H[ACUNA] MATATA

"The Real St. Nicholas"

2009-12-18T07:55:00.002-06:00

Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality. --Romans 12:11-13

Most people think of St. Nick as a jolly, bearded man who rides around in a sleigh delivering gifts to all good boys and girls. But, he is more than just a children's Christmas legend—he was a genuine man of God. Nicholas was born to wealthy parents in Patara about 270 A.D., and was still very young when they died and left him a fortune. However, he was a humble young man and secretly gave of his wealth to the poor.

Nicholas eventually forsook his wealth to answer the call to ministry, and was soon chosen as bishop of Myra. He was destined to lead the church through the worst tribulation in history. In 303 A.D., during the reign of Roman Emperor Diocletian, Christians were ordered to sacrifice to pagan gods. But Nicholas and thousands more refused to denounce that Jesus Christ is Lord, so they were dragged to prison where they were savagely tortured, beaten senseless, or brutally murdered.

However, their persecution couldn't stamp out Christianity. Instead it spread. After years of imprisonment, they were freed by decree of the new Emperor Constantine. Saint Nicholas was welcomed into his city once again by the people. Although the bishop was beaten, he was not broken. Through the prayers and witness of this faithful soldier, many found salvation in Jesus.

St. Nick's fame still carries faint reminders of this ancient man of God—the red color of his bishop's robes, his lectures to children about good behavior, and his secret gifts of food and money to those in need. Yet if he were alive today, this saint would humbly deflect attention from himself as he did centuries ago, and point people to his Master.

For me personally, I've always loved holidays and especially the Christmas season. I love everything that comes along with the reason to celebrate. Break out the decorations, traditional foods, games, gifts, symbols of the day. Why not participate with Santa? What is wrong about having children make believe and know about a figure that was a real person that inspires the spirit of giving and kindness? I think it's up to us parents to instruct and make sure your child knows the reason for the season is our Savior first and foremost but at least for this mama Jolly Ol' St. Nick will be incorporated in fanciful fun as well as a man who answered the call to ministry that lead many to salvation and taught the world about generosity and kindness.

Grace Flows Down

2009-12-08T14:51:00.001-06:00

While we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. – Romans 5:6

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound
Amazing love, now flowing down
From hands and feet that were nailed to the tree
Cuz grace flows down and covers me
It covers me

I’m starting to get really excited for Christmas this year. Oh yes, I do every year. There’s something magical about the holiday that just puts everyone into the Christmas spirit whether you believe or not. All of the decorations, TV shows and movies, holiday baking, sharing time with friends and family, Christmas lights, shopping etc ignites a cheery atmosphere everywhere you go. And for those of us that are Christians it’s extra special with the celebration of the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ, the Child of the Promise foretold by the prophets before he was born. BUT this year my spirit is really honing in on the grace aspect of the season.

GRACE = Receiving what you do not deserve
Just as the Passion song above mentions the celebration of the birth of Jesus is really just exciting me this year beyond measure. I try to think back to the Israelites and the Old Testament laws they had to follow in order to atone for their sins and how tedious and monotonous it must have been to try and “measure” up to all of them and to have to sacrifice an animal every time you made an error. My goodness if Jesus had never come to save the lost and animal rights activists didn’t protest, I’d have to sacrifice a million lambs a day! I’d be a full time butcher working over time around the clock. “For the life of a creature is in the blood, and I have given it to you to make atonement for yourselves on the altar; it is the blood that makes atonement for one’s life.” – Leviticus 17:11. But I believe God gave the Israelites the Old Testament law to prove to them it was impossible to try and attain goodness and holiness on their own. So God in all of His mercy and love for us sent His son, the perfect Lamb of God, to spill His blood and take upon Himself all of our sins to atone for us.

My husband, Bryand, mentioned something I’ll never forget at our communion during our wedding reception. After seeing the movie "Passion for the Christ" he was really touched by the scene they portrayed of Jesus hanging on the cross and the camera showing the shot of His blood flowing down and spilling all over the ground. He said it was Jesus’s blood that flowed down covering all our sins. So when I hear this song, “Grace flows down and covers me” I think of Bryand’s words. I picture the blood that Jesus spilt is that much undeserved grace sparing us from eternal damnation that we do deserve covering us… covering all our sins. TRUE LOVE.

Jesus has come “to seek and to save” you. Everything you’ve failed at and haven’t been able to do, every minute you’ve wasted trying to fix things your own way – all of it can be forgiven and made right by putting your life into the hands of the One who first gave it to you.

It’s not as though God sends innocent people to hell. We deserve it. We simply can’t be good enough to live with a pure and holy God. By His death, He made invalid the very idea that you are unloved and devalued. If you ever feel that way, you’re not looking at the cross. He proved His love for you there. Love like this cannot be fully understood. “One will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare to even die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” – Romans 5:7-8.

He was willing to love you even though you didn’t deserve it, even when you didn’t love back. He was able to see all your flaws and imperfections and still choose to love you. His love made the greatest sacrifice to meet your greatest need. True love is found in Christ alone. Even when the soldiers beat him, spit on him, ripped out His beard, wiped Him, and nailed Him to a tree… He CHOOSE to love them any way and offer the gift of salvation. Just as Jesus offered the Israelites thousands of years ago salvation, the same gift is offered to Antoinette Nicole Davis, mother of 5 year old Shaniya Davis, that was prostituting her daughter and Mario Andrette McNeill who kidnapped and raped Shaniya before throwing her body alongside a road. As horrible as our sick society’s reality is, Jesus loves us all and wants to cover us in His grace and give us salvation.

The true picture of love… choosing to love someone even when it’s not reciprocated, ignored and rejected. Jesus loving us first and continuing to love us whether we are trying our best or have given up and turned our backs on Him. He just simply loves…. No matter what. We will always fail Him even at our very best but He is there not to point a finger and condemn, but to simply love. Wow! It’s a love we can’t understand because the world always judges, measures, gets offended and retaliates. But not Jesus. Even when we grieve Him and hurt Him it doesn’t change a thing.

So as I was saying… I’m super excited for Christmas this year. To embrace in the celebration that Jesus was born… my Savior from myself!

Grace Flows down and covers me
Covers all my sin
Covers my heart
Thank you Jesus!

Kaleb's First Photo with Santa Claus

2009-12-08T14:42:00.000-06:00

Multiplaza Mall - Escazu, Costa Rica

Any thoughts on why Santa doesn't look so jolly?

School days, school days, dear old golden rule days...

2009-11-11T14:10:00.002-06:00

Yup, that's right. Kaleb started preschool on November 9th! He'll just be 2 1/2 on November 28, but here in Costa Rica it is a widely expected practice to put your child into preschool at an early age in order to help social development and learning skills. I think maybe it's because in the States many kids have play dates and groups they attend like dance, library readings, park outings, kindergarten round up etc which provides for the optimal development of children during their preschool years, while in Costa Rica there does not seem to be these same shared preschool activities.

The name of the school is Sun Valley School formerly known as World of Dreams. It's on the corner of our small street, only a couple of minutes walk. The director is our neighbor, old family friend, and Bryand's children's church director from when he was a kid. It's a bilingual school so the teacher speaks English during most of the class. This is a great language source for Kaleb to learn both languages. With having such a difficult in learning Spanish myself, I wish the States would introduce learning a second language for children when they start school instead of waiting until later on in their education. I stayed with Kaleb on the first day to observe and see how things were run. His cousin, Samantha, who is 9 months old than him attends the same class so this was a big comfort for mommy as well :) The school term in Costa Rica runs from February to mid December. There are just a few weeks left in the school year but at least it gives us a short trial period before the full year begins in February to see if we want to continue.

I have enjoyed the past couple of days of getting Kaleb dressed in his school uniform, packing is snack lunch bag, and walk him to and from class. He even has homework! Monday he was assigned to bring a Christmas ornament and Tuesday Daddy helped him color his homework page and pasted cut outs of animals to it. The parents are given information regarding what skills and scripture their children are learning for the week. School starts off with everyone gathering together to pray and they also say a prayer before snack time.

I can't believe he's growing up so fast. He's even come home with dry clothes so far which kind of surprised me. He's just been completely potty trained the last couple of weeks and I wondered with having so much fun in a new place with new people if he'd have any accidents but he's doing wonderful. I'm so proud of my little man!

Kaleb in his school uniform ready to walk to school

Daddy helping Kaleb with his homework

So proud of his work :)

Everyone Poops!

2009-11-05T14:20:00.002-06:00

We have all heard of this book which doesn't have any preachy overtones but merely explains where and how each living creature poops but seems to work for my two-year old. 'An elephant makes a big poop,' the book begins. 'A mouse makes a tiny poop. And now Kaleb poops... in the potty that is! I can't express enough how excited I am that my little boy is potty trained!

Read All About It...

2009-11-05T14:13:00.001-06:00

Ok, so I took a few moments to post several old thoughts from my facebook but thought were worth archiving on my blog.

I think I am weird....

2009-11-05T14:07:00.002-06:00

We all know and have sung the children’s song…

"Oh, be careful little eyes what you see!
Oh, be careful little eyes what you see!
For the Father up above
Is looking down in love,
So be careful little eyes what you see."

And It goes on to say be careful little ears what you hear, little mouth what you say etc.

Bryand and I were talking about secular music last night and discussing whether or not as Christians we should listen to music that is secular. My point is that not all music is bad just because it’s not Christian. I remember singing in jazz choir a song about a cup of joe. It was just a song written by someone who likes coffee. Nothing wrong with that. It’s not evil just because it doesn’t talk about the Lord. It’s neutral.

Later in the evening we went to see a movie at the theatre. It was your stupid humor type of movie. Normally I’m not into that. I like to laugh at something because it is genuinely funny, not because some comedian is trying so hard to make you do so. I do admit every now and then if I’m in a strange mood I can go for something funny like that i.e. Nacho Libre

I can say that I regret going to the movie. There was some cursing and then about half way through there was a very inappropriate scene. At my first impulse I grabbed my purse and scooted towards the front of my seat to run out of the theatre like I use to do with my college friends or in high school during a movie day class that wasn’t good on the radar scale. I turned my head and I saw the crowd roaring with laughter and even the people sitting next to us. Regrettably, I didn’t walk out. I just sat back and didn’t really watch the rest of the movie. That little old children’s song just kept playing through my mind and I thought about my conversation earlier about listening to secular music. I think the same rule applies to anything in life whether it’s what print materials I choose to read, what television or movies I choose to watch, or what music I choose to listen to. Does it matter what I as a believer choose to fill my mind with in the form of visual or auditory media? I believe it does. This whole subject was one of the areas that the Holy Spirit brought conviction to my heart about way back when the LORD was showing me that I needed to walk as He walked growing up through my teens and college years.

Why does it matter so much? One of the things I've learned in my journey of faith is that the mind is the arena of faith and can also be the devil's playground, if we are not careful. Every day I have to make choices about which voices I will listen to: the voices that call me to a walk of righteousness or the voices that encourage me to indulge the lusts of the flesh. I have also learned that the Word of God is my best defense and guide for every area of life. The Word says “Be holy because I am holy” and that we are to be “imitators” of Christ, we are ambassadors for him.

Proverbs 4:23 (Amplified) Keep and guard your heart with all vigilance and above all that you guard, for out of it flow the springs of life.

Romans 12:2 (Amplified) Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you].

Luke 6:45 (Amplified) The upright (honorable, intrinsically good) man out of the good treasure [stored] in his heart produces what is upright (honorable and intrinsically good), and the evil man out of the evil storehouse brings forth that which is depraved (wicked and intrinsically evil); for out of the abundance (overflow) of the heart his mouth speaks.

Psalm 24:3-5 (Amplified) Who shall go up into the mountain of the Lord? Or who shall stand in His Holy Place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who has not lifted himself up to falsehood or to what is false, nor sworn deceitfully. [Matt. 5:8.] He shall receive blessing from the Lord and righteousness from the God of his salvation.

Proverbs 23:12 (Amplified) Apply your mind to instruction and correction and your ears to words of knowledge.

So from these passages, I conclude that it is very important what I fill my mind and heart with, if I want to have "good treasure" laid up in my heart, so that I can speak words of blessing to others and to my LORD. Also, Romans 10:17 says that faith comes by hearing; it makes sense to me that if I want to have a strong faith, I need to make sure that what I am hearing will help to build my faith rather than tear it down. I do not want to be a "double-minded man, unstable in all his ways (James 1:8).

After the movie we went to pick up Kaleb from his grandparent’s house. When we walked in he was sleeping. I just sat there and stared at him while he was sleeping. He looked so innocent and sweet. I began thinking that somewhere along the line we all lose our innocence. Why and when does that happen? I think it largely has to do with what we subject ourselves to listen to, watch, and read. If we never were exposed to certain things then we would have no knowledge of them and therefore retain our innocence. I don’t want Kaleb growing up watching, reading, and see just anything. I want fowl language and inappropriate scenes to always be foreign to him. I don’t want him to be desensitized. I want him to always blush at things like that.

So, how do I decide what I will read or watch or listen to? Are there certain medias that God has put His stamp of approval on and others that He has not? Where would I look for that stamp, if there is one?

First and foremost, I believe that I need to be a daily student of His Word. Once I know His Word and Him, as revealed in His Word, it becomes easier to discern between things that will help me to grow in His image & righteousness and those things that, though they may not be overtly sinful, will draw me away from Him and weaken my faith, being distractions for my time and energy. As Ephesians 5:15-17 (Amplified) says:

Look carefully then how you walk! Live purposefully and worthily and accurately, not as the unwise and witless, but as wise (sensible, intelligent people), Making the very most of the time [buying up each opportunity], because the days are evil. Therefore do not be vague and thoughtless and foolish, but understanding and firmly grasping what the will of the Lord is.

Unfortunately, Scripture does not have a list of "Thou shalts" and "Thou shalt nots" when it comes to print, movies, music, video games, etc. How much easier it would be if you could turn to God's Movie Guide and see which movies get His 2 thumbs up! Instead He expects us to exercise the Godly wisdom and discernment which He gives to us. Some people decide to eliminate all music of certain genres as a result, or to ban all movie-watching, or to limit themselves to strictly Christian books, etc. Certainly it is easier to guard your heart when you eliminate certain things all together from your life and one can do that, but most of us are not willing to go that route. I know I still enjoy watching a movie from time to time, though it is not a weekly or even a monthly practice in my life. I know I enjoy a broad spectrum of musical styles also. And reading is like breathing to me: it's a daily necessity! So how do I make choices that will guard my heart and promote the growth of His righteousness in my life?

Again, I turn to Scripture to find guidelines. Imagine a line scale with Positive on the left end, Neutral in the center, and Negative on the right end. It looks sort of like those pain scales at the doctor's office that go from 0 to 10.

Now, let's define what we mean by Positive, incorporating the Scriptures as we do so. Media that falls into the Positive category would be media that:
1) glorifies and honors God (1 Corinthians 6:20; Hebrews 13:15)
2) exalts righteousness and Truth
3) contains Godly, Biblical values
4) edifies and builds up the reader/listener (Acts 20:32; Jude 1:20)
5) constructive
6) asks honest questions, is seeking for God's purposes
7) encourages us to walk in love and righteous deeds (Hebrews 10:24)

As Philippians 4:8 (Amplified) says: For the rest, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things [fix your minds on them].

Galatians 5:13 (Amplified) For you, brethren, were [indeed] called to freedom; only [do not let your] freedom be an incentive to your flesh and an opportunity or excuse [for selfishness], but through love you should serve one another.

Neutral media is neither positive nor negative. Examples of this would be instrumental music, particularly classical and folk music. Non-fiction print media that is strictly informative probably fits here, too. There may be other media that fit here, as well.

Negative media is media that:
1) has no place for God or actively dishonors Him
2) exalts sin and unrighteousness (2 Thess 2:10)
3) exalts self above God or other authorities appointed by God
4) disrespectful of authority and others
5) often uses crude, foul-mouthed language
6) tears down, destructive

Psalm 119:36-37 (Amplified) Incline my heart to Your testimonies and not to covetousness (robbery, sensuality, unworthy riches). [Ezek. 33:31; Mark 7:21, 22; I Tim. 6:10; Heb. 13:5.] Turn away my eyes from beholding vanity (idols and idolatry); and restore me to vigorous life and health in Your ways.

Psalm 101:2-8 (Amplified) I will behave myself wisely and give heed to the blameless way--O when will You come to me? I will walk within my house in integrity and with a blameless heart. I will set no base or wicked thing before my eyes. I hate the work of them who turn aside [from the right path]; it shall not grasp hold of me. A perverse heart shall depart from me; I will know no evil person or thing. Whoso privily slanders his neighbor, him will I cut off [from me]; he who has a haughty look and a proud and arrogant heart I cannot and I will not tolerate. My eyes shall [look with favor] upon the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me; he who walks blamelessly, he shall minister to me. He who works deceit shall not dwell in my house; he who tells lies shall not continue in my presence. Morning after morning I will root up all the wicked in the land, that I may eliminate all the evildoers from the city of the Lord.

We all have sins in our lives and faults that we need to work on. I’m not trying to be judgmental or pointing out the speck in another person’s eye. I do think we need to continual try and work on those areas. However, we should not openly expose ourselves to other things in life that we don’t struggle with like blatantly watching inappropriate things, language, music etc. I think that the devil tries to use the scripture “do not judge” or “the speck of dust in your neighbor’s eye when you have a log in yours” as condemnation or a reason for justifying why we should not try in areas that are not weaknesses to us or for trying to bring the importance to light to others. I know that he does as least with me. I admit I have an attitude problem at times. I get upset and I don’t always react the appropriate way. A lot of the times I think I have the right to be upset but then comes the ever so true phrase “You can be right but wrong at the top of your lungs”. Many times the devil will come to be and whisper that because I have an area of weakness in my life that I need to work on then how could I possibly try in other areas of my life for the light to shine for Jesus or possible rebuke another person for something? I think Peter is a perfect example of this. He was one of the 12 disciples of Jesus. He was among the all of the miracles, signs and wonders, yet the bible tells he was a short tempered man and always speaking when he shouldn’t. Jesus even rebuked Peter and said “Get behind me Satan!” Imagine if Peter would have let the devil tell him that because he had a problem with attitude and temperament and speaking before thinking that he could never be used or continue to try and be a follower of Christ?

Last night in the move I even had a few tears because I just thought of the heart of the Lord and how he was probably looking down on the room filled in the theatre and weeping. Then I got angry. I was mad in general that even Christians do this all of the time. They preach about not using fowl language, sexual immorality, being an example of Christ etc etc but yet they will go and sit and watch it being displayed on the screen! What kind of hypocritical message is that we are sending to the world?! The Word says, “to be in the world but not of the world”. It also says, “to be angry, but in your anger not sin”. Jesus even got angry. He got so upset when he saw that the people turned his Father’s temple into a market place that he made a whip out of cords and drove them all out, he scattered their money, and even over turned their tables! Wow, if Jesus is that passionate should we be as well when something unrighteous is going on?

After saying all of that …I dunno… maybe I’m just weird.

I don't want to be an Israelite!

2009-11-05T14:05:00.002-06:00

I was talking with Bryand last night and telling him how I don't want to be like the Israelites in the bible. So many people say, "If God would just give me a sign!" Or if I saw miracles like in the bible then... But I've come to the conclusion I really don't think so! How many times did the Israelites see the hand of God physically in the form of miracles yet the next thing you know they're grumbling and complaining how bad they have it and how God doesn't care. The Israelites walked through the Dead Sea on dry ground because the Lord parted the waters, they ate mana from heaven and quail, they had a pillar of fire by night and a cloud by day, they were rescued from Egypt etc etc all of these wonderful, glorious things and yet they would still dare to question God's goodness. How easy we forget the things God has done for us and does for us! We are just like the Israelites! I think it's also tactic from the devil. When a problem or situation arises he tries to get us focused on that so we do look to the Lord. We start looking to our problem and forget how BIG and GREAT our God is. I've been having struggles with work. My boss is just not the easiest person to work for or very ethical. Sunday, when I got to church it was all just weighing on my mind. Instead of thinking about it or even praying about it (because Lord knows I've prayed about it several times), I just started worshiping the Lord and acknowledging how awesome he is and even if He never did another thing for me again, what's He's already done is more than enough. I started proclaiming to my problem scripture and how big my God is and how good he is and what He can do! I've just been having this revelation that the Lord already knows about our problems and struggles! So start proclaiming to my problems and struggles about my God! I've been waking up early to have my devotions and the light bulb has just been coming on. So Sunday, I just got so excited about how good God is I started dancing and jumping as I haven't in years. I even danced across the front of the church. I probably looked like King David and silly to others. But who cares! If people can get all wild and crazy at games and concerts for things they love why not for our Savior and King who died for us! I'll be come even more undignified than this!

Death has been swallowed up in victory. Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting? BUT THANKS BE TO GOD, HE GIVES US THE VICTORY THROUGH OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. Stand firm... Let NOTHING move you. Always give full to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain! AMEN?!

Faith is like the process of a growing embro inside the womb

2009-11-05T14:04:00.003-06:00

So everyone I know seems to be pregnant. It's about that time that everyone my age has gotten married and are ready to settle down and start their own families if they haven't done so already or are adding additions to theirs. My dad sent me this devotion titled, "Faith That Goes the Distance" by Pastor Ken Polk. And another light bulb went on (haha thank God for the light bulbs, I know I'm blond but I don't think others have thought of it like this before either). It made the connection with me about how our faith is just like a woman who is pregnant.

Excerpt
Hebrews 11:6, "But without faith it is impossible to please him." paraphrase that verse and you get But without faith it is impossible to line your life up in agreement with God. The success of your Christian walk and relationship with God is predicated by the level of your faith. The only way the word is going to produce faith in the life of a believer; the word must become a living rehema within the soul of man, thus producing a life changing experience. Simply, the engrafted word becomes alive and real in the heart of the hearer, and he or she will begin to act according to the Word of God applying biblical principles to their daily life. This transformation of life will also change the quality of their life. The level of your faith is contingent upon the amount of the living word engrafted within your inner man. Jesus said "the sower sows the word." Mark 4:14. In Luke 8:11 Jesus told us that, "the seed is the Word of God." When a pastor or teacher ministers the word, he or she is sowing seed. The seed of the word is trying to penetrate the soul of man. Once the (word) breaches the soul it will either give birth to a living word (rhema), or it will be aborted. According to Luke 8:12-14 Jesus said, "that being an indifferent hearer, the cares of this world, deceitfulness of riches, and being not rooted in Christ" would cause the seed of the word to become aborted. However, if the seed of the word is birthed within the soul a living word (rhema) is born. This living word will influence the spirit of man prompting a visible outward illustration of Christ and the faith walk. The just shall live by his faith Romans 1:17.

Ok so that part about the word reaching our soul and giving birth to life or falling on deaf ears and being aborted just rang a bell with me! Probably because I've gotten a lot more sentimental since I've been pregnant and had a baby :) But faith is exactly like that! Once the word reaches you, you have a CHOICE (just like a woman does to choose to keep her baby or murder it) to let that word grow and develope in us or for it to died and be aborted - to terminate a procedure prematurely; to bring forth stillborn, nonviable. Just like a woman who has aborted her baby is empty and the new life changes and joy that a baby brings are ripped from her, that's how we are if we choose to let the seed die in us. We void ourselves of the blessings and life that can come if we choose to let it grow within us. BUT if we choose to keep that word, hold onto it and nurish it like pregnant woman she will soon begin to notice the changes and feel movement and excitement until one day she births that baby and brings for life!

So I've decided I want to be pregnant! haha Not physically pregnant (at this time! wink) but pregnant with the word of God so that I can allow it to grow and bring forth life to me and my family.

"super-apostles" ... interesting stuff from Paul

2009-11-05T14:04:00.000-06:00

Living in Costa Rica has opened up a whole new realm to me in regards to christianity. I thought I had heard it all and studied about a lot of it by being raised in a christian home, being a 3rd generation Assembly of God, and going to NCU bible college.. but NOT so. It makes sense that living in another country things will be different probably even in regards to religion or christianity. It's not wrong, just different... as long as Jesus is preached crucified, buried, and raised and that He is the only way to the Father that is. The rest of the beliefs can affect your christian walk and how effective you'll be but as long as Jesus is the center that's the fundamental must have.

Up until about 2 years ago I had never heard of modern day "prophets" and "apostles". It's just not something that in the christianity realm in the States is emphasized or we go around calling people "prophets" and "apostles". It's not to say I didn't think it was possible because based on Ephesians 4:11 I think there could be. It says God has given apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. And per some nuggets from a wise and regarded pastor of mine, I think an apostle is one who is sent and raises up others to go. Apostle means sent one. Per 2 Corinthians 13:12 the things that mark an apostle are signs, wonders, and miracles. I think someone who raises up spiritual sons and daughters for ministry and has signs, wonders, and miracles could be considered an apostle. (However, I don't see a lot of that going on these days. Not that it doesn't happen but it's a lack of faith on our part). On the side of the prophet--I am sure there are people with prophetic edge to their ministry -- a timely word from God.

It makes me nervous for someone to call themselves a prophet or an apostle. I think others will notice without you needing to say it about yourself. If you look in 2 Corinthians 11 Paul, one of the most famous apostles if not the most well known, talks about false apostles, "super apostles". He warns to not be lead astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ. Many people get caught up with someone's title and seek more after the man than what they are talking about and visa versa the person becomes proud and instead of remaining humble and exalting Jesus they get puffed up about their title and what they can do or are doing. Paul made it very clear to boast not about his signs, wonders, miracles, what he had been through which was incredible... but to clearly boast about his weaknesses so that he might remain humble and remember his place. He stated, "I am in the least inferior to those "super apostles". I may not be a trained speaker, but I do have knowledge." Paul warns against these types of people.

In Paul's defense of his ministry he states, "We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. ... Let him who boasts boast in the Lord. For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends." see 2 Corinthians 11: 12-18.

It was just unfamiliar for me to hear some call another apostle or prophet. And since we have Enlace, the hispanic TBN, I see and run into people who have been given these titles so I wanted to research it more. Some of these people even "gringos" from the States. Where have these people been hiding? I've never heard of them (nor anyone I know from back home) before until moving out of the States.

These are just my own random thoughts that I wanted to type out for future reference for myself. I'm not the type of person to just take whatever is accepted or taught or learned. I don't like to do something just because that's how it's done. Some say I'm opinionated, stubborn, agrumentative etc. I just like to know truth, fact. If something doesn't make sense to me or I don't have much knowledge about it, I like to research and look to the word of God to see what it truly says. Some times people take things out of context and try to make the word say something it doesn't. You have to look at the whole picture. I don't always do that but I try.

I want to boast about my weaknesses

2009-11-05T14:02:00.002-06:00

"To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassing great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong." 2 Corinthians 13:7-10

If life was happy all the time, without problems, always healthy etc why would we need God? Not to say that we only look to God for his hand to what he can give us, of course we look to him for his face and for who is He. BUT like Paul I think maybe we go through these things and tough times to keep us humble and remind us of our dependence on God. James states, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

I don't think God causes bad things to happen to us. That's not God's character. We live in a fallen world and bad things happen to good people all of the time. It's part of this earth's punishment since the fall of Adam and Eve. Sin entered the world where there was no death, decay, sickness or disease and now until the Lord comes back to get us there will continue to be death, sickness, disease etc. 1 Corinthians 13 states, "but when perfection comes the imperfect will disappear... these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love. Why does faith and hope not remain? Well because once we see Jesus face to face we don't have to continue to have faith = being sure of what he hope for and certain of what we do not see Hebrews 11:1. We don't have to continue to have hope because what we hoped for will have been accomplished. Love is eternal because God is love.

I don't think it's God's will for us to have these things come upon us. I do, however, think that some times he allows it to happen for us to learn. Example, Job in the bible. Satan asked God if he could come against Job and God allowed it but he had to spare Job's life. Job was afflicted in every area - he lost his health, he lost his possessions, lost his children etc. He trusted God and in the end came out with double.

Jesus promises in the bible that you will have trouble, but take heart I have over come the world! Meaning... you will walk through the fire but not be burned! Meaning... we will have hard times but God will get us through it. It came to pass!

Yes, God wants to bless us. He wants to give us things and prosper us. "Which of you, if his sons asks for bread , will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, who are evil know how to give good gifts to your children, how much MORE will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!" God is just like our own Father. Our fathers want to give us nice things and see us prosper and do well. However, there are times that they have to withhold them to teach us responsibility or some other lesson. I don't go along with the prosperity gospel some preach out there. It's not biblical and it's not the gospel. It's not correct to say that if you don't have a nice car, a big house, lots of money that you're doing something wrong or are in sin or that you don't have enough faith. Maybe that person is just going through James 1 lesson!

How do you explain Paul's thorn away? Paul was a man of faith and asked God to take it away 3 times. Paul suffered and had hard times...

"I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my own countrymen, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false brothers. I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches. .. If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness."

"I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength."

I like the blessings of God just as the next person. Comfort living is awesome :) However, if we never went through hard times or as Paul stated times of being in need and and in want then it really wouldn't challenge us to sharpen our faith and depend on God. Our faith wouldn't grow and we'd stay spiritual babies.

I think that the famous quote is true, "What doesn't kill us makes us stronger". I know in all of my lowest, and hardest times... times when I was going through the fire my faith was increased and I came out with revelation. I heard a pastor once preach about the valley and the mountain. Everyone likes it up on the mountain. No one likes to be down the valley and feeling low. However, if you look at the valley the nicest land and soil are there full of nutrients. There is water. Those times in the valley, if you rely on God, are usually when you get the best food for your soul and refreshing water to take you up to the mountain again.

Is Anger Right or Wrong: Be Angry But Don't Sin

2009-11-05T14:00:00.002-06:00

Refrain from anger and turn from wrath. Psalm 37:8 NIV "In your anger do not sin." Ephesians 4:25 NIV

The Bible tells us to refrain from anger. It also tells us to be angry, but not to sin. Although this first sounds like a contradiction, a study of the scriptures reveals that there are times when anger is accepted and appropriate - and other times when it is not. The Bible teaches that it is what makes us angry and how we express it that determine whether anger is right or wrong.

Throughout the Old Testament we read time and again of God's anger —always directed at people's sin. And in the New Testament, Jesus expressed His anger and cleansed the temple of the greedy money changers who were showing dishonor and disrespect and defiling and disrupting God's house. And so we know that there are times when anger is the most appropriate behavior. But what about when we become angry for selfish reasons … or express our anger in spiteful ways. In your anger do not sin.

I know of a person that as a child, the eldest of four girls, was taught that nice girls are never to get mad. They were not allowed to show anger; if they did, they were punished. Being restrained from, and being punished for, showing a natural, human emotion did not seem to make sense, but when your parents tell you something it is believed without doubt. Learning to express anger in a healthy way is difficult for those who were not encouraged or allowed to be real.

The bible says, "Be angry and sin not'. Many interpret this to mean we are never to get angry, but that is not what it says. It actually says, "Be angry!" God never meant for us to not get angry. He created us with emotions; He knows our frame. He follows up with a condition, "...but sin not." This should indicate to us that it is OK to be angry as long as we don't sin in the expression of that anger.

How do we be angry and sin not? We first must be sure that when we are angered it is for the proper reasons, and there is no selfish agenda on our part. Our anger should have the right focus. Anger aroused because of injustice, abuse, unfairness, and evil is rightly focused anger. We should be angry when we see evil perpetrated upon another or when people are cheated.

Secondly, we must exercise self-control when angry. Our emotions must be restrained so as not to cause harm. In other words, we are to control our temper, not let our temper control us. When confronting the things that incite anger in us, we must focus our emotion on the source of the anger with the intent of remedy. There should not be 'collateral damage' from our anger which hurts our loved ones because of our lack of restraint.

Next, our temper must be for a short period of time and not linger indefinitely. The bible also says, "Do not let the sun go down on your anger." God is wise and knows what is good for us; thus, this command. Living in a state of anger for more than a short duration can cause unrest and stress that can lead to disease. Get it out and get over it.

Lastly, our expressed anger must end in the proper result. It should serve to accomplish improvement in lives - ours and others. Some of the greatest progress made in the world came about because someone got angry and cared enough to do something about it.

Because anger is frequently attributed to God in the Bible, we must agree that not all anger is evil. Pressing the matter further, if we are to imitate God, then there must be times when we should be angry.

The command, "Be angry!" just doesn't sound right, does it? We are uncomfortable with a command like this. We find ourselves trying to avoid or explain this command away, because anger does not sound godly. But we must remember that there are two kinds of anger. There is the "anger of man", which "does not achieve the righteousness of God" (James 1:20), and the anger which is an expression of God's righteousness. We are commanded in our text to be angry in a way that is righteous, that is a reflection of God.

God was angry at the unbelief of Moses, which caused him to resist obeying the command of God to go to Egypt and confront Pharaoh, insisting that he let God's people go (Exodus 4:14). God is angered by the mistreatment of those who are helpless, the strangers, the widows, and the orphans (Exodus 22:21-24). God was also angered by men turning from trusting and worshiping Him to the worship of idols (Exodus 32:10; Deuteronomy 6:14-15; Judges 2:13-14; Ezra 8:22).

All of these offenses which arouse God to anger seem reasonable enough, but there are times when men may commit offenses which seem minor to us, and yet which provoke God to anger. Do you realize that God is angered by the grumbling and complaining of His people?

Our Lord Jesus was also angry. True anger is that which is concerned with others' wrongs. You can see it in Jesus: He was angry at the Pharisees when they opposed his healing of men on the Sabbath day. "He looked upon them with anger" (Mark 3:5), we read, "and was grieved in his heart" over their stubborn indifference to the needs of suffering humanity. It made him angry.

Jesus got angry. In John 2:13, He went to the temple where He saw tables for buying and selling, like a business. He became angry when He saw that the temple, which should have been a place of prayer and worship, had been converted to a business. Jesus overturned the tables and made everyone leave because He was angry - but He did not sin in His anger.

He was very angry because they were ignoring the purpose of the Father's house. They were teaching men wrong things in the name of God. They were carrying on destructive activities in the name of religion. So there is a time to get angry.

Godly men were also angered by unrighteousness. Moses became angry when he finally came down from the mountain and saw the extent of Israel's sin (Exodus 32:1-20). Earlier, Moses was angered by Pharaoh's hardened heart, and his refusal to listen to God and to let the Israelites go (Exodus 11:8). While the text does not say so, it would appear that David was angered by Goliath's blasphemy (1 Samuel 17). David was later angry when Nathan told him the story of the rich man who stole a poor man's little lamb, not knowing that he was the villain (2 Samuel 13:21).

Paul was angered when he learned that false teaching had reached the saints in Galatia, and that some were embracing it. The whole epistle of Paul to the Galatians is white hot with Paul's expressed anger and outrage.

I agree with Henry Beecher who said, "A man who does not know how to be angry, does not know how to be good. A man who does not feel indignation over evil is either a fungus or a wicked man." When someone mocks God and His Word, I should be angry. When I hear a comedian on television talking about "mistakes God has made," I should feel some anger. When there are religious leaders who use Christianity as a cloak for their own greed and lust, my blood should start to boil. When atrocities are committed in Kosovo, or when Communist governments in China and North Korea murder their own people, it is a time for anger. I should be mad when I hear of pastors and teachers leading people astray by telling them there are other ways of salvation besides Jesus Christ. I would take it even farther and say if it affects your health, safety or moral standards you should be angry. These are good reasons to get mad.

"Be angry", the apostle says. There are things that ought to make you angry, many things that ought to make you angry today. There is a time to get angry.

How Great Thou Art has a whole new meaning

2009-11-05T13:58:00.002-06:00

A few months back I was watching CNN and they were talking about after 27 years the case was closed for the Adam Walsh murder in 1981, son of John Walsh, host of TV show "America's Most Wanted". They officially named drifter, Ottis Toole, as Adam’s murderer. Toole was long suspected in the abduction, murder and beheading of 6-year-old Adam Walsh committed the crime that put missing children on the national agenda. As I watched that report I just cried and cried sympathizing with Adam’s parents and totally disgusted that another human being could do that to a child. I kept thinking of my own son and how, as a parent, I don’t know if I could ever get past something like that without going crazy. I even had nightmares and the devil tried to bring a lot of fear into my heart. I had to rebuke those thoughts and every night while tucking Kaleb into bed I pray God’s word over him that NO weapon formed against him will prosper! ... Keep this blurb in mind for a moment.

So last night I got to sit on the front row of the Conference of Fire with Benny Hinn here in CR. After the worship service he took stage and wanted to sing the song, “How Great Thou Art”, but before singing he wanted to express an important point. He stated imagine if someone killed your child. You would have 3 things you could do. 1. Kill them back. That’s called vengeance. 2. Let the law handle it. That’s called justice. 3. Choose to let it go. That’s called forgiveness. He went on to say imagine that you chose to forgive them BUT also adopt them as yours and give them all of your child’s belongings. I was weeping at this point. As a mother, it really struck a chord with me and the Adam Walsh story just keep playing over and over in my head. I don’t know if I could ever do that. With all of my might and help from the Lord I might possibly be able to forgive them but NO way could I adopt the murderer and give him all of the precious belongings that hold dear memories to the person that took that all away.

Benny then stated, that is the very character of God the Father. Each and every one of us is a murder. WE killed God’s son, Jesus. Our very sin nailed him to the cross. God forgave us for killing his son AND not only that, he has given us all of Jesus’ possessions. He gives us the promise of heaven, which is Jesus’ home, gives us promises and invites to commune with Him. By this point the realization was just too much. I guess I have never really looked at salvation through the eyes of the Father before. I’ve always been awed and amazed that Jesus, the son, would die for me and pay the price for my sins, but never have I looked at it from God’s perspective. Having a child of my own and all of those feelings and responsibilities as a parent and that Kaleb is my pride and joy. Imagine how God viewed his son and to extend that kind of grace and mercy to us, his murderers. Truly, How Great Thou Art!

Are you worth half the blood that He split?

2009-11-05T13:56:00.000-06:00

HOLD ME NOW

Jennifer Knapp - Dove Award-winning Christian folk rock musician
Album - Kansas

From the glass alabaster she poured out the depth of her soul
O foot of Christ would you wait if her harlotries known?
Falls a tear to darken the dirt
Of humblest offerings to forgive the hurt
She is strong enough to stand in your love
I can hear her say....

I'm weak
I'm poor
I'm broken, Lord
But I'm your's
Hold me now, hold me now

Let he without sin cast the first stone if he will
To say that my bride isn't worth half the blood that I've spilled
Point your finger and laugh if you choose
To say my beloved is borrowed and used
She is strong enough to stand in My love
I can hear her say....

I'm weak
I'm poor
I'm broken, Lord
But I'm your's
Hold me now, hold me now

Do you ever find yourself singing lyrics to songs, memorizing melodies but not really paying attention to what your singing? Even be singing and then the your mind begins to drift and you actually forget you're singing? Bryand and I were listening to this cd in the car on the way home today. I haven't listened to this cd in months possibly years. I've known this song by heart since I bought the cd years back and just like riding a bike as soon as the first note plays it all comes back. I was singing away when all of the sudden the words grasped hold of me. It was like this moment of, "Oh that's really what the song is saying? All these years and I didn't grasp the depth of the meaning" kind of moment. It was kind of a slap in the face for times I've been judgemental but then a gentle reminder as well that He is merciful and loving when we screw up.

The blood He split on Calvary for our sins was MORE than enough! Nothing you have done or can do Jesus can't forgive. Have you killed Christians? Paul did that. Did you deny Him multiple times over? Peter did that. Did you have an adulterous affair? This woman mentioned in the song from the bible did that. And see how the Lord still used them. They weren't damaged, unusable people tossed to the side to be forgotten and critized. Society may lable people that way but Jesus doesn't. And Jesus is the only one that counts any way. Nothing you could ever do would keep you from that gift of salvation. To think that what you have done is so wrong, so big Jesus can't cover it is really like an insult to Him saying that the excruciating pain he endured to get to the cross and then endure the agony of it just wasn't enough... wow how arrogant. It's just simply admitting and receiving His gift He gave for you. There is no way we could pay him back. We're indebted to Him. We ARE strong enough to stand in HIS love!

My Savior, a Worm?

2009-11-05T13:54:00.002-06:00

I read this devotional today and it impacted me so much I wanted to share.

My Savior, a Worm?
Whitney Capps

"But I am a worm and not a man, scorned by men and despised by the people."
Psalms 22:6 (NIV)

Devotion:

One of my favorite books is Roy Hession's Calvary Road. In the last few days, one of my most oft-read passages from this book has come to mind. Probably because of the current state of my heart.

Here's the context: I'm struggling right now. My emotions are raw. My responses are harsh. My patience is tested. I am tired. Relationships that should bring comfort bring conflict and criticism. My flesh wants to plead my innocence and maintain my right to be annoyed. My will protests the conviction of the Holy Spirit. I will not bend "the proud, stiff-necked I," as Hession would say.

In Calvary Road, he writes a lot about brokenness. In my regularly-visited passage I'm asked to consider Christ:

"For this reason we are not likely to be broken except at the cross of Jesus. The willingness of Jesus to be broken for us is the all-compelling motive in our being broken too. We see Him willing to have not rights of His own, willing to let men revile Him and not revile again, willing to let men tread on Him and not retaliate or defend Himself. Above all, we see Him broken as He meekly goes to Calvary to become men's scapegoat by bearing their sins in His own body on the Tree. In a pathetic passage in a prophetic psalm, He says, 'I am a worm, and no man' (Psalm 22:6).

Those who have been in tropical lands tell us that there is a big difference between a snake and a worm, when you attempt to strike at them. The snake rears itself up and hisses and tries to strike back--a true picture of self. But a worm offers no resistance, it allows you to do what you like with it, kick it or squash it under your heel--a picture of true brokenness. And Jesus was willing to become just that for us--a worm and no man."

I am not fond of this passage. I prefer to think of Jesus as valiant, mighty and strong, even in death. In my struggle with picturing my crowned King as a worm, I argued with God about the accuracy of such a portrayal of Jesus. I protested. Surely Hession had overstepped and not balanced the greater message of the Word that ascribes Jesus the glory, honor and power due His Name.

In the midst of defending my Savior, the Risen One interrupted my thoughts and asked my heart: Do you defend My character or your arrogance? My darling daughter you rail against the idea of Me as a selfless worm while resting on My provision as a spotless lamb. Is it because you hate the idea that I ask you to be just as selfless, just as broken?

It was true. I don't hate the idea that Jesus is likened to a worm; I hate the conviction that I must submit like one as well. This dialogue with the Lord occurred nearly nine years ago during my first reading of Calvary Road. The Spirit brought it to my mind again today. So if you'll excuse me I've got to go dig out my copy and walk the path of brokenness. It's time to bend that "proud, stiff-necked I."

Father, forgive me for pleading my rights and innocence. I don't have rights, and I am certainly not innocent. Show me how to silence my mouth and soften my heart. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

The Halloween Controversy

2009-11-05T13:53:00.000-06:00

http://www.history.com/content/halloween/real-story-of-halloween

I LOVE holiday celebrations and especially back home where people and the stores celebrate them BIG and LOUD! And we all know second to Christmas, Halloween is a big deal in the market place. Halloween is now somewhere between 4 billion and 6 billion dollars depending on the number and kinds of industries one includes in the calculations.

Ever since I watched the History of Halloween on the History Channel a few years back I have actually been chewing on the whether or not my family and I should participate in such a holiday celebration. I think that your location has a lot to do with how your perception on Halloween is shaped as well. Coming from a small town in Iowa, maybe it was just because my parents shielded my sisters and me from a lot of the fright and gore but I always remember Halloween as a fun, innocent time of childhood play that the community was involved in. I would imagine coming from a big city where statistically crime is higher, you would probably see more indulgence in the commemoration of ‘darkness’ of the holiday. Moving internationally has definitely opened my eyes to how a different Christian culture views the holiday. Not that location is the determining factor; however, it has a lot to do with one’s spiritual warfare world view.

I always had so much fun as a kid dressing up and going around the neighbor begging for candy. What kid wouldn’t? All kids LOVE to play dress up and eat candy. I do remember at one point my parents not allowing us to do it anymore because it seemed people started to be getting into more mischief and they didn’t want us on the streets any more at dark. After seeing the History Channel airing, I totally thought I was never going to allow my son to dress up even in “good” costumes and participate at church functions for harvest parties etc because I didn’t want anything to do with the pagan holiday and its traditions.

I absolutely LOVE the autumn season! It’s my favorite time of year and I especially miss it living in the warm tropics. After much thought on this topic, I’m leaning in a different direction. The bible says the devil comes as a angel of light and wherever you see something good and innocent you will find his demented and perverted counterfeit i.e. music, movies, TV etc. Why can’t Christians do the same thing? Why can’t we take something evil and turn it into something good and an opportunity to witness and proclaim our Lord and savior to a lost, misguided, and dying world? I am not saying mask the evil founded roots by slapping an innocent sticker on it to make it ok for Christians to participate in the dark practices of evil spirits, I’m just saying why have to throw it all out the window? I think in such a world we live in, our children and teens need healthy, Christian alternatives instead of just having Christianity appear as a bunch of rules and no fun. In my opinion, I think it is the matter of the heart. Why not offer a party where kids can get together and play dress up, have candy, bob for apples, have a bonfire for the sake of keeping warm and celebrating the beauty of autumn while sipping on a hot cup of cider and roasting smores on the open fire. Bask in the enjoyment of the cool weather, beautiful colors, harvest, the abundant events and activities the season brings… nothing more. No creepy stories, tricks, goblins, witches etc. I think that is the intent of “Harvest Parties” because they really don’t celebrate Halloween yet offers a safe alternative to keeping kids off the streets and out of trouble. If we are truly saved, we are bought by the blood of Jesus and if we are celebrating the harvest with that fun filled intent, I believe, no demon or spirit can come against you. Nothing is stronger than our Jesus and when He is living inside of us, no demon can over take that.

Scares about razor blades hidden in apples and poisoned candy have spread across the nation in recurring cycles. For most parents, the greater fear is the encounter with occultic symbols and the society's fascination with moral darkness. For this reason, many families withdraw from the holiday completely. Their children do not go trick-or-treating, they wear no costumes, and attend no parties related to the holiday. Some churches have organized alternative festivals, capitalizing on the holiday opportunity, but turning the event away from pagan roots and the fascination with evil spirits. For others, the holiday presents no special challenges at all.

These Christians argue that the pagan roots of Halloween are no more significant than the pagan origins of Christmas and other church festivals. Without doubt, the church has progressively Christianized the calendar, seizing secular and pagan holidays as opportunities for Christian witness and celebration. Anderson M. Rearick, III argues that Christians should not surrender the holiday. As he relates, "I am reluctant to give up what was one of the highlights of my childhood calendar to the Great Imposter and Chief of Liars for no reason except that some of his servants claim it as his."

While affirming that make-believe and imagination are part and parcel of God's gift of imagination, Christians should still be very concerned about the focus of that imagination and creativity. Christian parents should make careful decisions based on a biblically-informed Christian conscience. Some Halloween practices are clearly out of bounds, others may be strategically transformed, but this takes hard work. The coming of Halloween is a good time for Christians to remember that evil spirits are real and that the Devil will seize every opportunity to trumpet his own celebrity.

On October 31, 1517, Martin Luther began the Reformation with a declaration that the church must be recalled to the authority of God's Word and the purity of biblical doctrine. With this in mind, the best Christian response to Halloween, might be to scorn the Devil and then pray for the Reformation of Christ's church on earth. Let's put the dark side on the defensive.

Here We Are!

2009-11-05T13:00:00.000-06:00

Ok, so I decided to start a family blog. Yes, of course I have facebook but I wanted a spot of our own where I could post and write without all the clutter of the facebook networking.