abandoned to Christ.

Valentine's Day.

Ahhh...here we are again. Many look forward to this day. Many don't. Women seem to look forward to it more than men and those who don't have a "sweetheart" to celebrate with, are unhappy altogether.

So what's a Christian to do with this made-up holiday that's really not a holy day?

Well, it's certainly not a sin to celebrate it and it's not a sin to dismiss it either. This is one of those "live by your own conscience" decisions that all Christians have been given freedom to make (Rom 14:5-6).

This day is supposed to be the day where love is generously expressed, shared and celebrated. But it's really not about that for most, is it? For most of us (including Christians) this day has become sort of an idol day. Not that we are bowing down and worshiping a golden calf or anything. But we're doing something worse—we're making ourselves the idols to be worshiped (and really, I'm speaking more to the women than men).

Precious sisters in Christ, you must admit, you expect more from your sweethearts on this particular day than any other (with the exceptions of your birthday and anniversaries). Sometimes what you expect is more for competition purposes than it is for the expression and reception of true, God-given love, isn't it? You know what I mean? If your man doesn't outdo your friend's man, then you think this means your man loves you less.

Reading between the lines always gets us into a lot of trouble ladies...especially when there are no lines to read between. Creating a scenario that only seems to make sense to what your unreliable emotions tell you is a dangerous and honestly, quite sinful way to live (Philippians 2:3).

Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, lived to give His life away. The condescension, life, death and resurrection of the Son of God, was the ultimate demonstration of love.

If we claim to know and understand this truth, then we would look to give to others; create a special day, afternoon or evening for the one we love, rather than wait with great expectation for what our sweethearts give to us, true?

Remember beloved and precious sisters in the Lord, we're not the frail, weak-willed women of this world. No, we're strong, vibrant daughters of the Most High God and therefore are empowered to give love rather than sit around like feeble damsels and wait for someone else to bring it to us. Love, that is, God has already been given to us. So let us give rather than look to receive.

If you've been saved by grace through faith, then you already posses the fullness of love found only in Jesus Christ, and therefore have no reason to remain in sorrow, because God is love—and He never fails.

No longer be deceived by Planned Parenthood's lies.

January 22, 2013 marked the 40 year anniversary of Roe v. Wade; since that day, nearly 60 million innocent, unborn babies have been slaughtered within, what ought to be the safest place on earth—their mother's womb.

There are three basic positions on the topic of abortion: Pro-Life, Pro-Choice and what I call, "Pro-Inbetweeners".

Pro-Life: life begins at conception; babies are gracious gifts from God Almighty to the mother and father, whether or not they're deserving of such a precious gift; all human beings are created in God's image, therefore abortion, that is, terminating the life of an unborn child, should not be allowed for any reason; whether rape, incest, disabilities or even the possible death of the mother if she carries the child to full-term.

Pro-Choice: the beginning of life is relative and uncertain; the unborn baby is considered a living being only when he/she is "wanted" by either the mother or father; the impregnated woman should be able to choose whether or not she desires to carry her unborn child full-term for any reason e.g., rape, incest, discovers child has a disability, the baby is not the sex the mother desires, the mother changes her mind for any reason at any time (including up until the ninth month), or that her life is in danger.

Pro-Inbetweeners: wouldn't personally get an abortion and don't believe abortion is right, but don't think anyone should impose either view (Pro-Life or Pro-Choice) on anyone else, so neither do they.

We could banter back and forth about when life begins, if the unborn baby feels the pain of being aborted, or that there should be exceptions for abortion in cases of rape and incest (which by the way, only count for approximately 1% of all abortions). But rather than continue a futile dialogue, I want to lovingly share the truth with you. Let's start by examining the true objective of those who advocate abortion. If we consider this issue with complete sobriety and logic, we're forced to come to terms with what legalizing abortion is really about.

While Planned Parenthood and others who fight for a woman's "choice" claim that their only concern is for a woman's life and health, this is obviously a ruse for their real agenda: to create a system similar to that of organized crime where making a profit by preying on the hopeless, weak and defenseless is most appealing, since they're more easily manipulated.

As a Christian and Pro-Life advocate, I don't believe the majority of women who have chosen to have an abortion were battling for their right to become murderers by taking their baby's lives; though that's where this morose plight leads. Rather, I believe the majority who support the Pro-Choice position (especially women) do so because they think they are fighting for a woman's health and right to be her own person.

Unfortunately, most Pro-Choice supporters are being used as pawns by disingenuous people and organizations like Planned Parenthood who deceive women into believing that they aren't murdering their babies, they're just taking command of their own bodies. But they're not. What they're really trying to do is degrade a woman's sexuality, disengage her God-given gift to love and care for the weak, and minimize her strength and ability to practice self-control.

Planned Parenthood is trying to encourage women to whoredom rather than accentuate a woman's priceless purity and unique value—as a treasured jewel made by the Almighty.

Rather than truly care about women and protect the preciousness of her God-given purity, abortion providers want to defile a woman's radiant and graceful visage by recreating her as a ravenous and sexually reckless woman with no scruples, wisdom or restraint; flippantly engaging in the only act that produces life, with no regard for the virtue of her own life, or the life of others.

This horrid depiction of what a modern day woman looks like is a complete farce. God made women delicate yet strong, beautiful, wise and full of compassion and loving-kindness which makes this world a more pleasant place. That's why God refers to the kind of endearing love He has for us, to that of a mother for her child.

“Can a woman forget her nursing child, that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb?"

~Isaiah 49:15a

If Planned Parenthood and all the other Pro-Choice advocates truly cared about women and their welfare, they wouldn't fight so hard against sonograms or programs that teach sexual purity, rather than teach and promote a lifestyle that causes painful and sometimes deadly diseases, broken hearts, and relationships.

As a woman, I want to encourage women everywhere to take hold of her excellent God-given purpose and character: to only desire intimacy with a man who will cherish, adore and love her enough to protect and honor the beauty in which God created her; to protect and maintain the gracious gift of sex to be enjoyed within the blessings of holy matrimony; to be the suitable help-meet to one man; to infuse her household with God's peace, joy and blessings; and be the strong and tenacious advocate for those who most need her protection...her children, whether living inside or outside of her womb.

If you're a victim of rape or incest, know that if the LORD chooses to open your womb, He is doing it for your blessing and as a reward for the pain you've suffered. Don't allow anyone to strip away your choice to receive God's blessing of a new precious life. Receive God's gift and reject the opinions of those who want to take more from you.

"Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward."

~Psalm 127:3

Beloved sisters in Christ and precious women everywhere, please hear me. You are more than Planned Parenthood and the world says you are. You are a precious, delicate and delightful creation of God. Your purity, your life, your heart and all that you are is worth more than a deceptive " I love you" from a man who is only seeking his pleasure. You have a true, eternal "I love you" from the Almighty with whom you can know, love and be protected by if you will only be honest with yourselves, humbly confess your sins and admit your frailties so that you can receive the magnificent life that can only be obtained through repentance and faith in the Son of God, Jesus Christ the Lord.

"The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing. I will gather those of you who mourn for the festival, so that you will no longer suffer reproach."

~Zephaniah 3:17-18

If you or someone you love needs help, guidance or healing, please visit : Human Coalition. You will be loved, prayed for and compassionately led with God's truth.

From the time God the Father spoke of Christ through the Old Testament prophets, to Jesus' first coming, death, resurrection and ascension; human beings have muddled the true character, nature and purpose of the magnificent Son of God.

This false image of Christ has been created in writing, art, online media, and sadly, even from some pulpits.

Multitudes continue to depict Christ in a way that equates Him to mortal man, rather than receive Him as He is—the immortal, almighty, righteous, just, holy and good God...in human flesh.

"Now it happened that as He [Jesus] was praying alone, the disciples were with Him. And He asked them, 'Who do the crowds say that I am?' And they answered, 'John the Baptist. But others say, Elijah, and others, that one of the prophets of old has risen.' Then He said to them, 'But who do you say that I am?' And Peter answered, 'The Christ of God.'"

~Luke 9:18-20

With relativism becoming the new "religion" of choice these days, many well-meaning Christians (like myself many years ago) have fallen prey to Satan's deception that we'll never draw people to Christ by proclaiming His deity and exclusivity. The enemy has spun the lie that if we don't show how relatable Christ is to their lives, then we'll lose them; forgetting salvation is of the Lord, not us (Ps 49:7-9; 1 Cor 2:3-5; Eph 2:8-9; Rom 9:16).

In believing our enemy's lie, many of us have compromised the deity of Christ by palliating His powerful, life-giving love and works, to something that only tantalizes a person's physical senses, yet does nothing to benefit their soul (1 Cor 10:23-24).

Just because something fulfills a person's physical needs doesn't necessarily mean that it will be useful in building up their faith. As a matter of fact, we know that God often allows painful things to happen to His children as an act of His righteous and loving discipline (Prov 3:11-12; Heb 12:6-7, 11; Rev 3:19).

The Son of the Most High God was given to us as a propitiation for our sins, so that we might be freed from the bondage of sin, rescued from the wrath of God, and granted the immeasurable riches of God's kindness and love, fully manifested in the Person of Christ alone.

While it is true that Christ is able to "sympathize" with our weaknesses and temptations (Heb 4:15), that does not mean that He excuses our sinful behaviors or our worldly views of Him.

So who is Jesus to you?

Is Jesus: Savior, King of kings, Lord of lords, the Master and Shepherd of your soul and Ruler of your life? Is He the majestic King who humbled Himself in order to purchase your eternal freedom? Is He the one who is powerful enough to calm the sea with a word, yet will weep with those who weep? Is He the one who always spoke the truth because He is God and God is love?

Or is Jesus the one who understands you and therefore allows you to "just be you"? You know, the Jesus that feels more like a boyfriend, your homeboy, your buddy and pal who only says nice things that make you feel good about yourself? Is He the Jesus that the world paints effeminate portraits of and is always looking longingly at us, just hoping and waiting for us to take notice of Him?

If after reading this article, you've sadly discovered that you view Christ the Lord merely as your sympathizer, don't be discouraged, repentance is only a prayer away. Remember, Christ set you free from the fear of God's judgment and provided you the freedom to come to the throne of grace, knowing that in Christ, you are accepted by God and are granted continual audience with the Almighty (Heb 4:16, 10:19-22).

Three good, heart motive questions are:

Am I reading Scripture to know God more only so I can love Him better? (Ex 34:5-7; Mk 12:30)
Am I reading Scripture only to feel good or to be good? (Ps 55:20-21; 2 Tim 4:3-4)
Am I reading Scripture to understand God's point of view or prove my point of view? (Jer 9:23-24)

One of the Scriptures I pray regularly is Psalm 139:23-24. It's a loving and contrite prayer that can help you cultivate the habit of demonstrating your love and trust to God our Father.

"Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!"

~Psalm 139:23-24

I pray that God will demonstrate His faithfulness by opening your eyes to His true character, so that you may see Him (Matt 5:8), and that others may see Him, through you (Matt 5:16; 2 Cor 4:7).

...the Lord our God had not revealed His good, perfect and loving plan.

For the past 20+ years we've had an extremely strained relationship with my mother-in-law. Without going into the unsavory details, let's suffice it to say that my mother-in-law professes to be a believer, but sadly has no obvious fruit to prove her attachment to the one and only True Vine (John 15:5-6).

In addition to the uncertainty of her eternal salvation, my mother-in-law is a very ill person and has required many surgeries and other medical procedures. Our hearts break for her because her life here is so dismal and bleak and her eternal destiny is unsure.

Please pray for her salvation with us. We love her and don't want her to die in her sins, for it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God (Heb 10:31).

Due to all this, we recently invited her to come live with us (after her most recent surgery in October 2012). Many who know us and the grievous relationship we've had with her, couldn't understand why this invitation made sense. To be honest, we really didn't either, but we prayed and searched Scripture for our heavenly Father's answer, and we found, regardless of how painful and difficult this was going to be, we have been freed and enabled by Christ to love her and care for her with all that we have.

"But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever."

~1 Timothy 5:8

We spoke with her nearly every day, and honestly discussed what daily life here would be like. We didn't sugar coat the past, nor did we hold her accountable for it. We just let her know she was loved and forgiven, and we wanted to take care of her the best we could. We told her we knew this would be difficult for everyone, but we were willing to take this journey, if she was. She agreed it was time for her to make a healthier life change, both spiritually and physically, and happily accepted our invitation.

While there was great joy with her acceptance, there was also great stress with it as well. We knew this meant that all four of us had to sacrifice what we held most dear on this earth. For my darling husband, he knew he'd have to sacrifice me and entrust my health and well-being fully to God; our sons had to sacrifice our family's peace they love so much, as well as their Mama's time with them; I had to sacrifice my pride and comforts.

Understanding the reality of our sacrificial gift to the Lord whom we love with all our hearts, souls and minds, all four of us prayed, thanked God and asked Him to go before us and prepare our way. We then committed this sacrifice to the LORD and made plans to have her moved in by the end of February 2013.

You know, sacrificing what you hold most dear on this earth is difficult, to say the least, but when you keep your heart and eyes fixed on Christ, the sacrifice doesn't seem such a daunting task. When beholding Christ, though you recognize the bit of the human element of anxiousness, you're also filled with an inexplicable peace, and joy of anticipation. It's a very strange, but lovely thing to experience.

By God's good and sovereign will, because He loves us, He made it possible for my mother-in-law to come visit us for Christmas. Prior to this, she hadn't been in our home for over a decade. Therefore, we were all the more thankful for this opportunity to shower her with God's love.

During this visit, God revealed to us His intention for having us invite her to move in with us. It was not so that she would, but it was a test to see if we were willing to give up all that we had enjoyed in this life—all that we held most dear on this earth. Of course, the results of the test were no surprise to God, for He already knew. It was only a surprise to the four of us.

In our Father's immense kindness towards us, He revealed that we had all grown more trusting and loving towards our Savior, reminding us that when we consider His tests a joy, it produces steadfastness, and when steadfastness has had its full effect, we will be perfect and complete, lacking nothing (James 1:2-3). Isn't our God awesome?!

On an exorbitantly smaller scale, it reminded us of Abraham and Isaac. The thing that Abraham loved most on this earth was his son Isaac, and God asked Abraham to offer Isaac as a sacrifice. Abraham was willing.

Just like Abraham, we were willing too. And just like Abraham, God didn't actually intend for us to sacrifice what He asked. He intended to test our faith to encourage us and reveal to us, what He already knew.

So we rejoice in this test! We rejoice in this outcome! We rejoice to know that our faith has grown and God Himself has done it! We rejoice that this past Christmas, we gained a deeper understanding, as a family, the great and sacrificial love of God the Father, in Christ His Son!

"Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure...Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

"He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it."

~Philippians 2:12-13; 1 Thess 5:23-24

Soli Deo Gloria!

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