Daily Archives: October 11, 2014

Christians are Forgivers & Fighters

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FightJesus had a lot to say about forgiveness. One of the main explanations of forgiveness comes from the parable He told in Matthew 18 about the servant who owed his master money and was pardoned, but then failed to forgive his fellow servant.

We have been forgiven MUCH, so our only appropriate response is to demonstrate forgiveness to those who owe us.

There is a difference in forgiveness and allowing evil people or practices that cause injustice against helpless innocent people to continue.

When we see evil perpetuated unchecked in our world we should have NOTHING to do with it, and we should seek to expose it.

Paul warns us repeatedly about  deception.

“I tell you this so that no one may deceive you with fine sounding arguments.” Colossians 2:4

“See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ. For in Christ all the fullness of the Godhead dwells in bodily form and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is head over every power and authority.” Colossians 2:8

If we feel God is calling us to expose injustice and deception we also know a few things:

“Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Ephesians 6:12

“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:2-5

Hey!Exposing evil can unleash a spiritual battle. But we don’t need to be afraid because we know that Christ is head over any and every spiritual force we will come up against. We can be assured of victory in the name of Jesus Christ, based on our relationship with Him.

We can be confident when we are seeking to help the innocent and downtrodden, because we have the power of the risen Lord Jesus Christ on our side.

“So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God.” Romans 5:11

“United with the One who was raised from the dead, we can produce a harvest of good deeds for God.” Romans 7:14

Whatever God has called us to do, we know He is with us throughout the struggle we may encounter.

“Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances. For this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16 

Sums up our marching orders pretty well. Simple, but impossible to do in our own strength.

What battle has God called you to fight?

Where is God calling you to forgive?

Where do you see injustice and feel the Holy Spirit wants you to speak out boldly?

When have you seen God at work to fight in spiritual battles around you?

Day 23 of Encouraging people to Seek Jesus: 30 ways in 30 days

If you have been helped in any way through my musings, please give glory to God. If you find anything disappointing or offensive – please let me know so I can improve.

Healthy Toddlers DON’T JUST DEVELOP AUTISM

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One mom. One boy. On March 23, 2007 their lives changed forever.

Jennifer had a beautiful baby boy, Josiah. He was 16 months old and was doing really well. He was delightfully learning language and curious about the world around him. He loved his mom and had a great connection with her. He loved learning and every day was a new adventure with the two of them sharing a beautiful bond.

Boy in hatI love the 2nd year of life. It is truly a wonderful time to be around a child.

All the magical moments in Jennifer and Josiah’s life came to a screeching halt on one eventful day.

Jennifer had carefully chosen a pediatrician to provide health care for her precious son. She was so committed to Josiah’s health and the doctor’s wisdom, that she drove one hour for every appointment she had with him. Of course she took him for ALL the well baby visits – because that is what loving parents do. She trusted her doctor. He had training. He knew what babies needed to be healthy.

When Josiah was 16 ½ months old Jennifer made the one hour drive to her doctor’s appointment. She reflected on how it seemed slightly unnecessary to visit a doctor since her son was so healthy, and the fact that while it hadn’t seemed like a long drive when her son was smaller, it was quite an inconvenience out of her schedule to make this appointment.

The doctor did all the usual measurements and announced that Josiah was doing exactly right for his age and stage. Then he suggested that since it was such a long drive, instead of separating the 15 month recommended shots from the 18 month recommended shots, they could just give them all on the same day.

Jennifer completely trusted that her doctor knew what he was doing and THAT HE WAS DOING HER A FAVOR. Instead of making her come back for another appointment in a couple of months, he was willing to go ahead and give Josiah ALL THE SHOTS.

Josiah received 9 different shots that day, including the MMR and the DTap.

After getting these ‘protective’ injections at the pediatrician’s office for his ‘well baby visit’, Josiah started screaming, crying, arching his back, with his eyes rolling back in his head. He continued screaming for five hours when he finally fell into an exhausted sleep. This was an indication of the extreme serious vaccine reaction Josiah experienced. The combined toxic load was more than his body and brain could bear.

Jennifer noted with increasing horror the many results of that fateful day on March 23, 2007.

Josiah lost the desire and ability to make eye contact. He completely stopped talking. Whereas once he had been saying 20 – 30 words and stringing together 3 word sentences, except for the screams or moans of pain, he cannot communicate.

Josiah’s behavior changed dramatically after receiving the shots . He began spinning in circles, flapping his hands, mouthing his toys non-stop and afraid of the water in his bath – that he once loved.

Josiah is now 8 years old. He is still wearing diapers, is non-verbal and does not make eye-contact. His life has been forever changed because his mom trusted the pediatrician. She thought he was doing her a favor.

Jennifer’s message to parents is a very simple one: “Please research the shots you allow your doctor to give your children. Oh how I WISH I HAD. Vaccine injuries are not rare. My son has never been the same.”

30 ways in 30 Days, Exploring Vaccines: Day 24