Sadly, this catastrophe is not limited to our own borders – it is a global issue. Americans routinely invoke the blessing of God upon our nation, instinctively believing we are the purveryors good in the world. It is not my intent to denounce the nation I love or denigrade the good America does in our hurting world. But we must be willing to examine the truth. America is a leader and proponet of  abortion across the globe. With more than 1 million abortions performed annually in our country, Planned Parenthood is the government’s chosen abortion provider. PPFA downplays the significance of abortion, saying it represents only 3% of its services. The truth is, abortion plays a much more significant role in both Planned Parenthood’s agenda and the budgetary bottom line. One third of Planned Parenthood revenues are derived from abortion procedures.

There is even more in the ominous history of Planned Parenthood. Founder, Margaret Sanger is listed as one of the most significant women in American history. Really? Examine the agenda of PPFA and it’s founder by her own words:

• In the Pivot of Civilization, she refers to immigrants and poor people as ‘human weeds’ and ‘reckless breeders’.
• Sangers Plan for Peace said, couples should be required to submit applications to have a child.
• She wrote in 1919, the purpose of promoting birth control was ‘to create a race of thoroughbreds’.

 Today, on the Capitol grounds of Texas there was a celebration of life far different from Sanger and her legacy. Not a protest or a political parade, the rally celebrated a culture of life and landmark legislation leading this nation back to life. There is reason to celebrate – federal courts have upheld Texas legislation requiring doctor’s to provide a sonogram to every woman. She is also given the opportunity to hear the beating heart of the child within.

 Although 40 years of abortion has resulted in more than 50 million innocent lives lost (2x’s the current population of Texas),  life-lovers came from every corner of the State to celebrate truth – that every life has meaning, every life deserves liberty; and, that it is our responsibility to protect those who cannot protect themselves in order to preserve the liberties of us all. A call to prayer was issued: Pray for those who cannot pray for themselves, pray for those paid to terminate life and pray for those on the sidelines of this definitive issue.

As Christian’s we are called to set aside every allegiance, except to One – Jesus. He authored creation, He creates us in our mother’s womb and He numbers our days. It is He alone who came to defeat death, so that you and I might have life. Above every political fray and frenzy of  His own day, He rises to this day above it all. Jesus is in every way pro-life. Not a politician, or a national hero – He is the Perfect1, the one who is able to rescue each of us from the clutches of sin and death. He provides to all who claim Him as King, life eternal. Remember as we grieve over those who have been lost to the ravages of this age, that Christ alone brings life. It is not enough that we live for a secular goal, to eradicate evil in our day. But that we represent the light of Christ to a dark and deceived world. Hatred will not win this war, the victory belongs to The Victor – Christ Jesus.

 Our goal is not to limit life to cultural warfare, but to actively engage in life growing in the grace of God. Take a look at how all of us can engage in the life He has called us to live, love and lead:  

• Grow Up – Our maturity is not determined by the people we know or the ideologies we profess, but by the evidence of the Word becoming active in our lives. 1Cor 3:2-3
• Give Way – God is the author and finisher of our faith; we are His vessels, and instruments. We are the connections through which God works in the world. 1 Cor 3:6-9
• Get Engaged – The way to live out the truth of God is to engage and follow Him. We cannot isolate ourselves from life around us. We are made to be servants of love. Pro 18:1-2
• Gain Wisdom – God’s Word tells us to follow the positive examples of other believers in our pursuit of Christ. The believers road is well travelled and marked by those who have gone before us and upon who’s shoulders we stand. 1Cor 4:15-16
• Give Glory – God, not man, defines what is eternal and worthy of glory. “Christ in us, the hope of glory.” Our efforts should be for His glory and not for our own. Col 1:27, 1Cor 3: 11-15
• Grant Grace – We are not at war with others, not even those who do evil.  God clearly calls us to love before judgement – to forgive so that our sins can be forgiven. Mat 6

What does Pro-Life really mean?  It means to allow Christ to live in us so that His love may be displayed in a way that others will have an opportunity to know the Perfect1 – The True Life Giver.

For more information:

Rebecca Kiessling, Conceived in Rape, Targeted for Abortion

Carol Everett, Heidi Group, Blood Money

Governor Mike Huckabee,  Gift of Life

There is so much to do! How will I ever get it all done? In the crush of Christmas, we sometimes lose our child-like sense of wonder and anticipation of a coming King. We are not alone, more than 2000 years ago the children of Israel failed to anticipate the coming Messiah.

A nation of promise had stopped looking forward to the Savior, the Redeemer – God’s Chosen One. Many became too busy to notice the night sky blazing with hope for mankind. As children of God, we are formed for hope. We are made to be filled with anticipation and to believe in something far greater than ourselves.

YOU ARE MADE FOR HOPE

Our legacy of love is filled with those who held fast to the truth of God, despite hardship or hurriedness. Mary & Joseph traded every anxiety for anticipation of the promised child. Even in the womb, John leapt with anticipation for the Christ child. Simeon & Anna held fast to the promises of God, believing that they would see the Messiah in their life.

HOW DO WE LOOK FORWARD?

We are called to fresh hope every day of our life, regardless of circumstance. We are called to believe in the reality of the Messiah daily. We are to look forward to God’s best handiwork – in our lives and in our world. Embrace the truth, God is coming soon to establish the physical reign of Christ upon the earth. Herald the truth and bring the good news of the gospel to every corner of the earth. Finally, we celebrate in our hearts a personal relationship with the Creator God of the universe.

A CHRISTMAS INVITATION

Today, we observe more than an ancient event. We celebrate the daily reality of God’s redemptive plan – a savior born for each of us. Even with this, God is not finished. We are made to look forward, to anticipate the greatest works of God – yet to come. As children of God, we anticipate Christmas beyond our material or cultural trappings. We are called to move beyond making a ‘to-do’ list for God in our lives. He does not exist to grant our need or greed. He has a greater purpose for each of us. He invites us to join Him – to receive His heart of hope for man and the generations to come. His invitation extends beyond a day into eternity.

 ANTICIPATE & CELEBRATE TRUTH!

Christmas heralds a new covenant between man & God. Christ is called Emmanuel – God with us. As we walk with God, we are called to be miracle makers in the life of those who have yet to encounter a living personal God. He invites us to join Him, to be on mission with Him. We are the earthen vessels of a living God. He calls us to bring blessing to every circumstance & crisis. We receive His invitation to a heavenly partnership, praying the promises of God and believing them!

GOD’S INVITATION TO YOU

• Anticipate more than you ever did as a child
• Anticipate more than you ever have as an adult
• Fill your heart with hope for the generations to come
• Pray the promises of God and believe them
• Make your treasure full of the truth of the Trinity
• Anticipate the Christmas Child born for you – A Savior
• Anticipate the Reign of Christ
• Open your heart to the rule & reign of Christ in Your Life

May Emmanuel, the Messiah – Christ with us, become a living reality to you. I pray that Christmas will have greater meaning to you than ever before. Anticipate God’s grace, goodness and greatness today and every day!

1 Chronicles 16

David was throwing the biggest party in his new nation’s life. Why? The Ark of the Covenant – the habitat of God – had found a permanent home with the people of God. Today, we are the living expression of God’s permanent home. He abides in the children of God. We have every reason to celebrate! God is at the very center of every living thing. He lives in the hearts of His people and inhabits our praises. Our lives are an on-going celebration of God’s mercy and grace.

 We live a life of wonder – the wonder of God’s love, character & living spirit. God is at the center of the universe and every detail of our lives. He is to be glorified, to be honored and to be called upon. Even as we live in wonder, there are times we wander through the complexities and circumstances of life. For this, we need to connect to the signposts of God’s Wonder to find our way. God’s signposts are a sure path to living the life God intended.

SIGNPOSTS #1 – MAKE HIM KNOWN TO OTHERS

God has a unique path in the life of each of His children. A key to knowing God is to make Him known to others. Tell your story. Tell His story. Tell the good news and the reality of God in your life. Why? By doing this, we acknowledge our dependence and allegiance to him. Acknowledging God is a form of adoration to Him. When we serve the interests of His kingdom 1^st before ourselves, we open the doorway to heaven & healing in our lives.

SIGNPOST #2 – SEEK RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD

Our lives are not our own. We are part of a bigger story – HisStory. Our story is a story of commitment and covenant with God in history. Our value does not come from reaching perfection or personal milestones. Our worth comes from relationship with the Savior. In relationship we embark upon a journey of trust, a demonstration of His triumph and victory. A life that glorifies God and shares in His glory.

SIGNPOST #3 – REMEMBER HIS COVENANT IS FOREVER

 God never forgets…but we can. He calls upon us to remember the promise of His covenant. We are called to be a testimony to the ages; we are a lasting remembrance of God. Standing upon His ancient promises, it is our calling to believe in the lasting and eternal promises of God. When we fail to remember His covenant, His promises can become antiquated, irrelevant and forgotten in the hearts of His children. Only God has the authority to bring to pass His written & spoken promise. Our part is to remember, witness and profess the faithfulness of God.

SIGNPOST #4 – MERCY ENDURES FOREVER

On our own we are vulnerable – to the wiles of those who oppose God & to our own choices. We are vulnerable to culture and the conditions of mankind. God’s mercy endures to every generation that calls upon His Goodness. We remember His mercy in thankfulness to Him. Throughout the bible He conquered kings & lands for the sake of his children. Those that God anoints and appoints are protected by His grace & glory.

SIGNPOST #5 – SALVATION IS THE LORD’S

The Lord’s salvation is the focus of our praise. We are created to proclaim the good tidings of His salvation to a world that is desperate for truth. The ultimate promise of God has been fulfilled in Christ Jesus. We give thanks because we have a love relationship with Christ who fulfills every promise of God.

SIGNPOST#6 – HIS REIGN IS ESTABLISHED FOREVER

We live in wonder at the creative goodness of God. His providence established the world and His wisdom governs. His handiwork causes the earth to rejoice. Our praise is constant because of His constancy & splendor. Our offering of praise is the fruit of our lips & lives. We worship His holiness – perfection, justice & righteousness. His holiness sanctifies our souls. His strength & joy fill our hearts and bring beauty to our lives.

 “Remember!” shouts David to the nation of Israel. Remember all that God has done and is doing – all that is yet to come. When you find yourself wandering through life – don’t forget to wonder. We are called to a life of wonder – at the greatness, goodness and grace of God.

The secret to Thanksliving is simple – TELL YOURSELF THE TRUTH!

• He delivers fresh mercy daily to use and give away
• He speaks to our heart, He is ALWAYS with us
• He guides us on a path to encouragement

We are granted access to the power of heaven, as we learn to live in Thanksgiving to Him. We give Him thanks because He is worthy! We become thanks-givers as we abide in His presence, experiencing His goodness in our lives. Thanksliving builds our faith – enabling us to believe God for greater things and see his miracles in every life and every circumstance.

Join us in prayer wherever you are at noon as people across America will be praising our Abba Father for people like you who love Jesus and…. love the little children of the world. Thank you for praying, giving and working toward the biggest “love project” in the world that delivers Jesus’ love in a shoebox.

John 10:10 “I am here… now… and have a gift for you.  It is abundant life!

Abundance in everything you need to live the Alleluia Life.

 Is doubt the door to understanding the Power of His Presence? It can be. Doubt can lead us to asking the right questions. Like, am I on the right highway to heaven?

Is failure the backdoor to successful living? Failure is often the course taken to commitment and conviction. Failure prompts us to ask, why do I feel like I can never get it right in life?

Is wonder the window to hope? Sure…wonder is a walk that explores with God the wrong within.  When wondering we ask, what is it that I am doing wrong?

Is searching the shade to Heaven? Searching is the honest hallway for help. Searching’s supply is, where do I go for help?

Is seeking a salute to the Savior? Seeking always leads us to the One with answers. When we are seeking, God brings understanding to our hearts – Am I expecting too much of God, others and myself

Honest questions can develop an attitude of expectant hope and security. Hope and security does not come from the basics of achieving and straining. They come only from the gifts of eternal life –  from the foundations of love, grace, faith and freedom.

Jesus said, “I have come. I am the promised One. I am the Present One. I am now (to the disciples the present one come in human form) soon I will be the present one in power at residence in your heart, soul and spirit – Holy Spirit, Gifts of the Spirit and Fruit of the Sprit.

Hope, security, faith and freedom simply let life unfold under the provision and protection of God.  The marvel and wonder of it all writes a melody of joy and alleluia…only Jesus makes it real. Alleluia!

 As you navigate the humps and bumps on the way, don’t dwell on the rain or pain. You can’t stop a tour bus loaded with hate and rejection.  But you can keep hate and rejection from detouring or delaying you while you are homeward bound.  When others reject you, hold on to your rope of hope — Jesus accepts you!

 How?  Smile and keep moving.  Keep both hands on the wheel and rest in God’s protection and provision.   They are the balm of Shiloh delivered by the Savior to heal and deliver you through life’s byways. Life may be going up or down for you, but Jesus is not idle.  He is never distracted, detoured, or delayed!   He is praying and singing as He whispers words of love and encouragement to supply strength for your journey home.

Take a big bite from His limitless love basket, keep your eyes on the road, and pray as you go.  He is watching, He is listening, and He is preparing for your arrival.  

Hooray! See you there, Evelyn

What is the answer to the puzzling times we live in?  Answer all of the following questions with the same seven letter word and you may find the pathway through the missing puzzle pieces of life.

1. What preceded God?
2. What is greater than God?
3. What is more evil than the devil?
4. What do all poor people have?
5. What do wealthy people need?
6. If you eat this, you will die
7. If you drink this, you will swivel up like a prune.

Answer:  NOTHING – ABSOLUTELY NOTHING

Life in America is different today. One thing remains, people often live in the storms of  life. Many believe God only watches as the world turns. As big, beautiful and diverse as our world is – deep within us we know something is broken.  The Big D’s (the Devil’s Daily Details) haunt us, even mock us. What is your biggest Daily D of life?

 Discouragement, Disappointment, Desertion; or, Desperation, Disaster, Death or Destruction may be guiding your current circumstances.  Perhaps the dilemma of decision or depression is driving the daily details of your life.  You do not have to live in the drama and pending disaster of life! God has a different destiny in mind for His children. We can all live the life God intended, the Alleluia Life. 

Believing Christians know that our lives are not ruled by the Devil’s Daily D’s. We live toward the truth, that Jesus is not only the Promised One…but the Present One, alive and at work within and around us.  The Present One, Christ Jesus is our guarantee that something better, less fractured and less vulnerable to the Daily D’s of life is available to live in us displaying His purpose, passion & power to a stormy world.