International had ordered.

This is a sampling of some of the news stories regarding persecution against Christians going on right now. I read another story this morning of an Egyptian Christian persecuted for helping Muslims who have converted to Christianity by hanging him upside down naked and beating him severely.

This is not hundreds of years ago. This is right now. In this world we live in. Sometimes I feel we are so sheltered in our little American world. Sure, we take some slander or we may even take some damage to our reputation if we stand for Christ. There is a cost. But the cost is minimal, if you think about many other parts of the world.

Thinking on this leads me down several different trails-

First, is my faith sure and certain, so that I will stand strong, if (some would say “when”) that day comes?

Second, am I praying for my Christians brothers and sisters who are being tortured for Christ? They are part of our heavenly family. They need our prayers!

Third, am I living with a grateful heart for the freedoms I have? For the freedom from hunger? For the freedom to worship in church without interruption from the government? For the freedom to own a Bible?

And fourth, I can’t help but think that many of the things that upset all of us…people things…circumstance things…job things…just wouldn’t be as big of an issue if we knew we might lose our life the next day. Perspective is such a big deal, isn’t it?? What am I upset or disturbed about that would really matter if I may be imprisoned tomorrow for my faith? What argument or debate (and there are some, but not as many as we think) is worth destroying a relationship with a fellow brother, if we both may be killed tomorrow?

We are free. And these questions do not haunt us the way they haunt our fellow believers. And I thank God for that. Let’s live with grateful hearts. Let’s make sure it is God’s opinions directly from His Word that we take a stand for…not our own. And let’s pray that God would give us a godly perspective on the trials and problems we face.

The above examples are from website persecution.com. They also have a sister website, prisoneralert.com, which focuses on Christians who are imprisoned for their faith. Both are a great place to go if you would like to read more about this topic.

Achy Breaky Heart

2 Comments / February 17, 2011 February 24, 2015

I just finished reading GQ’s article on Billy Ray Cyrus. Not because I love country music. And I can take or leave the Hannah Montana TV show. But our family loved (and still loves) the show Doc, which Billy Ray starred in in the early 2000’s. I was curious to see what he had to say.

I found the whole interview heart-breaking. Truly heart-breaking. Here was a man with lots of talent who had made a lot of wrong choices. But I think the following quote on parenting is probably one that can teach all of us something:

“How many interviews did I give and say, ‘You know what’s important between me and Miley is I try to be a friend to my kids’? I said it a lot. And sometimes I would even read other parents might say, ‘You don’t need to be a friend, you need to be a parent.’ Well, I’m the first guy to say to them right now: You were right. I should have been a better parent. I should have said, ‘Enough is enough–it’s getting dangerous and somebody’s going to get hurt.’ I should have, but I didn’t. Honestly, I didn’t know the ball was out of bounds until it was way up in the stands somewhere.”

If you are the parent of any teenagers, I would imagine you have struggled with this issue. To be a cool friend or to be the irritating parent. Because it is really difficult to be both. There is this innate sense of wanting our kids to like us. And, yet, ironically, the more we cater to that desire, the less our kids do like us.

Instead of a rock in the storm, we become someone who shifts our position with every slight change in the wind. Do we do this because we truly think it is okay? No, most of the time, we will bend our position because we don’t want them to be mad at us. We feel like giving them an answer they don’t like will cause them to not like us.

I have found myself in this position many a time. And I have chosen both ways. I can honestly admit to the following–

When I have gone against my better judgment and allowed something that I knew I shouldn’t allow, I have always been sorry. Sometimes it is just for a moment and sometimes that little thing I allowed turns into a bigger problem. But, in contrast, when I have stood up for what’s right and not allowed something that they truly wanted with all of their heart, I have always felt great. And if you believe that, let me tell you another story! Actually, that doesn’t always feel so good. Sometimes I feel like I absolutely did the right thing. But many times I second-guess myself. Occasionally, I even change my mind. And, sometimes, I should change my mind.

And that’s where the friend part comes in. We need to listen to our teenagers. Listen to their side of the story. Listen to why they want to do what they want to do. And then let’s take them to God’s Word. Often, we would still stand by our decision as parents. But that was often after lots of discussion. Teenagers need reasons. And, as they get older and mature spiritually, gradually put some of the final decisions in their hands. That way they may make mistakes on the little things and hopefully be preparing for bigger decisions.

If I can do anything before my kids leave this house, it will be to instill in them accountability to GOD. If they think they need to please me, then they will do what they want when they leave. But if they realize that God is always with them and they are living to please Him, rather than to live by some man-made set of rules, then one of my main goals as a parent will have been accomplished.

As the decision-making becomes more my kids’ responsibility and less of mine, the friendship grows. See, the friendship comes later. Trying to be friends with your 13 year old is a big mistake. But hang on a few years. If you hold your ground with your 13 year old, your 20 year old will be more of a friend. I can only imagine that the friendship continues to grow as they grow into an adult, and then perhaps even a deeper friendship as they become parents themselves.

Thankfully, whatever happens and wherever we find ourselves right now, God is gracious and loving and can work beyond our mistakes. So, just keep praying for your kids and trying to find that balance. And don’t get tired! Make sure your teenagers know that you are there for them and that you will keep God’s standards in your family, no matter what is going on in their friends’ houses!

Joshua 24:15

Note (2/24/15) I wrote this almost exactly four years ago now. Since then, Miley Cyrus has went completely wild. I am truly saddened over that situation. How much worse her situation is now than it was even then. How her parents must mourn over her choices.

We, too, are at a very different place– one birdie has already spread her wings and flown away and two more are making their plans to fly this coming summer. Only one birdie will be left at home come September. Our kids are certainly not perfect and they make mistakes, but my husband and I have a good relationship with them and with each passing year, we do see a friendship that grows as they become adults. We, too, continue to make our share of mistakes and certainly lay no claim on perfection. We would both say, however, that we have never regretted standing our ground and providing boundaries on entertainment choices, activities, and friendships. If anything, we feel like we left way too much of the world invade our home and would probably change some things if we could do it over.

And so let’s remember– strict boundaries without explanation are the cause of most rebellion. Permissive love without boundaries also leads to waywardness. Only boundaries placed with love is a winning combination when it comes to parenting. My prayer is that this will encourage you to stand strong in biblical conviction, but with so much grace and love.

When is a baby actually a baby?

Leave a Comment / January 20, 2011 January 20, 2011

I don’t delve into politics much. I have my opinions. But I am not blogging about them. Usually. But I can’t help myself this morning. Last night I caught a bit of the news. A story came on in which the newscasters sounded just horrified as they discussed it. The man reading the statement could hardly withhold his disgust. Here is the gist of the story:

A “doctor” in Philadelphia had actually induced mothers with 6, 7, even 8 month old fetuses into labor, allowed the babies to be born, and then MURDERED them!

This IS horrible. I feel sick inside when I hear of someone doing this. Our minds can’t comprehend such evil.

But I was filled with such puzzlement. Why is it so abhorrent when this tiny life is murdered outside the womb, but just a “late-term” abortion when it is inside the womb? Why is the world appalled and shocked when the baby is delivered and then murdered…but not horrified when it is violently murdered inside it’s safe, warm environment? I don’t get it.

It is quite a world that calls a living being a “human” when it is outside the womb, but a “non-human” when it is inside the womb. It breaks my heart. What have we come to in this country? God have mercy on us.

Psalm 139: 13-16

For You formed my inward parts;
You covered me in my mother’s womb.
¹⁴ I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;^[b]
Marvelous are Your works,
And that my soul knows very well.
¹⁵ My frame was not hidden from You,
When I was made in secret,
And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.
¹⁶ Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed.
And in Your book they all were written,
The days fashioned for me,
When as yet there were none of them.

Death.

Leave a Comment / January 10, 2011 January 10, 2011

You probably heard that Tom Bosley (Happy Days), Dixie Carter (Designing Women), and Rue McLanahan (Golden Girls) died in 2010. You may have even heard about Dennis Hopper (Speed, Hoosiers), Leslie Nielsen and Peter Graves (Airplane), and Merlin Olsen (Little House on the Prairie). But did you know that the creator of “spaghettios”, Donald Goerke, died? So did Miep Gies, the Dutch woman who protected Anne Frank. Andy Irons, the three time world champion surfer, died at age 32. Alexander McQueen, creative director of Gucci, died at age 40. Sports greats Robin Roberts (Phillies), Sparky Anderson (Reds & Tigers), and Don Meredith (Cowboys) also passed away in 2010. That is a short list from World magazine’s (January 1, 2011 issue) article entitled “Departures”.

You may say “So what? What do I care?” You may not be familiar with most of them. (As I get older, I realize that I become more and more familiar with the names of those who have died). But each of these people accomplished something of enough importance to be listed in World magazine. For many, it was simply acting in a television show or movie. For others, it was a political accomplishment. There was also there the world’s oldest twitterer (a lady named Ivy Bean who died at the age of 104) and the scientist, Thomas Peebles, who isolated the measles virus, which led to the development of the vaccine.

And yet, many of us have never even heard of most of these people. Most of the names I was familiar with were the names of actors. The people who had accomplished something of value to this world were unknown to me. And, so it is in this life. Most things of value, while they might bring one a small amount of fame in certain circles, do not bring great notice to most of the world. Do you know the names of the scientists working feverishly to develop a cure for cancer? Are you familiar with the names of the people who invented the first computer…the dishwasher……the space shuttle…the internet? Unless you are an avid reader or have great interest in any of these specific areas, you are probably unfamiliar with most of these people.

What about the people who accomplish great things for God? Do we know who they are? Sure, we have all heard of Martin Luther, David Livingstone, Hudson Taylor. But what about the missionaries who reached out to the natives in Irian Jaya? Or the natives in Peru? Who started Voice of the Martyrs, the ministry that reaches out to imprisoned believers? Who braved the Iron Curtain and smuggled Bibles to those who couldn’t get them? Who is doing that currently in countries that have out-lawed God’s Word? We don’t know, do we?

Ironically, as I was writing this, my husband told me about the attack on Gabrielle Giffords, congresswoman, and the 6 people who died in that attack. Jan 8, 2011. Outside a grocery store in Tucson. Part of that group was a 9 year old girl, the young granddaughter of Dallas Green, the old Philadelphia Phillies manager.

So…what is my point? We are all going to die. Most of us will die without doing anything of enough value to be mentioned in World magazine. Most of us will not die in a tragic shooting that is broadcast around the world. But we all will die. We will all leave some kind of legacy. It will probably not be a legacy that brings on accolades of men. It will probably not be a legacy that will cause someone to write an article about you in Wikipedia. But we will all leave a legacy. What will be your legacy? What will be my legacy?

I want my legacy to be that of a godly woman who lived with honesty, kindness, and integrity. Someone that her children could model themselves after. Someone who was a blessing to her church family, her extended family, her friends, and her community. I want to be known as someone who embraced every opportunity to share the Good News of Jesus Christ. Because, quite truthfully, the chances are slim to none that I will ever have a blog that is read by thousands of people. Or that I will be a famous musician. I will never have the platform to talk to millions via television about Jesus.

But I do have opportunities every day to be a blessing to those around me. I have opportunities every day to share with others about Jesus. What are we doing with our lives that is of eternal value? What are we doing to make life better for those around us? What will be our legacy?

I will leave you with the following hymn:

Verse 1
You may build great cathedrals large or small,
you can build skyscrapers grand and tall,
you may conquer all the failures of the past,
but only what you do for Christ will last.

Chorus
Remember only what You do for Christ will last.
Remember only what you do for Christ will last,
only what you do for Him will be counted at the end;
only what you do for Christ will last.

Verse 2
You may seek earthly power and fame,
the world might be impressed by your great name,
soon the glories of this life will all be past,
but only what you do for Christ will last.

Verse 3
Though your armies may control each hemisphere,
and your orbits out in space cause men to cheer,
your scientific knowledge may be vast,
but only what you do for Christ will last.

Verse 4
Though your song and prayers are heard and praised by man,
they’ve no meaning unless you’ve been born again,
sinner, heed these words, don’t let this harvest pass,
for only what you do for Christ will last.

Twisters. Hurricanes. Floods.

Leave a Comment / June 23, 2010 June 23, 2010

Psalm 119: 37 Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word.

Twisters. Hurricanes. Floods. Just a few things that get our attention as humans. These natural disasters come along and wreck our perfectly ordered worlds. Sometimes taking with them all the possessions we own. We were spared yesterday when a mini twister came roaring through our property. While we had some damage, it could have been so much worse. But it got me thinking…how attached am I to what I possess? Or, to take it a step further, how attached am I to the things that are not eternal? I find that a very tough question.

Could I live without my TV? My computer? My air-conditioning? Movies? Facebook? My dog? My Ipod? Questions that come to mind when a twister of any size comes roaring through your backyard. Of course, I could live without these things. But have they become more important to me than they should? Would I remain calm and kind if faced with the loss of these things?

Do I count all as loss compared to Christ? Sometimes we get so caught up in our lives that we forget what truly matters. Living for Jesus. Telling others about Him. Holding discussions with our kids about the things that matter. Praying for our families, friends, and pastors.

Instead we focus on the temporal things…sports, movies, the latest gadgets, facebook, X-box, boats, pets…I am just naming a few that quickly come to my mind. These things aren’t wrong in and of themselves. It is when they take too much of our time. It is when time spent on these things distracts us from our time with God or perhaps even hinders our relationship with God that they become problems.

We all know that life is about the mundane. Let’s face it, we all need to do the laundry, feed our families, mow the lawn, and clean the house. But keeping our priorities focused on the eternal will make a huge difference in our lives…even while working at the daily tasks we all need to do.

Philippians 3:8; Psalm 119: 36-37

My first blog…ever

Leave a Comment / June 6, 2010 June 6, 2010

So, I have been journaling forever…since I was like…10 years old. Writing things down helps me process the many trials, struggles, and blessings that have happened to me during my journey through life. I thought it might be fun to blog and share some of the things I am learning as a Christian woman dedicated to Jesus Christ and her family.