Happy Monday

When the Pressure Crushes YouGlynnis Whitwer

"We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself ... But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead." 2 Corinthians 1:8b, 9b (NIV)

It seemed pressure came from every direction. It was unrelenting. Financial pressures brought worry. Children issues brought frustration. And an overloaded schedule kept me up at night. It got so bad I wanted to have a bonfire with all my to-do lists and make s'mores.

Being a naturally self-sufficient person, my instincts led me to work harder. How could I make more money? What new parenting technique would make this child behave? If I pulled an all-nighter could I knock my emails down to a manageable number?

I picked up the pace. Buckled down. Slept less. Instituted logical consequences for my child. And re-wrote my to-do lists. I was determined to pull myself together. After all, that's who I am ... at least that's who I was.

In the past, my Lone Ranger attempts at managing circumstances worked. But not this time.

Debts mounted. My child's problems increased. And consequently, I fell further behind. The pressure just kept increasing instead of going away.

Never in my life had circumstances been so overwhelmingly beyond my control. I was surrounded by things I couldn't whip into shape, including my own emotions. I felt like such a failure, and was so ashamed that I couldn't manage the assignments God had given me. Finally, with no solutions in sight, I broke down before God, crying out in desperation, certain He'd be as disappointed with me as I was.

After all, I was the girl He was supposed to be able to count on. I was the dependable one. And here I was falling apart.

With my emotions a tangled mess, I poured out all my fears, weakness, and insecurities to God. Even my prayers seemed jumbled and incoherent. And in the midst of my tears, I declared "I can't even pray right!" Never had I needed God more. Well, to be honest, never had I really needed God.

In the aftermath of my breakdown, something started to change in me. It was subtle, kind of like the dawn, when pitch black moments start to take shape.

My self-sufficiency was slipping, being replaced by God-dependency. Peace snuck in where I didn't expect it. Circumstances didn't change, but my understanding did. God never needed to depend on me ... rather I was to depend on Him.

Although I'd been a Christian for many years, and loved and followed God with what I thought was all my heart, it seemed I'd held something back. In the midst of that pressure-cooker time, I realized believing in God isn't the same as trusting Him. God used pressure that felt crushing to lead me to dependence that felt freeing.

Recently I read a passage in 1 Corinthians that perfectly summarized what God taught me during that time: "We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself ... But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us again. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us" (vv. 8b, 9b-10)

Pressure in life is never easy. But God can use it to take our faith deeper if we let Him. It started for me by admitting my insufficiency, and realizing God wasn't disappointed by that confession. In fact, He invites me to need Him.

Heavenly Father, please forgive me for all the times I've said "I don't need You" through my actions. I admit I can't manage my life alone, and need Your help. Thank You for being all-sufficient and all-powerful and loving me enough to never shame me for what I can't manage. I love You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Daily Smile:
A little girl was talking to her teacher about whales. The teacher said it was physically impossible for a whale to swallow a human because even though a whale is a very large mammal, its throat is very small. The little girl stated that Jonah was swallowed by a whale. The teacher reiterated that a whale could not swallow a human, it was impossible. The little girl said, "When I get to heaven I will ask Jonah". 

The teacher asked, "What if Jonah went to hell?" 

The little girl replied, "Then you ask him!"

In The News:

ACLU Sues Obama Administration Over NSA Surveillance

The American Civil Liberties Union is suing the Obama administration over the National Security Administration's massive phone data collection program, USA Today reports. In its lawsuit, the ACLU said the program that harvests phone calls violates the rights of all Americans. "The program goes far beyond even the permissive limits set by the Patriot Act and represents a gross infringement of the freedom of association and the right to privacy," said Jameel Jaffer, the ACLU's deputy legal director. Meanwhile, Google sought permission to disclose more details about another contested NSA program, one that allows the government to collect online information from non-U.S. citizens. Additionally, Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., who chairs the Senate Intelligence Committee, told reporters she has asked Gen. Keith Alexander -- the head of the NSA and U.S. Cyber Command -- to declassify more information about its phone and Internet surveillance programs. The goal is "so that we can talk about them, because I think they're really helpful," she said. President Obama and aides have defended the programs, saying they have helped prevent terrorist attacks and are subject to oversight by Congress and a special (and secret) court. "They make a difference in our capacity to anticipate and prevent possible terrorist activity," Obama said, also citing "strict supervision by all three branches of government. ... They do not involve listening to people's phone calls, do not involve reading the e-mails of U.S. citizens or U.S. residents absent further action by a federal court that is entirely consistent with what we would do, for example, in a criminal investigation."

Outlook for 2013 Teen Summer Jobs: Bleak

While the overall job market is showing improvement, the employment prospects for teens looking for summer work remain unusually bleak, with one in four job-hunting teens idle, Jim Liebelt reports. Teen unemployment was 24.5 percent last month, more than triple the national jobless rate of 7.6 percent, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Those unemployment rates reflect only those people who are actively looking for work, not those who have given up or never looked in the first place. Joblessness among teens 16-19 traditionally is far greater than the national average, but their current unemployment rate is "really high," said Diana Carew, an economist for the Progressive Policy Institute, a Washington, D.C.-based think tank. Though the economy is rebounding, the teen unemployment rate has remained virtually unchanged over the past two years. Economists say the trend is driven by a still slow economy in which older adults and people in their early- to mid-20s compete with teens for low-level jobs. Only a third of teenagers between the ages of 16 and 19 look for paid work today, according to BLS data. Half of working-age teens participated in the labor force during the late 1990s.

Teacher in Egypt Sentenced for 'Defaming' Islam

A judge in Upper Egypt found a Christian teacher guilty of defaming Islam and levied a massive fine against her after prohibiting her lawyers from presenting a single witness during the trial, Morning Star News reports. Dimyana Obeid Abd Al-Nour escaped jail time, but she was fined 100,000 Egyptian pounds (US$14,270), far beyond her ability to pay. She is on the verge of a nervous breakdown, said her father, Ebed Abd Al-Nour. He said his daughter did nothing wrong. "I am very upset right now by the sentence," he said. "My daughter is innocent and should not have been given such a sentence." Al-Nour a 24-year-old first-year teacher in Egypt, made less than US$300 a month before she lost her position in the wake of the accusations against her. Her family is poor, and she could be sent to jail for failure to pay a court-ordered fine if unable to find the money. Muslims created a clamor in the courtroom that put intense pressure on the judge, said a human rights advocate who was surprised that the guilty verdict did not send her to prison. "I personally was expecting a prison sentence, but thank God she was only given a fine," said Mohammed Noubi, a human rights advocate with the Luxor office of the Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights. "There was a lot of pressure and uproar inside the courtroom."

Texas Abortionist the Target of Request for Full Investigation

Texas state Rep. Phil King is calling for a full investigation of late-term abortion doctor Douglas Karpen, Christian News Service reports. The call for an investigation comes after King viewed a video recorded by the pro-life group Life Dynamics, in which three of Karpen's former employees admitted to participating in numerous instances in which babies were born alive and killed during abortion procedures at his Houston clinic. Life Dynamics officials said the actions of Karpen were not much different from the actions of Philadelphia abortionist Kermit Gosnell, who was recently given a life sentence for his crimes. Rep. King informed Life Dynamics that his office mailed the DVD to the homicide division of the Houston Police Department, as well as letters to the executive director of the Texas Medical Board and the commissioner of the Texas Department of State Health Services, requesting a full investigation. The letters were co-signed by 20 Texas lawmakers. "We strongly support a full investigation into the allegations of Dr. Karpen," King wrote. "As a state, we must ensure that the health and safety of women and children are being protected by laws and regulations in place." Mark Crutcher, president of Life Dynamics, said, "If the abortion lobby thinks this issue is going away, they are literally whistling past the graveyard." Texas Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst has demanded a full-scale investigation into Karpen, and the Texas Department of State Health Services said of the investigation, "This is a very high priority for us."

Happy Sunday - Happy Father's Day

Thought for Today

"We can never afford to forget that we teach our children to call God, 'Father', and the only conception of fatherhood that they can have is the conception which we give them. Human fatherhood should be molded and modeled on the pattern of the fatherhood of God." - William Barclay  
Two Father's Day Devotionals  A Praying Father
(By Henry Bosch)
(Provided by Our Daily Bread, RBC Ministries, 6-15-03 devotional)
"Hear my prayer, O Lord, give ear to my supplications! In Your faithfulness answer me." - Psalm 143:1
A minister concluded his sermon one Sunday by saying, "If there's someone here who wants help in getting to know God, and you would like me to pray for you, please raise your hand." A young man stood up and said, "Please pray for me, sir. The burden of my sin is too heavy to bear."
After the service the minister talked with the man and led him to faith in Jesus. The young man had been wandering around the country for 8 years without contacting his parents, so he decided to write to them and tell them about the change in his life.

Several days later, a reply came from his mother: "My dear son, you must have accepted Jesus Christ at the same hour your father went home to heaven. He had been sick for a long time, and that day he was very restless. He tossed from side to side on his bed, crying out, 'Lord, please save my poor, wandering boy.' I'm sure that one of the reasons you became a Christian was Dad's unceasing intercession."
A praying father will "ask," "seek," and "knock" on behalf of his children, persistently trusting his wise heavenly Father to do what is best (Matthew 7:7-11).

Let's thank God today for faithful fathers who never stop praying for their children.
"We thank You, Lord, for fathers true
Who always spoke to us of You;
Their great concern and tender care
Assured us of their constant prayer."

A praying father reflects the love of our heavenly Father.

--------
Dad's Hat
(By Dave Branon)
(Provided by Our Daily Bread, RBC Ministries, 6-19-05 devotional)

Amid the celebration, there was tragedy. It was the opening ceremonies of the 1992 summer Olympic Games in Barcelona. One by one the teams entered the stadium and paraded around the track to the cheers of 65,000 people. But in one section of Olympic Stadium, shock and sadness fell as Peter Karnaugh, father of United States swimmer Ron Karnaugh, was stricken with a fatal heart attack.
Five days later, Ron showed up for his race wearing his dad's hat, which he carefully set aside before his competition began. Why the hat? It was the swimmer's tribute to his dad, whom he described as "my best friend." The hat was one his dad had worn when they went fishing and did other things together. Wearing the hat was Ron's way of honoring his dad for standing beside him, encouraging him, and guiding him. When Ron dove into the water, he did so without his dad's presence but inspired by his memory.
On this Father's Day, there are many ways to honor our fathers, as Scripture tells us to do (Ephesians 6:2). One way, even if they're no longer with us, is to show respect for the values they taught us.
What can you do for your dad today to show him the kind of honor the Bible talks about?
"We're thankful for our fathers, Lord,
They're special gifts from You;
Help us to show we honor them
By what we say and do."

The best fathers not only give us life - they teach us how to live

Happy Saturday

No Words!

"LORD, you have examined me and you know me. You know everything I do; from far away you understand all my thoughts. You see me, whether I am working or resting; you know all my actions. Even before I speak, you already know what I will say. You are all around me on every side; you protect me with your power. Your knowledge of me is too deep; it is beyond my understanding."
Psalm 139:1-7, GNB

Most of us hate the feeling of being misunderstood. You mean one thing but somehow it either comes out wrong or the other person just simply gets the wrong end of the stick – it’s a horrible feeling. We end up wondering how do I reword this or make this better – how do I express what I really mean, what is really on my heart? Navigating this kind of things in relationships can be tricky, and if we aren’t careful we can be driven to keep people sweet by a fear of simply being taken wrong or being misunderstood.

One of the things I treasure most about the Lord is that He never fails to “get” me. Even if I can’t adequately articulate the struggles of my heart or put into the right words what is going on inside – He knows! He knows all about each one of us with such an intimacy and love that there are no doubts – there are no misunderstandings. Even without words or drama, He understands all that we are feeling, thinking, struggling with and trying to express. Coming into His presence doesn’t mean we have to have things clear in our minds and neatly articulated, wrapped up pretty with a ribbon to present to Him! We can simply come to the Lord and rest knowing we are safe because he knows us.

When reading this poem recently by George Matheson, I was struck especially by the last line: “This cross is too great” I cried “More than the back can bear, So rough and heavy and wide. And nobody near to care”. And One stooped softly and Touched my hand: “I know. I care. And I understand”.

Prayer: Lord Jesus thank You that You do understand me and that You “get” me. There is never any confusion in your thoughts of me, even when I’m not sure myself what I feel. Lord let the reality of Your acceptance go deep in my heart today and lay a strong foundation in me. Teach me Lord to rest in Your knowledge of me and give me a desire to know You more. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Today's Writer : Cath Taylor

Daily Smile:
Three absent minded writers were busy discussing a writing project on the platform, while waiting for the train. The announcement was made, and the train finally arrived. There was complete panic among eagerly waiting passengers as the train made its way to the platform. Passengers rushed inside the train, and the train left. However, one of the writers was not able to catch the train in the confusion.
A passerby who saw all this came up to the writer and told him not to worry and catch the next available train. The writer replied, “I am not worried for myself, but the real problem is that I was the one who was suppose to catch the train, and the two of them who went on the train, actually came to see me off”.

In The News:

Obama Administration Caves, Agrees to Let Girls of Any Age Access Morning-After Pill

The Obama administration announced Monday it would end age restrictions on emergency contraception, allowing girls and women of all ages to purchase the morning-after pill without a prescription, Fox News reports. The Department of Justice notified U.S. District Judge Edward Korman it will submit a plan for compliance with his recent ruling that allowed unrestricted sales of Plan B One-Step. If he approves it, the department will drop its appeal of his April ruling. According to the department's letter to the judge, the Food and Drug Administration has told the maker of the pills to submit a new drug application with proposed labeling that would permit it to be sold "without a prescription and without age or point-of-sale prescriptions." The FDA said that once it receives the application it "intends to approve it promptly." Last week, an appeals court dealt the government a setback by saying it would immediately permit unrestricted sales of the two-pill version of the emergency contraception until the appeal was decided. That order was met with scorn from conservatives, who argue the drug's availability takes away the rights of parents of girls who could get it without their permission. Planned Parenthood and other advocates for abortion rights said Monday the federal government's decision to comply with the judge's ruling could be a move forward for "reproductive justice" if the FDA acts quickly and puts emergency contraception over the counter without restriction.

Air Force Removes Painting With Biblical Reference

The U.S. Air Force has removed an "inspirational" painting because it contained a Bible reference, WORLD reports. The painting, which featured a medieval crusader behind an Air Force pilot, was in the dining hall of Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho. In bold letters was the word "INTEGRITY," and in smaller letters was a biblical reference, Matthew 5:9, which reads, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God." The Military Religious Freedom Foundation said the painting was "repugnant" and an "overt display of Christian nationalism."

New York Governor Acts to Protect Late-Term Abortion Access
Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo introduced his long-promised Women's Equality Act in early June, a portion of which loosens New York's abortion laws and establishes abortion as a right. At a press conference announcing the bill, Cuomo faced a barrage of questions about the abortion section, the most controversial proposal in a bill that contains popular equal pay and anti-trafficking measures. The abortion rate in New York is one of the highest in the country, and in New York City, 41 percent of pregnancies end in abortion. New York currently offers legal protections to babies older than 24 weeks. Abortion, with an exception for the life of the mother, is a crime after 24 weeks under current state law. The bill released June 4 would legalize abortion at any point in a pregnancy for the sake of the life or health of the mother; health, in Supreme Court precedent on abortion, has been widely defined to include emotional health. Senate Republican leader Dean Skelos, who controls the Senate with a coalition of a few breakaway Democrats, has said previously that he would not allow the abortion measure to come to the floor. Cuomo said Tuesday he wants all 10 measures in the act passed, including the abortion measure, and he is counting on Republicans who support abortion to come to his side. The governor has a few weeks to defeat Republican objections: the legislative session comes to a close at the end of June.

Forced Marriage Immigrates to the U.S.

WORLD reports that the Tahirih Justice Foundation identified 3,000 cases of forced marriage in the U.S., mostly immigrants from Muslim countries, but also victims from Hindu, Buddhist and Catholic backgrounds. Tahirih found that non-profits and government agencies lack a clear definition of forced marriage, which the organization distinguishes from arranged marriage, where individuals can object to their partner. A forced marriage occurs without willing consent, and most victims are women under 18. Parents continue the practice to follow custom, settle debts and create family alliances. If the girl actively refuses the marriage, abuse soon follows. Many child brides never return to school after marriage, often have children early, and their husbands control where they can go and who they can visit. U.S. courts have granted asylum to women fleeing forced marriages, and Internet searches reveal groups that offer help, along with two U.S. government-sponsored websites with material on forced marriage. Few private organizations have been involved. The United Kingdom has a state bureau devoted to the issue and multiple advocacy organizations; a United Kingdom advocacy group, Against Forced Marriages, specifically addresses the connection between Islam and forced marriage, using verses from the Quran and Hadith (a book of Islamic practice).

Happy Friday

Pride's End, Sinful Pride!
(Leviticus 8-10)

There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers. - Proverbs 6:16-19

In Leviticus 8-10, we see that the consecration of the priests contained a strange ritual. God instructed Moses to kill a ram, take the blood, and put it on the ears, hands, and feet of Aaron and his sons. They were set apart for God through this anointing, and dedicated to His service in all they did.

Soon after this, Leviticus 10 records that Aaron's sons are killed for offering strange fire before God. God had not authorized them to burn incense on the solemn day of inauguration. That was to be performed by the high priest alone; they were to assist him. We know from the New Testament that the priests were to burn incense only when it was their lot, and this was certainly not Nadab and Abihu's.

As I've pondered these events I've wondered, Was there an element of pride in the lives of these two sons of Aaron? They had a tremendous honor bestowed upon them, but had it gone to their heads?

Can you think of anything good that cannot be ruined by pride? I can't. May God grant us the grace to face our areas of personal pride, confess them, forsake them, and walk each day humbly with the Lord.

Prayer

Lord, help me to walk humbly with You. Amen.

God is especially angered and grieved when we, His children, exhibit prideful behavior.

Daily Smile:
Mr. Trent always scheduled the weekly staff meeting for four thirty on Friday afternoons. When one of the employees finally got up the nerve to ask why, he explained. “I will tell you why … I’ve leaned that’s the only time of the week when none of you seem to want to argue with me.”

In The News:

USAID Sponsors Pro-Homosexual Events in Developing Countries

The U.S. Agency for International Aid (USAID) normally provides food, drugs and other essential items on behalf of the U.S. to poor countries around the world, but under the Obama administration, the agency has expanded its portfolio: it now ships homosexual activism around the world. In April, with help from the Levi Strauss Foundation and millionaire and homosexual activist Tim Gill, USAID began spending $11 million to train homosexual activists in other countries, WORLD reports. The training began last week, in Columbia, which has recently affirmed traditional marriage. "This partnership leverages the financial resources and skills of each partner to further inclusive development and increase respect for the human rights of LGBT people around the world," said Claire Lucas, senior adviser of the USAID Office of Innovation and Development Alliances during a panel at the Ronald Reagan Building in D.C. "It can be a real game-changer in the advancement of LGBT human rights."

Homeschooling Skyrockets in the U.S.

The number of homeschooled children in the United States has increased by 75 percent since 1999, according to a new report published in Education News, CBN News reports. The study's findings serve as more proof that a growing number of parents are rejecting public schools. According to the report, discrepancies in achievement between sexes, income level and ethnicity are nonexistent in homeschooling. "Recent studies laud homeschoolers' academic success, noting their significantly higher ACT-Composite scores as high schoolers and higher grade point averages as college students," the report said. Researchers also found the number of primary-aged homeschool kids is growing seven times faster than public school kids. According to Dr. Brian Ray of the National Home Education Research Institute, the increase is partly because the large number of children homeschooled in the 1990s are now homeschooling their own children. Currently, 4 percent of all school-age children are educated at home.

Franklin Graham Says Obama Yet to Respond to IRS Targeting

Franklin Graham says he is still waiting for President Obama to respond to his letter about Internal Revenue Service agents' targeting of tea party and conservative groups, including the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and Samaritan's Purse, which he leads, the Christian Post reports. "I wanted to give him the benefit of the doubt," Graham said during an interview with Fox News' Sean Hannity. "I like the president. I think he's a nice person. I disagree with him on many of his politics, but at the same time I wanted to write him and let him know that we suspected that we were targeted. Would he look into it? But I have not heard a reply yet." Lois Lerner, the director of the Exempt Organizations Division of the IRS, told reporters last month that several organizations carrying the words "tea party" or "patriot" in their exemption applications were singled out by IRS agents for additional reviews between 2010 and 2012. Graham wrote to Obama on May 14, saying: "I am bringing this to your attention because I believe that someone in the administration was targeting and attempting to intimidate us. This is morally wrong and unethical -- indeed some would call it 'un-American.' Mr. President, the IRS has already publicly acknowledged it operated in a less than neutral and nonpartisan way. We also now know that the target of their improper actions was much wider than political or Tea Party organizations. Will you take some immediate action to reassure Americans we are not in a new chapter of America's history -- repressive government rule?" Graham told Hannity he didn't think Obama knew about the IRS targeting; White House Press Secretary Jay Carney has claimed the IRS action was not politically motivated and the administration wasn't aware of the issue until Lerner's admission.

Former Planned Parenthood Employees Describe Delaware Abortion Centers

On May 29, two former employees of the nation's largest abortion provider testified before state lawmakers in Delaware, WORLD reports. A pair of pro-abortion nurses, Joyce Vasikonis and Jayne Mitchell-Werbrich, explained to a bipartisan panel in vivid detail the "meat market-style assembly-line abortions" provided at Planned Parenthood of Delaware. "It was an absolute nightmare," Mitchell-Werbrich said. "I'm surprised more people haven't lost their lives there." Vasikonis spent more than 20 minutes detailing what she observed -- and tried in vain to fix -- last year at Planned Parenthood centers in Dover and Wilmington. The charges bore many similarities to the unsafe conditions at Kermit Gosnell's Philadelphia abortion facility: unsterilized instruments, faulty oxygen masks, untrained staff, disregard for patients, breaking privacy laws, and failure to report patient complications. Mitchell-Werbrich spent even longer on her testimony, saying she was angry that repeated attempts to draw attention to the dangerous conditions were ignored. She said state officials had continuously failed to take action until a Philadelphia television station reported on the story in April.

Happy Thursday

Resisting Temptation

You shall have no other gods before me. - Exodus 20:3

Remember the bumper sticker, "I can resist anything but temptation?" The land to which the people of Godwere marching was filled with places dedicated to false gods  -- places that tempted God's people to turn from worship of Him. These places were to be destroyed. Why?  Because God told His people they should have no other gods before Him -- there is only one true and living God. He commanded the people to tear down these altars and pillars and images, to keep the Holy Land from being polluted by these hideous reminders of ungodliness.
 
God has commanded the same of us. But if we harbor evil in our lives and do not strive after holiness, we pollute our lives just as the altars to false gods polluted the Promised Land. Unfortunately, false gods don't come with horns and a tail.

False gods come all wrapped up in something pretty. From what I understand about the cherubim and seraphim, and all God's angelic creation, I guess there's nothing prettier than an angel. And the Bible says that "Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light" (2 Corinthians 11:14).

Even though we understand this, God says temptations will come. And often they will come from unexpected places. So you and I must be on our guard. We must be careful of the books we read, the forms of entertainment of which we partake, the magazines to which we subscribe.

Our directions are clear. Resist the Devil. Avoid the things of the world. Flee youthful lusts. And the Word of God will be used by the Holy Spirit to feed us and make us strong, and guide us along the right path.

Prayer -- Lord, when I am tempted, open my eyes and turn me from the glittering baubles to treasure everlasting. Amen.

We will never know the power of God in casting out false gods unless we choose to turn that power on.

Daily Smile: 
An Illinois man left the snow-filled streets of Chicago for a vacation in Florida. His wife was on a business trip and was planning to meet him there the next day.

When he reached his hotel, he decided to send his wife a quick email. Unable to find the scrap of paper on which he had written her email address, he did his best to type it in from memory.

Unfortunately, he missed one letter and his note was directed instead to an elderly preacher's wife, whose husband had passed away only the day before. When the grieving widow checked her email, she took one look at the monitor, let out a piercing scream and fell to the floor in a dead faint. At the sound, her family rushed into the room and saw this note on the screen:

DEAREST WIFE: JUST GOT CHECKED IN. EVERYTHING PREPARED FOR YOUR ARRIVAL TOMORROW.
P.S. SURE IS HOT DOWN HERE.


In The News:

Anti-Religion Group Blasts Teen Valedictorian's Prayer

The Freedom From Religion Foundation blasted what it called the "open defiance" of a valedictorian who delivered the Lord's Prayer during a high school graduation ceremony last Saturday in South Carolina, Todd Starnes reports. Roy Costner, a senior at Liberty High School in Pickens, created national attention when he ripped up his pre-approved graduation speech and instead led the crowd in a recitation of the Lord's Prayer. A video of the speech was posted on YouTube and has since gone viral. It shows the 18-year-old setting aside his speech and saying, "I think most of you will understand when I say, 'Our Father, who art in heaven...'" As the crowd cheered, he concluded his remarks by pointing to the sky and saying, "For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, forever and ever. Amen." A school district spokesperson said the valedictorian will not be penalized for what he did, and Costner said he has absolutely no regrets. "I'm happy with what I did," he said. "I want this to glorify God. I want to use this as a witnessing tool and I hope others will stand up for God in our nation." As for his critics, Costner quoted a passage of Scripture from the Gospel of Matthew. "If you deny me among men, I will deny you to the Father," he said. He also had a special message to the Freedom From Religion Foundation: "We are not in a country where we have freedom from religion. We have freedom of religion."

Egypt: Christian Newspaper Accused of Insulting Islam

The chief editor of a Cairo-based Christian newspaper called The Way and the Truth has been accused of insulting Islam through the newspaper, Voice of the Martyrs reports. A Muslim scholar brought the accusations against Nagy Youssef to Egypt's attorney general, who then referred them to the North Cairo General Court. Nagy could face up to 10 years in prison on accusations of "stirring up the religious divisions and despising the Islamic regime." In response to the accusations written about him in various newspapers, Nagy reportedly said: "Thank God for this free advertising to our great newspaper!"

NFL Player Rejects White House Visit Over Obama's Support of Abortion

Retired Baltimore Ravens center Matt Birk, who won a Super Bowl with the team last year, skipped the team's visit to the White House due to President Obama's support for Planned Parenthood, the Washington Examiner reports. "I have great respect for the office of the presidency but about five or six weeks ago, our president made a comment in a speech and he said, 'God bless Planned Parenthood,'" Birk, a former Minnesota Viking, told a local Minnesota sports blog. "I'm very confused by [Obama's] statement," he explained. "For God to bless a place where they're ending 330,000 lives a year? I just chose not to attend. Planned Parenthood performs about 330,000 abortions a year. I couldn't endorse that in any way." Obama spoke at the national Planned Parenthood conference this year, stating: "As long as we've got to fight to make sure women have access to quality, affordable health care, and as long as we've got to fight to protect a woman's right to make her own choices about her own health, I want you to know that you've also got a president who's going to be right there with you, fighting every step of the way. Thank you, Planned Parenthood. God bless you. God bless America."

Emergency Contraception: 'It'll Be Like Buying Tylenol'

Abortion rights activists celebrated outside the federal appeals court in Manhattan after the 2nd U.S. Court of Appeals issued an order permitting immediate, unrestricted over-the-counter sales of all two-pill emergency contraceptives. Unrestricted sales of Plan B One-Step contraceptive are still on hold until the court decides the merits of the government's appeal. Julie Rickelman with the Center for Reproductive Rights hopes the pills will be available without restriction within a month: "The two-pill products are going to be readily available to women without age restrictions, on any drugstore shelf. It’ll be like buying Tylenol. You’ll be able to go get it off the drugstore shelf, no ID, at the regular counter." That's exactly what worries opponents of the decision. Family Foundation president Victoria Cobb expressed concern about the ease with which young girls will be able to get this potent product. She points out the unintended consequences: "The government calls pre-marital sex risky behavior because of the high risk of STDs. This ruling may reduce [unintended pregnancies], but it is ignoring the STD risk." Cobb also said when a pill is marketed as the solution with no consequences, people with abusive intentions will put it to bad use -- potentially making it easier for child sexual abusers to cover up their acts. Cobb urged parents to stay involved and "be even more diligent about what their kids are given or taking."

Happy Wednesday

Jacob's Defining Moment by Os Hillman

"So Jacob called the place Peniel, saying, 'It is because I saw God face to face, and yet my life was spared'" (Gen 32:30).

Every believer in Jesus Christ must have a defining moment in their lives. Jacob is about to meet his brother Esau in the desert after years of separation. The last time he saw him was when he manipulated the birthright from him years ago. He assumes Esau is going to try to kill him. He sends gifts ahead as a peace offering. And he spends a restless night in prayer asking God to spare his and his family's life.

Jacob has lived a life of control and manipulation. Yet, there is something in Jacob God finds worthy of redemption. He has a heart that genuinely wants to serve and be used of God. But God must do something in him to chisel away the bad traits in his life.

God sends an angel in the form of a man to wrestle away the striving in Jacob. The only way to remove the striving in Jacob is to injure his physical abilities. "When the angel saw that he could not overpower him, he touched the socket of Jacob's hip so that his hip was wrenched as he wrestled with the man'" (Gen 32:25-26).

Jacob's natural abilities were so great that God literally had to make Jacob a weaker man physically in order for God's power to be manifested in his life. When this happened a turning point took place in Jacob. A new nature was birthed in him that required a total trust in God. His name was changed in recognition of this defining moment. "Then the man said, 'Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with men and have overcome'" (Gen 32:28).

My friend Bob Mumford once said, "Beware of any Christian leader who does not walk with a limp." If a leader has not wrestled with God over their natural abilities and come to a place of total dependence on God, that leader will live a life of striving and manipulation.

Let go and let God do the work needed in you. When this happens even your enemies will be a peace with you. 

Daily Smile:
It's a hot summer day and Jake and Harry are in a ditch digging away. Meanwhile, Ralph is up under the shade of a tree sipping on a cool drink. Jake asks Harry, "Why are we down here digging in the hot Sun while Ralph is being cool up there?" Harry says, "I don't know, I'll go ask him". Harry goes up and asks Ralph, "Why are you up here in the shade drinking a cool drink and Jake and I are in the ditch digging in the hot sun?" Ralph says, "'cause I've got smarts". "What's that? Asks Harry. Ralph puts his hand in front of the tree and says, "Hit my hand as hard as you can". Harry swings his fist at Ralph’s hand, Ralph moves his hand and Harry hits the tree, hurting his hand. Ralph, says "I knew to pull my hand away, that’s called having smarts". Harry goes back in the ditch and Jake asks, "What did he say?" Ralph says, "Its cause he has smarts." "What's that? Asks Jake. Harry puts his hand in front of his face and says. "Hit my hand!

Happy Tuesday

Determinedly Deluded 
by Michael Ford Th.D

The troubled Robert Pirsig is the person who, I believe, said: "When one person suffers from a delusion it is called insanity. When many people suffer from a delusion it is called religion." That declaration is patently false unless one agrees beforehand to exclude faith in the finished work of the Lord Jesus Christ, because it is faith founded upon fact. And that which is factual cannot by its nature be delusion. A delusion is a distortion or altering of what is real. Something very characteristic of what is presented in the modern day political scene as in other places.

It is an interesting fact we should take notice of; How so many false religions define themselves either by altering or denying the biblical testimony of the Person of the Lord Jesus Christ. And those wishing to destroy the foundations established by Christian faith within a nation begin by declaring that nation is no longer Christian. It is one of the strengths of faith founded in reality illustration consistent with scientific law can be made to display that faith's spiritual truth. Therefore we see a foundation undermined causes its structure to topple. And it is by the nature of physics the fall is most liable to be upon the one who has undermined his area of the foundation.

Scripture asks, "If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?" Psalm 11:3. The text has already made it clear the attack is made upon the "upright in heart," which God allows to try the righteous, with the result it makes them stronger in faith as iron is hardened when tried in the fire. And He promises that "Upon the wicked He shall rain snares, fire and brimstone, and an horrible tempest: this shall be the portion of their cup." (6) This reminds us of what is also prophesied in Revelation 9:14-20. 

We should remember while wicked persons lay their foundations in the delusions of falsehood or denial, we have placed our faith in that true foundation which is the Lord Jesus Christ of Scripture and reality. (1Corinthians 3:11) Therefore whatever they topple, it shall be upon their own heads while our foundation and faith remains sure.

Daily Smile:
An Old man went to the doctor complaining of a terrible pain in his leg. “I am afraid it’s just old age”, replied the doctor, “there is nothing we can do about it.” 

“That can’t be” fumed the old man, “you don’t know what you are doing.” 

“How can you possibly know I am wrong?” countered the doctor. 

“Well it’s quite obvious,” the old man replied, “my other leg is fine, and it’s the exact same age!”

In The News:

Boy Scouts March in Uniform at Utah Gay Pride Parade

Despite orders from their local council not to do so, a number of Boy Scouts and their leaders marched in uniform at the Salt Lake City homosexual pride parade on Sunday, the Christian News Network reports. Just days after the Boy Scouts of America voted to end the organization's ban on openly gay members, Salt Lake leaders arranged for the Scouts to march in the parade, including Peter Brownstein, one of the local Scoutmasters. Brownstein told NBC that a few adults and youth marched in uniform at the front of the parade, and that he also marched, but not in Scoutmaster apparel. "I was essentially intimidated and told not to wear my BSA uniform," he told reporters. "So, I am unfortunately not in my BSA uniform, but I am glad that others have chosen to do so." According to reports, an email to the Scouts from Salt Lake City executive Rick Barnes outlined that members and leaders could participate in the parade, but not in uniform. However, some of the leaders and members wore their uniforms anyway. BSA headquarters responded in a statement: "These individuals stated a personal opinion and do not represent Scouting. Scouting teaches people that often in life, one finds rules they don't agree with, but a Scout is to be obedient. To simply disobey a rule because you disagree with it is not an example to set for youth. It is up to each council to determine how best to hold their leaders to the standards of Scouting. We will support the Greater Salt Lake Area Council as they determine the appropriate response."

Iraqi Christians Face Tough Times Amid Violence

The nation of Iraq is awash in violence, with more than 500 people killed there in just the last month, CBN News reports. The attacks have mostly been Muslim against Muslim, but Christians have also been affected. Greg Musselman of Voice of the Martyrs Canada, who recently visited Baghdad, told CBN that many Iraqi Christians have decided to stay despite the violence in hopes of influencing their nation with the Gospel.

Study Finds Parents Clueless About Kids' Online Behavior

Your teens and tweens engage in a lot more risky behavior online than you think, according to a new survey by the online security firm McAfee. McAfee's 2013 "Digital Deception: Exploring the Online Disconnect between Parents and Kids" examined the behavior of tweens, teens and college-age kids and contrasted that with what their parents knew about kids' online experiences. The sad answer is not much. Eighty-eight percent of tweens and teens said their parents trust them to be safe online, but most acknowledged abusing that trust by posting intimate details about themselves (including phone numbers, email addresses, the name of their schools and home addresses). McAfee also found about 30 percent of teens and young adults sought out information on depression, but only 6 percent of their parents were aware of it. A quarter looked up information on drugs without their parents' knowledge. About 15 percent of kids looked up information about suicide or eating disorders, but less than 3 percent of their parents knew. Nearly half of kids said they'd seen sexual content online that disturbed them or made them feel uncomfortable, but less than 20 percent of parents knew about it. Almost 40 percent of kids intentionally looked up simulated or real-life violence online and almost a quarter sought out sex or pornography sites. About 10 percent had shared intimate photos or videos of themselves. Most tweens, teens and young adults said they hid their online activities from parents by clearing browser histories, hiding or deleting videos, or creating email or social media accounts their parents know nothing about. More than 70 percent of parents surveyed said they don't have the time or energy to keep up with their kids' online activities, nor do they know how to monitor them.

Citing Risk to Adoptions, Missouri Governor Vetoes Anti-Sharia Bill

Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon has vetoed a bill that would have made his state the seventh in the nation to prohibit judges from considering sharia, or Islamic law, and other "foreign laws" in their decisions, the Religion News Service reports. But rather than citing the usual arguments about anti-Muslim discrimination and the freedom of religion, Nixon introduced a new argument against such legislation, asserting it would make it harder for Missouri families to adopt children from overseas. Nixon said if state judges would not be able to consider foreign decrees that are sometimes required to finalize adoptions, adoptive families and children would be left stranded. "This legislation seeks to solve a problem that does not exist, while creating the very real problem of jeopardizing Missouri’s families' ability to adopt children from foreign countries," Nixon, a Democrat, said. State Sen. Brian Nieves, who introduced the bill in February, called the governor's reasoning for his veto "gibberish," saying, "His assertion that the bill somehow interferes with foreign adoptions is absurd." Nieves, a Republican, could try to override the veto; a veto override requires a two-thirds majority in both chambers, and the bill had the support of 24 of 34 senators and 109 of 167 state representatives when it passed earlier this year. Anti-foreign law bills have been proposed in roughly 30 states; supporters say the laws prevent courts from imposing harsh sentences under sharia, but critics say they single out Muslims and tie judges' hands in family law or contract disputes. Six states have passed the laws: Arizona, Kansas, Louisiana, South Dakota, Tennessee and Oklahoma. Last month, Alabama lawmakers approved a constitutional amendment prohibiting judges from considering foreign laws. It will face a statewide vote next year.

Happy Monday

I Can't Forgive Myself 

by Suzie Eller

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9 (NIV)

The workshop had ended. Most of the moms had left the room while she fidgeted with her bag. I could see she wanted to flee, but willpower and a great desire for freedom kept her feet rooted to the floor.

We sat down and she blurted out: "I've been told for years that when I forgive myself I'll be free. But I can't do it. I've tried."

I reached for her hands. "I've searched in Scripture. It's not there."

She looked up in surprise. "What do you mean?"

Forgiving ourselves. It's not there.

There are a multitude of scriptures that show us how to offer forgiveness to others, as well as how to receive it. But none that asks us to remove the burdens from our own hearts.

Thankfully 1 John 1:9 offers a promise. When we hold up our sin before God, He is faithful and just to forgive all our sins.

Faithful to us? Yes, to us. But also faithful to who He is, and His plan for our forgiveness through Jesus' sacrifice on the cross as He bore our sin.

But it doesn't end there. You see, when we are forgiven, our sin is reframed. Yes it still happened. But God removes it from us as far as the east is from the west (Psalm 103:12). We are seen as covered in mercy, spared from the punishment that was ours to take.

My new friend had been trying for years to do a job that wasn't hers. By trying and failing, she saw herself as shameful. That shame affected every aspect of her life: her relationships, her role as mom, and her faith as she tried to please God through service or acts, all the while seeing herself as "less than."

I asked her if she was willing to allow Christ to do what she had been unable to do for nearly a decade. Rather than forgive herself, would she accept the gift of forgiveness Christ so willingly offers?

Later that week I received an email from her. She shared that when she walked through the front door that night, her husband said, "Something's different about you."

It's been nearly three months since this young mom stopped trying to forgive herself, and scooped up the generous gift of God's grace instead. She is still surprised by the transformation. But more so, her family believes she found a miracle.

One that had been waiting for her all along.

Perhaps you carry shame. You've been trying to forgive yourself, but realize you can't undo the past. You've said you're sorry. You have changed. But the guilt or burden remains.

Hand that shame to your Savior today, and allow Him to hurl it as far as the east is from the west.

It's not your burden to carry any longer.

Dear Jesus, You paid a heavy price for my sin, and yet I am still carrying it as if it is mine to absolve. I have said I am sorry. I am changing. But this burden isn't mine to carry. Today I joyfully receive Your gift of mercy and grace, and see myself as washed clean because of You. In Jesus' Name, Amen

Daily Smile:
A little girl was fascinated when her grandfather took out his false teeth and began brushing them. She asked him to remove his teeth again. She stood there amazed, then demanded, 'Now, take off your nose.'

In The News:

Obama Administration Defends Massive Phone Record Collection

The Obama administration on Thursday defended its collection of a massive amount of telephone records from at least one carrier as part of U.S. counterterrorism efforts, re-igniting a debate over privacy even as it called the practice "critical" to protecting Americans from attacks, Reuters reports. The admission came after Britain's Guardian newspaper published on Wednesday a secret court order related to the records of millions of Verizon Communications customers. A senior White House official said the metadata request included phone numbers and length of calls but not users' personal information or the calls' content. Such information is "a critical tool in protecting the nation from terrorist threats to the United States," the official said, speaking on the condition of anonymity. "It allows counter-terrorism personnel to discover whether known or suspected terrorists have been in contact with other persons who may be engaged in terrorist activities, particularly people located inside the United States." But privacy and free speech advocates say the president has overstepped his bounds, again. His administration is already under fire for searching Associated Press journalists' calling records and the emails of a Fox News Channel reporter as part of its inquiries into leaked government information. Verizon has declined to comment. It remains unclear whether the practice extends to other carriers, though several security experts and at least one U.S. lawmaker said that was likely.

Acceptance of Homosexuality Varies by Nation, Survey Says

The world is divided over the acceptance of homosexuality, a survey released Tuesday finds, the Religion News Service reports. There is broad acceptance of homosexuality in North America, the European Union and much of Latin America, according to the Pew Research Center survey, which was conducted by telephone and face to face in 39 countries among 37,653 respondents from March 2 to May 1. Juliana Horowitz, the report's lead author and a senior researcher at Pew, said: "I can’t think of any question we have asked where we have this sort of global polarization. In North America, Europe and several countries in Latin America, we have really high acceptance of homosexuality. In predominantly Muslim nations and in sub-Saharan Africa, we have equally widespread views on the other side." African nations and predominantly Muslim countries are among the least accepting of homosexuality. For example, about 98 percent of people in Nigeria say homosexuality should not be accepted. In Indonesia, a predominantly Muslim country, 93 percent say homosexuality should be rejected. About 60 percent of Americans say society should accept homosexuality -- a substantial increase from 2007, when 49 percent said homosexuality should be accepted. In several countries, younger respondents expressed more acceptance of homosexuality than older people. For example, in Japan, 83 percent of those younger than 30 say homosexuality should be accepted, compared with 71 percent of those ages 30-49, and 39 percent of those 50 and older. The survey is the first in the series "LGBT in Changing Times" that the center will release in the weeks before the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling on same-sex marriage.

Nigerian Village Attacked Just Prior to Boko Haram Being Officially Banned

On Tuesday morning, gunmen surrounded the village of Rubuki in Nigeria's Nasarawa State, killing at least 16 people and destroying at least 25 homes, Open Doors USA reports. The motive for the attack is unknown, but it appears that the perpetrators may have been members of the Islamist group Boko Haram escaping the government clampdown under the state of emergency in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states. The Nigerian government carries on efforts to bring an end to the Boko Haram insurgency; on Wednesday, Boko Haram was officially banned while the U.S. government declared a $7 million bounty for the capture of its leader, Abubakar Shekau. Boko Haram has killed hundreds of Christians and moderate Muslims and has a goal of establishing sharia law in all of Nigeria.

Church of England Backs Down on Same-Sex Marriage

The Church of England is ending its battle against a government bill to legalize same-sex marriage, according to a statement released Wednesday, Christianity Today reports. Although the Church of England does not support the proposed legislation, the church's bishops in the U.K. Parliament's House of Lords will now turn their attention to improving the bill rather than opposing it outright. According to The Telegraph, the statement from Rt. Rev. Tim Stevens, the lead bishop of the 26 who hold seats in the House of Lords, "represents a dramatic change of tack in the year since the Church insisted that gay marriage posed one of the biggest threats of disestablishment of the Church of England since the reign of Henry VIII." The reversal of tactics came a day after the House of Lords voted down an amendment that would have killed the bill. The resounding 390-148 vote indicated widespread support for the bill, which had already passed in the House of Commons. Interestingly, though, the Church's change in approach follows Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby's warning that "the reform 'weakened' the concept of the 'normal' family as the basis for a strong community and replaced traditional marriage with something 'less good.'" The Church will now focus its efforts on improving the bill, including "its approach to the question of fidelity in marriage and the rights of children."

Happy Sunday

You - And Your Work - Matter To God
by Robert Tamasy

Maybe you are a high achiever, the type of person that receives ample recognition from your company for your performance. You have received numerous promotions, are often singled out at professional gatherings, and have more plaques and certificates than your wall can display.

Then again, maybe you are not that person. You work hard, striving to do your best, but recognition – if and when you receive it – is rare. Most of us fit into this second category. While the "superstars," high performers and top executives receive the acclaim, many others toil in virtual obscurity. Perhaps on occasion we even lapse into a "pity party," wondering what difference our work makes or whether anyone cares about what we do. At such times, remember one thing: There is no shame in being an unsung hero, one that fails to get noticed. In fact, "unsung heroes" often keep things running smoothly.

Have you ever injured one of your joints – twisted a knee, or sprained a thumb? I have done both. Prior to the injuries, I never thought about my left knee or my right thumb. But when pain in the knee felt like a long needle was sticking in it, or when I attempted the simple act of turning a doorknob with my right hand, I became acutely aware of both. Healthy, functional joints are not supposed to be noticed.

Or consider an orchestra. When being played harmoniously, individual instruments do not stand out unless their musicians have been assigned solos. In the midst of a symphony, if you notice a violin or flute when it is not supposed to stand out, you know something is wrong.

This is one reason many people in the workplace do not receive attention very often. They do their jobs without calling attention to themselves by failure to contribute their part to the overall effort. As one former boss once told me, "If you do not hear from me, assume everything is fine." That might not seem assuring to those needing occasional encouragement, but that is reality in today's business and professional world. As the adage goes, squeaking wheels are the ones that get the grease.

So how do we react when we feel underappreciated or undervalued? The Bible offers some suggestions:

Remember we are part of a greater unit. Even when we are not being singled out for exemplary performance, we can be assured we are important to the overall effort. A human heart cannot function without the lungs or brain, and vice versa. "The body is a unit.... If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be.... As it is, there are many parts, but one body" (1 Corinthians 12:12-20).

Recognize our need for each other. Just as the overall enterprise needs our contributions, we benefit from and should appreciate the contributions of others. "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work…. Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken" (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12).

Realize your work matters to God. To use the orchestra analogy again, sometimes we must accept playing solely for the Conductor, an audience of one – God. But that is all we need. "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord…you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward" (Colossians 3:23-24).

Reflection/Discussion Questions

1.  Which of the two do you identify with most readily: the high performer that receives substantial recognition and rewards, or the individual that labors steadily and effectively without getting much attention or commendation? Explain your answer.

2.  Do you ever find yourself in a situation when you believe you have done a good job but receive no expression of gratitude, or perhaps no acknowledgement at all? If so, how do you feel or even react at such times?

3.  What do you think of the analogies of healthy, functioning joints that we never pay attention to, or musical instruments that when played harmoniously do not stand out in an orchestral performance, to your role in the workplace? Do these comparisons encourage you? Why or why not?

4.   How do you respond to the biblical promise that your work is recognized and valued by God? If you truly believe that, what difference should it make in how you approach your everyday job responsibilities?

NOTE: If you have a Bible and would like to read more about this subject, consider the following passages:

Proverbs 27:17; Matthew 5:16; 1 Corinthians 12:21-31; Ephesians 2:10; Colossians 3:17

Daily Smile:
    The ninety-five year old woman at the nursing home received a visit from one of her fellow church members. 

    "How are you feeling?" the visitor asked. 

    "Oh," said the lady, "I'm just worried sick!" 

    "What are you worried about, dear?" her friend asked. 

"You look like you're in good health. They are taking care of you, aren't they?" 

    "Yes, they are taking very good care of me." 

    "Are you in any pain?" she asked. 

    "No, I have never had a pain in my life." 

    "Well, what are you worried about?" her friend asked again. 

    The lady leaned back in her rocking chair and slowly explained her major worry. 

    "Every close friend I ever had has already died and gone on to heaven. I'm afraid they're all wondering where I went."

Happy Saturday

Abandonment to Divine Providence  By: Geoff Hunziker

Psalm 100: 1-5

Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.

Recently I was asked to give witness to a group attending our church retreat using this passage as inspiration. Four years earlier, I had given a talk on gratitude after having been diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer. It had occurred to me that we are also to be grateful for all challenges, including those at work.

For most of my life I have tried to resolve challenges quickly and avoid suffering, conflict, and loose ends. Then, I read "Abandonment to Divine Providence" by Jean-Pierre de Caussade. The book is filled with treasures, but the game-changer for me was this line: "Be as grateful for trials as you are for rewards as all are gifts from God."

There is value in all events that happen to us. Put it all in the hands of our Lord Jesus, as he loves us. This attitude is counter-intuitive to our nature.

I have of challenges at work. Sometimes things unravel with unbelievable speed. The difference is my attitude toward them. I pray more during the challenges and ask for guidance. I try to view these challenges as gifts allowed by God.

Am I shouting for joy regarding these challenges? Not yet. However, my view of negative situations at work has changed and this change has started me on a journey in the direction of making Christ more alive in my workplace.

TAKE THE CHALLENGE:

What steps can I take to change my perception and attitude towards challenges in the workplace so that I can be more like Christ?
   
Daily Smile: 
"I don't make jokes, "Will Rogers once said truthfully. "I just watch the government and report the facts."



In The News:

Pastor Saeed's Wife Pleads With Human Rights Council

The wife of American Christian pastor Saeed Abedini, jailed and tortured in Iran for his faith, pled her case before the U.N. Human Rights Council Monday, CBN News reports. Naghmeh Abedini joined Jordan Sekulow of the American Center for Law and Justice to urge the panel to defend the persecuted church, specifically asking the member states to take more action on her husband's behalf. Pastor Saeed was sentenced to eight years in Tehran's notorious Evin Prison on account of his Christian faith. He has been abused physically and suffers from internal bleeding, but prison officials have refused to allow him to be treated for his injuries. Sekulow wrote on the ACLJ's website: "I implored the nations represented on the Human Rights Council to stand up for the most basic of human rights -- the right to peaceably assemble in exercise of one's religious beliefs -- and urge Iran to release Pastor Saeed Abedini." Despite a call by U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry in March for Saeed's "immediate" release, Naghmeh has said she's been "disappointed that this great country is not doing more to free my husband -- a U.S. citizen."

Illinois House Adjourns Without Gay Marriage Vote

The Illinois House of Representatives adjourned for the session on Friday without voting on gay marriage, an acknowledgement that it lacked the votes to pass in what was a defeat for gay marriage groups after a string of victories, Baptist Press reports. Six states legalized gay marriage in the last seven months, including three in May alone. It was thought Illinois might join that list and become the 13th state to redefine marriage, but the bill never made it to a floor vote. It had passed the Senate, 34-21, in February, and Democratic Gov. Pat Quinn had pledged to sign it, but despite Democrats having a super-majority in the House, the bill lacked the necessary support. "This was the hardest thing I've ever done in my life," House sponsor Greg Harris said after pulling the bill. Several House members had asked him to hold off on bringing the bill to the floor so they could spend the summer talking to constituents, he said; the bill could be considered again in November. The Illinois Family Institute, which worked to defeat the bill, said in a blog post that "in a liberal state like Illinois, this is a truly remarkable victory. ... The failure of this bill is a good thing for children, for parental rights, for religious liberty, for the common good and for truth."

Bachmann Calls It Quits in Congress

Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann, a former presidential candidate and favorite of Tea Party Republicans, announced last week she will not run for another term in the U.S. House of Representatives. Bachmann did not give any reason for her decision and said she would not be available to answer questions in the wake of the announcement. Prior to the video announcement posted on her website, Bachmann had not given any clue she was considering leaving Congress. Her fundraising operation was churning out its usual pitches, and she even had an ad running on Twin Cities television talking about her role in opposing President Barack Obama's health law. Andy Aplikowski, who has long been active in the district's Republican Party chapter, said he expected Bachmann to run again but can understand why she chose not to. "It’s a grueling thing to be in Congress," he said. "It’s a grueling thing to be Michele Bachmann in Congress. Every move you make is criticized and put under a microscope." An outspoken opponent of the Obama administration, Bachmann promised her supporters, "I will continue to work overtime for the next 18 months in Congress defending the same constitutional conservative values we have worked so hard on together." Speaking on what's next for her career, Bachmann said, "There is no future option or opportunity, be it directly in the political arena or otherwise, that I won’t be giving serious consideration if it can help save and protect our great nation."

Christians in Sri Lanka Face Sharp Increase of Persecution

From January 2013 to date, Sri Lanka saw 30 incidents of persecution against Christian churches, Open Doors USA reports. The perpetrators of such acts were not brought to justice, which encourages the culprits to continue carrying out such violent attacks without regard for the law. In a press release dated April 3, 2013, the National Christian Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka (NCEASL) expressed its deep concern over the "prevalence … of an organized campaign of hatred against adherents of non‐majority faiths." NCEASL wrote: "There are two alarming factors about the current situation. The first is that the violence seems to be organized and orchestrated by two organizations. Hence the violence has sustainability. Secondly, and most alarmingly both the extremist violent organizations seemingly have patronage and support from authorities and hence the impunity with which they operate." NCEASL's statement did not specify the two organizations, but one group had been drawing attention from mainstream media lately: Bodu Bala Sena (BBS), translated in English as Buddhist Power Force. Hard-line and militant in its views and stance on religious issues, the BBS had been implicated in numerous attacks and threats primarily targeted against Christians and Muslims. “There was an increase in attacks, hate speech and biased media reports against minority religious groups -- Christians and Muslims -- by the BBS," said an attorney who works on behalf of persecuted believers. "In the south of Sri Lanka alone, more than 10 churches have been forced to close down."