By definition, "audacity" can refer to sheer arrogance for the sake of arrogance, or boldness without any regard for self-preservation. In his latest film, "Audacity" (available for download on June 24, 2015), Ray Comfort and his staff at Living Waters, graciously demonstrates the latter definition—boldness without any regard for self-preservation.

"Audacity" presents the truth with great compassion on the hotly debated topic of homosexuality and all that it entails (same-sex marriages, are people born gay, what does the Bible say about homosexuality, etc.). And there's no Disney-like scenes. It's real, edifying and offers true hope to all who watch this movie.

One of the things I really appreciated is how Ray Comfort portrayed the homosexuals (three different couples) in "Audacity" as they truly are—image-bearers of God Almighty (like the rest of us), who are in desperate need of the one and only Savior, Jesus Christ the Lord. I'm always disgusted by Hollywood's depiction of homosexuals as overly-sexed maniacs whose only identity and interest is their sexual orientation. Gay men and lesbian women are no more overly-sexed than heterosexual men and women. Sexual orientation does not determine, nor define sexual obsession (e.g. the abominable "50 Shades of Grey").

I've had many homosexual friends (both gay men and lesbian women) since I was 17 years old. I loved them dearly, so naturally, I shared the Gospel with them; whether they were my co-workers, bosses, or friends of mutual friends. Unlike Hollywood's gross exaggeration of homosexuals, my friends were more than sexual beings, just like heterosexuals are. My gay and lesbian friends were kind, loving, hilarious (well, not all of them), quirky, artsy, brilliant, talented in many ways, thoughtful, etc. They liked many activities I liked and frankly, lived very similarly to me, except that I'm a Christian and a heterosexual.

A movie like this is not only timely, but necessary because homosexuality is a widely misunderstood issue among the secular world and sadly, even among many Christians. Some Christians quote Bible verses stating that homosexuality is a sin while others quote Bible verses (out of context) and conclude that homosexuality is not a sin. Whether secular or Christian, those who contend that homosexuality is not a sin, lean on their definition and comfort level of what love is, rather than defer to God's definition of love—holy, righteous, sacrificial and morally pure.

"Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him...For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome. For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?"

-1 John 4:8-9; 5:3-5, ESV

God is love, but love is not God. What I mean by that is exactly what Scripture says; God is love, therefore, He defines what love is. Those who believe love is God, dangerously and erroneously define God by what they "feel" love is...at any given moment. I understand why the world has this faulty, man/self-centered view of love, but I'm quite bewildered at why Christians have the same misguided view.

The talented, atheist illusionist and comedian Penn Jillette (of Pen and Teller) once said about Christians who don't share the Gospel, "If you believe there's a Heaven and Hell and people could be going to Hell, or not getting eternal life or whatever, and you think 'Well, it's not worth telling them this because it would make it socially awkward' ...How much do you have to hate somebody to know that everlasting life is possible and not tell them that?" I quite agree. Withholding the truth from someone because it makes you feel uncomfortable, isn't you loving others, it's you loving yourself.

Jesus Christ, the only Son of the only living and true God, suffered and died; was crushed for our iniquities; He drank the cup of God's wrath in our stead and rose again on the third day, so all who repent and trust in Christ will have everlasting life. How can any professing Christian condone and celebrate the sinful lifestyles of loved ones? Perhaps it's because too many Christians don't read and study their Bibles. Perhaps it's that too many Christians desire so much to keep a relationship with loved ones living in sin (any sin, whether heterosexual immorality, homosexual immorality, lying, stealing, etc.), that they've convinced themselves this is love, rather look to God, who is love. I don't know.

What I do know, is that the movie "Audacity" demonstrates God's definition of love—extraordinary compassion without compromising the truth. One of my favorite lines is from Peter (Travis Owens) who says, "If I really love people, then I have to say something. Love can't stay silent."

Below is my interview with Ray Comfort.

What inspired you to make this movie and story line?

After making films about abortion and evolution, people kept saying that I needed to make one on the issue of homosexuality—because it was confronting the church, and most Christians were very uncomfortable about how to deal with it without sounding hateful. I adamantly said that it wasn’t going to happen. There were two reasons for this. The first was that anyone who spoke against the issue of homosexuality nowadays are instantly vilified as though he were a hate-filled racist. Nobody wants that. And the second was that I really didn’t know how I could break away from the stereotypical way such a movie would be done. Most films on the subject would have a few ex-homosexuals giving testimonies on how they were now heterosexuals and were happily married with kids. No one was going to watch but Christians. I would be preaching to the choir.

Around April 2014, I was with my friend Stuart Scott in Huntington Beach here in California, when I saw two girls walking towards us kissing each other. I asked if they would like to be on camera, and to my surprise, they said that they would. These two ladies gave me an amazing 14-minute interview, and ended up thanking me for not being judgmental. Yet I hadn't compromised the gospel even slightly. It was as though God had dropped the foundation for a movie into my lap into my lap. That night I wrote a script and sent it to Mark Spence (he was the main editor and producer of "180"). He wrote back "Wow, wow, wow!" I quickly called a meeting, and after just over a year later, we had a completed movie.

This is very different from any of your other movies; it's a scripted story with actors, extras, etc. Why did you decide to do it this way?

To go the documentary route with this subject would have pushed me into a predictable mold. I wanted to stay well clear of the "We are now ex-homosexuals and everything is happy" type of film. Instead, I was thinking of something that was so well-produced and had such a good story line it would grip the attention of the unsaved—where they would stay and listen to the gospel. And at the same time, something that would help Christians who didn't know how to share the gospel with a homosexual without coming across as being hateful. I knew that it could be done, because 1 Timothy 1:8-10 tells us how to do it. It was just a matter of wrapping truth in a package that had the production quality of a modern movie. It was a tall order, but I knew our guys had the gifting to deliver that.

Are all the actors in the movie Christians?

Only three of the actors are Christians. Our big concern was bad acting. Even five seconds of poor acting would be like a small gash in a big ocean liner. No matter how good the production, [bad acting] would sink the whole movie. The only way to make sure this didn't happen was to have auditions and choose the best we could find. As soon as we had our actors, we sat them down at a table. Then my director Eddie Roman introduced me and I took the time to tell them why the script was as it was. I gave my testimony, which included a very clear gospel presentation, said that I wanted everyone (including homosexuals) to find everlasting life and that's why the script was as it was. It was an appropriate opportunity to share the way of salvation right at the beginning of our relationship.

Since this is your first scripted movie with a story line, how did you know where to look for actors, film crew, etc.? Did you have specific things you were looking for?

Over the years we have used Hollywood lighting and sound crews for our television program. We even took them with us when we went to Europe and filmed 13 episodes in 13 countries in 13 days (for our Fourth Season). We also had contacts in a professional casting agency. It’s a fascinating process. When we needed one waitress to play a small part, we had just under 2,000 applicants.

We were looking for talent and likability. We didn't want to stereotype homosexuals.

Do you have any friends who are living a homosexual lifestyle? If so, how long have you been friends with them and how do they remain friends with you, knowing you're a faithful Christian?

I have a number of friends who are atheists (I have no idea of their sexual preference). One of them in a particular, is a close friend. I had him play a paramedic in the movie (very small unspoken part). I also invited him to a special pre-screening we had for donors. His reaction to the movie was interesting. He sent me this quote and permission to use it: "Audacity is entertaining and has some great comedy and dramatic tension. Unlike most Christian films it is far from cheesy, and has a great, well-acted script. Most of all it is not heavy-handed, showing the Christian position on homosexuality without being intimidating or angry. Well done!" -Michael S. Martin (Atheist).

If you could choose one Bible verse or passage that best describes the foundation and heart of "Audacity" what would you say it is?

It would be from First Corinthians 13—about love. A skeptic recently wrote to me and said that it was virtually impossible to be a Bible believing Christian and not be "homophobic." I could understand his reasoning, because Scripture is very clear on the issue. Even when the movie won two awards (we submitted an uncut version), we wondered if Christians would like the movie. When a well-known Christian blogger asked for a review copy, we were a little nervous because he didn't pull any punches. When I sent him a link he replied the same day with, "Ray, this is the best film you have made yet. Congratulations on a job well done. " That was particularly sweet, because we felt a little haunted by "180" during this whole process, because it was so well received; it set a high bar.

Conclusion: From a purely cinematic standpoint, the script and acting were predominantly good, engaging and displayed much talent. The camera work, lighting, music, sound and visual effects were on spot.

Travis Owens "Peter" and Molly Ritter "Diana" were convincing, lovable, authentic. They drew you into their character's fears and convictions, as well as displayed what a truly loving friendship looks like in spite of strongly conflicting views.

Aaron Mitchell "Robert" and Franklin Killian "Lance" played one of the movie's homosexual couples and they were true-to-life, passionate and relatable. Both actors gave such a stellar performance you never judged them, but rather, you feel for them and understand their plight. It's one of my favorite scenes in the movie as it reminded me of precious friendships I once had and miss.

I found Ben Price to be an extremely gifted impersonator (with more than 47 near perfect impersonations). Talented guy. Danielle Rosario "Hailey", though she seemed to have some talent, didn't bring Hailey's character to life; making her character hollow.

As a whole, I love "Audacity" and highly recommend it to everyone (Christians and non-Christians, and especially Christians who know and love homosexual family/friends).

My prayer is that God will provide the necessary means for Ray Comfort to produce more biblically sound, Gospel-focused films so that Christians may be exhorted to live abandoned to Christ and unbelievers will come to saving faith through the steadfast preaching of the Gospel of God's grace (Acts 20:24).

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 commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes...For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account...But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing."

-Psalm 19:8, Heb 4:1213, James 1:25 (ESV)

If we're inebriated with pride, we can look into God's holy and infallible Word, and still come away thinking, "Yep. That's me. I'm good." Remember, those who are confident in their own self-righteousness are the first whom the Lord will oppose...and humble (1 Cor 10:6-7, 11-12). Thankfully, if we truly belong to the Lord, He is faithful to discipline us, and He mercifully provides us with another "mirror"—the words that come out of our mouths (or our keyboards).

Jesus said what comes out of our mouths reveals what's in our hearts (Mt 15:18-19). Jesus also said that whatever we fill ourselves with, will be what flows out of us; and therefore commanded all believers to be filled with the Word of God (Col 3:16).

So if we're truly filled with God's Word, God's love and God's grace, then sacrificial living and loving will flow from us and will enrich others (Php 2:3-4). But if we're filled with our desires, love of self, and feign niceties; then deeds of convenience and perpetual whining will flow from us and will burden others.

"Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealously and selfish ambition exist, there will be every vile practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace."

-James 3:13-18 (ESV)

None of us are sinless. And no one, including Christians will ever attain a sinless state on this side of Heaven. However, Christians alone can and should sin less, and less and less, because that's proof that the Holy Spirit of God dwells within us (Rom 8:29).

God promised that He is faithful to complete the good work that He began in us since the day He granted us the gift of repentance that leads to saving faith in Jesus Christ the Lord. Jesus promised that those who are truly converted will manifest the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit in their lives; and there will be evidence that we're being conformed all the more into the image of Christ.

We are all worshipers and we are all conformed by what is most near and dear to us. If the Lord God Almighty is the one we worship; if He is the one who is most near and dear to us, then we will be conformed into His image. We will love what He loves (righteousness) and we will hate what He hates (sin). The battle between God's Holy Spirit within us and the sin in our flesh will be a constant testimony to us that we belong to Christ. But if there is no inner battle between righteousness and sin, but only external consequences, then with great love from Christ our Lord, I urge you to examine yourself with God's Word (2 Cor 13:5).

There are many ways in which we deceive ourselves and thereby, deceive others. All forms of deception is destructive, whether we believe ourselves to be mightier than we are, wiser than we are or more sinful than we are. We all have enough legitimate sins we must die to, so let's not exasperate the situation by believing we've committed sins we actually haven't. And if you have sinned (according to God's Word and not by the opinion of others), don't deny it—instead, repent and be free of it (1 Jn 1:8-9). If you're not sure if you've sinned, check with God (not people...and especially not those who always tell you what you want to hear). Seek the Lord's wisdom by deferring to His Word as your preeminent source of truth (Ps 119:105).

When we're not honest with ourselves about the gifts and talents God has given us, we'll either presumptuously function in gifts we don't have, or we won't use them at all. And if we're not honest with ourselves about our proclivities to specific sins, then we'll never battle them, nor will we repent of them when temptation gives birth to sin.

Only when we daily hold up the infallible and perfect mirror of God's Word before our hearts, can we ever humbly confess our sins, daily repent, receive God's forgiveness, and live in the freedom Christ died to give us—to please, honor and glorify God (Heb 11:6).

"Who can discern his errors? Declare me innocent from hidden faults. Keep back Your servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me! Then I shall be blameless, and innocent of great transgression. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer."

-Psalm 19:12-14, ESV

By now many of you have heard about the McKinney pool party melee that's exhausted the social and news media-merry-go-round. You've heard about the one police officer's misconduct and the accusations of racial discrimination. Many (too many) have been discussing this and shared their story with obvious bias for either the pool party attendees or former Police Cpl. Eric Casebolt (who resigned yesterday, May 9, 2015).  

So, why am I adding to this story? I'm talking about this because I have yet to read or hear anyone share this story based on the precepts of God Almighty. As a Christian, I choose to see this entire incident and all involved, by the standards of God's holiness and righteousness.

But before I discuss the McKinney issue, I want to share that I'm Asian and therefore understand racial discrimination. I grew up in Virginia during the 70s where we still had some segregation, though the laws prohibited it (white neighborhoods, black neighborhoods, white schools, black schools, etc.). I still vividly remember being only five years old and having an adult white man (accompanied by 2 others) chanting, "Ching chong, ching chong, go back to Hong Kong". Then he lunged at me as if he were about to hit me, but he spit in my face instead and roared laughing as he walked away. Things like that happened often...too often, and it was always very disconcerting and extremely frightening.

Aretha was one of my dearest friends all through elementary and some of middle school. I practically lived at her house. She's black, I'm Asian, and we were nearly inseparable. I spent the night often, went on her paper routes with her, and even tagged along to dinners and other engagements with her extended family.

In middle school, I met some wonderful friends, both black and white and in particular, my sweet friend Stacey who I remained close to throughout our high school years.

During my elementary school years, I often wished Aretha's mom was my mother and actually, called her "Mama" because she mothered and loved me well. During my middle school and high school years I always wished Stacey's mom was my mother because she was so loving, attentive, understanding and kind. I always felt so safe and well-loved by these to precious women God put in my life. And though we could see our different races, it never affected the love we had for one another.

Some people say they don't see race. And I believe them...if they're blind. But if a sighted person tells me they don't see race, they're simply lying. We all see race. I see race, and you see race. However, to see race and to discriminate are two very different things. I know I'm Asian, I can see that. I know my husband of 23 years is white. I can see that. I know our children are mixed. I can see that. I recognize that I have friends of various races, but their race doesn't determine my relationship with them. Seeing the difference with my eyes doesn't make me a racists. Making a distinction in my heart is what makes me or anyone, a racist.

Though I'm now 46 years old, I still get discriminated against. Depending on where I am, I still get strange and unkind stares and sometimes ill-spoken words by those who not only see that I'm Asian, but make that distinction in their hearts. What do I do about it? I don't ignore it. I pray for them because their wicked behavior is evidence that they don't know any better...but I do.

As my darling husband puts it, though we can visually see different races, in God's sight, there are only two races, that is, only two kinds of people: those who are saved and those who are not. And because my Father's greatest concern is the condition of a person's heart and not the color of their skin, this is my greatest concern too.

There are many articles that tell portions of the story. Therefore, in order to help you get as much of the truth as possible, below are links to articles that include video footage as well as photos that will help us all see the bigger picture—the effects of human depravity.

[WFAA News] Backstory: What led up to McKinney incident

McKinney Pool Party Organizer, Tatyana Rhodes, Lawyers Up – Likely Trying To Avoid Civil Liability….

Who's responsible? Tatyana Rhodes is responsible for for lying about the party being a graduation/birthday party (her invitation says it was a #dimepiececookout), and for exploiting teenage girls and using them as sex objects for her "Dime Piece" parties where she usually charges a cover fee (the McKinney party was a free "Dime Piece" event that she organized in order to sell tickets and promote another one of her paid events). Tatyana's mother is responsible for aiding and abetting her daughter's madam-like business (I wonder if she pays taxes on this?). Former Police Cpl. Eric Casebolt is responsible for not doing his job—bringing peace and order to the community. His cursing, man-handling and abusive behavior towards children (possibly belligerent children) was inexcusable, immature and very unbecoming and unexpected of an officer of the law. The two white women who physically fought with Tatyana are responsible for not being mature and sensible enough to have simply left the pool and called the police rather than involve themselves in an altercation with an arrogant and immoral 20-year-old. The parents of all the teens who attended this party are responsible for not teaching/training their children well and for excusing behavior I hope, they wouldn't allow in their own homes. The children attending the party are responsible for forcibly entering a private neighborhood pool and disrespecting adults and the other children and families already at the pool. And lastly, the news media is responsible for their biased and poorly investigated reporting that turned an already exhausting situation into a bonfire of false accusations, gossip, outcry for purported but unsubstantiated racial discrimination, and the outlandish terrorist-like death threats targeting the police officer and neighbors of the Craig Ranch community.

Conclusion: Before I'm a woman, a wife, a mother, friend or Asian, I am a daughter of the Most High God. And because I am such, I'm held, like former Cpl. Casebolt is held, to a higher standard. Like Casebolt, I expect to be jeered at, cussed out, and mistreated in various ways whenever I intercede in a situation where emotions are high and rationale is low. Knowing this, the first action I take is to get on my knees and pray; to intercede in prayer for all involved, asking God to give me wisdom from above (James 3:17-18) so that I might do good and not harm to all people. The second action I take is to enter the situation with the peace and reasonableness I want others to emulate. Then whenever and wherever possible, I open my mouth, so that what's in my heart (the Gospel of Jesus Christ) may effortlessly flow out so that all who have ears, might hear, repent, and be saved.

Christians, let's not do what the world is doing. Let's not pick sides based on the color of someone's skin. But let us do what God Almighty has empowered us to do through Jesus Christ—sow God's peace with love, truth and the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

The McKinney pool party melee happened for the same reason why any painful and disconcerting incident happens; because we're all sinners in desperate need of eternal salvation, through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ alone.

Pray for the salvation of all involved since we don't know who is or isn't saved. Pray for God's truth to be revealed and for His peace to reign in the hearts and minds of all who are responsible for this tragic event. And pray to see if God might use you to help bring His truth, grace and peace to the community of Craig Ranch, the McKinney Police Department, news media or anyone who needs a personal demonstration of what true love and honor looks like (John 15:13).

It continually amazes me when professing Christians behave like unbelievers—insulted by God's Word, repulsed by discipline and loving reproof (or strong rebuke when necessary), and deferring to their feelings rather than the Word of God. It also amazes me that when acts of sacrificial love are demonstrated, the instant a feeling is hurt (not a sin committed mind you), how quickly love is forgotten for the deception of sin-founded feelings. What compounds this egregious manifestation of self-centeredness and ingratitude, is the expectation that one should conform to the likeness and feelings of another person rather than be conformed in every way, to the image of Christ Jesus the Lord.

"Everyone who is arrogant in heart is an abomination to the LORD; be assured, he [or she] will not go unpunished...Righteous lips are the delight of a king, and he loves him who speaks what is right."

-Proverbs 16:5, 13 (ESV)

I suppose the key word in all of this is "professing". As Jesus Himself states, many will say they know the Lord, but only a few will find and walk the narrow way, and thus, enter the narrow gate to eternal life. For it isn't those who profess they are Christians, but those who actually abide in the Lord Jesus and obey His commandments and follow Him (1 Jn 5:2-5).

"As He said these things, a woman in the crowd raised her voice and said to Him, 'Blessed is the womb that bore You, and the breasts at which You nursed!' But He said, 'Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!'

"And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever."

-Luke 11:27-28, 1 John 2:17 (ESV, emphasis mine)

In the original Greek the word keep in Luke 11:28 is φυλάσσω (transliterated phylassō), which means: to guard; to take care not to violate; to observe. Therefore, it is clear in this verse as well as  many others throughout the Old and New Testaments, that God plainly states it is not through familial heritage, nor from human exertion nor individual profession that one is truly saved. It is by God's sovereign choosing that anyone is saved from His wrath. The LORD has always proved who are truly His by stating that His children are those who love the truth, repent when rebuked (not always right way, but soon thereafter), and strive to do whatever is necessary to continually bear the good fruit of Jesus Christ—that is, preaching the Gospel of God's grace to a lost and dying world, and exhorting the saints in Christ to deny ourselves (including our feelings and opinions that don't align with Scripture) daily, and follow Jesus in the way of holiness (Mt 16:24, Lk 14:33).

"And a highway shall be there, and it shall be called the Way of Holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it. It shall belong to those who walk on the way; even if they are fools, they shall not go astray."

-Isaiah 35:8 (ESV, emphasis mine)

Because the LORD our God is faithful, those He truly saves are those whom He keeps in His love. And because we are kept in God's love, He disciplines us when we stray so that even if we are fools, we will still walk in holiness. Being kept in God's love by God Himself, is what causes us to actually do what He says rather than merely agree with what He says; for even Satan agrees that the Lord is one and shudders (Is 29:13, James 2:19).

I'm not saying that once we're saved, we've been made perfect and will never sin again. What I am saying is that I only echo what the Apostle Paul was inspired by the Holy Spirit to write in Philippians 3:12-14, "Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me His own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." In this passage, the Apostle Paul mentions twice that he has not obtained perfection, that is, no longer sins or struggles with sin. Rather, Paul states that because he is saved by God's grace and not by man's works (that could never earn him salvation anyway), he is exuberantly grateful to the LORD for taking hold of him, and therefore, passionately desires to take a hold of all that God has called him to in Christ Jesus—to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness (Mt 6:33).

Therefore it is evident from the word and righteous precepts of God that anyone who habitually lives in their feelings; those who trust in themselves and how they feel, and balk at any godly counsel is more than likely not saved, or at best, is in desperate need of strong rebuke and discipline so they may not continue to walk in the sin of their flesh, but walk in the holiness of the Spirit.

For those of you today, who are reading this and have been a victim of friendly-fire (Christians assaulting Christians), then be encouraged, you are not alone. As a matter of fact, you're in good company. The Old Testament prophets, Jesus our Lord, the Apostles and disciples of Jesus then and now; those who run hard after God, are always being bullied, lied and gossiped about by the idle saints in Christ (if they are in truly in Christ, only God knows). They jeer at you because your righteous living and pursuit of holiness shines a bright light and reveals their hidden sins.

Do not despair nor be dismayed, for the LORD our God is in your midst, and He is the mighty one who will save those who do what is right, from those who do wrong. Whether God gives us justice on this side of Heaven or the next, we can be encouraged because we know that our lives here are a mist and what we're building and storing, is for eternity. Therefore remain steadfast and immovable in the Lord, His commandments, and His precepts. Let no one bully you into submitting to man's ways and preferences, but look to Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of your faith; knowing that your pursuit for His pleasure and glory alone is what's most beautiful in His sight (Mk 14:6).

Most of us are familiar with the popular idiom, "Keeping up with the Joneses", but not all of us know what it means. Therefore, before I write about how we're still "keeping up with the Joneses" in the 21st century, I thought you might enjoy reading about its origin. 

Tomorrow, we'll celebrate another Mother's Day. For some, it'll be a day in which we have the opportunity to honor our mothers who love the Lord and taught us to do the same. For others, it'll be a day when we miss our mothers who are no longer with us, but have entered eternity with Christ, or grievously, without Christ. And for others, this Mother's Day will be a day where we're tempted to send cards filled with untruthful, feel-good sentiments and share posts on social media that describe a godly mother we never had/have. Regardless of what kind of mother we had/have, we're called by God to love and honor her...biblically (read: Celebrating A Different Kind of Mother to find out how to practically obey this biblical mandate).

Some, like me and my husband, were raised by mothers who worked hard to put a roof over our heads and food on the table. But sadly, neither are/were believers (my mother-in-law entered eternity without Christ🥺) However, we're still grateful to the Lord for choosing these mothers for us because it was right and fitting in His sight to do so...even though they brought us much pain and heartache. Pain and heartache are not altogether evil, especially if they draw us nearer and dearer to the Lord Jesus—where we belong (Ps 119:67-68).

Therefore, every birthday and Mother's Day, my husband and I have to choose to either flatter our mothers with cards and sentiments filled with lies, ruminating about the kind of mother they never were then, or are now; or we can lovingly share what is true—that we love them with all our hearts and earnestly pray for their reconciliation with our God and Father through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. We've chosen to do the latter because speaking the truth in love is what's most loving and honoring to the Lord, and most loving and honoring to our mothers; regardless of the results (Gal 1:10). After all, it is not honoring to any parent to have a child who lies (Prov 26:28)?

With all the diverse upbringings, Mother's Day can be filled with delight, or filled with strong temptations to look like everyone else and boast that we have godly, loving, and encouraging mothers; even if we don't. We can compare our gifts with others and give extravagantly only to outdo our friends, or we can give heartfelt gifts; which honor the Lord, therefore, honors our mothers (2 Cor 9:7).

This day is also filled with temptations to pretend we were, or are presently, the godly mothers we never were then, or are now. Whether we are, or are not the mother's the Lord commands us to be, many delight and seek to be honored, exalted, and well-spoken of. But I don't...anymore. As I've grown in my love and gratitude for what my Father has done for me in Christ Jesus, I've become more aware of the wickedness within me. And I no longer delight in feign words of adulation, undue praise, nor being exalted. My greatest joy for my children is to see them walk with the Lord (3 John 1:4), in the light of God's truth, in every aspect of their lives (Jn 3:21).

It's not that it's wrong for my children or any child to honor and give praise to mothers who have (but not perfectly) trained and diligently pursued to be a Proverbs 31:10-31, Ephesians 5:22-24, 1 Timothy 2:9-13, Titus 2:3-5 and 1 Peter 3:1-6 woman. But it is better that Christ be exalted and honored on this day or any day. I prefer for my children to always lift up the name of Jesus, and praise Him continuously because He alone can give them eternal life. I can't. And He alone can love them perfectly. I can't do that either. But I can choose to faithfully point my sons to Jesus rather than to myself, so that they may bask in the grace and mercy of God my Savior.

As we celebrate Mother's Day, let us celebrate it like we should celebrate every day—as a gracious and kind gift from God Almighty. Celebrate it as another day to worship the Lord Jesus in the splendor of holiness. Choose to use this day as another opportunity to talk about how awesome God is rather than talk about or listen to how awesome you are, because you aren't...and neither am I. God alone is awesome because God alone inspires an overwhelming feeling of reverence, admiration and fear. We do not.

Us mothers may be kind, we may be wise, we may even be godly, but we are not awesome. That attribute is given to and reserved for the one and only true God; so let's give Him His due praise, rather than try to receive it ourselves or wrongly extend it to others. And let us teach our children to speak truthfully about us, rather than allow them to speak of godly characteristics we do not presently possess, but should aspire to acquire one day, through daily dying to self and abiding richly in the Word of God—that is, Christ Jesus the Lord (Col 3:16).

"Blessed is the man who makes the LORD his trust, who does not turn to the proud, to those who go astray after a lie!...But may all who seek You rejoice and be glad in You; may those who love Your salvation say continually, 'Great is the LORD!'...What shall I render to the LORD for all His benefits to me? I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the LORD, I will pay my vows to the LORD in the presence of all His people."

We can spend our time thinking and worrying about the things in this life that are passing away just as quickly as we are, or we can spend our time seeing this life in the view of the next; and make decisions based on eternity rather than on the here and now.

Like many of you (I'm sure) I have some stressful situations that I have to deal with from time to time, and not all are related to my health. Sometimes it's family issues, sometimes it's difficult issues with friends within our church and outside our church, and sometimes it's issues with my own selfish desires...okay, mostly it's issues with my own selfish desires.

But regardless of the stressor, I must remain steadfast in the Word of God and in worship and prayer, lest I become consumed with my desire to find immediate relief for my stress, and forget there are other hurting souls near me. Today was one of those days.

I had an MRI today. Something I'm not ecstatic about, because it may mean I need another procedure or surgery I don't want. However, I've come to terms with this and wasn't very concerned about it. When I got to the imaging place, and had some time while I was waiting to be called for my MRI, I wanted to read an email regarding a stressful situation (unrelated to my health) that's been brewing for many months, and came to a boiling point last week.

Thanks be to God, that prior to my MRI, I was able to have a wonderful time of worshiping my Lord Jesus all morning and during my entire drive to the imaging place. As I worshiped, I also prayed, asking my Father God to keep me focused on His will rather than my own. I asked Him for patience and wisdom to do what was good, fitting and most pleasing in His sight. Then I chose to speak God's truth to myself by quoting Scripture to myself, rather than listen to myself and what my flesh most wanted to do to be comforted.

Because the Lord is faithful to do all He said He would, when His Holy Spirit led me to put my phone away and visit with the precious woman sitting next to me, I was able to take my eyes off of self and look to the tender soul God seated near me. Her name is Shirley.

Shirley was knitting a beautiful scarf, and as I commented on her scarf we began to talk about knitting, life, and why she was at the imaging place. Shirley is a loving mother, who traveled here from out of state in order to care for and help her 44-year-old daughter who was diagnosed with cancer three weeks ago. The doctors still don't know what kind of cancer she has and where it originated from. Shirley's daughter is still in the initial stages of testing and discovery before her doctors can begin giving her the proper treatment for her cancer. Her daughter is in excruciating pain and continually nauseated due to the cancer that has so far, been discovered in her hip, liver and pancreas. They're both weary of unanswered questions and desire so much to have a little glimmer of hope that all will be well.

As I listened to Shirley share her story, I prayed and asked the Lord to give me whatever was needed so that I might minister to Shirley somehow. We talked about the Lord Jesus and how we've both seen God's merciful work of healing in the lives of many around us. Then I asked her if I could pray with her and she said "Yes". I moved out of my chair and sat next to Shirley on the couch, took her hand and prayed with her as she wept. As she dried her eyes, I pulled out one of my ministry cards, wrote my cell phone number on it and handed it to her. I told her since I live in the same town as her daughter, I would love to minister to her in any way the Lord allows. Shirley was grateful and thanked me for taking the time to comfort her, pray with her and for offering help to her daughter.

I never did get to meet her daughter. As God would have it, just as Shirley and I were finishing our conversation, I was called back for my MRI.

I don't know if Shirley and her daughter are saved, but I've already been praying for both of them and now ask you to do the same. Please pray for their comfort, and healing for Shirley's daughter. Please also pray that if the Lord so chooses, that He would grant me the honor of sharing the Gospel with Shirley's daughter and serving her as the Lord gives me strength.