The Stealing Of Innocence

The Stealing of Innocence

stealing of innocenceInnocence lost.

A glance at the headlines and there’s no question that our country is in a huge heap of trouble. It’s not like we didn’t know this was eventually coming to America, (Biblical prophesies always come true), it just grieves my soul to actually see it in my lifetime and know that some people still don’t think it concerns them.

Did you know there’s a primary school in Maine where the teacher is reading a book with a transgender storyline to 5 year olds?

Children, aged five.

Let that sink in. Please tell me this is just some sort of sick joke. So instead of focusing on the fundamentals of reading, writing, and math skills, these innocent children are being bombarded with sexual information they have no business hearing about at this age. In at least one state, a parent can face jail time if they remove their young child from this “educational” lesson.

And this is in America.

Wake up, parents! Do you talk to your kids when they get home from school? Did you ask what they learned?

what kids are learning in schoolLeave the Children Alone

I was flipping channels recently and came across a reality show with a well-known family shouting obscenities at each other in front of their young children.

That’s considered okay? Not any kind of people I would ever want to be around.

I want to ask those celebrity parents, if you want to call them that, a question. Is the money you’re making for acting that way really worth the terrible lesson of disrespect that you’re teaching your children?

This is all just a part of the stealing of innocence of the next generation.

It’s sad how quickly some people will sell out for their 15 minutes of fame…at any cost.

protecting our childrenDevastating Statistics

Sexual trafficking is on the rise in the United States.

Young, innocent girls and boys are stolen from the homes they once knew and forced to become prostitutes. I’m sure you heard about evidence of this at the Super Bowl.

There are demonic forces behind all of it.

There’s another article out about an assistant professor at a New Jersey university who claimed pedophilia is not criminal behavior.

I have no words. Shaking my head in disbelief.

This is out of control.

Let’s not forget about the abortion holocaust, the killing of millions of babies in the womb. Some political candidates proudly hawk their pro-abortion stance, meaning they support the cold-blooded murder of millions of unborn children.

To them I say, “they’re babies, NOT a clump of cells. ”

It seems the pro-abortion supporters believe that every life is expendable, of course, except their own. They believe they have the right to deny a life story to someone else…and many people are just letting this happen without speaking out against it.

let kids be kidsI’m so disgusted with all of this it makes me break down in tears.

The new “tolerance crowd” continues to berate Christians on TV and in social media. I see it all the time.

Interesting that the “tolerance crowd” will name-call and throw out obscenities right and left, but a television show that shows a family saying grace before a meal is ridiculed.

We should all be able to freely speak God’s truths in love in our free country. And yet, the attacks continue and now a very aggressive group wants the government to shut down all Christian churches.

I Cry for the Next Generation

The more Christians who cower from speaking up for God’s truth in love, the more this sinister garbage takes hold in the American landscape and it becomes closer to mainstream and/or acceptable.

I saw a promo recently for the offensive new television show, “The Royals.” I guess this show is supposed to be funny? The promo showed one of the main characters gleefully saying to another character: “Who fondled you as a child?”

If someone is laughing at that, seriously, they need to seek help.

Slipping those references into mainstream television, under the guise of humor, can eventually make people numb to it.

Some People Say, “But it doesn’t affect me.”

It will, if it hasn’t already.

For some ludicrous reason, if something is Hollywood-produced, the actors figure they can play a perverted role because they’re “just acting,” right? Follow the money with no conscience. I find it sad that there aren’t more Christian actors and producers in Hollywood.

You ask little girls what they want to be when they grow up (and I have) and many want to become reality TV stars.

What happened to becoming a doctor? A scientist? A pro-athlete? A stay at home mom?

Don’t Just Let This Happen

If you turn away from Christ, you’re opening yourself up to the mass of delusions that are continuing to seep into this world.

“Those who do not stand for something will fall for anything.”
J. Vernon McGee

The new “tolerance crowd” want to berate and bully you into shutting up for good. If you decide not to buy from a certain store because the company supports liberal causes you don’t believe in, you’re mocked and belittled for your boycott. I’ve read the nasty and vile comments directed towards good moms who simply care about their families and what their children are exposed to. Really sad that someone would take to social media just to curse out a mother protecting her children.

I applaud these moms and dads for every petition they initiate to bring about positive change in media. I used to work in media and I’ve seen a lot, but I’m aghast at what is being dished out on a daily basis in our electronic-obsessed nation.

Misinterpretations of the Verse, “Do Not Judge”

The new “tolerance crowd” like to throw out a biblical verse “Do not judge” every chance they get without even understanding what it means. Sadly, even some pastors deny the authority of Scripture and will not preach about sin and forgiveness.

They want us to leave Jesus out of it.

Interesting the double standard. We’re bombarded by harmful ideologies and yet the “tolerance crowd” demands we should not be able to express our faith, wear a cross, or share an inspirational verse from the Bible.

No.

Simply that, NO.

We can speak out, we can sign petitions, and we can profess our faith if an opportunity presents itself.

“Do not judge” actually means do not condemn another person to hell. We are not God, but we do know His truths as outlined in Scripture.

None of us truly know what is in another person’s heart when their time comes. Only God knows. Everyone has the gift of grace and salvation through Christ Jesus. That’s why we should be able to peacefully talk about Him if an opportunity arises.

We’re All Sinners

If your child is about to touch a hot stove, you warn him or her, right?

The “tolerance crowd” will accuse you of being a bully for saying the popular “anything goes” mentality is harmful – like getting drunk, having an affair, cursing God, having multiple wives, etc. And many (not all) television shows and movies glamorize bad behavior. Unfortunately, that will never change.

Liberals will twist Scripture verses to fit their causes. I find that interesting since many claim they don’t believe in God. Or, they’ll produce viral videos to circulate about how bad and unloving Christians are. I want to ask those video producers – have you read the headlines or are you just ignoring them?

We’re not the haters we’re portrayed to be. We’re commanded to love others, even our enemies, but we’re not to condone sin and/or bad behavior. Calling out sinful behavior is not judging, but simply exposing their sin as God’s Word defines it.

“Do not judge” means do not condemn them to hell. It is not your place. Only God can judge the eternal soul.

Christians – Prepare for What’s Coming

Everything in America that we once held dear is under attack, including the institution of marriage.

AmericaYou must be prepared to peacefully give the reason for your faith in Jesus Christ.

Jesus warned us in the Bible that the world would hate us because it first hated Him.

If someone calls you one of those labels the tolerant crowd likes to shame you with like:

“You’re a hater. Close-minded bigot! You’re intolerant.”

Ask them WHY they’re calling you that. What is their definition of intolerance and hate? Aren’t they doing the same thing they’re accusing you of?

Their attacks are hypocritical.

You’re standing up for God’s design for marriage between a man and a woman.

Ask them who is really being intolerant. Who is doing the hating here? We can’t live peacefully and have respectful debates. The anti-God folk want mind control and they’re starting with our nation’s children.

Respectful Discussions, But Don’t Back Down

I get frustrated with believers (and especially pastors) who back down and cower to society to blend in.

Good grief – do they know what they’re doing?

This is ultimately a battle between Good and Evil and we’re watching it played out right in front of our eyes.

whats in the heart

We Can’t Hide Our Heads In The Sand

I knew that once the Constitution and the institution of marriage were attacked, every perversion-promoting group is standing in line for their so-called rights.

And they are.

I ask you. Which group is next in line?

I know, do you?

*Please pray for our country. God is in control, but His Word tells us that judgment is coming.

*Please vote in the elections. No political candidate is perfect, but please vote for the ones who most closely represent the Judeo-Christian values our great country was founded upon.

*Please get involved in your child’s school so you can have a better grasp on what is taught. Bullying is wrong. So is bullying against Christians. There’s a double standard going on here that is deliberate. You can’t wear a cross around your neck or pray in some schools, but you can ask a member of the same sex to a prom. Is that fair? No, it’s not.

The new tolerance? It’s a double standard and many parents don’t even care. This liberal agenda has been going on in elementary, middle schools, high schools, and universities for quite some time.

I highly recommend David Kupelian’s book, “The Marketing of Evil,” if you want to read for yourself. He has a book full of research and quotes from the liberal left and the plans they have to change the very moral compass of this country. We’re living in a time where God’s standards of evil are called good, and anything good is considered evil.

The stealing of innocence

Hope and Pray

Please remember that God is in control. Don’t let this darkness steal your joy. This world is not final. As much as the sickening headlines and agendas are crammed down our throats by politicians and Hollywood producers every day, we still have a God who sits on a heavenly throne. No one can change that. We can pray for His mercy and that the eyes of the leaders of this country will be opened to the self-destructive behaviors that are celebrated and destroying families.

Please pray for a spiritual revival in our country. It can happen if we pray and God has mercy on us. It happened in Nineveh and it can happen again.

God sees absolutely everything that is going on. God is more powerful than any movement, agenda, lobby, political leader, CEO, Hollywood producer – any of them. One day, all of us will come to judgment.

Would you defend your faith in God if asked? It could come to that here and, possibly, under persecution. It is happening all around the world. Christians are dying in other countries and some folks here think it ultimately does not affect them.

This is all crossing a spiritual boundary and only God can bring us His peace and restoration.

I pray you will be strong and courageous during these dangerous times.

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Will God Forgive Me If

Will God Forgive Me If I …

Will God forgive me ifHad an abortion?

Divorced for non-biblical reasons?

Committed adultery?

Skipped church?

Broke a promise?

These questions are from real people searching on the internet.

They’re searching for guidance about an issue in their life that is weighing on their very souls.

God bless them for recognizing their need for answers about important questions in the Christian faith.

First, some important facts for everyone to remember:

  • We’re all sinners and we will all continue to be. We’re human beings, not God, so there’s no getting around our sinful nature.
  • Will God forgive me if ____________ (insert your concern.) Our loving Father does forgive if we sincerely seek His repentance. And, our infallible God is smart enough to know the difference between a sincere apology and a fake one.

How do we ask for forgiveness?

Talk to God. Pray about it and, if you feel comfortable, find a Christian friend or family member and ask them to pray about it with you.

Heavenly Father, I believe I have messed up.

I’m asking for Your forgiveness and

also Your guidance about this situation.

I’m listening, Lord, and I’m opening my heart

to your eternal wisdom. Please give me strength

and patience as I seek your Will for my life.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

* In Isaiah 1:18-20, KJV, the Bible tells us:

18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

 19 If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land:  20 But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.

 Lord, Thank You For Your Grace

In my humble opinion, the word “grace” is one of the most beautiful and meaningful words in the English language. It is through His grace alone that we have salvation.  We are forgiven from our sins through Jesus Christ, but we must believe in Him and repent when we sin.

I hope this is helpful to anyone reading this post who has a question like the ones above.

God alone, makes all things new.

God makes all things new

* In 1 John 1:9, Scripture tells us:

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

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* All Scripture verses are from: the King James Version (KJV), public domain.

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April 17 2015 Not A Day Of Silence

April 17 2015 not a day of silence for me

It may be considered by some people to be about a socio-political agenda, but for me it will be another day of declaration. A declaration that there is one God and one way to Heaven and that is through the saving grace of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

In my prayers that day, I will spend some time asking God for a spiritual revival in this great country. It is no longer the country I grew up in. Social and moral values have changed and our very freedoms are threatened by a growing tide of liberalism and godlessness.

American freedomsNo need to be surprised. We knew it would eventually happen in America, I just never thought in my lifetime.

But, I’m over that.

Now that this growing tide of godlessness is here, we can remember that, in the Bible, God’s inspired Word, we’re told not to be afraid. That’s not always easy, especially when the persecution of Christians is on the rise.

So, what can we do?

We Can Pray

We can pray for a spiritual revival as previously mentioned. God hears every prayer. He knows our hearts and He knows all of our fears and concerns.

Ask God For Mercy

We can ask God for mercy for our own souls and for the lost. It’s not just the godless who sin. We ALL fall short and are in need of forgiveness. The Church is not and should not be a gathering of “holier than thou’s.” It’s a hospital for sinners and we do well to keep that in mind. Everyone should feel welcome in the pews, as long as they are respectful and they come with a sincere heart to seek God and forgiveness. God convicts the heart.

teach your childrenTeach Our Children Who’s Really In Charge

We can teach our children that, no matter what is going on in our world, God is always in control. It’s not easy to be strong and courageous in such a dark world, but we are not (and have never been) in a world where God is not on His throne. Jesus promised us that He would be with us always. If He didn’t mean it, He wouldn’t have said it.

He can not lie.

*From Matthew 28:18-20:

18 And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

We Can Turn Our Fears Into Prayers

You can do it!

Pray“Lord, please help me. I’m feeling anxiety about this situation. There seems to be no clear cut answer and I don’t know how to handle it.”

It’s not weak to say that. It’s an honest petition to God.

As Christians, we will face mockery and name-calling for staying strong in our faith.

*From 1 Peter 3:13-17:

13 Who is there to harm you if you prove zealous for what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. And do not fear their intimidation, and do not be troubled, 15 but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence; 16 and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame. 17 For it is better, if God should will it so, that you suffer for doing what is right rather than for doing what is wrong.”

Defend The Faith, But…

No one should be a bully, no one on either side of the political and social spectrum.

We can and should stand up for our faith when asked, but please be kind. Just because we know, by our faith, what God calls sin, that does not warrant harming another person. We can remain steadfast in our faith and pray for those unbelievers who mock us. Don’t compromise the truth of the Bible just because someone else talks louder or shouts you down. Hold onto your faith and God will honor that.

Please Vote

We can vote for political candidates who believe in God and the Bible. You will know by their actions and record what they support. We can also pray for them, in fact we’re commanded to pray for our leaders, even though it’s hard. It hurts me to my very core to pray for someone who supports abortion (the murder of babies), but I do.

God knows our hearts are hurting when political laws change that mock His word, but we can pray for strength.  We can also pray that the eyes of those people defying God’s Word will be opened to His truth. Hearts can be changed through Divine intervention. Remember the Apostle Paul in the Bible? Formerly known as Saul, he was a persecutor of Christians. Through God’s grace, Saul’s eyes were opened and he became Paul – one of the most memorable defenders of the faith.

Believers Should Pray For Each Other Also

During times of trial we can ask for support from fellow believers and we can also give that prayer support when a suffering friend reaches out to us. We need each other and we can pray for each other.

We Can Read The Bible

In Genesis 9:12-16, God clearly gave us the rainbow as a sign of His covenant with man. He hasn’t forgotten. Trying to change it or redesign its meaning is an act of defiance that God will judge one day.

I believe that the Bible is 100% true…every single word.

Why would a perfect God give us anything less?

He wouldn’t.

God didn’t say to the gospel writers: “Hey, I will give you my inspired Word, write it down, and I’ll just let mankind guess how much or which part is true.”

No one should say there’s a lot right in the Bible, but there’s wrong too. That doesn’t even make sense.

Holy BibleEither It’s All True Or None Of It Is

It’s as simple as that.

Anyone preaching or teaching otherwise is doubting the Word of God and that becomes yet another example of mankind deceptively trying to fuel doubts in Him.

Why?

Because, ultimately, mankind does not want to feel convicted…about anything.

Keep that kind of watered down, false doctrine and false teaching away from me.

Here’s one sad example. We hear that at least one well known musician doubts portions of Scripture (including Genesis). Because this person is famous and/or some like his music, we’re supposed to label the Bible a myth because some imperfect, modern day, doubting Thomas says so?

Nope, nada, no thanks.

We’re all imperfect. There is only One who is perfect – our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

God’s Love Letter

The Bible is God’s love letter to us and it is absolute Truth. The so-called inconsistencies are explainable to anyone who has doubts and desires to seek the truth. The resources are available. If you have doubts, have you taken the time to research it? Read Josh McDowell’s “Evidence that Demands a Verdict.” There are so many evidential materials available, you have to take the time. Please don’t ruin your witness for Christ by discouraging others with a disclaimer on the Bible.

There may be parts of the Bible that continue to be puzzling, but there’s no harm in saying that you don’t know what something means. None of us are perfect. We all have a lot still yet to discover of the richness contained in God’s Word.

For so many years, I never read the Bible because I didn’t grow up as a Christian. Once I was saved though, it was like a light bulb turned on and I couldn’t get enough. I have never felt so loved in my  life as I do when I study about the life of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

I pray your April 17th will be a day of peace and one of remembrance for the One who gave His life for your sins. This is the same God who gave us the rainbow, a symbol of His promise.

April 17 2015 not a day of silence

Shine Your Light

There will always be disagreements and strife in this world, but we can pray, persevere, and shine the light of Jesus Christ to those around us who do not know Him.

Your race, gender, or beliefs don’t disqualify you if you start earnestly seeking after our one true God. All can be saved, but it will only be through Him.

It is the best feeling in the world to come to know Him. I am living proof.

We will all continue to sin, but believe me, the Holy Spirit will work in your life. You will seek to put aside your sinning ways and follow Him. When you screw up, He is there if you truly seek His forgiveness every time.

You will be a new creation.

*From 2 Corinthians 5:17 –
17Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.

*All scripture verses courtesy of:  New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation

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Does prayer work for some and not others?

Does prayer work for some and not others?

It’s a question that’s usually asked out of frustration and, sometimes, even anger.

Does prayer work for some and not othersHere’s the better question: Is your heart right with God and are you praying with the right intentions?

Prayer does work and God does answer them, but just remember, His answer may not be the answer you were hoping for. He will answer your prayers in one of three different ways, and that answer depends on His providential will regarding your particular circumstances-

God can reply:

1. “Yes” (We all want that answer, right?)
2. “No” (This is the answer that hurts sometimes, but God knows best.)
3. “Not now” (This is an answer that can also hurt, but only God has perfect timing. Even though that thing you prayed for seems to be the most pressing issue in your life right now, God may decide that it’s better for you to wait.)

Bottom Line: Keep praying!

Don’t give up on God because you didn’t get the answer you were looking for. Someone actually said to me once: “I did pray and God didn’t answer the way I wanted Him too. He has forsaken me.”

Remember, He hasn’t given up on you and He hasn’t forsaken you at all.

We must trust Him even when life doesn’t seem fair. Don’t blame God that sin entered the world. We’re dealing with the repercussions of that to this day.

As our Heavenly Father, He cares for us more deeply than any earthly parent would care for their child. His saying “no” or “not now,” even when it doesn’t appear to make sense or doesn’t seem fair at the time, is the most loving thing He can do. You may not understand it now, but you will someday, if you trust Him. That’s what faith is all about. He grieves over the sins of this world right along with us.

Examine Your Heart Before You Pray

Prayer is also about gratitude. Prayer isn’t simply a means for us to ask God for things. He’s not a magic genie and He’s definitely not tied to those nutty chain letters that promise a miracle will happen if you forward the letter to 10 of your closest friends.

You should examine your heart before you pray. Are your prayers full of selfish wants? Have you put your own desires aside to thank Him for His blessings? Are you even showing your gratitude to the One who gave you life?

The Bible tells us that, as we go through life, we will face many challenges. Sometimes the only thing we can do is pray for guidance.

It’s okay to go it alone, but sometimes the best thing is to ask for prayer support from our Bible-believing family and friends.

When’s the last time you shared a painful experience with a Christian friend and asked him or her to pray with you? You may be surprised at how quickly they can’t wait to do so.

You’re not alone, you know.

The immense support you can receive from a fellowship of believers can help sustain you through the difficult times. It has happened to me.

A Resource That May Be Helpful For You

If you don’t have that intimate prayer support, I want to share with you a resource that might help you.

It’s called “Prayer Works.”

You can find here.

http://www.fromhisheart.org/prayer/prayerworks

It’s part of Pastor Jeff Schreve’s “From His Heart Ministry” website. Simply visit the site and submit your request for prayer.

Christians visiting the site have the opportunity to read your request and then can pray for you. That’s a good thing, but I think the even better thing is that you can check the option to be notified anonymously when someone lifts you up in prayer.

What could be more encouraging than that?

For example, imagine that you’ve just lost your job and you have no idea how you will support your family. Your situation seems hopeless. You want to ask for prayer, but don’t have anywhere to turn. Go to the Prayer Works section of the site and list your request there. Those little “I’m praying for you” notifications you can receive during the stressful days ahead are like little beacons of hope in the darkest of circumstances.

Here’s Ricky Skaggs singing “Somebody’s Praying.” I urge you to listen to this song. It’s hard to hold back tears when you ponder the meaning of the song.

Even Mr. Skaggs chokes up.

God bless!

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Sunday’s Coming

It’s Friday, but Sunday’s Coming!

Sunday's comingPraise God!

Feel the love that God has for you.There is redemption for the sins of believers.

Sunday’s Coming

Christ died on the cross for yours and my sins.

There is no greater love than this!

If you’re ever feeling unloved, think about this!

Here’s a favorite passage of mine from the Bible, especially the last sentence.

“Truly this was the Son of God” – spoken by a Roman!

51 And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And the earth shook, and the rocks were split. 52 The tombs also were opened. And many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised, 53 and coming out of the tombs after his resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many. 54 When the centurion and those who were with him, keeping watch over Jesus, saw the earthquake and what took place, they were filled with awe and said, “Truly this was the Son of God!”
 – English Standard Version (ESV)The Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

The Lord Is Coming – Celebrate!

If you profess your belief in Jesus Christ, you will spend your eternity in Heaven with Him.

Have you ever thought about what Heaven could be like?

Think about JOY Everlasting with your fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.

Sunday’s coming! It is!

Go out and share the Good News of the Gospel!

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