It's Not Political, It's Biblical

As the presidential election draws near, Americans are pledging their support to the candidate who best suits their political interests.  While I have definitely taken a firm side on this debate, I consider myself neither Republican nor Democrat and I have no real political agenda.  As a matter of fact, politics don’t excite me.  I find the subject rather boring and redundant.  It’s not that I don’t care about the welfare of our government and our country.  It’s that I don’t care about the misleading, hypocritical and downright untruthful banter that so often volleys among politicians.  And this year’s election is no exception. 

I can honestly say that I don’t “like” one candidate over the other.  I think both have had interesting things to say about how he will turn the economy around.  I also think that both would be hard-pressed to keep every promise he’s made.  In summary, both have asserted to make this country a better place.  The general promises are no different than the declarations of every other candidate in the history of U.S. presidential elections.  Overall, I’m not impressed.

However, it’s not to say that my attention has not been piqued.  I may not be impressed, but I’m very concerned.  This country was founded on Christian values.  Not through our own discovery or innovation, but by God’s plan for His American people, hence “One nation under God”.   And while America continues to evolve as a beautiful melting pot of some very diverse cultures and traditions, God’s plan for His people to honor Him as the ultimate authority has not changed.

 Our Founding Fathers referenced the Bible for confirmation of their ideas when establishing our government.  America is unique in its formation of government because our original leaders had many years of history from older countries to consider what worked and what failed.  The resounding conclusion was that neither the church nor state should have absolute authority.  Rather, there should be a balance between church and state.  Unfortunately, that balance has become lop-sided.  Public institutions have banned prayer, the name of Jesus is forbidden and many more anti-Christian policies and practices are now accepted as the norm. 

“For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder.  And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”  Isaiah 9:6.  How can we expect our government to stand firm if we have abandoned our trust in Jesus?

Earlier this year, in an interview with ABC correspondent, Robin Roberts, President Obama said, “I’ve just concluded that for me personally it is important for me to go ahead and affirm that I think same sex couples should be able to get married.”  This is just a portion of the interview.  Obama goes on to say more of the same thing and to justify his decision. 

Now before I continue, let me commence by clarifying that I have nothing against homosexuals.  I have friends and loved ones who label themselves as gay and lesbian and I love them dearly.  I am not prejudice and I try not to pass judgment on anyone.  I have enough flaws of my own to correct.  In addition, every time I point my accusing finger at someone else, I have three pointing right back at me.  Try it.

In the interview, Obama also claims to be Christian, but there is nothing Christian about the stand he has taken for same sex marriages.  God is not ambivalent or obscure about how He created us to be in relationship with one another. 

“Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.”  I Corinthians 6:9-11

“If a man lies with a male as he lies with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination. They shall surely be put to death. Their blood shall be upon them.” Leviticus 20:13

These are just a few scriptures that reveal God’s distinct command on this matter.  Though His message is clear, I find the subject a little murky.  Therefore, my debate on this topic is brief because I have no argument other than, “It’s what the Bible says.”  And when surges of opposing, insoluble questions arise, I refer to Isaiah 55:8-9 which states, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord.  “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”  I then humbly ask myself, “Who am I to argue with God?” 

If I agreed with Obama on every other issue at hand in this election, I would still be obligated to offer him no support because of his direct defiance against God’s Word.  My allegiance to my heavenly Father is greater than my allegiance to anyone else, including the leader of my country.  I do believe in equal rights for everyone as long as they do not violate the Word of God. 

The lax moral standards of today’s society have encouraged many of us to be apathetic about our convictions; sometimes in the name of equality or peace or even compassion.  And personally, nothing hurts and angers me more than to see others oppressed and afflicted.  But do not be deceived.  Interpreting the Word of God in a way that justifies our own belief system does not change It.  “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever.” Hebrews 13:8.  Even though times have changed significantly and the morale of civilization continues to decline, the promises and warnings of God remain unchanged.

Vanessa

Start In The Backyard

The other day, my nine-year-old son was feeling under the weather so I kept him home from school.  We were sitting on the couch watching one of my favorite television evangelists and the message about Jesus was so inspiring that I turned to my young son and said, “I think it would be pretty cool to be an evangelist or even a Bible teacher.” 

He simply responded, “Well, why don’t you?”

I thought about it for a few seconds (truly pondering the question) and answered, “I just don’t know where to start.”

What I really meant was that I don’t have any formal theological education (and it would cost me in the tens of thousands to get one).  I’m not as knowledgeable about the Bible as I would expect from a Bible teacher.  I really don’t like speaking to crowds (although I've become much more comfortable).  I've always earned an income and where would it now come from?

The excuses just kept flowing through my mind when he responded with such an unassuming confidence.  “Why don’t you just start in the backyard?  You could invite a few people over and talk to them about Jesus.  It’s no big deal.”

Wow, how simple is that? What a novel idea!  I can just start here.  I don’t have to make any drastic life changes or wait for better timing.   I should begin right where I’m at with what I’ve got.  His suggestion reminds me of Jesus’ command to start now.  Now is the accepted time.  Not tomorrow.  Not when we get our lives in order.  Not when we feel better prepared.  Whatever that first step means to us, we need to take it now. 

“In an acceptable time I have heard you, and in the day of salvation I have helped you.  Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” 2 Corinthians 6:2. 

God has created each and every one of us for a specific purpose.  And He doesn’t turn us loose in an aimless attempt to figure it all out on our own.  He intentionally places desires and interests in our hearts leading us to fulfill His perfect purpose.  As long as we look to Him for guidance, our paths will be divinely directed.  “Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart.”  Psalm 37:4

We were not put here to muddle through life trapped in fruitless, unrewarding careers that provide little more than a paycheck.  Too many of us have big plans to follow our life dreams once we retire or once the kids get older.  Perhaps we’re weary from encountering too many obstacles.  Regardless of all the hurdles, we are created to live each day in our dreams and we can do that by fixing our eyes on Jesus. 

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles.  And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the Pioneer and Perfecter of our faith.  For the joy set before Him, He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.  Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”  Hebrews 12:1-3

Maybe your heart’s desire is to pursue a new career or devote more time to a favorite hobby (even getting your photography or baking skills to earn money for you).  Maybe there’s a tugging in your spirit to make minor adjustments to your life by being a more intentional parent or by stepping up your game as the nutritional gatekeeper for your family.  

Possibly, accomplishing items on your bucket list like running a marathon, learning a new language or going on a mission trip will give you the discipline and self-control you need to grow into your destiny.  Whatever your calling is, don’t delay.  Take one step at a time and let the Perfecter of your faith guide you.  Don’t make it more difficult than it really is and never underestimate the power of simplicity by starting right where you’re at with what you’ve got.  As my son so cleverly suggested, “Just start in the backyard.”

Vanessa

Be Still

Time and time again, the Bible commands us to place our trust in God.  But, too often, we are tempted to take matters into our own hands and blindly endeavor to solve problems to which we have no answers.  From life changing issues to simple daily decisions, our first step should always be to “Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:33

Recently, my 11-year-old son was invited to a sleep-over birthday party.  He was so excited that I immediately said yes and became excited with him.  The invitation explained that they would spend the evening at a family entertainment center playing laser tag and bowling.  Afterward, they would head home to watch movies and spend the night. 

It wasn’t until later, during the evening of the party, that I decided to glance over the invitation and check out what my pre-teen might be doing just about now, when I noticed the time they planned to head home.  2 a.m.!

“What”, I gasped.  “That can’t be right.  They’re only 11!”  Hearing my outburst, my husband emerged to investigate.

I accused, “Did you know they are staying out until 2a.m.?” 

“Yeah,” he answered.  “I thought that was kind of strange, but you gave him permission so I assumed you had cleared the details.”

A warm flood of anger covered my face and I began, “What kind of parents allow their 11-year-old to stay out until 2a.m.? 

And then I targeted my husband, “I can’t believe you knew this and didn’t say anything.  What’s the matter with you?” 

But the final criticism was most crushing when I thought, “What kind of mother allows her young child to attend a party without knowing the details?”
 

My stomach began to ache and a persistent worry ensued with one question after another.  Should I just pick him up and truthfully explain that I am not comfortable with him being out so late? If so, I would not only humiliate him in front of his friends, I would, in no uncertain terms, let the mother know that I thought her parenting skills were void. 

Or should I do nothing, knowing I’d be up all night worried about my precious one?  What about the types of people wandering at that time?  Drunks, druggies, people up to no good…..

NO WAY!  I’m much more concerned about the safety of my child than what other people think about me!  It’s settled.  I’m calling to say I’ll be there to pick him up sooner and I’ll deal with the consequences later.

But before I could gallop on my merry way, my husband expressed his opposition.  “You can’t just pick him up.  You’ve already told him he could spend the night.”

Ugh!  The frustration began to settle deeper and the fear began to bind when an all-consuming impression directed me to “Be still.”  I know the commands well. They are some of the most comforting verses.

“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10 and again, “The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.” Exodus 14:14.

I had the directive.  Now, I needed the obedience.  So I began to pray, “Dear Lord, please help me make the right decision.  Give me guidance and direction.  Know the anxieties of my heart and give me peace and comfort.” 

An immediate calm came over me and I fully surrendered my dilemma to God.  Although the devil tried to instill doubt by reminding me that God doesn’t speak to people audibly (so I’d never get a real answer), I thought of it no more. 

Within a half hour, I received a text message from the birthday boy’s mother stating that she was just told they would have to leave the facility early due to the scheduling of a private party.  She was furious that she wasn’t notified earlier, but management had appeased her by giving each child a voucher to come back for FREE on the day of his choice. She was sorry that the boys were disappointed, but they would be going home at 11p.m. to watch movies until they fell asleep. 

Wow!  What an awesome God I serve.  I allowed Him to solve my problem and in true Character, He did more!  It is during times like these that I am humbled by His Greatness and inspired by His Truth!   

Nothing is too insignificant to command God’s full attention to work together for our good as long as we allow Him. 

Vanessa

Celebrating Life and Death

Last week, my beautiful son, Andrew, celebrated his 11th birthday. Though we had a big celebration with friends during the prior weekend, we quietly honored his actual birthday with a simple dinner and his favorite dessert because we were notified that his 84 year old paternal grandfather was succumbing to a long illness. Last night, my father-in-law went to be with our Lord. Many may call it a bitter-sweet time, but I try to count it all joy as I am reminded in Ecclesiastes 7:1 "A good name is better than precious ointment; and the day of death is better than the day of one's birth."

While we celebrate life with birthdays year after year, believers are promised that the day of death is even better. And, additional cause for celebration is the good name we are ascribed at our birth which distinguishes who we are and how we are identified in the Lamb’s Book of Life.

Revelation 21:27 explains “But there shall by no means enter it anything that defiles, or causes an abomination or a lie, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.”

I cannot do real justice to my father-in-law’s admirable name in just a few short paragraphs, but I can humbly offer a slice of who he was. Pablo Ximenez was first and foremost, a man of God. His love for Jesus was transparent in all he said and did. To begin with, he and his wife Christina were married for more than 63 years. That alone attests to his commitment and loyalty.

Together, they raised and supported nine children on one very modest income. And although his days were filled with a steady job and his evenings were occupied with issues arising from nine children, he still managed to attend church every Sunday, minister to troubled souls in jail and lead music ministry and Bible study for his church group. He was not a man of many words, but his faithful actions were the influence he bestowed on his children. In addition, there was always a glow of peace and joy about him. And still, I must not fail to mention the remarkable self-control and dignity he maintained during difficult times.

He was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease more than 13 years ago and while his health deteriorated, the memories of a noble man never did. We can only speculate the reasons God allows hardships and sufferings to come over us. And I speculate his reason was a lesson to those of us around him. He was the perfect essence of how one can endure adversity with grace and beauty.

I write this, not just as a testament of who Pablo Ximenez was, but with high hopes of who my children can be through his legacy. I see my son, Andrew, with many of the same strengths his grandfather had and his father now has and I am confident that his young life is on the path to fulfilling the perfect purpose for which God created him.

Though we may be saddened by the physical loss of our loved one, we celebrate his rebirth into eternity with Jesus and the continuation of life through his children and their children and all to come. We rest assured that his name is written in the Lamb’s Book of Life and he has been called good and faithful servant.

Vanessa