“If this does not stir up the American people I don’t know what will!” I commented to my husband after the Muslim terrorist attack at Fort Hood last week. “Sweetheart” he said, “9-11 only briefly awakened the people.” As sad as the statement was the apathy that has followed is evidence of that truth. The day after 9-11 the American people rallied together in a spirit of unity but what has happened since that time? Even now, days after Major Nidal Malik Hasan gunned down and murdered 13 American soldiers in the name of Allah the news reporters are still shunning away from words like terrorist and Muslim. No one will call a spade a spade, instead stating that his alleged faith might have triggered the attack. Might have? Are we so blind to the obvious truth? Have we come so far that we can no longer recognize the enemy? Anyone who still believes that the Muslim religion is one of peace does so by willing ignorance. Not only do these people want all infidels dead, it is their commission to carry it out. But this nation founded upon Christian principles gladly shuts her eyes to this. We’ll just welcome them in, pay for their schooling, enlist them in the army and turn the other cheek when they murder the innocent. It doesn’t take a fool to recognize that the most effective way to defeat an enemy is to do so from within. I’m afraid that our nation’s godly heritage has been chipped away piece by piece, generation after generation. Is there any of the internal fortitude of our founding fathers left in this country? Will we ever again be able to recognize and defeat the enemy within? Or, will we continue down the same destructive path in the name of political correctness? The answer lies within God’s Holy Word. “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” (2Ch 7:14) Perhaps before we can expect our nation to recognize the enemy within and do something about it; we as God’s people need to be able to. Our churches and our homes are filled with the enemy’s devices – sins, fallacies, and wickedness – all packaged so beautifully. Our churches have allowed false teachers because they tickle our ears. Sin abounds in the church because sin is pleasurable for a season. We have a form of godliness but deny the power thereof. We welcome in unbelievers for the sake of church growth. We compromise truth for the sake of unity. Our churches are dying spiritually and have been relegated to the corner of society because they are powerless. The reason our churches are weak is because our families are weak. Not only are they weak but they are being destroyed one home at a time. We have welcomed in humanistic thinking to the point to where a Biblical worldview seems skewed. We open our minds up to the world’s filth via Hollywood hours each day. We ask sin to come into our homes, to abide with us and to fellowship with us and then wonder why our marriages and our children are being destroyed by the Enemy. We accept and live by the standards of the world, never once seeking God’s holy standards for our lives. Why is our nation in trouble? It is simply because God’s people are in trouble. We must humble ourselves. We must pray. We must seek God’s face. We must turn from our wicked ways. Then, and only then, will God heal our land. Otherwise, the enemy within will accomplish what it has set out to do – steal, kill, and destroy.
Category: Culture
More School?
The Drudge Report (www.drudgereport.com) has an article this morning (http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090927/ap_on_re_us/us_more_school) about the President wanting longer school days and a longer school year, curtailing summer vacation. “Challenges of a new century demand more time in the classroom”, he said earlier this year. Obama says American kids spend too little time in school, putting them at a disadvantage with other students around the globe. Really? I will not argue that American children are behind in academics when compared to children around the world. But I draw the line there. The last thing children need today is more time away from their families. Already, many children are being trained and indoctrinated by the world system for 7-8 hours, 5 days a week. When they do get home they are overwhelmed with activities, sports and homework. Several years ago a friend called asking for suggestions with her boy. She was having trouble keeping him motivated in doing his homework. I asked her how much time he on average spent doing homework each evening. She said he gets home at 4 p.m. and does homework until dinner time and then sometimes 1 to 2 hours after dinner each night. The child at the time was in 3rd grade. My comment was simply, “If I had just spent 8 hours “learning” and then had to come home and do another 3 to 4 hours of homework, I probably wouldn’t be motivated either.”
I realize that it has become common practice to hand your child over to the government from an early age, but is this really what we need? Psalm One gives a beautiful comparison between the blessed man and the wicked man.
“Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away. Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.”
Notice that the blessed man does not walk in the counsel of (take advise or learn from) the ungodly. Nor, standeth in the way of (abides with) the sinners. Nor, sitteth in the seat of (continually dwells with) the scornful (those who scoff at or mock). Dr. Voddie Baucham, in Family Driven Faith says, “Contrary to popular opinion, there is no such thing as amoral education. All education teaches and shapes morality. It is impossible to separate one’s view of God, man, truth, knowledge, and ethics from the educational process. Every day that our children sit behind a desk, they are either being taught to know, love, and obey God or they are being taught to love and obey someone or something that has usurped God’s proper role.” He goes on to say, “Let me be clear – I applaud men and women who God has called to teach in government schools. These people are front-line warriors, and they need to be right where they are. However, there is a big difference between sending fully trained disciples into enemy territory and sending recruits to our enemy’s training camp. If we do the latter, we shouldn’t be surprised when they come home wearing the enemy’s uniform and charging the hill of our home while waving an enemy flag.”
There is a love that God hates!
Yesterday in the news I read a story about an eleven year old girl who was abducted on her way home from school and kept hidden in her abductors backyard for nearly two decades. She was raped and gave birth to two children by this evil man. While thinking about the story my heart broke. I have a little girl who is nearly 11 years old. Just the thought brings horror. And people wonder why I do not let my children out of my sight. We live in an evil world. There are many people who are evil and they love evil works of darkness. “Why boastest thou thyself in mischief, O mighty man? the goodness of God endureth continually. Thy tongue deviseth mischiefs; like a sharp razor, working deceitfully. Thou lovest evil more than good; and lying rather than to speak righteousness. Selah. Thou lovest all devouring words, O thou deceitful tongue. God shall likewise destroy thee for ever, he shall take thee away, and pluck thee out of thy dwelling place, and root thee out of the land of the living. Selah.” Psalm 52:1-5
Too many times I have heard sayings like this… “A loving God would never send anyone to hell.” Or “God is love, He cannot hate.” Can I tell you that because God is love He must hate! I love the Word of God therefore I hate false teaching. I love freedom therefore I hate slavery. I love the God ordained institution of marriage therefore I hate divorce, adultery, and homosexuality. I love children therefore I hate abortion. I love the truth therefore I hate lying. I love everything that is good and holy therefore I hate everything that is evil. “I have hated the congregation of evil doers; and will not sit with the wicked.” Psalm 26:5 “Ye that love the LORD, hate evil:” Psalm 97:10a
There is a love that God hates. Ask yourself, does God hate it when we have love for the things of this world? “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.” 1John 2:15-16 “Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.” James 4:4
So I must ask, “Are there things in my life that I love and yet God absolutely hates?” “Do I love the world?” “Do I love the things of this world?” “Do I watch things on TV that grieves the Lord? Do I listen to or read things that God hates?” “Do I think and mediate upon things that God hates?” “Is my affection set on things of the earth or on things above?” May I never love the things that God hates.
Rejoice
With my proof copy in hand, I thank the Lord that I can say my Bible Study through Philippians is available. If you know of any ladies bible study groups that would be interested please refer them to this link. https://www.createspace.com/3391206 The book will also be available on amazon.com in a few weeks. Thank you all for your encouragement and prayers. Below is an excerpt from the introduction.
“Happiness is overrated,” was the response my good friend gave one day when talking about her life’s circumstances. What? Isn’t being happy what life is all about? If we will look around we will see that all the self-help books and motivational speakers seem to be telling us just this. Look up the word “happiness” in any dictionary and you will discover that it means the state of being happy or having joy, pleasure, delight, etc. Happiness results from the attainment of what one considers good. In other words, the world’s view of happiness is based on current circumstances. Are you happy when your husband brings home flowers for no apparent reason? What about when your children go an entire day without tears, fighting, and/or blood? We are happy when our finances are secure, the doctor visit goes well, our church has no problems, the in-laws went home a day early, and the bathroom scales are being generous. But what happens when it has been years since you have seen flowers from your husband? What happens when all of a sudden your children have become enemies and you work all day on getting a peace treaty signed? What happens when your clothes are fitting tight and to make matters worse your scale has been lying to you? What happens when your church family is having troubles or your in-laws announce a two week visit? What happens when the doctor brings bad news? What happens when your finances are a wreck? What happens to your happiness then? If we will be honest we will say it leaves. As a child of God, is this world’s happiness what we should really seek? Is our happiness what God is concerned with? Is being happy the same thing as having the joy that the Bible speaks of? Just what is the difference between “happiness” and Biblical joy? Here it is – happiness can come and go. But, biblical joy is rock solid. It comes from deep within your soul and cannot be moved. Glory Hallelujah, it is here to stay. The joy that comes from the Lord is not based on our circumstances but on Christ alone. I am going to say that one more time for emphasis. The joy that comes from the Lord is not based on our circumstances but on Christ alone! It has nothing to do with us, it is all about Him. Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, ye righteous: and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart. (Psalm 32:11) When the storms in life come, my joy is in the fact that God is my refuge. When I am weak, my joy is in the fact that God is my strength. When others oppose me, my joy is in the fact that God is my defender. When I am afraid and do not know what tomorrow holds, my joy is in the fact that God is all knowing. When the fiery darts from Satan are thrown, my joy is in the fact that God is my shield. My joy comes from the fact that God IS.
What’s in a Name?
My sister just found out that she is expecting a baby! The whole family shares the excitement that she and her husband have. Having children is such a blessing. Scripture says that children are a direct blessing from the Lord. (Psalm 127) Therefore, the more children you have, the more blessed are you.
My three children are looking forward to having a new cousin. They have taken it upon themselves to pick out names for this child. I remember the dilemma we had when trying to decide what names we would choose for our children. After all, our children would have to live with our choice for their entire life. So we choose with care:
Aaron (Anointed One)
Abigail (Father’s Joy)
Andrew (Strong and Courageous)
As I think about names and what they mean I cannot help but think of the name above all names – Jesus. One of the most moving songs about the name of Jesus was written by Bill and Gloria Gaither. While performing their song, “There’s Just Something About That Name” Gloria has spoken these following words between the verses:
“Jesus, the mere mention of His name can calm the storm, heal the broken, raise the dead. At the name of Jesus, I’ve seen sin-hardened men melted, derelicts transformed, the lights of hope put back into the eyes of a hopeless child… At the name of Jesus, hatred and bitterness turned to love and forgiveness, arguments cease. I’ve heard a mother softly breathe His name at the bedside of a child delirious with fever, and I’ve watched that little body grow quiet and the fevered brow cool. I’ve stayed beside a dying saint, her body racked with pain, who in those final fleeting seconds summoned her last ounce of ebbing strength to whisper earth’s sweetest name–Jesus, Jesus… Emperors have tried to destroy it; philosophies have tried to stamp it out. Tyrants have tried to wash it from the face of the earth with the very blood of those who claimed it. Yet still it stands. And there shall be that final day when every voice that has ever uttered a sound–every voice of Adam’s race shall raise in one great mighty chorus to proclaim the name of Jesus–for in that day “every knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess that Jesus Christ is Lord!!!” Ah–so you see–it was not mere chance that caused the angel one night long ago to say to a virgin maiden, “His name shall be called Jesus.” Jesus–Jesus–Jesus. You know, there is something about that name…”[i]
Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Php 2:9-11)
[i] It’s more than Music, Bill & Gloria Gaither, The Gaither Charitable Foundation, 2003
From the Mouth of Babes!
Over the weekend our family drove down to the coast. My oldest son had a couple of friends with him. On the way one of the boys commented that he made a bet with his sister that he would never get married.
My reply was, “Of course you will.”
This young man said, “I just want to be single.”
At this point in the conversation Andrew, my six year old piped in saying, “You are single when you get married.”
To which I said, “No you’re not.”
“Yes, you are.” Andrew insisted, “The two shall become one flesh.”
Even now as I sit here pondering the significance of what this child said I wonder just how many adults grasp this concept.
“And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder. They say unto him, Why did Moses then command to give a writing of divorcement, and to put her away? He saith unto them, Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so.” (Matthew 19:4-8)
I know divorce is a very real problem with mankind. It always has been. But as believers we must be diligent in the Biblical teaching of marriage. For those who are married they must take heed lest they fall (I Cor. 10:12). For those who have been divorced how much more should they teach and train their children the consequences of divorce and the standards of God. As parents our goal is to show our children what a healthy marriage looks like. My husband strives to be a strong leader and a godly husband and father. I strive to be a submissive wife and a loving mother. While we both fail at times our desire is to endeavor towards the high calling in which we are called. In that my children will have an example in which to look. I pray that my son (as well as all my children) will continue to hold fast to the truths in God’s Word. I pray that he will want to be a husband and father someday. And that he will long for the day in which God gives him a wife.
“Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD”. (Proverbs 18:22)
It’s coming…..thanks to ecumenicalism!
Believers for centuries have been looking for the One World Government, One World Currency, and One World Religion that will come during end times. I don’t think we have to look any longer. If you will watch the news you will see that we are moving in that direction very fast. The United Nations have been working towards a One World Government for some time and now we see that the One World Currency is already in the works. While there has been a stirring towards the One World Religion for years it is now in the fast track thanks to ecumenicalism.
American Heritage Dictionary gives the definition of ecumenical as “of worldwide scope; universal; of or relating to the worldwide Christian church; concerned with establishing or promoting unity among churches or religions.”
There are two ecumenical movements currently happening.
The first is the Evangelical Movement. This is the belief that all Christian denominations must come together in unity. Organizations like the Promise Keepers and Bible teachers like Beth Moore take this ecumenical stand. An article about Beth Moore stated that, “she doesn’t get caught up in divisive doctrinal issues. In fact, she purposely steers clear of topics that could widen existing rifts between different streams in the body of Christ.” The Promise Keepers’ movement is also part of this ecumenical trend of down-playing doctrine for unity. In one Promise Keeper publication this is clearly evident: We believe that we have a God-given mission to unite men who are separated by race, geography, culture, denomination, and economics. A Promise Keeper is committed to reach beyond any racial and denominational barriers to demonstrate the power of biblical unity. And they have been successful in doing that. Promise Keepers supporters and sponsors include Evangelicals, Catholics, Lutherans, Presbyterians, Methodists, Episcopalians, Charismatics, and others. These groups have been divided by major doctrinal differences for many years. But now these differences are being dropped for the sake of unity. These are just two examples of many. Please tell me, if I am a Baptist who believes that salvation is by grace through faith and not of works lest any man should boast how can I worship beside a person who believes in works for salvation? This person doesn’t believe I’m even saved.
Ecumenical teaching is dangerous because it weakens the faith. Having a standard and raising up walls of separation is a way of protecting the local church from error and heretical, false teachings. Because of this Evangelical Movement of Ecumenicalism we are now seeing a larger movement in which states that we bring together not only all Evangelicals but now we bring together all religions. Billy Graham states on the “Hour of Power” show that Jesus Christ is NOT the only way to the Father. He says that Muslims, Buddhist, and even non-believers are being called of God and are a part of the body of Christ even if they do not know His name.
The teaching is everywhere. From fiction books like The Shack to radio preachers and TV Evangelist like Joel Osteen and Joyce Meyers you will find the ecumenical belief and it’s all moving us toward the One World Religion.
Within 50 Years
When I think about my life and all the blessings that God has showered down upon me I cannot help but praise Him for His great love. I could never add up all the mercy and goodness that my Father gives me. Blessings flow from Heaven daily. My life is a joy. It’s filled with peace and contentment.
Yet, there is a sobering thought in my mind lately. As wonderful as this life is probably within the next 50 years it will all be over. Scripture states it like this: Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. (James 4:14) Within 50 years my time on earth will be gone, that is, if I live a full life. How many lives are cut short due to accidents and illnesses? Or perhaps, Christ will return even sooner. While the thought of the rapture or death to this soul holds no fear, I can only imagine how one might tremble at the thought who does not know Christ.
My husband is teaching Ray Comfort’s “The Way of the Master” Evangelism course on Wednesday nights. It’s amazing to watch the videos of them interviewing people on the streets. While most will agree that they think about death, most of them have no hope. And many of the ones that do have a small sliver of hope are deceived to believe a lie. It’s very sad. This morning I read the famous sermon by Jonathan Edwards, “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God.” After reading it my heart broke for all the people I know who are lost. I’m concerned and fear for those I don’t even know. My heart is filled with compassion and I’m convicted and burdened in that I don’t witness like I should.
My husband ask his class a few weeks ago why people don’t witness. Many of the answers were “because of fear”. While there is a truth to that statement I wish that was all there was to it. I will submit that it’s not fear as much as unconcern. Sometimes I feel like a sailor on ship content while there are people drowning in the sea. My captain gives the command to help those who are perishing but I stay dry and safe praising and loving my Captain on board. I pray God will give me concern and love for others.
Please go to http://www.repentamerica.com and read the sermon I mentioned. Let it work on your heart as you think about those who are lost.
Go to http://www.livingwaters.com and read the letter from the atheist.
Go to http://www.whatifimpretending.com and see the gravity of the situation that many are in today.
Remember, most of us will stand before God within the next 50 years. Will He be able to say, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant”?
That is my heart’s desire.
My Song
From my heart I have a song to sing
Glorious praises to my Heavenly King.
As the fowls in the sky early morning
Lift high through the air praise adorning.
To the Holy One, Creator of All
Redeemer of man after the fall.
Not unto us do our praises go
Only to Jesus, meek and low.
Who, even as the birds sang that day
Rose victorious and cast death away.
At the right hand of God in the heavens seated
My Saviour, My Lord, all sin is defeated.
To Him I wish to sing this song
As I serve Him and praise Him all day long.
An “Obamanation”
Last Sunday while we were having our fellowship lunch after the morning worship service one young lady shared with me what she had written in her notes during the service. As my husband was preaching about things that are an abomination to the Lord something in the way he spoke caused her to write down the phrase “Obama Nation”. I’m afraid that there is more truth to this statement than many people in this country are willing to admit.
President Obama has now declared June 2009 to be Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Month. Our President is celebrating and encouraging an act that is an abomination in God’s eyes. (Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination. Lev 18:22) Not only is this act an abomination in God’s eyes but something that by Old Testament Law is a deed worthy of death. (If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them. Lev 20:13)
Does your heart ache for our country? Are you weeping over the condition we are now in? Is there righteous indignation burning within your soul? When will the Christian brethren say enough is enough? When will men of God preach out against the unrighteousness that abounds in this country? When will we fall to our faces, mourn over our sins, and cry out for God to save us? Perhaps when we ourselves seek after righteousness and holiness? It’s hard for the Christian community to take a stand against homosexuality when most professing “Christians” endorse the very act. You may ask, just how are Christians endorsing homosexuality? Let me answer that question with others. How many Christians support companies who openly promote homosexuality? How many Christians listen to music performed by known homosexuals (American Idol contestants, for example)? How many Christians watch television programs and movies that support the homosexual lifestyle? Don’t tell me that professing Christians in this country are not endorsing homosexuality.
True believers must call out to God and seek His face. If we continue on this path our country is headed for destruction. Do you think it’s as bad as it’s going to get? Let me suggest that it will get much worse. A generation ago in this nation the act of homosexuality was a disgrace but now it’s paraded out in the open. Now our leaders take pride in the very act. If the Lord tarries what will our children and their children witness? If you want to know just read Leviticus 20:15-16. It’s coming, it’s an abomination, and this is what we can expect from an “Obama Nation”.
Kimberly Williams 