Thursday, October 01, 2015

Remain Steadfast...Don't ever give in!

I am pretty straight forward when it comes to talking about my Christian faith on my Facebook wall, but when it comes to news and politics, I tend to hold back and am a lot more cautious.  I don't like to open doors up for big debates. I have my opinions, and there are many times I'd LOVE to write a comment on Facebook posts, but I generally refrain.  I'm not sure why.  Maybe my Mom's advice finally kicked in after all those years of saying 'If you have nothing nice to say, don't say anything.'  I suppose I don't want to offend others, but honestly why should I care not to offend, if what I'm talking about is moral, honest and true?   

One of the most 'offensive' (according to some folks) things I DO talk about is my faith in Jesus Christ, but I honestly don't mind offending people for the sake of the Gospel.  If they are offended, then perhaps it's because they need to get right with the Lord.  I don't get all preachy, but I do speak the truth, mostly from personal experiences.  As a Christian, how can I NOT share Christ with others?  Aren't we commanded to do so?  After all, in Mark 16:15 it says, "And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation."  If I were not a Christian, I'd certainly want someone to share the Gospel with me, especially since it matters where I spend eternity!


That being said, I'm not on Facebook account right now, I'm on my blog, and I feel a lot more freedom in writing about my feelings and opinions hereThere's no one to immediately knock me down.  No one to argue with, and no one to get me upset or tell me off because they disagree with me.
 
Have you noticed how disturbing the news has been lately?  Everything seems to be so evil and full of sin.  These things 'should' be disturbing to everyone, but unfortunately we live in a
world where people are selfish, and don't care about anyone but themselves.  People tolerate the bad, but not the good, and there's also such a sense of entitlement.  As Christians, we are to love one another unconditionally, yet we do not have to tolerate their sin!  We don't have to give in to their immorality.   

Perfect example:  The mass shooting just today in Oregon.  I can't even imagine what went through those victims' minds as the shooter asked 'what religion' they were, then shot those dead who responded that they were a Christian!  This man went out of his way to kill innocent people because they believed in something other than he did.  He chose to take their lives.  What a sick and twisted mind to do something like that!   

And what about all those innocent babies who are slaughtered on a daily basis??  Abortion is evil.  It is wrong.  All those lives just thrown away by selfish Moms, greedy doctors, and companies (like Planned Parenthood) that have absolutely no morals, and no regard for the sanctity of human life!  Shame on them! 
They are taking lives too, only they think there's nothing wrong with that. 

Then there's the acceptance of gay marriage.  I still can't wrap my head around why anyone would choose to be gay in this world, because that's exactly what it is...a choice.  God created us in HIS image, He did not create people to be gay.  He intended for marriage to be between one man and one woman.  In order for us to 'be fruitful and multiply', there needs to be a union between a man and woman.  It's that simple.  Our country has decided that it's OK to marry anyone you wish, whether male or female, and that's just NOT OK with me.  I'm sickened by the tolerance of so many, even folks who at one time claimed to be 'Christian'.  It is wrong and it is sin.  Do I hate them for it?  Absolutely not!  I have friends who I strongly disagree with for their lifestyle choices, but I love them, and would never judge them...that's for God to do, but...I will not tolerate and back up their sin by promoting it.



There have been more stories in the news about gays suing Christian business owners for not providing services for them, services that go against their personal beliefs.  Photographers, bakery owners, florists, and now even Christian schools are being sued.  Why??  Wouldn't it be easier for them to just go find a photographer, a florist, baker and even a school that WILL support their sin, rather than sue those who don't?   Why would they want to hurt those who don't agree with their lifestyle.  Satan comes to seek and destroy, and apparently that's just what he's doing!  As a photographer, I now refuse to photograph weddings anymore for fear of being sued.  It's scary!  To stand up for what we believe in is getting harder and harder. 


Another example is how Muslims and their beliefs are making their way into this country...a country that never fully recovered from their attacks nearly 15 years ago.  Our own President has done nothing to stop them.  There is an indoctrination going on in the schools.  They are being voted into leadership positions, and no one is saying a word!!  WHY??  Just as Satan creeps in like a wolf in sheep's clothing, so are they.  They are building more and more mosques, and are slowly trying to take over.  Just Google it, people, it's happening...where I live, where YOU live...all over!  God have mercy on the United States of America!!  We need to get a President in the White House who will stand for God and what's right!

Folks, we need to remain steadfast, and stand firm in our belief in God!  Just as it says in I Peter, we need to glorify God, even when we suffer! We also need to be constantly on our knees in prayer for those who are suffering.  We need to pray that God will have mercy on us and on our country, that He will keep us safe, and that soon He will come back and take us home!


1 Peter 4:16 Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, 
let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.

If you're suffering now, going through hard times, just remember that God is in control.  We are not of this world...this is not our home, and we can't expect to live in a perfect world when it's riddled with sin.  One day we will be whole, we will be perfect, and we will be able to stand before the Lord.  Do whatever it takes now so when you're standing before Him, he will say "Well done, my good and faithful servant!"


Standing with you.


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