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Once the wedding is over and the guests have gone, we’re left alone with our spouse to live out what we've just promised. This is when most of us realize how selfish and arrogant we are and how difficult it really is to love our spouses “for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, 'till death do us part”.

It takes more than a whimsical “forever after” idea for a marriage to do more than survive; but thrive. A marriage only flourishes if we obey God’s command to love one another with a holy and sacrificial love that puts Christ first and our spouses second.
“Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves...Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord...Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands. Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her, that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word...However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.
~Philippians 2:3; Eph 5:22, 24-26, 33
Most of us know how to handle ourselves when our spouse gets sick with short-lived illness, but what do you do when your spouse is struck with health troubles that last for months, years or a lifetime?...[read full article]



Does it mean we slap a silly smile on our faces and shout "Praise the Lord!" when we receive news that would devastate any normal human being? Certainly not. That's not joy in the Lord, that's plain 'ol lunacy in the flesh; masquerading as a strong and faithful Christian.

A counterfeit joy infused by self-will never produces the good fruit of the Lord Jesus Christ.

"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."
~James 1:2-4

I'm writing this from my hospital bed. I've been here since Tuesday (February 28, 2012). I'm scheduled to have a double discectomy (complete removal and replacement of two discs) and spinal fusion tomorrow at noon. It's a four hour surgery and from what I've been told by my neurosurgeon, a painful and long recovery.

I'll remain in the hospital for three to four days post-op, then be released to go home with pain medications that they said I may need for a few months. I'm hoping to use them only for a couple of weeks...tops. But we shall see.

As I write this, I'm currently in pain, so much so, though my spirits are high and I'm rather cheerful, the blood pressure monitor tells the hospital staff another story—my body is weak and is under a lot stress due to immense pain...thus the pain pump they've given me to be administered every six minutes.

Since the hospital staff left "Today's Plan" blank, my
darling husband saw this as an opportunity to share
what our plans were going to be. ☺ 
I've been asked by staff why I seem so "cheery" when I'm obviously in pain. And here's where I get to boast in my weaknesses and the power of Christ they are witnessing in spite of it (2 Cor 12:9-10).

Do I hurt? Yes! Am I excited to be here. No! Did I jump for "joy" when I was told I needed surgery? No. Was I honest about it. Yes. So, then, why can I still find peace, comfort and joy in the midst of pain and not-so-good news? Because my strength, my joy is set on the Rock of my salvation, on the Lord Jesus Christ, therefore, it is not easily shaken (Psalm 62:2).

I had my moment of tears and fears, but there is truly a time and place for everything. There is a time to weep and there is certainly a time to laugh (Ecclesiastes 3:4).

Laughter doesn't always come because we find something amusing or entertaining; sometimes, like these times, they come because we find things incredible and impossible (like Sarah laughed when God told her she would be pregnant in her old age). The mighty works of our heavenly Father are so beyond our capacity to fully understand His glorious ways, sometimes, all we can do is laugh. We laugh not because we find God amusing, but because we're so amazed and so in awe of what He has done and continues to do in our lives.

I don't find joy in my pain. I find joy in my Savior and what He chooses to use my pain to produce—lasting fruit that will be used by God to exhort and encourage other saints and to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ to those He came to save.

"So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."
~2 Corinthians 4:16-18

Our joy comes from knowing that God uses even the painful, "bad" things in our lives to work for our eternal benefit; conforming us more and more into the image of Christ (Rom 8:29). This is why, when we consider our trials a joy, we will lack nothing. For what more could we gain, than to be like our Master?


On September 26, 2011, Ray Comfort, Founder, President and CEO of Living Waters Publications(LWP) launched the “180” movie; a 33-minute documentary that transforms hearts with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and provides historical information that’s helping save unborn babies' lives.

In only four short months, “180” has been translated into 19 languages, has had more than 2.1 million views on YouTube, more than 36,000 “likes” on its active Facebook page, with more than 7,000 people sharing and interacting with other avid pro-lifers and members of the “180” team.

I was recently blessed to interview Ray Comfort, who’s become a modern day William Wilberforce for the pro-life movement. Just as William Wilberforce worked tirelessly to abolish the enslavement of innocent men, women and children, Ray Comfort works tirelessly to abolish the murdering of millions of innocent pre-born babies.

I absolutely love this movie and urge everyone to watch it and share it.

Why do you think “180” has gone viral in such a short time?

Ray: It’s totally unique. In past years, many Christians have done tremendous things for the pro-life cause. But “180” does more than alert awareness, it actually changes people’s minds about abortion by providing information they’ve never heard before.

Most of this generation has been brainwashed by only hearing one side—a woman’s choice.

Is the primary concentration of “180” the number of “likes” or “shares” you can get on Facebook, comments on the movie, or lives being transformed by Christ for the sake of the unborn and the unsaved?

Ray: Our agenda isn’t primarily about changing people’s minds about abortion. I don't want people watching the movie and still be pro-homosexual marriage, pro-pornography, pro-fornication. I want them to have a heart change through the power of the Gospel so that their worldview is the same as God’s. When the engine is on the right track, the carriages of the worldview will come into line.

What are the top two messages you want people to glean from “180”?

Ray: First, it’s wrong to kill babies in the womb. Second, everlasting life is a gift of God to all who repent and trust in Jesus.

How does LWP’s approach on the subject of abortion differ from secular pro-life organizations?

Ray: Genesis 9:6 says that if we shed the blood of man, your blood should be shed. You can’t murder a horse, dog or cat. The word “murder” is reserved for human beings. We’re not animals as evolutionists would have us believe. We are unique in God’s creation in that we have an inherent knowledge of right and wrong.

Dogs don’t set up court systems; they couldn't care less about justice and truth. Only man does that because he’s made in the image of God. Consequently, when you say you shall not kill, you stir up His God-given conscience within you. The word “conscience” means with knowledge. So every sane human being knows it’s wrong to kill a baby in the womb. And that’s why “180” is unique, because it appeals to that intuitive God-given knowledge each of us have.

What is “180” Wednesdays and Sundays and how did they come about?

Ray: “180” Wednesdays was created to keep the momentum going and designed to be a day where those who care about the unborn focus on getting the message out on Wednesday.

Millions of people have viewed it on YouTube and nearly 700,000 DVD’s have been sold; we see this as just the beginning. There are 6 billion people who need to see this movie.

The first “180” Sunday was held on Sanctity of Human Life Sunday, January 22, 2012 at Calvary Chapel in Downey, California with approximately 4,000 in attendance.

What we’re offering is for either me or someone on the staff to show “180” during a Sunday church service and we’ll give a message afterward. This is extremely effective because there’s no need for registration or advertising. It’s just a matter of the Pastor giving us his pulpit so that with the help of God, we can transform his church from being passive about pro-life and evangelism to being passionate about both issues. We’ll also bring special packets with us which include: “180” DVD’s, God has a Wonderful Plan for Your Life, and a pack of 100 Lincoln Trillion dollar bill tracts.

Do you have a personal message you’d like to share?

Ray: Yes. One reason “180” has gone viral is because pro-life people and Christians are seeing the potential of social media to reach people. We can move mountains with a mouse, so get on your Facebook page, your email, Twitter and other forms of social media and send out our “180” link to friends, family and enemies; you could save a life. Go to HeartChanger.com to find out all the ways you can help.

Personally, I’m not going to rest until the legalization of killing babies in the womb is stopped in our country.


It’s imperative that everyone watch this movie, regardless of relationship status. Abortion not only affects young girls and single women, but as I shared in a recent article, abortion can have devastating effects on married women as well.

If you’re currently pregnant or have had an abortion and need counseling from people who care about you rather than how much money they can make, contact these local centers for help:

Real Options for Women, 700 E. Park Blvd., Ste 206, Plano, TX 75074 | Phone: 972-424-5144

Mid Cities Pregnancy Center, 8251 Bedford-Euless Rd, Ste 220, North Richland Hills, TX 76180 | Phone: 817-577-4387 or 1111 W. Airport Freeway, Ste 229, Irving, TX 75062 | Phone: 214-441-3460

Dallas Pregnancy Resource Center, 12959 Jupiter Rd, #260, Dallas, TX 75238 | Phone: 214-343-9263 or 6500 Greenville Ave, #405, Dallas, TX 75206 | Phone: 214-369-6281 or 3901 Holystone St, Dallas, TX 75212 | Phone: 214-905-9068

Why Jesus? is Dr. Ravi Zacharias latest book, released today, January 25, 2012. This is a well-researched, intriguing and informative book that will set free the minds of all who are confused about who Jesus really is.


People like Oprah Winfrey, Deepak Chopra and Rhonda Byrne have infected the minds and hearts of many, leading them astray to worship false gods and believe in a false Jesus. These religious misunderstandings can cause much strife in marriages and sometimes lead to divorce. That’s why it’s critical for us to have books like Why Jesus? to help educate our society that’s saturated with false hope and mass confusion.

With the heart of a compassionate father and the intellect of an astute scholar, Dr. Zacharias gives us the rarely understood background of how Eastern mysticism has defiled our Western theology and how the massive power of media has muddled the truth about eternal life and how to obtain it.

Why did you write the book and who is your target audience?

Dr. Zacharias: I wrote the book because there’s a great deal of confusion regarding spiritual matters due to the power of media, especially in the West. Who is God? Who are we? What is our purpose? All these questions remain unanswered. I want to reach the genuine seeker of spiritual well-being. My goal is to satisfy the hunger and longing for those who are seeking the truth.

In one sentence, how would you express why you think the New Spirituality is so captivating?

Dr. Zacharias: Because it makes you your ultimate authority; it allows you to play God without having to bow down to His authority.

In your book, you briefly mentioned why you believe Christianity in America has made the New Spirituality so appealing. Do you also believe it’s due to the false, man-centered Gospel that is preached (i.e., if you have any problems, try Jesus and He’ll fix your life)?

Dr. Zacharias: Absolutely. The way was paved in the ‘70s from self-help books that promised to make you understand your temperament so you could help yourself. In contrast, the journey with Christ begins with repentance and seeing yourself as God sees you—we’re all ultimately depraved. We all want Canaan without going through the wilderness.

The New Spirituality requires no one to see evil or depravity for what it is, instead they just tell you to involve yourself in some religious activity like chants, or prayers or meditations that are all a complete abuse of the human intellect. It appeals to people through the use of icons of pop-media and they harness the wills and attentions of millions.



If in your book, you wrote how Eastern mysticism is completely erroneous, why did you state in one of your speaking engagements that Henri Nouwen was one of the greatest saints who lived in our time, when Nouwen is known to have been influenced by Thomas Merton and others who practice Eastern mysticism?


Dr. Zacharias: I regret having said that. At the time, I based my comment on Nouwen’s story of the prodigal son which I felt was on target. But later as I learned more about Nouwen and Merton, I found their writings to be very troubling. I believe that doctrinally, Nouwen lost his way. I used to read Malcolm Muggeridge too until I read his book, “Jesus Rediscovered”. Muggeridge was morally and culturally a good thinker, but he was not theologically sound.


On page 228, you mention Oscar Wilde asking for the Eucharist so he could get right with God. Are you saying that you believe a person can be saved by taking the Eucharist or by any other Catholic beliefs?


Dr. Zacharias: Absolutely not. Only through repentance and faith in Christ can anyone be saved. No religious activity will be sufficient, only true faith in Jesus Christ alone. When I wrote that, I was trying to express that for Wilde, this was the ultimate expression of him trying to make things right with Christ because at the end of his life, in his heart, he knew that he lived as a reprobate. Whether Wilde is now in Heaven, I don’t know. God doesn’t tell me these things.


You questioned how the Church will maintain its teaching while still displaying God’s love to the fallen world (page 215). Does this include loving one another enough to rebuke those who are in sin (1 Corinthians 5:12-13)?


Dr. Zacharias: Yes, this is very important and very good. Painful correction and wounds of a friend are legitimate and are necessary. We all need accountability. King David had many prophets who held him accountable when he sinned. I’ve never seen a prophet in Solomon's life. I think that was one of the biggest problems.


On pages 264-265, you mention Gerald L. Sittser’s book, Water from a Deep Well, stating that he lists the best known Christian mystics in his book. How are you using the term “mystics” here?


Dr. Zacharias: When I say “Christian mystics” I mean that Christians today have lost the legitimate side of the mystical that is in accordance with sound doctrine. Like in marriage, the romantic side is very real, but has to be addressed by the will, not just feelings. As Christians we’ve forgotten how to be still and know that the LORD is God (Psalm 46:10). Many Christians have so busied themselves with programs and activities that they no longer know how to be silent and meditate on God’s word or recognize the mysteries that are in the Person of Christ. I’m not speaking of the esoteric or gnostic, I’m speaking of the meditative and reflective that conforms with sound doctrine.

Dr. Zacharias is the Founder, Chairman and CEO of Ravi Zacharias International Ministries (RZIM). He was born in India in the late ‘40s, immigrated to Canada with his family in the late ‘60s, has three grown children and currently resides in Atlanta, Georgia with his wife Margie whom he’s been married to for nearly 39 years.

He’s authored or edited more than 20 books, with several translated into Russian, Chinese, Korean, Thai, Spanish and other languages.

You can listen to Dr. Zacharias on his weekly radio programs, “Let My People Think”, aired on more than 1,700 outlets worldwide or “Just Thinking”, aired on more than 400 stations.

Dr. Zacharias is a highly sought after, world renown Christian author and speaker of apologetics whose demeanor is rare and refreshing. The first thoughts I had after my interview were: this man is unashamedly abandoned to Christ, humble and full of grace.

If you’d like to hear him speak in person, Dr. Zacharias will be at the First Baptist Church of Dallas on Sunday, April 15, 2012. For more information, please click HERE.

Listed below are local and online bookstores where you can purchase this dynamically truth-filled book:

Mardel
Barnes & Nobles
Christianbook.com (hardcover and audio CD)
Amazon

**Special note: For those who have concerns about Dr. Zacharias, his commitment to Christ and the true Gospel due to his 2004 speaking engagement at the Mormon Tabernacle, please don’t be foolish and make judgments based on what you’ve read or heard from someone else. Rather, educate yourself properly with the truth. You can watch his message in it’s entirety on YouTube by clicking this link: Ravi Zacharias Speaking to LDS 1 of 7 and/or read his note here: A Note from Ravi about the Mormon Tabernacle Event.

I’ve personally read the note and watched all seven videos and clearly heard Dr. Zacharias preach the true Gospel of Jesus Christ as well as make a clear distinction that the Christ of the Mormons is not the Christ of the Bible. The title of his message says it all: “The Exclusivity and Sufficiency of Jesus Christ”.
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