abandoned to Christ.

Though I have never written much on politics before, this will be my fifth article on the 2016 Election. The reason I've written these articles on the 2016 Election is because of the grave effect its had on my brothers and sisters in Christ. This is the first election I can recall in my 47 years, that has caused such strong fear and deep division among Christians. And honestly, I'm quite perplexed by it all. I'm grieved to the core about how fearful many Christians have become. I'm heartbroken over the self-preservation that's overtaken so many saints in Christ, that they're willing...no, more than willing...they are fully committed to sacrifice biblical precepts and mandates to save their personal agendas and interests. The two prominent serenades evangelicals who are voting for Donald Trump keep singing to lull/dull our consciences are, "We're not voting for a pastor, we're voting for a president!" and "At least Donald Trump i...

Part of my daily Bible Reading today was Proverbs 18. As I read this chapter, I stopped at verse two and began to earnestly pray for the Lord to keep me from being a fool in His sight. Whether I am a fool in the sight of people is of no grave consequence to me. Being a Christian doesn't mean I don't care what people think about me (who doesn't want to be liked?). It means I care more what Christ thinks about me (Gal 1:10). Knowing the days are evil (Eph 5:16), I strive to live every day in view of That Day...when I will see Christ my Savior in His full glory. I long to hear Him say that I have done well in His sight and that my life was a beautiful offering (Mt 25:21, Mk 14:6). I pray this article is well pleasing to my Lord, and that He will use it as an instrument to sow peace and wisdom within the Body of Christ, while proclaiming the undefiled Gospel of Jesus Christ  to the lost. Like many of you, I've seen the video (below) of  Dr. Robert Jeffress , Senio...

On Friday, June 26, 2015 five of the nine justices of the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) vied themselves against the Supreme God of all creation with their calamitous decision to redefine a God-ordained institution—marriage—the union of one man and one woman—two becoming one flesh, by the declaration of God Almighty. The liberty that was fought for by valiant men and women, and once mandated by the Constitution of the United States; for each state to have the right to legislate their own laws in these matters, through their elected officials—by the people, for the people, has now be relegated by five unelected officials whose arrogance has reached the highest heavens.  Due to the supreme foolishness of these Supreme Court justices (Sotomayer, Kagan, Ginsburg, Bryer and Kennedy) same-sexed marriages have now been legalized in all 50 states of my country; the country which I love. There have been many news articles and blog posts about this sad day in Ame...

You've most likely already heard about Tullian Tchividjian's wife's affair, and his reciprocal affair that required his resignation as Pastor of Coral Ridge Presbyterian in Fort Lauderdale, Florida (1 Tim 3:1-7). This announcement has stirred a media and social media frenzy; attracting both prayers and piranhas. I can't imagine what it's like to live a life through the magnified lens of the media, the favoritism of followers, and un-Christlike criticism of detractors. The majority of us can't imagine that either, but we're so quick to condemn, excuse or join whatever seems to be the most popular position (at the moment). We make quick assertions, often, without stopping long enough to seek God's precepts. "There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing." -Proverbs 12:18, ESV We're commanded by God our Father to weep with those who weep. And anyone in their right mind and wi...

One of the greatest and saddest deceptions that befall all people, is the deception of self. Too often we believe our own press and/or who we think we are, versus who we truly are before the sight of God Almighty. Because of our sin nature, none of us are as "good" as we should be. And because of God's grace, none of us are as depraved as we could be. If you're reading this today and aren't sure if you're one of the people living under the deception of who you think you are versus who you truly are as God sees you, I have good news for you. Because God is so kind, is filled with compassion and mercy, and is exceedingly gracious to us, He gives and shows us things He doesn't have to; to help us live in truth. And what is it that God has compassionately given us so we can face the truth of who we really are? He's given us His Word—His holy and infallible "mirror". "the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the comma...

Ah, Facebook, our beloved friend and greatest foe. What are we, as Christians to do with Facebook? Whose face do we choose to display—ours, or Christ's? Whose life is magnified on our personal timeline and news feeds? What do we mostly share and who have we chosen to surround ourselves with by accepting or making friend requests? Are we enticed by the world and encumbered with its dealings (politics, our jobs, our personal rights, physical health, and beauty)? Are these worldly entanglements the prevalent "face" that everyone sees? I'm not suggesting that sharing pictures of us, our families, and the life God has given us is a bad thing. And I'm not suggesting we  never share anything about politics,  our jobs, religions freedoms, or healthy lifestyles. What I'm doing is questioning: Is it the things of God or the things of this world that mostly populate our personal timeline as well as our news feed where we're greatly influenced (whether we ...

Mr. Joe Koblenzer, a 73-year-old Vietnam War veteran, rightfully lost his hosting job at Cracker Barrel in Venice, Florida (Sarasota County) after he stole a corn muffin from the restaurant and gave it to a possibly (but not verified) homeless man. I know the title of this piece and opening statement is not a popular one, but it's the truth. And if you truly care about people, you share the truth; hoping peace, love and reconciliation will be shared between all involved. The beauty of truth is that it's impartial. Equal weight is given to all and no favor is given to one party over another (Ex 23:2-3, James 2:3-4), otherwise it isn't truth, it's discrimination. No rich person, no poor person, no child, no senior citizen, nor war veteran is above the law. Wednesday, June 25, 2014 Cracker Barrel released this statement: "Mr. Koblenzer has worked as a host at Cracker Barrel’s Sarasota store since April 2011. During the time he was employed, he viol...

"Sunny, why is it wrong for women to assert authority over men and is a woman sinning if she speaks at a women's conference and men show up?" Desiring to be a good steward of the short time my Lord has appointed me on this earth, it seemed wiser to respond to the vast amount of emails and comments I've received by writing one article rather than trying to answer my readers individually on this particular topic. My prayer is that everyone who's already written as well as those who haven't but are wondering, might together, be encouraged by this article and the resources I'm happy to share. Before I answer the above question, I want to clearly state that I am a complimentarian  (theological view that men and women are equal in value before the sight of God and man, with differing roles within the home and church) and not an egalitarian  (theological view that men and women have equal roles, i.e., ordain female pastors, elders, etc.). ...

God has been better to me than I deserve. Especially since all I deserve (that is, my sins have earned me) is Hell and His full wrath (Rom 3:23, 5:9). But because God is love and He is perfect, pure, holy, righteous and compassionate, full of mercy and grace (Ps 103:8-14), He chose to save me 41 years ago. Then the Lord saw fit to bless me with a husband 22 years ago, who loves Christ more than me (Col 1:18). Can a girl ask for more? I'm so very grateful to be my husband's forever second love . I pray the Lord will make me the kind of help-meet that will highlight his strengths, be a balm for his pains and a loving and understanding covering for his weaknesses (Prov 10:12, 31:11-12; 1 Pet 4:8). Marriage is the most important earthly relationship in the sight of God the Father; for He uses it as an earthly paradigm of His Son's relationship with His Bride, the Church (Eph 5:25-27).Therefore marriage ought never be considered, entered into or maintained with eph...

About a decade ago, I followed John Piper and his ministry "Desiring God", with great joy. I listened to sermon after sermon; purchased books for me, my darling husband, sons and sent them as gifts for friends and family. I shared links to their blog articles, retweeted their tweets, shared their materials over every social media platform I participated in, just to soak up and share what I thought at the time, was  entirely, soundly biblical wisdom. Having decided to no longer be a Jonah or Moses when they were first called by God, I was hungry for the truth as I was coming to terms with the spiritual gifts God has given me (Faith, Exhortation, and Teaching). With this hunger and resolve to have a heart more like Abraham and Isaiah, I wanted to obey God immediately —with joy, and use the gifts He so graciously bestowed upon me, for the purpose in which He gave them: For the encouragement and edification of those within the Body of Christ (Eph 4:11-16) without ...

A disturbing trend within Christendom is the focus and emphasis on Satan and his work in this world, instead of the supreme work of God and His powerful and glorious manifestation of Christ's life in His children (Gal 2:20, Col 1:27). There's no biblical foundation for this strange, yet prevalent fascination with satanical work and the powers of evil which have caused many Christians to include in prayer...yes, prayer communications with Satan, i.e., "Dear Lord, help _____ as they suffer. And Satan, we bind and forbid you to..." Our focused thoughts and meditations are supposed to be on the Almighty and what He has done for us through Christ—all that is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent and worthy of praise (Philippians 4:8). Accordingly, our minds are to be captivated by Christ and His magnificence, not Satan and his wickedness (John 16:33, 2 Cor 10:5). Two of the main reasons I believe Christians are enslaved and crippled by fear...

Marriage is created and defined by God, not man. The title of this article sounds like the beginning of a bad  joke doesn't it? Well, it's not. It's a very real and serious topic these days, especially since the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) , enacted on September 21, 1996, is on trial, and may possibly be voted into extinction by our government. While this topic has brewed to the brim from the overflow of deep passions in the hearts of believers and unbelievers, talks about boycotting Starbucks Coffee Company has traveled around the dizzying social media carousel. You've probably seen the marriage equality profile photos and the "Dump Starbucks" memes on Google Plus, Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest, just as I have. You've also probably read all the Christian news articles encouraging other Christians to take a stand for marriage as God has defined it by boycotting Starbucks and encouraging others to do the same. To be "...