A Prolife Reality Check

So many claim they can do nothing about the children of abortion. So, I asked God what He thought about that. Here's what He said:

1. Everyone can pray for the effort (to end abortion).

2. Everyone can show up to praise, and entreat Me (God) on the children's behalf. (You don't have to be "called to that area of ministry".)

3. Anyone can hold a sign....

4. Anyone can encourage the onsite workers.

5. Anyone can speak up at their church, request that a speaker be invited, and/or suggest a worker for support (as a prolife missionary).

6. Everyone can write their congressman, senator, and/or president asking that abortion be outlawed permanently.

7. Everyone can vote prolife.

8. Everyone could fund the effort. If all "professing" prolifers/abolitionists gave just $5 a month to an active effort, things that are currently considered "impossible" would get done.

9. Everyone can and should stop being silent. Your silent inaction will not be tolerated any longer.

Hmmmm . . .

Let's be honest. Most "professing" prolifers can do at least one of the things on this list. Many can do several. It is only because all of the work, and the majority of the expense is left to a handful that abortion continues.

So, quit claiming to be prolife while doing nothing to actually save these babies. It's not like He actually believes you anyway. No, as He points out, "Anyone and Everyone can or could . . ."

Psa 141

LORD! I cry unto Thee, make haste unto me. Give ear unto my voice when I cry unto Thee.

Let my prayer be set forth before Thee as incense; and the lifting of my hands as the evening sacrifice.

Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth. Keep the door of my lips.

Incline not my heart to any evil thing, to practice wicked works with men that work iniquity, and let me not eat of their dainties.

Let the righteous smite me. It shall be a kindness, and let him reprove me. It shall be an excellent oil, which shall not break my head -- for my prayer shall also be in their calamities. When their judges are overthrown in stony places, they shall hear my words for they are sweet.

Our bones are scattered at the grave's mouth, as when one cutteth and cleaveth wood upon the earth. But mine eyes are unto Thee, O GOD the Lord. In Thee is my trust. Leave not my soul destitute.

Keep me from the snares which they have laid for me, and the gin of the workers of iniquity. Let the wicked fall into their own nets, whilst I withal escape. -- Psa 141

I'm seeking the Lord's healing right now, having been quite sick for over a week. There is much in the Psalms to aid in this.

Praise Him!

Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. Serve the LORD with gladness. Come before His presence with singing. Know ye that the LORD He is God. It is He ...that hath made us, and not we ourselves. We are His people, and the sheep of His pasture. Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful unto Him, and bless His name. For the LORD is good. His mercy is everlasting; and His truth endureth to ALL generations. -- Psa 100

There is much trouble in the world. Daily we face the reality of the evil amongst us. Our leaders have abandoned us. They serve themselves, and care not for our well-being. They see themselves as above the very laws they demand we obey. They have squandered our wealth and shredded our law. They have taken what we have built, what we have earned, and given it to our enemies. The veteran does not receive what he fought for. The elderly and truly needy do not receive what was held back for them. No, it is given to those who hate and desire to destroy us, because our "leaders" care for them while they disregard us -- the people they have taken an oath to serve, the people who granted their power, the people who have paid their way. There is no honor among such as these, and the horror they prepare for us is appalling.

If we focus on these giants, it is easy to forget there is a Great God in Heaven, a God who will hear our cry if we turn back to Him.

If My people, which are called by My name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. -- 2 Chr 7:14

When a nation turns from the Holy God of Heaven, He gives them sorry leaders. When a people turn from holiness to sin, they are given over to the fruits of that sin. We cannot expect roses when we have planted turnips. It just does not work that way.

As a nation we allowed the Holy God of Heaven to be replaced with many false gods, the largest of these being wealth. Even now pastors seek to promote themselves, attempting to draw large crowds from which they might gain great revenue. They avoid issues that divide or cover them peripherally. And pastors are not alone.

People devote themselves to the acquisition of wealth. It is what we spend our time on. It is what concerns us the most. So much so that many kill their children in order to pursue their careers first. We are literally shedding innocent blood in order to attain the standard of living we believe God wants us to have. We use His love to justify our sin.

Now these are the three primary things that have brought the horror that we now face to our land:

abortion (the shedding of innocent blood),

idolatry (the love of wealth), and

a disrespect of the cross (using His sacrifice as an excuse for sin).

The truly sad thing is that many still see them as "non-issues". They see them so because many of our spiritual leaders have taught them so. So, the treachery of our spiritual leaders has brought us our treacherous political leaders. Yet, many still cling to their teachings.

How do we get out of this? There is only one cure: Full Repentance. It is the only way. We should be thankful that "His mercy is everlasting" and that He does "hear from heaven". We should remember:

The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is long-suffering to usward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. -- 2 Pe 3:9

And that:

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do His commandments. His praise endureth forever. -- Psa 111:10

We need to fear Him enough to repent and return to obeying His will, because the horror we face is judgment from Him. Our willingness to commit sin upon sin, our lack of regard for His sacrifice, and the rampant shedding of innocent blood has bought us vile leaders and murderous enemy hoards. We planted evil, and evil has come up in our garden.

So, what do repentance and wise fear have to do with praise? If we fear Him enough to truly repent, then we should also realize that He deserves to be praised. So Great a King always deserves praise. Even now, we should be raising our voices in praise of Him. Even now, we should be entering His gates with thanksgiving.

We are reaping what we have sown. Should we blame Him that we did not have the sense to plant holiness? From Genesis through Revelation His word warns us not to stray from the path of righteousness. How is He to blame? No, this one's one us. We did this. We threw Him out and welcomed evil. Evil cannot begat anything but more evil. Holiness comes from God.

Worship Him this morning. Praise Him with all that you are. Weep and plead for mercy. Seek Him with all your heart. If we get serious with our commitment to Him, He will hear our cries. The "giants" will have no power over us if we are truly His. Now that is something to praise Him for, to be able to stand in the midst of a storm like this. So praise, praise the Lord!

You Are Not Alone

I used to blame myself for everything. I worked hard, sometimes too hard, and tried to be diligent and responsible. That's not to say I was perfect. I wasn't, but I did genuinely try to do my best. I was quick to apologize, and steadfastly sought to correct my mistakes. Somehow, though, I was never good enough. I was never acceptable enough. I never met the expectations of those around me. It's no joke that some even said, "ANYONE, but her!"

Then one day I realized, it wasn't... me that was the problem. It was the hardness of other's hearts. It was about what some thought I owed them, and the selfishness of others. It was about who they were, not what I had done or how I looked or anything else that had to do with me.

You can't please those kind of people. You can't reconcile with them. You can't get low enough to placate their need for supremacy. To try to do so is to constantly see yourself as completely unworthy. Useless. Undesirable. Trash.

So, what did I do? I stopped looking at them, and walked away from them, emotionally. I started looking at and living for Christ alone. I started seeing myself beloved in His eyes. I started dwelling on what it took for Him to sacrifice Himself for me.

The hurt went away. The guilt went away. My frown became a smile and my agony, joy.

The evil seeks to tear us down and he will use anyone and anything to do it, but God seeks to elevate us. The evil one is downtrodden. So, he does not want you lifted on angel wings. God is on high, and He desires to bring us to Him. One is a destroyer, a bringer of death. The other the Giver of Life.

Are you alone? Are you downtrodden? Does your heart ache? Do you feel useless, unwanted . . . disposable? Christ took the nails in His hands and feet to prove how very much He loves and desires you. He was spat on and defiled, because you mean that much to Him. Mankind can be heartless and cruel, but God is merciful and loving. So, don't look at man. Look at God.

You are not alone. You are loved. You are not useless. God has a place for all of us. You are not garbage. You were made for a reason. You have a purpose. Fulfill your purpose, and God will fill your life. Focus on Him and you will not have time to be lonely, or sad, or discouraged. There is much to do, and few to do it.

The evil one can pull us down if we let him. I have been there more than I care to admit. The only way I survived was to look full on at Him, to worship and adore Him, to obey and serve Him, and to push away from all the sorrow the evil one laid at my feet. In immersing myself in Him, I would look up and find myself surrounded by angels. Now, the only thing "special" about me is God in me. So, that means if you do the same -- immerse yourself in Him -- you will find you aren't really alone, either.

Abortion: NOT About Choice

Though I was blessed to be able to be at the pit twice this week already, yesterday was a very rough day. It started when I had a divine appointment with a moth...er -- the first mother to come to kill. She was very sad, and very willing to talk, desiring help. So, I was counseling her, comforting her -- "We'll help you. We're here for you"; then the armed guard comes out.

He tells her, "This is a really mean lady. (meaning, me) If you have an appointment, you have to go in. You have to pull into the parking lot." She was stalled outside, hesitant and crying. He's armed, and insistent.

I had said, "You don't want to go in there. If you need help, we'll help you. Whatever you need, we'll find a way. They kill children, and you don't really don't want to kill your child."

She had answered, "Yes, but things happen."

I had answered, "Yes, but we don't kill the children for our mistakes." Which, of course, made her cry all the more, but she also agreed with me.

This mother really did not want to go into the pit. She clearly wanted our help. She was responding to me, and reaching out -- physically to me. I was responding to her as any mother would, touching her gently, lovingly. But the armed guard insisted, and women are often afraid of disobeying an armed man when they are vulnerable. So, in she went. Then, of course, he insisted she drive all the way around to the back -- knowing I would not be able to properly invite her out to continue our discussion -- again, insisting that she "had" to.

She was crying. I was crying, and there was angel watching. So, I sent him in, and he did go. However, angels will not force us. No, they stop at the free-will line. I know he encouraged her to come out, but she did not -- at least not while I was still onsite.

Then a black couple went in, and I said, "Don't Black lives matter to you? This is a precious little black baby. You should love it, not kill it." And, moments later, the father came out glaring at me furiously. Clearly, she did not really want to kill her child, either, but he insisted.

Anyone who honestly believes abortion is about a "woman's choice" has no idea what really goes on at the pits.

Praise and Repentance

Praise ye the LORD. Praise ye the LORD from the heavens. Praise Him from the heights. Praise ye Him, all His angels. Praise ye Him, all His hosts.

Praise ye Him, sun and moon. Praise Him, all ye stars of light. Praise Him, ye heavens of heavens, and ye waters that be above the heavens.

Let them praise the name of the LORD: for He commanded, and they were created. He hath established them forever and ever. He hath made a decree which shall not pass.
...

Praise the LORD from the earth, ye dragons, and all deeps: fire, and hail; snow, and vapours; stormy wind fulfilling His word: mountains, and all hills: fruitful trees, and all cedars: beasts, and all cattle; creeping things, and flying fowl: kings of the earth, and all people; princes, and all judges of the earth -- both young men, and maidens; old men, and children.

Let them praise the name of the LORD; for His name alone is excellent. His glory is above the earth and heaven. He exalteth the horn of His people, the praise of all His saints; even the children of Israel, a people near unto Him.

Praise ye the LORD. -- Psa 148

God is the answer to any and all problems. If we put Him first -- to honor and obey Him, then He can deliver us. No earthly man can for we have a spiritual sickness. We know Him not enough to fear Him, and we behave all though He were irrelevant. Many are the nations that have been destroyed by this madness. Truly our deliverance depends on our willingness to take it's cure: true repentance as evidenced by works.

Bring forth, therefore, fruit worthy of repentance . . . Luke 3:8

What will you do to prove to God that you desire to return to Him? Are you ready to take up the children's case as if you truly intend to win it? Or do you say to yourself that "God has had mercy, therefore, we need not fear"?

Woe be unto the people who believe God is not greatly angered by the continued shedding of innocent blood! Woe be unto those who do little to nothing to stop it; for God is GOD, but man is only man.

He hears innocent blood cry out. It is a testimony against us -- a testimony He cannot and will not long continue to ignore. While you are saying, "Peace, peace!"; He will wipe us out like the plague we are. Only a few faithful will remain, if, indeed they do. God's patience with us is gone. Though you ignore it, the evidence is all around us. Not even this once great nation can escape His hand. We have disrespected the sacrifice of His Son, and we have gone a whoring after the gods of self and wealth to our own destruction.

Are You Missing Your Blessing?

Sometimes God uses adversity to trigger blessings. He puts a challenge before us with the intent of blessing us for responding to His glory. Those times can be some of the most difficult, because they are often fraught with very real danger.

Then the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find none occasion or fault; forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him. Then said these men, “We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against him concerning the law of his God.” – Dan 6:4, 5

Daniel was a very intelligent and honorable man. He was looked on with great favor by king Darius; and therefore, despised by those who wanted his power and position. Sound familiar? It is one of those things many of us face daily.

In this time of self-entitlement it seems there is almost always someone who believes they have more right to what we have than we do. Coveting is alive and well with some going to great extremes to take what isn’t theirs. It’s not uncommon for them to do just about anything to get it, either. In Daniel’s day these men were so intent on relieving him of his status that they plotted to take his life.

All the presidents of the kingdom, the governors, and the princes, the counsellors, and the captains have consulted together to establish a royal statue, and to make a firm decree that whosoever shall ask a petition of any god or man for thirty days, save of thee, O king, he shall be cast into the den of lions. – Dan 6:7

Now they did this knowing full well that Daniel routinely petitioned God three times a day, every day, and they knew he would continue to do so despite any decree they might come up with. So it was a challenge, a gauntlet thrown down before Daniel. “Do you love your God so much that you’d risk your very life for Him?”

They already knew Daniel’s answer would be, “Yes.” They had watched him carefully, and they knew he would continue to do what he had already been doing. So, they considered that Daniel was already dead. They considered him defeated by his unwavering attachment to the holy God of Heaven.

What they did not know was that Daniel fully understood what they were up to. He realized they wanted him gone, and would do anything to see to it that he did not survive. Yet, he considered that God was still God, that He had not ceased to be all-powerful simply because these men desired his life.

Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three time a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime. – Dan 6:10

After Daniel knew he was in danger, he still went before God to openly petition Him. He considered it could cost him his life, but he desired God more than his life. This kind of commitment usually comes from long-term priorities. It’s not to say that the “baby Christian” can’t have it; but rather, than it is seen more often in the mature Christian. Daniel was mature. He had spent his life seeking and desiring God. Now, he served an ungodly, earthly king; but his heart was far above. His heart – his whole heart belonged steadfastly to God. He could no more abandon his proclivity for seeking God than he could stop breathing. It was that intense a relationship. So, when these men set him up using his relationship with God to trap him, Daniel’s reaction was: My God first, then my life!

Then answered they and said before the king, “That Daniel, which is of the children of the captivity of Judah, regardeth not thee, O king, nor the decree that thou hast signed, but maketh his position three times a day.” – Dan 6:13

As expected these evil men were quick with their accusation, and the king, though it displeased him greatly, was forced to put Daniel in with the hungry lions.

Then the king commanded, and they brought Daniel, and cast him into the den of lions. Now the king spake and said unto Daniel, “Thy God, whom thou servest continually, He will deliver you.” – Dan 6:16

Right here is where Daniel began to receive blessings from God. All true servants have an abiding desire to honor their Master. We don’t put ourselves at risk because we enjoy danger, nor to draw attention to ourselves. No, we do it because honoring and obeying Him is that important to us. We’re like little children who adore their fathers. We live to please Him. So, when this heathen king encouraged Daniel to look to His God, and assured him that He surely would deliver Daniel; I know Daniel was deeply blessed in his spirit. He must have felt an overwhelming sense of joy, knowing that his witness had made this man realize who God really is. Even with the lions looming before him, it had to be quite satisfying.

Now, Daniel survived the lion’s den just fine. They men who had sought to harm him? They and their entire families turned out to be the lion’s real meal, and king Darius went on from wanting people to worship him as a god to declaring the God of Heaven to be the God He truly is:

Then king Darius wrote unto all people, nations, and languages that dwell in all the earth: “Peace be multiplied unto you. I make a decree, That in every dominion of my kingdom men tremble and fear before the God of Daniel: for He IS the living God, and steadfast forever, and His kingdom, that which shall not be destroyed, and His dominion shall be even unto the end. He delivereth and rescueth, and He worketh signs and wonders in heaven and in earth, who hath delivered Daniel from the power of the lions.” – Dan 6:25-27

Now, Daniel was physically blessed for his obedience, but I believe the spiritual blessing was far greater. His faithfulness opened Darius’s eyes. I’ve been there when people wake from their slumber. It is the greatest feeling on earth. We walk on air afterwards, knowing that we’ve honored the One we adore. It gives our whole life purpose. It fills us with joy. And I know that Daniel felt just this way, because his faithfulness was poured out upon a whole nation! He had to feel extraordinarily blessed to be of such service, but he would have had none of it had he not answered adversity with obedience

Consider the adversity in your life. Could it be that God is trying to bless you? I honestly don’t think Daniel was looking for a blessing when he obediently continued to seek God. No, I believe that’s just who he was. He was God’s. His entire heart was sold out to the holy God of Heaven. He could not just stop communicating with Him. He couldn’t. Truth be told, the way we move ourselves to answer adversity with obedience is to be like Daniel – already determined to be obedient before we face it.

Today's Prayer

:
O LORD, please help me to be the person You want me to be -- to reach out to all within my grasp, to be You to all I come in contact with. Let not my feet be stilled or my voice silent where there is work to be done or truth to be told. Let my eyes be focused on You, and my heart intent on Your will. Glorify Yourself, LORD, for You are my Master. It is You I desire to please. I ask it all I Your Name. Amen and amen.

Let Me Be Clear

It's clear to me that many do not understand why I am so upset about this election. So let me make it clear.

That God might use Trump is not the point. That Trump might do some "good" things isn't the point, either. No, the real point here is that this people just swallowed the lies of the giant before them. Instead of using your faith to fight him you have bowed down before him in worship. You did not draw your swords. You did not take up your cross. You did not gather a bag... of stones. No, you just surrendered. And, now, you expect God to give you the victory. You didn't report to the battlefield, but God should bless you?

For three things we are in judgment:

1. The love of other gods
2. The disrespect of the cross, and
3. The shedding of innocent blood.

Yet, you submitted to and fully supported someone who had already promised to do nothing for the children, whose actions prove a lack of respect for God, and is well known as a lover of money.

You were not Daniels. You showed no kinship to Shaddrack, nor agreement with David. You forgot that God looks at the heart. He knows you feared man more than Him. He knows you did not truly consider that He was able to slay this Goliath, cool this furnace, or bind these lion's mouths.

Like the Israelites who heard of the giants, and feared to cross over, you balked at taking your stand with God. Actually, you did far worse, because you attributed the giant to being "of God", accusing Him of willingly being coupled with wickedness!

I don't do politics because I'm political. No, I do politics to God's glory. This election was all about turning back from choosing evil. God made this exceptionally clear. So, I pled with you. I gave you the Scriptures, and reasoned with you at length. Some of you quit reading my posts to get away from the word coming from God through me. You turned away, because your mind was already made up.

Brothers and Sisters, God wanted to deliver us, but we would have none of it. So, yes, I'm upset. My heart is broken. I'm perplexed at how you could not see, and would not hear.

These things are never about the show the evil one puts on. All the blustering, self-aggrandizement -- these things are just smoke and mirrors. Yes, the giants bellowed and the hordes of hell roared, but God watched and had a plan, and a purpose in it all. But the circus drew your attention, and the evil one accomplished something very wicked among you. He got you to vote for him once more.

So, I weep. Will we be another 40+ years in bloodshed? No, because God cannot and will not tolerate the shedding of innocent blood that much longer. Will we survive? I'm convinced that depends on whether we truly repent, and right now far too many are convinced they haven't done anything wrong.

A Prayer for this Nation

LORD, have mercy on this people for they have chosen evil over You again. The children's blood will still run, but they celebrate. They did not believe You enough to fear You, nor did they trust You enough to see Your deliverance. They did not realize that the furnace was our escape. Choosing someone You could bless us through was our only real option, but they could not see it. Because they were too afraid of man, they did not see it.

Nor did they did prioritize Your heart over their desire to prosper. No, they chose to continue in sin, the sin of self over Your word. Like rats to the piper they have followed the music to their doom. They think You will prosper them while they turn their backs on the children, ignoring their cries. How many have said, "It isn't my job? God did not call me to that?" Tens of thousands have died, but this nation is more concerned with being considered great than actually being great. What is great about us, though, is the cry against us.

And the LORD said, "Because the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grievous; I will go down now; and see whether they have done altogether according to the cry of it, which is come to Me; and if not, I will know. -- Gen 18:20, 21

Like Sodom and Gomorrah the innocent we have killed cry out against us, and that cry is very great. It shudders my soul to even think of it for I know it grieves You deeply. They are no more because the blood they shed gave testimony against them. You have thoroughly warned us against the same. Yet, we have not listened. Instead we have chosen a man who will not consider the helpless. (He has already decided to ignore them.) So, the slaughter will continue and the cry against us will increase.

How my heart grieves over this people, LORD. They do not hear. They do not see. They do not want to know. They want to be blessed!

Have mercy, LORD, for they are blind. They believe they have done a good thing, chosen wisely. They do not see how Your wrath is kindled against them. Like Jeremiah's Judah, they do not believe Your servants, nor can we make them turn.

In the days to come I plead with You to be merciful. They have believed the lies:

Therefore, thus saith the LORD concerning the prophets that prophesy in My name, and I sent them NOT, yet they say, 'Sword and famine shall not be in this land'; "By sword and famine shall those prophets be consumed.

And the PEOPLE to whom they prophesy shall be cast out in the streets of Jerusalem because of the famine and the sword; and they shall have none to bury them -- them, their wives, nor their sons, nor their daughters. For I will pour THEIR WICKEDNES upon them." -- Jer 18:16, 17

Though we are guilty like Sodom, and grievous like Gomorrah, have mercy. There are yet still some who fight for Your truth, some who stand on Your word. Do not destroy us completely -- though there can be no argument we deserve it, do leave us a remnant. But I plead with You to prosper the word You have given Your servants that some might turn, and be forgiven for very great will be the number of our loss if they do not.

You are the exceedingly great ALMIGHTY. I worship at Your feet. My heart is broken and my spirit grieved. I know not what to do besides throw myself on Your mercy for this people is unreasonable.

I have spoken what You have given me. I have pled until my voice is gone. I have written and shared Your word at my own expense, but they would none of it. What should I do now, LORD. What should I do? Speak, and I will run yet again. Send, and I will go. I will not give up and I will not be silent. Though I stand alone, stand I will. To Thine be the glory, for You, alone, are worthy.

I ask it all in Yeshua's blessed name. Amen and amen.

And You're Celebrating?

I see a lot of celebration for Trump here, but little recognition of where that really leaves us. Trusting in man is a risky business at best, and Trump has already made it clear he's not concerned with abortion. He considers it "settled law". Now that's sad on many levels, not the least of which is the fact that it isn't law. No, it's just a judicial ruling that has been treated like law to the tune of millions of dead babies.

So, where does that leave us? Well, I can tell y...ou for certain it did not move us out of judgment. How do I know? We've once again proven we do not truly regard the things of God's heart. No, what many did was actively support the other side. That is, they went out of their way to elect someone who would see to it that innocent blood continued to defile our land. Yet, they expect God to bless us for it all the same.

This one thing I know for absolute certain: God does NOT change. If He was angry with us before the election for willingly shedding innocent blood, guess how angry He is now for choosing to continue doing so?

If that doesn't give you pause, it should. God has been furious with us for some time, and He has been proving out His wrath steadily. Our last president was a punishment, and this new one will be, too. So, while victory may seem to be yours, it's an illusion. Our punishment remains. God will not overlook our disregard for innocent life when we have not yet truly repented of destroying it.

Innocent blood cries out unto God and He takes up their case. He looks down on those who should have protected these helpless ones and His wrath burns against them. That's how it works, folks, and we've been at it for over 40 years. God's not deaf. He hears them cry out at the injustice done to them, and He has heard you. You turned out in force to ensure they continue to be killed. Think about it.

I think your celebration will turn to tears quickly and your joy to sorrow. The only hope I have for this nation is that some voted for candidates who truly put God first, candidates who would have considered the children. God may yet have mercy on us because they did, but make no mistake about it: American "Christians" just called for more slaughter, and God heard them loud and clear. Pardon me if I don't feel like celebrating. No, I'll be a little too busy weeping and pleading for mercy.

This Morning's Prayer

Lead us to repentance, Lord, that we might be delivered from those who plot wickedly against us. Have mercy, for we have been blinded by greed and selfishness. We do not see that our own actions have brought us to the brink of destruction. We believe it is "someone else's fault". We trust in a decision we made, mere words we uttered; rather than, a fully formed relationship we've sought with You. Our priorities are foolish, and our hearts are hard. We do not seek You with earnest to know our sin that we might turn from it. We have convinced ourselves that we are innocent. Though our land is awash in innocent blood, we do not accept that we are responsible for letting that blood be spilled. Even at this late hour, their deaths do not grieve us enough to motivate us out of our comfort zone. We expect You to deliver us while we continue to choose our sin. We expect You to have mercy even though we have none for those being slaughtered.

Take away our blind leaders, Father. Abolish those who preach lies to our destruction. Take away their place for the people follow them thinking they are following You. Like vipers they have made a nest, prospering on with richness of their lies. They do not take up the case of the fatherless, Lord. No, they are much too concerned with their own comfort. Worse, they teach that only a few should regard these little ones, leading others astray. Tear away their comfort, Lord. Rebuke them in their wicked ways for they have brought Your wrath upon us.

As it was when You came, Lord, it is now. There are few who teach the truth, few who truly love You, but many who love to use You for their enrichment. As in Jeremiah's day, we are brought down by a priesthood of unbelievers!

Consider, Lord, that You listened to Abraham when he pled for Lot's life. Though You destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah -- all those wicked cities -- You did provide a place for Lot and his family. Truly, You led them away from the destruction, and they survived. Look over this land now, Lord, I plead. Are there not some Lot's among us? Do we not plead Your case? Do we not suffer all kinds of injustice to bring forth Your truth? Are we not fighting for the children's lives, and pleading with the errant? Yes, some do it for show, but surely, Lord, some do it for You. Some love You with a great passion, Lord. To some You are everything.
We are a weak and helpless kind. Our bodies are frail little things, literally dust in the wind, but, You, LORD, are the incredibly great ALMIGHTY. Nothing stands in Your way. No one escapes You, and no one defies You. Help us, LORD. Take pity on us for we are to be pitied.

I do not ask that you save this nation as a whole. No, LORD, for I know our sins are too great, but perhaps, LORD, Thou would consider saving a remnant -- not because we deserve it, for surely we do not; but because You love us. We are the errant children who must be punished to be turned, but do not completely remove us, LORD. In Your mercy lead some to safety like Lot.

Whatever Thy will, O LORD, Thou art truly deserving of all praise and adoration, and I will praise You. You are my Master, and I love You with all that I am. Hear my cry, for I weep for this people. They do not know what they do. The blind lead them, and they follow willingly. Are they not to be pitied? Surely You have had great mercy on us already. You have had exceedingly great mercy on me, letting the word You gave me prosper in other's hearts. Still, permit me to ask for mercy for this people, LORD. Where they are repentant, where they seek You in truth, where they work to Your glory, please, have mercy.

May my feet be swift to please You in all that You call me to, and may Your praise never be far from my heart, but keep me close to You like the child I am that I might not stray from You will in any fashion. In Yeshua's name I ask it all. Amen and amen.

Illogical?

But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; and base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: that no flesh should glory in His presence. -- 1 Cor 1:27, 28

To the Jews the cross was offensive, unproductive, and illogical. That the King of kings should submit to it was foolishness itself. Yet, without the cross there would be no salvation.

People tell me I'm illogical. That my logic isn't logic. And, you know what? They're right. They're absolutely right, because I don't reason with the reason of man.

It is completely illogical to choose a third party candidate -- by man's reasoning. It is. However, it is perfectly logical by God's reasoning. Since I work for God, I must take the stance that He requires of me. Illogical or not it is the stand I must take.

It comes down to whom do you fear and whom do you trust. I trust in Him. That is: I abandon all conventional reason for Him. I fear Him. I will get into the furnace. I will go into the lion's den. I will run at Goliath with everything I am. I will do these things because He is so awesomely deserving, and I am just His servant -- meaning His will supersedes mine every time.

So, when you accuse me of being substantially unreasonable according to the logic of man, I must agree with you. I am unreasonably trusting of Him -- by man's standards I absolutely am. However, He is Who He is -- deserving of such unreserved loyalty and abandonment of self.

My heart weeps for those who do not get this. God's supremacy is not in question. It is not deniable. It cannot be subverted. It cannot be altered. It cannot be defeated. He is the Supreme. Therefore, abandoning ourselves to Him is actually the only truly logical choice.

Where is Your Faith?

Let all the earth fear the LORD. Let ALL the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him.

For He spake, and it was done. He commanded and it stood fast.

The LORD bringeth the counsel of the heathen to nought. He maketh the devices of the people of none effect.

The counsel of the LORD standeth FOREVER, the thoughts of His heart to ALL generations.

Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom He hath chosen for His own inheritance. -- Psa 33:8-12

There is NO king saved by the multitude of an host. A mighty man is NOT delivered by much strength.

An horse is a van thing for safety. Neither shall he deliver any by his great strength.

BEHOLD, the eye of the LORD is upon them that FEAR Him, upon them that hope in HIs mercy; to deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine.  -- Psa 33:16-18

Just as the Psalmist called the people to trust in God -- stating clearly that NUMBERS do not necessary equate to strength nor power to a win -- I CHALLENGE all those who claim to believe in God to put their faith into action. That is I call you to vote as you know God would have you vote -- not for a lesser evil, because God does NOT approve of evil. He does NOT partner with it in any form or fashion. But rather, I call you to vote for a candidate God would actually approve of -- a man after God's heart such as Tom Hoefling.

Look at this Psalm carefully. Strength is not in conventional wisdom. No. True strength is wielded by God alone. He is the One who sets up the powerful. If we are obedient to HIm, He gives us good rulers. When we are disobedient, He lets us have wicked ones.

Look at the two primary candidates. Are they not both exceedingly wicked? Do you really think that an accident? No, this is God letting us know He's through putting up with our sin. This is God giving us one last chance to choose wisely.

A vote for either primary candidate is still a vote to KEEP the very SIN that has brought us to this precipice. Neither will end abortion. Neither is going to return us to a godly nation. And neither even comprehends what "disrespecting the cross" even is.

We need to stop voting like Goliath was too big, the lions too deadly, and the furnace too hot for God to handle. HE IS ABLE. The only question is do we have the FAITH required for this situation? Or is our faith in word alone, being empty and useless?

Take Up My Cause, Lord!

Plead my cause, O LORD, with them that strive with me. Fight against them that fight against me.

Take hold of shield and buckler, and stand up for mine help.

Draw out also the spear, and stop the way against them that persecute me. Say unto my soul, I am thy salvation.

Let them be confounded and put to shame that seek after my soul. Let them be turned back and brought to confusion that devise my hurt.

Let them be as chaff before the wind, and let the angel of the LORD chase them.

Let their way be dark and slippery, and let the angel of the LORD persecute them.

For without cause have they hid for me their net in a pit, which without cause they have digged for my soul.

Let destruction come upon him at unawares, and let his net that he has hid catch himself -- into that very pit let him fall.

And my soul shall be joyful in the LORD. It shall rejoice in His salvation.

All my bones shall say, "LORD, who is like thee, which deliverest the poor from him that is too strong for him -- yea, the poor and needy from him that spoileth him? -- Psa 35:1-10

The Christian in this nation is under serious attack from the seriously wealthy and powerful. They hate us. They have set a net for our feet. Yet, some of us are God's own. Therefore, let us cry out unto God to "take up our cause". He is listening, and they, too, can be undone just as David's enemies were.

Brief Update

I have been crazy busy, but I made out to the pit to witness and preach several times anyway. One morning was spent in court, taking a violent man to task for his aggressions at the pit. 

Despite having a judge who made it clear he did not want to rule in our favor, our testimony left him little choice. According to the prosecutor the first two witnesses sealed the case. (I was the first of those.)

I have also been reaching out to the mother I turned several months ago. Her due date is quickly upon us. The good news is, though, that she is doing well and is ready -- even excited (yeah!) about her child.

Between allergies and a virus I haven't been online much, but I am hoping to work on a new piece today. Until, the Lord bless and keep those who are His, and convict and deliver those who aren't to His great glory.

In Him,

Betty

A Divine Appointment

I had a divine appointment yesterday that is very indicative of the times. I had asked the LORD to put me where He wanted me and use me as He willed. So, I wound up leaving town much later than I normally do, and I stopped at Walmart on the way out.

Just as I climbed into my truck a woman came running up to me. She was desperate. She babbled almost incoherently. The main thing I caught was that she and her son were homeless. She had lost her job, found another, but they had yet to pay her. He is diabetic, and she didn't have enough money to feed him. And the hotel they were staying in was about to toss them back onto the street.

All this while I was digging in my wallet. It was nearly empty, but I did find one twenty lurking amidst the butterflies. I said, "You're homeless?"

She said, "Yes. Please, I wouldn't ask . . ."

I pulled out the twenty and handed it to her. 

She immediately began to bawl like a baby. "Oh, thank you. Thank you," she cried. Then she ran off. By the time I had straightened my purse, she was completely out of sight.

I just sat there a moment, distressed for her. Twenty dollars was such a big deal for her, but I likely would have missed her altogether if not for the Lord. Her desperation broke my heart. That single remaining twenty fixed her world -- at least for the moment, but I didn't get a chance to pray with her. So, I started thanking the LORD, and asking Him to continue to help her as I drove off.

I'm glad I look like an approachable grandmother. I am so glad, but more than that I'm overwhelmed at the mercy of God. He put me there at just the right time for her, and made sure I had just enough money to help her. I'm weeping as I write due to the awesomeness of our God. It meant everything to her, but I likely would have missed it if He hadn't timed it just right.

People are desperate. People are afraid. We who know the truth can truly be His light in their darkness -- if we're willing, if we're open to God's direction. Yes, the times are hard on all of us, but that twenty was such a little thing in the grand scheme of things. Yet, it gave her such hope and joy, and it blessed me greatly while glorifying God. Is that not why we are here?

Today's Prayer

Thank You, Lord, for this day -- for Who You are and all You've done.

Help me to make the best of all my resources -- to put You first, and serve You diligently. 

My hope, my peace, my all rest in You, and I am completely confident that You are able and willing to deliver. 

Lead me to the work You would have me do and glorify Yourself in it. 

Let not my feet be stilled nor my tongue be silent until I have done all that You have called me to. Even this day, Lord, let me be of use to You. Pleasing You is the wind beneath my wings.

I fear and adore You with the same breath. My heart yearns to be ever nearer to You. Have mercy on me for You are my everything. 

I am but a speck of dust in a whirlwind, but You are the Ultimate Supreme -- holy and worthy beyond compare. I humble myself before You for You are too great for me. I wilt before You then You stand me up like a warrior -- as a mighty, fearful warrior and even great evil trembles. They do not see me as myself. No, they see You, backing me up -- a little girl with her Father behind her then they wilt and run screaming.

Today, Lord, while it is still today lead me as You will. I will go. Though the wind howls around me, and mine enemies are many; I will go. You are my Heavenly Father. How can I not?

Glorify Yourself this day, for You, O LORD, are worthy of all glory.

In Yeshua's name. Amen and amen.

Reflection

Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourself in the sight of the Lord, and He shall lift you up. -- Jam 4:8-10

Feeling humble today, inadequate. It's a good thing I don't trust in myself. No, my hope is in God. He is my deliverer, my protector, and my provider. When I can't see a way, He makes one. When I am too weak, He strengthens me. I never know what to say, but He puts His words in my mouth.

I am nothing, but He is everything. Others may think it's me, but I know it is Him. I push on because of Him. I run because of Him, and I succeed, because of Him.

If ever there were a worm too inept to be successful, it is I. If ever there were a speck of dust to useless to use, it is I. If ever there were one too sinful, too uneducated, the wrong gender . . . and yet, because of Him, I roar like a lion, and even the mountains tremble. Oh, yes, because I do not do anything in my own strength -- for it is feeble, indeed -- but in all things do I look to Him. 

He makes my paths straight. He makes my words stand. He makes me worth listening to -- for I do not speak of myself. Why would anyone listen to just me? No, people listen, because they hear His heart coming out of my mouth.

He is the reason. He is worthy. He is the One we all should adore, respect, honor . . . 

Me? I'm just blessed to get to work here. And that's enough when you know who you really are, what you've done, and how far He went to rescue you from yourself. It's enough to be His -- not to be worthy of being so, but to know you've been delivered to be so.

Blessings,

Betty

Like Elijah

I have had some tell me that I am "too harsh", that I should be "nicer". I tell those who slaughter children the absolute truth of Scripture, and I do not hold back. God is angry. He hates the shedding of innocent blood. It is an abomination He hates (Pro 6:16, 17), and He calls those who do is wicked (Exo 23:7).  They are headed for hell, and I do not pretend otherwise. Some say that's mean. I say it's mean to let them traipse into hell unwarned.

Not only do I preach the truth of God's word onsite outside these pits of hell, I call out to the workers as they are going in. I tell them God is holy, exceedingly so. I warn them that He will not allow them in His heaven, because they are wicked in His eyes. I call on them to consider Who He really is and repent. My witness is part admonition, and part pleading. I really don't want them punished. I want them saved, but they cannot be saved until they stop partnering with the devil in slaughtering children. (Yes, I tell them that, too.)

Does this make them uncomfortable? You bet it does. It should, because God is not some weak-kneed pseudo-god that we can push around. No, He'll not be mocked. They will reap what they sow, and they are, after all, sowing torture and death into their field of life. So, they should be worried. I certainly would be.

However, to turn someone from as powerful a lie as abortion, we have to be flat out honest with them.  We have to quit pretending like this is just a "choice", that while it upsets God it doesn't make Him angry. It does make Him angry. It is a nation-killing offense. We should speak to them like this is so, because it is. (Deu 19:10) It brings the curses of God down upon those who kill, those who assist, and those who do nothing to stop it (Deu 28:15).

The other things I do assist the witness I bring. I take authority over the site when I arrive, then I bind, rebuke, and cast out the demonic entities. Then I pray, calling on God to send forth His waring angels to work according to His will, and that He make these workers of iniquity (clinic personnel) aware of who they partner with.

Does this work? You bet it does. They tremble when I show up. They get agitated and they agitate their prey. I believe this is why the Lord told me I was like Elijah. I confront them head on. But God has led me to do this, and He backs me up. They are really afraid of me. No, they are terrified of the God I serve. He sends mighty angels with me, and they come to do serious battle.

So what has been the result of this. Well, we now know that there has been quite a change in personnel. They had been showing clear signs of conviction, acting out outrageously. Now, many of them are just gone.

Listen, folks, this isn't about me. It is about using God's word and our Biblical authority wisely, but we have to be onsite to do these things. That is why we must get up and go. I do not recommend, though, that everyone try to take authority. Those who do not know who they are in Christ absolutely should not. These things are dangerous, and should only be confronted by those who have God's authority to do so.

How many death-pits can we shut down by speaking so? (Having to constantly replace their employees will be a real problem for them.) Likely all of them, because it isn't "us" that sends them packing. It's God answering the faith of our commitment.

Jeremiah Chapter 7 -- Today's Word

In Jeremiah's Judah we see a prototype of who we are as a nation before God. They worshipped and preferred other gods, disrespected His word, and slaughtered their innocent children. So do we. They did not believe God would punish them, and were astonished when He did. We do not expect Him to punish us, either. He will, but we are still frighteningly incapable of reading the writing on the wall. In Jeremiah Chapter Seven we get an overview of what happened to Judah. Given that we follow in their footsteps, we should take a long, hard look at our ever-looming future. It is not just what the LORD had me preach at the pit this morning. It is what we need to hear, as well.

Thus said the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, "Amen your ways and your doings, and I will cause you to dwell in this place." -- 7:3

The first thing God does is send His messenger to plead with the disobedient to repent and return to Him. He assures us that if we repent, we will be forgiven and blessed. But that little two letter "if" word is very powerful, because it literally means that we must change our ways to be forgiven. He requires that we act on our repentance.

Trust ye not in lying words, saying: "The temple of the LORD, the temple of the LORD, the temple of the LORD are these. -- 7:4

They believed that God would not punish them, because the temple was still in their midst. We believe that God will not punish us, because the Lord is our sacrifice. God had left the temple because they were too disobedient. Christ is only our sacrifice if we choose to be His obedient followers.

"For if ye thoroughly amend your ways and your doings, if ye thoroughly execute judgment between a man and his neighbor, if ye oppress not the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow, and shed not innocent blood in this place, neither walk after other gods to your hurt; then I will cause you to dwell in this place, in the land that I gave to your fathers, for ever and ever." -- 7:5-7

God's remedy for their sin and ours is the same. We have to stop sinning. He never intended that we abide in sin. No, He intended that we be holy as He is holy. He will not be mocked (Gal 6:7, 8). He will not have a people who are His in name only.

"And now, because ye have done all these works, saith the LORD, and I spake unto you, rising up early and speaking, but ye heard not; and I called you, but ye answered not; therefore will I do unto this house, which is called by My name, wherein ye trust, and unto the place which I gave to you and to your fathers, as I have done to Shiloh." -- 7:13, 14

Shiloh is where the Lord's temple was first set up when the Israelites entered Canaan. It was utterly destroyed because the people there abandoned the truth of God's word. God uses it to point out that their security did not come from the temple. No, it came from Him, and He would only protect them as long as they were obediently His.

This is where we miss it as well. We tell ourselves that because Christ died for our sins, God will not punish us. What we forget is that He died that we might be freed from sin, not abide in sin. So we are in every bit as much danger as they were -- and the truth is He is speaking to us today, calling out to us to repent in the same way He did them.

"And I will cast you out of My sight, as I have cast out all your brethren, even the whole seed of Ephraim." -- 7:15

God is no respecter of persons. He never has been. He loved Israel, but He cast Ephraim out completely. The disobedient will be cut off -- regardless of who they are.

Therefore, thus saith the LORD GOD, "Behold, MINE anger and MY fury shall be poured out upon this place, upon man, and upon beast, and upon the trees of the field, and upon the fruit of the ground. And it shall burn, and shall not be quenched." -- 7:20

Like Judah we have a bad habit of thinking that we will somehow survive God's wrath. Precious few of them did. The vast majority did not. They were His chosen people, but they did not survive His wrath. I don't know who's more foolish because we have their example -- but they also knew what He was capable of.

But this thing commanded I them, saying, "Obey My voice, and I will be your God, and ye shall be My people. And walk ye in all the way that I have commanded you, that it may be well with you. But they harkened not, nor inclined their ear, but walked in the counsels and in the imagination of their evil heart, and went backward, and not forward." -- 7:23, 24

Again, their problem was a lack of obedience. They hardened their hearts. He sent them messengers, but they would not listen. They would not turn, until all that remained was judgment.

But thou shalt say unto them, "This is a nation that obeyeth not the voice of the LORD their God, nor receiveth correction. Truth is perished, and is cut off from their mouth." 7:28

They turned away from God so completely that they would not tolerate the truth. Are we not exactly the same? Surely there are few things more endangered in our society than the truth.

"Therefore, behold the days come," saith the LORD, "that it shall no more be called Tophet, nor the valley of the son of Hinnom, but the valley of slaughter. For they shall bury in Tophet, till there be no place. And the carcases of this people shall be meat for the fowls of the heaven, and for the beasts of the earth; and none shall fray them away." -- 7:32, 33

Truly the people of Judah were slaughtered brutally, and their bodies were left to be eaten by the birds and beasts. This, too, is our destiny if we do not repent. It's sobering. It's horrifying, but it is what awaits us if we do not stop our sinful ways. God was long-suffering and patient with Judah. He has been so with us. But there was an end for them, and there will be an end for us.

Time is running out, folks. Like Judah we are about to find out first hand just how horrible God's wrath can be. It doesn't matter how loudly we proclaim ourselves "His people" if our actions prove us to be the devil's own.

The Effect of Sin

Wherever you are, whatever your sin -- whatever it is that keeps you from God, you need to know that there is absolutely no sin too great that God cannot or will not deliver you from -- IF you will truly give yourself unconditionally to Him. He can heal you. He can deliver you. The blood of Christ is absolutely sufficient in all things.

That being said, it is also true that there is no sin so insignificant that it will not completely, and irreversibly separate you from God should you not have surrendered to Him, taking Him as your Master fully, before you die. On the one side there truly is incredible forgiveness. On the other, total rejection -- as we reject His Son's sacrifice for us, just so will He reject us.

These days we have a problem understanding the effect of sin. Many think it irrelevant, because forgiveness is readily available through Christ. Others think it insurmountable, because they equate it to self-worth. Neither are true.

Sacrificing His only, beloved Son was no small deal to God. He did not take it lightly at the time. He does not now. He allowed His Son to suffer and die that we might be freed from sin, not that we might remain in it. It wasn't a casual offering. It was a tremendous sacrifice. So, sin is a very, very big deal to God. He calls us to holiness -- to obedience; because if we remain in our sins, we cannot be His. Forgiveness is readily available, because Christ availed us of it; but it is not insignificant, because we could never acquire it on our own.

This then is the message which we have heard of Him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in Him is NO darkness at all. -- 1 Joh 1:5

God is brilliantly pure. To look at Him would not just fry our eyes, but, most likely, our brains as well. He's that free from sin. He's brilliantly holy. So, darkness or sin cannot dwell with Him. It's just not possible. By His very nature He would extinguish it.

Now, the power of the blood of Christ is just as incredible. Even the smallest droplet covers the worst of sins, not like a blanket or a sweater. No, this is more like bleach -- blotting it out as though it were never there. Even the worst of sins are dissolved by the slightest mist of His blood.

Your self worth has nothing to do with the power of Christ's blood. Absolutely nothing. You do not deserve to be saved by the nature of your own worth, neither can it lessen the availability of His forgiveness. The power of His blood stands alone. We can neither add to it nor take anything from it. So, just because you cannot see yourself as worthy of being forgiven does not mean you cannot be forgiven; and just because you see yourself as deserving of forgiveness does not mean you will be. His criteria is that we sincerely repent or turn from our sins and seek His Lordship, that we humble ourselves as His servants. Our perception of our own worth is irrelevant.

The only thing keeping many from being saved is their unwillingness to repent or turn from their sins, but with Christ even that is remarkably easy. The only hard part is surrender, but even that is easy when we realize just how futile life is without Him.

There is only one true God, and He is the God of the Bible. He is the only One who cared enough to provide for our forgiveness and salvation, but we have to take hold of that gift and let Him be the God He truly is.

Are You a Preacher?

So this morning a fellow-laborer asked me if I was a preacher. Without hesitation I answered, "Yes. Yes, I am. I had a problem originally, being a woman, but God said . . ."

He nodded, smiling, "That explains a lot."

Two years ago my answer would have been, "No, I just repeat what He tells me." Today, it's emphatically, "Yes!"

Not only am I comfortable with that title these days, but I am also quite comfortable teaching,  preaching, and ministering as one in that position. I get up each day asking the Lord to lead me in being the witness He would have me be -- reaching out to those I encounter as the Spirit wills. Now this has led to a wide variety of opportunities to His glory, and constant amazement on my behalf as He proves over and over again just how able He is to work with the truly willing. I, literally, just show up expecting Him to be Himself, and He never disappoints. It's one of those things I think far too many just do not "get" today -- that the God of the Bible truly is the exceedingly great "I AM". 

We have so many false or pseudo heroes today. We have comic book supermen and women. We have imagined rescuers, fanciful enemies, and mythical wars. Some are so caught up in these superfluous worlds that they fail to realize we have very real extraordinary warriors, diabolical villains, and world-shattering wars around us all the time.

Seriously. At any given time there are angels -- of varying sizes and positions -- listening for faith to come out of our mouths. There are demons -- also of varying sizes and positions -- desperately trying to make us stumble or fall. And there are very real wars going on between those forces for the souls of men. The godly angels make our imaginary heroes look like children at play, and the demonic side make our villains appear childishly inept. It's hard not to wonder if the imaginations of man aren't just a little bit tainted by the reality that can only be seen spiritually.

Above it all God sits enthroned in Heaven. The Bible says we are like "grasshoppers" before Him (Isa 40:22). Yet, He waits, that He might show us compassion (Isa 30:18) We are insignificant puffs of dust in His hands, but He loved us so much that He sent His only Son to suffer and die, even to be humiliated, that we might be saved.

So, yes, I am a preacher, because the Great God of Heaven loved me so much that I am truly nothing if I fail to love Him back by taking the truth of His word to those who will hear it. How else are they to know? If no one shall take His word to them, how else are they to be saved? How else shall I glorify Him? I tell you the truth:  If I am silent, then I make a mockery of the sacrifice of His Son, my LORD.

Two years ago I would have fumbled my words, not knowing how to respond. I would have been uncomfortable with making such bold statements. Today I stand on the street and preach as loud and clearly as I possibly can -- without shame, without fear, without hesitation, and I am very much aware that the demons and principalities tremble when I do. What a difference a couple of years make.

Get Into the Furnace

When Shaddrach, Messhach, and Abednego decided to remain true to God, they knew they might die in the fiery furnace. However, they reasoned that it was far better to be obedient -- even if it led to death, than to deny God. 

When Americans look at presidential hopefuls, we tend to think "choose the lesser evil". We do not believe that God will mind our partnership with the devil, saying to ourselves that "it is the only logical choice". 

Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: for he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds. -- 2 Joh 1:9-11

What we forget is that the God of our time is the exact same God of their time. He has not changed. He is still the incredibly great I AM, and He demands our total allegiance. He calls us to faithful obedience -- in every area of our lives. He requires that we be like Shaddrach, Messach, and Abednego -- willing to give up our lives for Him, to have enough faith in Him to obey Him.

Many are not even considering this, though. No, all they see is the "fiery furnace" before them. So, they will vote for a known evil over apparent holiness, expecting that God will "make it work". He won't, but they clearly expect Him to.

So, to all my pro-two candidates only, friends, you need to realize the real question your choice answers is this: How much faith in God do you actually have? Are you a Shaddrach, a Daniel, or are you Balaam -- choosing to pad your pockets at God's expense?

We all look back on these men, Daniel, David, etc.; and honestly believe -- on some level that their choices were easier than ours. We applaud what they did and recognize it as the "right" thing for them to have done. Turn the page, though, and we are just as convinced that our evil choices are also the right thing.

Be not deceived. God is not mocked; for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. -- Gal 6:7

Choosing evil brings evil. It cannot do anything else. If you think about how so many professing Christians also chose not to fight abortion, you can see our generation proof of this reality. It was the silent approval of those who claim to be His that allowed that atrocity to flourish, and branch into all sorts of "mercy" killings. Yet, many said, "We must give women a choice or it will be worse." Now our nation is drowning in innocent blood.

Sorry, folks, but that is the reality. You cannot partner with evil and reap goodness. You cannot choose an evil leader and expect to be wisely or gently ruled. An evil heart does not have that capacity -- unless God miraculously bestows it, and He won't do that when we have deliberately chosen evil. Neither can you choose evil and receive God's blessings. No, He'll curse us even more for that. That's what true holiness means. It's a deliberate separation from unholiness. It's the hard choice -- like Shaddrach, Messhach, and Abednego. 

If you really care about this nation, the only real choice is third party -- where a man like Tom Hoefling, who puts God first, gives us the opportunity to choose holiness. We have to get into the furnace, and trust that even if we die, at least we will not be separated from Him. I'm not saying that Tom Hoefling is the only right choice. No, I'm saying holiness is the only right choice. Choosing godliness over apparent wickedness is always the right choice.

If you cannot make that hard choice, you need to realize that you have already lost. You have chosen to abandon God for the easier path. You have taken the wide path, because the narrow was too difficult. It is very easy for us to look at Balaam and see how far off he was. What's hard is looking at ourselves and realizing we're making the same type of choice.

I urge you to seek God and devour Scripture for the truth. Repeatedly our Scriptural example made the hard choice, and God blessed them for it. Repeatedly we are given examples of how the easy choice ended. For me it is broadly apparent that the only real choice is to get into the furnace. Hard as that is, it is the only way.