before the sun goes down
"Be of good courage, and let us behave ourselves valiantly for our people, and for the cities of our God: and let the LORD do that which is good in His sight" (I Chronicles 19:13).
Let me explain.
I have heard from many in the ProLife Movement (both leaders and followers), that the abortionists are the murderers, but the people who seek the assassins out, deliver the victim, and pay the hitmen are NOT guilty of murder at all.
Why not?
Because they did not put their own hand to the forceps?
Following this line of thinking, then I guess that it would be INACCURATE to say that Hitler murdered millions of Jews, since I have no evidence that he himself personally ever directly murdered any Jew?
He just called for, sought for, gave orders to, and made provision for the Holocaust.
So He wasn't guilty of murder? (I speak as a fool.)
Of course, we KNOW that Hitler murdered millions although he didn't do it with his own hands. He used others to do his wicked bidding.
If a man paid a killer for hire to murder his wife, it would not be just to only punish the hitman and let the husband off Scot free. That would be a breach of justice.
We need to be consistent.
We need to understand that abortionists only murder those that they are asked and paid to slay.
We also need to be aware that a growing majority of women presently do the killing themselves by taking pills designed to murder their children. They can pull the abortion product off the shelf at drug stores, or that they ordered through the mail, and commit a DIY murder.
We must rightly see the situation and call for equal justice under the law for all.
Look up Bradley Pierce's video on Youtube called "Abortion and Justice Under the Law".
Abortion is murder and must be abolished.
Sir James Douglas left his castle to support Robert the Bruce, king of Scots in a war for independence from the tyrant Edward Longshanks.
The English seized his fortress and held it to strengthen their presence in the land. Douglas determined to take it back. Dressed as simple sheepherders, he and his men intentionally moved their flock past the castle. To the oppressors from the South, it looked ripe for the picking. As they expected, the English greedily opened their gates and rushed them intent on chasing away the men and stealing their sheep.
What a surprise it was when they met hardened Scottish knights and warriors instead of timid shepherds! Douglas' force took advantage of the English shock and swiftly entered the gates that had been carelessly left open in their haste. Soon the fortress was again in the hands of its master. This bold move reminds me of the verses below...
"In that day shall the LORD of hosts be for a crown of glory,
And for a diadem of beauty, unto the residue of his people,
And for a spirit of judgment to him that sitteth in judgment,
And for strength to them that turn the battle to the gate" (Isiah 28:5-6).
The brilliant strategic mind, astonishing audacity and fierce loyalty of Douglas the Good was a blessing to his king and the people of Scotland.
They united against the tyrant "Longshanks" and used to Scottish terrain and ingenius tactics that would give them the advantage.
At the Battle of Bannockburn, the two armies arrayed for battle. Before the clash, the army of the Scots knelt in prayer on the field.
Seeing this from a distance and mistaking it for a surrender to him, King Edward exclaimed,
"See how they beg for mercy!"
One of his men answered, "Yes, but they ask it from God, not from us...these men will conquer, or die on the field".
Soon after this battle, Scotland enjoyed freedom from England for a season.
After the death of King Robert the Bruce, Douglass was entrusted with the heart of his king, which was encased in a silver casket on a chain. Later as he was leading an army across Europe, a nearby king pleaded for his aid against the invading Moors that were devastating his people.
Sir James Douglas soon found himself and his men in the face of a dread foe, which, after much fighting, still overwhelmed the Scottish defenders. Douglas himself became mortally wounded. The noble knight knew he did not have much time left.
There was one more chance of victory. He rallied his company of knights together for one last desperate charge.
Advancing, Douglas the Good held the silver case above his head twirled it round and round. Then shouting, "O heart of Bruce, lead on!" he flung the heart of the king into the thick of the enemy host. Douglas and his knights galloped into the fray after it. By the end of the battle, the Scots had won, though the heroic Douglas lost his life.
The old shield of the Douglas family was silver with three silver stars on a blue chief. To commemorate this last gallant exploit of the great knight was added the red heart of Bruce, later surmounted by a royal crown.
As soldiers in the host of Jesus Christ, waging war against sin, the World, the Flesh, and the Devil, you and I must not lose heart, but cleave to and smite with the Sword of the Spirit, the holy word of God (Ephesians 6:17).
Let us not be weary in well doing (Galatians 6:9).
By faith, let us "wax valiant in fight" (Hebrews 11:34).
Let us ever be mindful of our king, Jesus Christ (II Timothy 2:4).
Let us shout, "O Heart of CHRIST, lead on!"
Abortion must be abolished.
I made a post on social some time ago, saying,
"I will never apologize again when I am in the wrong!"
There was a thread of comments by some stunned friends...
"Huh?"
"??? This doesn't sound like you."
"Sounds like you are ripe for politics."
"If you don't apologize then you will get a bad reputation with people."
My statement caused a good deal of head shaking, consternation, and questions.
Then I explained. In case you have one eyebrow raised in incredulity as to my meaning, I will explain it to you as well.
What does it mean to say, "I apologize."
Some years ago, I discovered that the words "apology" and "apologize" come from the Greek apologia.
Due to our modern use of these words, this root might be expected to mean to "to confess one's fault" or "say I'm sorry", but that is not the case.
Apologia means "to give a defense, a reasoned answer; to defend oneself"
This is why a Christian apologist is NOT saying "I believe in Christ...sorry about that."
Considering that the word means to "give an answer" to clear or justify one's self, beliefs, stance, or actions in a reasoned defense, why should a GUILTY person give an apology?
IF I AM IN THE WRONG, I should not apologize, but rather admit I am wrong, express my sorrow, and humbly ask for forgiveness. I keep the apologetics for when I defending my faith (or when I am giving a reason of why I don't use the words "I apologize" when confessing my being wrong).
Now some have said, "But that is not what the word apologize means today. Why do you bring this up?"
I completely understand what most people are talking about when they say that they apologize for doing wrong. I do not fault other people for using the word "apologize" to express their guilt and sorrow. I don't interrupt to correct them for their usage when they come to me, or grumble that they must not mean it because they used that word. That would be ridiculous.
I just choose to not use that word when I am confessing guilt, expressing regret and repenting. I like words, and words have meanings, and I desire to be consistent and careful as to the words I let out of my mouth.
But besides my own personal decision, why bring it out?
The root of the word means to give a reasoned defense, and therefore it is a great way to teach an important concept that is valuable to keep in mind:
It is all too easy to put a defense up (apologia) even while seeming to say I was wrong ("apologize").
I have noticed that when someone is saying that they were wrong to do something, often their "apology" does include excuses of why they did what they did (apologia). When someone comes out and issues an "apology" to say that what they did was wrong, but then in their confession tell why it was OK to do so, there is a problem.
When we are wrong, instead of explaining ourselves to try to justify what we did, is it not better to simply confess and forsake it?
Therefore I am just sharing that this is why I do not use the word "apology" or "apologize" when I am wrong, but rather follow this confession found in Scripture:
Psalm 38:18
"For I will declare mine iniquity; I will be sorry for my sin."
Thank you for letting me engage your thought. Aren't words wonderful?
Abortion must be abolished.
When you think of the tribes of Israel, which names come to mind first?
Judah?
Levi?
Benjamin?
If so, you are like most people--these are probably the most well known tribes in the Bible.
But in total there were 12: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, Asher, Issachar, Manasseh, Ephraim, and Benjamin.
Manasseh and Ephraim are the double tribe from Joseph, so that actually only makes eleven.
The tribe I haven't mentioned yet, and the one that most likely would NOT be the first to come to mind--in fact, if I didn't mentioned this name, most Christians reading may never have never missed it--Zebulun.
The tribe of Zebulun are those descended from Leah's sixth son. The name Zebulon means "to dwell" or "habitation".
I believe it would be edifying for Christians who are dwelling in this present world, to dwell upon this tribe for a bit.
It is one of my greatest joys to study Bible people that are often overlooked.
A long time could be spent on learning about the history, heroes, victories and failures of the tribe of Zebulun, as with any other tribe or family in the Scriptures!
Instead, I will just take a few instances (snapshots, if you will) from the life of this tribe from two periods of Isreal's History--The Judges and The Kings--and use them as examples for our edification today!
"Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come." (I Corinthians 10:11).
I. During the time of the Judges
A. In Barak's day (Judges 5), the people were under the cruel oppression of Jabin the king of Canaan and his infamous Captain, Sisera, who boasted a mighty host and 900 chariots of iron.
Let me say it again: boasted 900 CHARIOTS OF IRON.
Nine hundred "tanks" of that time.
It was a dark day. They had cried unto God, and turned from their sin, and He raised up Deborah and Barak.
It was a day when Godly manhood was in short supply. It was a day for heroes to come out of the shadows and stand for righteousness and for the name of their God.
When Barak (of Naphtali) finally rose to obey God, and called for men to rise and join him at Mount Tabor, men of Zebulun and Naphtali (and some others) were rallied to also obey. In the song that Barak and Deborah sing in the next chapter (Judges 6), we find some interesting details about the brave men from Zebulun who arose to meet the challenge...
Judges 5:14 "Out of Ephraim was there a root of them against Amalek; after thee, Benjamin, among thy people; out of Machir came down governors, and out of Zebulun they that handle the pen of the writer."
I find it fascinating that the men of Zebulun who joined to battle alongside Barak were recorded as those "that handle the pen of the writer".
Gifted men who's skill was the written word not the handling of bow and spear!
It would have seemed natural for the scribes to have could have answered Barak's call to arms with,
"We are glad that you feel you must rise and fight Sisera'a host, but that is not our specific calling. We are not warriors. We hold the pen, not the sword. We have all been givien different gifts and varying roles by God--we will do that which what we feel comfortable with! So grateful God gave you such a vision and the strength to meet it! Hope you all are successful! We will be praying for you! And when the battle is over, we will write your obituary or your praise!"
"...And in doing so, pretend as if we were fighting alongside of you at all times!"
Indeed, there were other tribes and regions of that day who did not heed the call to fight the adversary! Those in Gilead, Dan, and Asher (Judges 5:17) stayed right where they were. Others talked it over, considered the ramifications, had "great thoughts of heart", but never put their "great searchings" into action. Such was the tribe of Reuben (Judges 5:15,16).
In fact, most of the tribes of Israel did not take part in the battle!
What a testimony that Zebulun did not follow the indifference and inaction of the popular opinion. The tribes of both Zebulun and Naphtali did not stoop to follow the crowd but went forward in hazard to their lives to fight against King Jabin's Canaanites and those 900 CHARIOTS OF IRON.
Judges 5:18 "Zebulun and Naphtali were a people that jeoparded their lives unto the death in the high places of the field."
Others from Ephraim, Benjamin, Machir (of Manasseh) joined valiantly with their brothers.
They put their lives on the line to defend their land, their homes, their families, and their neighbors (who had stayed at home).
B. And we find again that in Gideon's day, Zebulun again came to join the conflict:
Judges 6:35 "And he sent messengers throughout all Manasseh; who also was gathered after him: and he sent messengers unto Asher, and unto Zebulun, and unto Naphtali; and they came up to meet them." Zebulun went up to join Gideon.
II. During the time of Kings
The tribes were coming together to make David king over all the nation of Israel. This is recorded in the twelfth chapter of I Chronicles--a chapter full of great insights and lessons for warfare in the spiritual realm today!
I love to see what God wanted us to know about the various men and tribes right there.
In David's day:
I Chronicles 12:23,33 "And these are the numbers of the bands that were ready armed to the war, and came to David to Hebron, to turn the kingdom of Saul to him, according to the word of the LORD...Of Zebulun, such as went forth to battle, expert in war, with all instruments of war, fifty thousand, which could keep rank: they were not of double heart."
The men of Zebulun were...
- such as went forth to battle
- expert in war
- skilled and armed with all instruments of war
- could keep rank
- not of double heart
Let US be as the men of Zebulun, who came to see David, the true king of Israel, crowned and honored--and his kingdom established.
Notice again how Zebulun was described.
A. They were "such as went forth to battle"
Let us ALL be those who are actively contending for the faith in our generation! Let us reject the "but that's not my calling" excuse and be like Job in searching out the cause we know not! Let us serve our God on more than one front: training our young, ministering to the poor and the homeless, rescuing the weak, snatching prey out of the mouths of lions, preaching in the open air, witnessing one on one to those who are lost--willing to go where the Lord leads (whether that be stateside, internationally, or just down the street at the local altar of Molech).
"Some want to live within sound of church and chapel bell. I want to run a rescue shop within a yard of Hell." C.T. Studd.
B. They were "expert in war"
Let us become "expert in war" by training, by exercise in the Scriptures, and by EXPERIENCE through actual engagement in public and private venues. Bringing the culture into conflict with the gospel of Jesus Christ on many fronts--the debate of creation vs. evolution, apologetics, evangelism, the holocaust of the preborn, etc. The only way to become a seasoned veteran in any battle is to venture forth as a rookie and keep going--learn by hearing, seeing, and doing.
C. They were skilled and armed "with all instruments of war"
Let us arm ourselves "with ALL instruments of war", and take advantage of various facets and parts of service:
Whether it be on our knees in our closet weeping with our God,
standing at the murder mill preaching and pleading,
providing resources and information to those in need,
provoking the public in the streets,
dropping truth and tracts everywhere we go,
exhorting our brethren at church, around the table, and on social media,
provoke the people by your bumper magnets and stickers, signs, shirts, hats, and literature,
Studying and wielding the Sword of the LORD (the Bible),
being ready always to give an answer on what God's truth says concerning salvation, creation, dinosaurs, child sacrifice, abolition, marriage, sexuality, children, discipline, forgiveness, friendship, habits, finances, work ethic, authority, manhood, womanhood, government, justice, liberty, pornography, bondage, victory, evangelism, discipleship, prayer, martyrdom etc.
Learning basics of Biblical apologetics and gathering resources on various subjects to utilize and share.
Brothers and Sisters, let us wear the whole armor of God and bear the weapons of our warfare, which are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds.
D. They "could keep rank"
Let us "keep rank"--seeking to be orderly and effective in our labor, united with others in Christ for the task, intentional in our objective, and righteous in our steps to see the end accomplished to the redounding of the glory of our King!
E. They "were not of double heart"
Let us not be of double heart, but be constrained by the unfeigned love of Christ in all that we do. We must be impassioned in our zeal and harnessed by truth.
May we who have been "brought nigh" already ourselves be obedient and represent our Savior and King, Jesus Christ, as ambassadors for His kingdom, faithful in a selfish culture that has rebelled against the Creator (denying His very existence and at peace with the murder of the preborn).
Let us be seeking souls to be saved and the abolition of child sacrifice to the praise of the glory of Jesus Christ, the true King!
Abortion must be abolished.
Imagine a group of hens watching a chicken in a rotisserie oven, thinking they are watching TV.
Here are some thoughts that came to mind when I first saw this image...
Fry-Day Night Feature Film. Now for some of the best parts. Thought I'd "wing it" and make a few poultry (paltry) remarks. When you come a breast of the situation, most of you will thigh a heavy sigh.
Notice those viewers flocked to see it. You know, to get a bird's eye view.
You know that one of those hens knows this is no yokeing matter and is mentally crying fowl, while another thinks she's in line for the tanning booth, musing "Can't wait till I'm a lovely golden brown too."
Another chicken is thinking that it is all a stunt by some brave rooster to prove he's not chicken. She's probably saying, "Well, for someone who doesn't have any guts, you gotta admit he's got pluck!"
Yet another of those hens has got to be a reporter, waiting for an interview. She can't wait to grill him with questions, and get the scoop. She's dreaming even now of maybe winning the Pulletzer Prize. When asked if she wrote the article, she'll probably say "I wrote it, yessirree (rotisserie).
Of course some featherbrained hen doesn't have eggscellent eyesight, and so her vision is a little skewered. She'd likely to say, "We know him, don't we? That's got to be Bobby" isn't our Bobby cute? He always was a great dancer. Look at him turn and turn without getting dizzy. Mother always said he was the spitting image of Fried Astaire!"
This post will likely ruffle some feathers. Some may cackle, others might crow. Some may say that I am just a dumb cluck.
But now is when I take a couple drumsticks and go "Ba-dum-chicken!"
Abortion must be abolished.
Proverbs 28:15 "As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear; so is a wicked ruler over the poor people."
Imagine with me, if you would, a sheep that was asked who he was planning of voting in as the next leader and protector for the flock: the Lion or the Bear.
Pressure is on from all the other sheep as they believe very strongly that it is better to vote for the bear.
Yes, both the Lion and the Bear are predators, but, as they reason, the Bear's diet also includes fruit, honey, and insects, therefore, it would not always see the need to consume members of the the flock like the Lion would be prone to do.
Fewer lambs would be ripped to shreds. Probably.
Sure the bear was overbearing in personality, but it wasn't always lying when it opened it's mouth like the Lion does in her pride.
And the Bear--well, it would stand most forcefully against the wolves, or so he claimed. And isn't that the mane thing after all?
"We can't let the Lion be in charge!"
"We must vote for the Bear!"
But the young ram foresaw trouble bruin and refused to give in to the pressure.
"I will not support those who countenance the massacre of any of my kind. I will vote for the Sheepdog and cry out to the Shepherd to rescue us! The sheep dog may not win but I will not be found throwing support for an adversary of the sheep..."
"Of two evils, choose neither." Charles Haddon Spurgeon
Abortion must be abolished.
Who was the greatest naval hero from the Revolutionary War? I propose that it would be Captain John Paul Jones.
He was instrumental in establishing the traditions of courage and tenacity that were followed by many American seamen for generations. This indomitable figure on the waters of war was born in a gardener's cottage in Scotland. While still a youth, he went to sea, and by the age of 21, was a merchant ship master. Years later he was residing in Virginia, and took up the patriot's cause.
Volunteering early to serve in his adopted country's virgin navy in the War for Independence, it was his hands that raised the Continental colors on board the flagship of the first fleet of the American Navy.
This Naval officer is remembered for his determination and unwillingness to consider surrender when the slightest glimmer of hope for victory still burned. Though taking the battle to an overwhelming foe, outmanned and outgunned, he was not one to shun danger or risk, as is demonstrated by this declaration of his: "I wish to have no connection with any ship that does not sail fast, for I fully intend to go into harm's way."
Jones commanded a number of vessels in his time of service, including PROVIDENCE, ALFRED, RANGER, ARIEL, ALLIANCE and most famously, BONHOMME RICHARD.
In fact, it was on this date, the 23rd of September, back in 1778, that John Paul Jones had his most renowned sea battle. He was embroiled in conflict against the British warship H.M.S. SERAPIS. After the BONHOMME RICHARD began to take on water, and fires broke out on board, the British commander asked Jones if he had struck his colours. Jones replied with a shout, "I have not yet begun to fight!"
Three hours later, it was the British commander who surrendered to HIM.
September 23rd is also my birthdate,
There is a statement that has become very dear to my soul in the warfare in which we are engaged. I desire to embody its truth through the grace of my Redeemer and Lord of Hosts, Jesus Christ.
I also yearn that my Christian brethren would take heart and be of good courage in THIS generation, remembering why we are here. That same statement hearkens back to the mindset of Captain Jones.
It carries the same thrust and zeal as "I have not yet begun to fight!"
What is the statement?
"There is still time to win a battle before the sun goes down."
Have you struck your colours? Is your courage and commitment flagging? Look to the Captain of our Salvation, and renew your strength in Him!
ABORTION MUST BE ABOLISHED.
