Happy Monday

Meaning of man

 

"Then God said, 'Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness..." - Genesis 1:26.

 

What is the meaning of man?

 

The answer is on page one of the Bible.

It says "and God created man in His own image."

 

What does it mean to be in the image of God?

It doesn't mean physical appearance, but it does mean in God's likeness.

 

We can think like God.

We can reason. We are creative.

 

We are to rule over creation.

We need to care for it, protect it, and use it in a way that is pleasing to God.

 

We are spiritual beings.

Unlike the animals, we can worship God.

God desires a personal relationship with us.

 

We are moral beings.

Man deals with right and wrong.

The best way for us to do this is to obey God's Word in faith.

 

If we submit to God-

- we reflect His nature.

 

But when we don't-

- we look more like beasts.

 

Understanding this-

- does your life reflect the image of God

- or are you more like an animal?


In The News:

Blasphemy Charges Becoming New Weapon Against Egyptian Christians

According to a new study, blasphemy and evangelizing accusations are disproportionately used against members of Egypt's Christian minority -- particularly those working in education, Christianity Today reports. A study to be released at the end of this month by the Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights (EIPR) found that 41 percent of blasphemy cases taken to court from Jan. 25, 2011, to Dec. 31, 2012, were filed against Christians, who make up only about 10 percent of Egypt's population of 83 million people. Ishak Ibrahim of the EIPR said people are targeting Christians using the nation's blasphemy statues as a weapon. The total of 36 blasphemy cases involved 63 people, and the country's Sunni Muslim majority, which makes up almost 90 percent of Egypt's population, were charged in 59 percent of the cases. Ibrahim noted that approximately 30 percent of the blasphemy cases were filed against someone in an education environment. Ibrahim also expects to see an increase in charges against Christians, as Egypt's new constitution employs vague language that could prohibit evangelism, though evangelism is not specifically illegal. At the same time, the new constitution more explicitly criminalizes criticism of Islam. Along with the disproportionate number of Christians charged with blasphemy, sentences are harsher for Christians compared with those handed to Muslims, EIPR noted. The study notes that the sentences are also unusually harsh in relation to the nature of the offenses.

Texas Prosecutors Investigate Gosnell-Like Abortionist in Houston

Just days after Philadelphia abortionist Kermit Gosnell was sentenced to three life terms for his horrific abortion practices -- including snipping the spines of babies born alive -- a Houston abortionist's former employees are accusing him of similar criminal acts, WORLD reports. Late Wednesday evening, the Harris County District Attorney's office confirmed to Houston's local KHOU 11 News that the allegations were under investigation and are "very similar on the surface" to the Gosnell case. The pro-life group Operation Rescue gave Houston prosecutors a video it produced containing interviews with three people claiming to be former employees of abortionist Douglas Karpen. A fourth informant, who remains anonymous, has also come forward to Operation Rescue, filing an affidavit about her experiences. The women backed up their claims with cell phone evidence, said to be taken at Karpen's facility, the Aaron Women's Clinic. "The photos show babies that are huge, with gashes in their necks, indicating that these babies were likely born alive, then killed," said Troy Newman, president of Operation Rescue. "... There are numerous similarities between Karpen and the Gosnell case, including the disregarding of complaints by the authorities that allowed both men to continue their illegal operations." Texas Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst called for a "full-scale" investigation; the district attorney's office said its investigation began before the lieutenant governor demanded a probe.

Happy Sunday

Politically Incorrect 
by Michael Ford Th.D

In the fifth chapter of Isaiah is what I call the Song of the Vineyard. It has within the chapter the pronouncement of six woes. It is the fourth of these woes that is probably the best known:
"Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!" (verse 20).

Hard on the heels of that one is the fifth woe:
"Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!" (verse 21).

When I was thinking on recent events, with Christians being slandered and spoken ill of for opposing sin, verse twenty came back to mind. Stopping to reread the chapter, a statement in the passage, I had forgotten, seemed to shine out from the page at me: "Which justify the wicked for reward, and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him!" (22).

How have things changed! At one time I was assured of being arrested should my country be overcome by a foreign atheistic, communist invader. The reasons would be simple. I was a preacher; had served in the military, and been a lawman; not to mention been a teacher. All of these are reasons for arrest by communists when they invade a country. Now because I am a conservative preacher and a veteran I find myself characterized as a hatemonger and potential terrorist in the same society I had served!

What a strange time it is! Believing the Bible and proclaiming what it says is considered hate speech, when following the precepts of God's word will make a nation strong and keep a people free. Just a few days ago I heard a man say that the meaning placed on many words these days reminded him of Orwell's book titled "1984" where the meaning placed on words meant the opposite of what they had meant. And other words could not be used because they were unacceptable or politically incorrect.

I Am Resolved
I am resolved no longer to linger,
Charmed by the world’s delight,
Things that are higher, things that are nobler,
These have allured my sight.
Refrain

I will hasten to Him, hasten so glad and free;
Jesus, greatest, highest, I will come to Thee.
I will hasten, hasten to Him, hasten so glad and free;
Jesus, Jesus, greatest, highest, I will come to Thee.

I am resolved to go to the Savior,
Leaving my sin and strife;
He is the true One, He is the just One,
He hath the words of life.

Refrain

I am resolved to follow the Savior,
Faithful and true each day;
Heed what He sayeth, do what He willeth,
He is the living Way.

Refrain

I am resolved to enter the kingdom
Leaving the paths of sin;
Friends may oppose me, foes may beset me,
Still will I enter in.

Refrain

I am resolved, and who will go with me?
Come, friends, without delay,
Taught by the Bible, led by the Spirit,
We’ll walk the heav’nly way.

Refrain

Daily Smile:
A lawyer was cross-examining the doctor about whether or not he had checked the pulse of the deceased before he signed the death certificate. "No," the doctor said. "I did not check his pulse." 

"And did you listen for a heartbeat?" asked the lawyer.

"No I did not," the doctor said. 

"So," said the lawyer, "when you signed the death certificate, you had not taken steps to make sure he was dead." 

The doctor said, "Well, let me put it this way. The man's brain was in a jar on my desk but, for all I know, he could be out practicing law somewhere."

Happy Saturday

God Is Waiting

by Wendy Blight

"Listen carefully to my words. Don't lose sight of them. Let them penetrate deep into your heart; for they bring life to those who find them, and health to their whole body." Proverbs 4:20b-22 (NLT)

Sometimes I feel like I disappoint God. My days get so busy that I forget to open my Bible. I know I should, but I can't seem to find the time.

Eventually, when guilt overtakes me, I open it and read some Scripture.

What do I find? Not what I expect.

First, let me tell you what I don't find. I don't find condemnation and rebuke. Instead, I find grace and encouragement. In fact, recently, God greeted me tenderly and lovingly with these words, "My child, pay attention to what I say. Listen carefully to my words. Don't lose sight of them. Let them penetrate deep into your heart, for they bring life to those who find them, and healing to their whole body." (Proverbs 4:20-22, NLT, emphasis added)

God lovingly reminded me of what I miss when I fail to open His Word each day.

Each time we neglect Him, He graciously gives us a fresh start, a new opportunity to come to Him and meet Him in His Word guilt-free.

When I ignore time in my Bible, I forget how much God desires for me to meet Him there. Not for lessons and lectures, but because He wants to speak to me.

You see, God wants us to read our Bibles with no agenda, no homework assignment, no check list. He wants us to sit and simply experience Him through His Word. The Lord has secrets to teach us and treasures to unearth for us.

Paul confirms this in 1 Corinthians 2:6-16. He says that the secret things of God were once hidden from us, but now God has made them available in His Word through His Holy Spirit.

Years and years ago, only God's chosen heard directly from God. But not anymore! God makes His Word known to you and to me.

In John 16:13, Jesus promised that through His Holy Spirit, He would guide us into all truth. "To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given, and they will have an abundance of knowledge. But for those who are not listening, even what little understanding they have will be taken from them." (Matthew 13:12, NLT)

If you have been neglecting the Word, will you join me today and open God's Word? Open it from a place of great confidence! Believe with all your heart and trust God at His Word that you will understand the words you read through the help of His Holy Spirit.

Ask God to reveal His secrets and unearth those treasures. When you get a taste of God's Holy Spirit speaking to you and teaching you while you read His Word ... you will never want to stop!

Go for it! Remember, He is waiting for you.

Dear Lord, help me not to neglect time Your Word. Create in me a hunger to carve out time to be with You. When I meet with You, through the power of Your Holy Spirit, open the eyes of my heart to understand the wonderful treasures tucked away in Your Word. Thank You that You are waiting for me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Daily Smile:
An elderly couple is beginning to notice that neither of them seem to be able to remember things as well as they used to. So, they go to see their doctor, who explains that there is nothing really wrong with, just typical memory loss associated with old age. He suggests that they each get notebooks and write notes to themselves to help remember things. The couple goes home and that evening while watching T.V. the man gets up and heads for the kitchen. His wife asks if he can bring her some ice cream when he returns. He says he will, and she says he should write it down. 

"I’m just going to the kitchen, I'll remember." 

"Well, I want that with nuts, too."

"O.K. he says ice cream with nuts." 

She asks again if he's going to write it down. "No, I'm just going to the kitchen." 

 "And a Cherry on the top?" 

He agrees and turns toward the kitchen again and she asks again about writing it down. Now the old man is angry, "Look, old lady I'm not senile, I can remember ice cream with nuts and a cherry on top." 

He goes in the kitchen for 10 minutes and when he returns he sets a plate of bacon and eggs in front of his wife. She looks up and says, "Honey, you forgot my toast."

In The News:

Franklin Graham: IRS Targeted Us, Too

The IRS also came after Billy Graham, his son charged Tuesday in a letter to President Barack Obama, POLITICO reports. Franklin Graham, president of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and Samaritan's Purse, said the IRS notified the organizations in September that it was conducting a "review" of their activities for tax year 2010. With the IRS admitting it gave extra scrutiny to conservative political organizations, Graham says he now believes that the review was part of an Obama administration effort of "targeting and attempting to intimidate us." The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association's urging of voters to back "candidates who base their decisions on biblical principles and support the nation of Israel" during last year's presidential race was the reason why IRS agents visited the North Carolina offices of both Graham groups, the letter accuses. "While these audits not only wasted taxpayer money, they wasted money contributed by donors for ministry purposes as we had to spend precious resources servicing the IRS agents in our offices," Graham wrote in the letter. "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.'" Graham said that "in light" of the IRS admission that it targeted tea party groups for added scrutiny, "I do not believe that the IRS audit of our two organizations last year is a coincidence -- or justifiable."

Gosnell Avoids Death Penalty

Philadelphia abortionist Kermit Gosnell, who was convicted of killing three babies born alive, agreed to give up his right to an appeal in order to avoid a possible death sentence, WORLD reports. Gosnell was convicted Monday of first-degree murder in the deaths of three babies who were delivered alive and then killed with scissors. The 72-year-old abortionist gave up his appeal rights Tuesday, with prosecutors agreeing to two life sentences without parole. Gosnell was sentenced to another life sentence Wednesday in the death of the third baby, and was also sentenced to between two and a half to five years for the overdose death of a patient. Although prosecutors charged Gosnell with third-degree murder in the patient's death, the jury found him guilty of involuntary manslaughter. Before he was led away to start his prison sentence, the judge asked Gosnell if he wanted to say anything, and he replied, "Not at this time." Prosecutors had sought the death penalty because Gosnell was convicted of killing more than one person and his victims were especially vulnerable given their age, but Gosnell's advanced age made it unlikely he would ever be executed before his appeals ran out.

U.S. Court Denies German Homeschool Family Asylum

The 6th Circuit Court of Appeals on Tuesday upheld the Obama administration's refusal to grant asylum to a German homeschooling family, CBN News reports. U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder filed against the Romeike family, arguing that asylum should not be granted because homeschooling is not a fundamental right protected under religious freedom. The Romeikes fled Germany in 2008, facing criminal prosecution for homeschooling. In 2010, they were granted political asylum by immigration judge Lawrence Burman, but his decision was overturned by the Board of Immigration Appeals last year. On Tuesday, the three-judge panel of the 6th Circuit issued a unanimous decision against the family. While the 6th Circuit did acknowledge that the U.S. Constitution recognizes the right of parents to homeschool, it refused to grant that what the Romeikes face amounts to persecution deserving of asylum. The Romeikes said they were disappointed but said, "God is in control." They know what they face in Germany if they are deported: "First, they would fine us with increasingly high fines and they would threaten to take away custody. There might be jail time too, but the main threat is the aspect of custody because then of course the children are taken away from you completely and that's what no family wants." The Home School Legal Defense Association plans to appeal the decision.

Nigerian President Declares State of Emergency

Nigeria's president declared a state of emergency Tuesday across the country's troubled northeast, promising to send more troops to fight an increasingly violent Islamic insurgency, Fox News reports. The Islamist group Boko Haram has intensified its attacks on security forces and government targets this month, prompting President Goodluck Jonathan to declare a state of emergency in certain states. Last week, dozens of Boko Haram fighters laid siege to the town of Bama, in Borno state, killing 55 and freeing more than 100 prison inmates. Days earlier, scores were killed in the fishing village of Baga, also in Borno, when troops from Nigeria, Niger and Chad raided it looking for Islamists. Local residents said soldiers were responsible for many civilian deaths. Jonathan also warned that any building suspected to house Islamic extremists would be taken over in what he described as the "war" now facing Africa's most populous nation. However, it's unclear what the emergency powers will do to halt the violence, as a similar past effort failed to stop the bloodshed.

Happy Friday

Don't empty God of His weight and His glory.

Fill it up rather than emptying it.

Good Morning...
Have A Blessed Day...

How do you define the sin of taking the Lord's name in vain?

"Don't take the name of the Lord your God in vain." "don't empty the name." It doesn't just refer to a certain tone of voice or a certain use of the word. It's dealing with God and speaking of God in a way that empties Him of His significance.

This includes both throw-away words—like "God!" or "Jesus!"—as well as speaking about Him in trifling and flippant ways. Not just swear ways but cheap ways, low and insignificant ways that just treat Him like a commodity. And when you hear them you sense that there is no weight to that sentence, no corresponding emotion to that statement. It seems to have just been gutted.

God, Christ, the cross, the things He is and the things He did are great, and they're weighty. And there's a certain corresponding demeanor of worship that should be there. I think taking the Lord's name in vain is more than "O my God!" or "Jesus Christ!" It is that plus more. The positive way to look at it is to revere God, love God, delight in God, know God, fill up God with all that He is. And then out of the abundance of the heart the mouth will speak.

I think it is far better to take the commandments and not focus so much on the negative—that is "don't lie, don't commit adultery, don't steal, don't kill"—but rather focus on where those come from, and put the emphasis there. And here, "don't take his name in vain" would mean that we take His name in vain because He is empty to us. Our mind doesn't feel the weight and fullness of His glory. The name of the Lord is holy, as He is holy. The name of the Lord is a representation of His glory, His majesty, and His supreme deity. We are to esteem and honor His name as we revere and glorify God Himself. To do any less is to take His name in vain.

Love and Hugs

Lynn

Dear Heavenly Father

I ask forgiveness for the many times Your precious name and that of Your beloved Son Jesus has left my mouth in a way that made You seem insignificant, empty of meaning and futile. How many times I’ve asked forgiveness when out of nowhere Your wonderful name has been cheapened. How low I feel when that happens as I love You so much and it’s not my intention to ever call out in this manner. I thank You for helping me through the years develop in me words of glorification and praise and removing the reaction of using Your precious name in vain. I find myself cringing inside when I hear others totally ignorant of what they are saying. When I hear this it’s like they’re slapping You in the face. Give me the words Lord to lovingly but meaningfully let these people know how much it not only hurts me but also You. I love You dear Father and need Your guidance to keep me strong in reminding those who don’t understand the meaning of blaspheming Your name. Thank You for what You are doing and continue to raise me up to be more like Your beloved Son Jesus. In His precious name I come before You.

Amen

Take the name of Jesus with you child of sorrow and of woe.

It will joy and comfort give you.

Take His name In power, not in vain!

Daily Smile:
Three sisters, ages 92, 94, and 96, live together. One night the 96-year-0ld draws a bath. She puts one foot in and pauses. "Was I getting in the tub or out?" she yells. 

The 94-year-old hollers back, "I don't know, I'll come up to see." She starts up the stairs and stops. She shouts, "Was I going up or going down?"

The 92-year-old is sitting at the kitchen table having tea, listening to her sisters. She shakes her head and says, "I sure hope I never get that forgetful", and knocks on wood for good measure. Then she yells, "I'll come up and help both of you as soon as I see who's at the door."


In The News:

Gosnell Guilty of First-Degree Murder

Kermit Gosnell, the Philadelphia abortionist accused of performing illegal late-term abortions in a filthy clinic, has been found guilty of first-degree murder in the deaths of three babies born alive but acquitted in the death of a fourth baby, the Associated Press reports. Gosnell was also found guilty of involuntary manslaughter in the overdose death of a patient. Prosecutors say Gosnell, 72, delivered babies alive and snipped their spines with scissors to kill them. They say the baby whose death he was cleared in let out a soft whimper before Gosnell cut its neck. The defense had argued there were no live births at the clinic. The grisly details of the case came out more than two years ago when authorities described finding bags and bottles of fetuses at the foul-smelling clinic and unsterile instruments that were reused.

Saeed Abedini Released From Solitary Confinement in Hopeful Sign

Iranian authorities released American pastor Saeed Abedini from solitary confinement this week after forcing him to spend the week of his birthday in a “small dark hole,” according to the American Center for Law and Justice. Abedini, imprisoned for 225 days in Evin Prison because of his Christian faith, turned 33 on May 7 while in solitary confinement. Supporters sent more than 52,500 birthday messages to the prison addressed to Abedini. His wife, Naghmeh, wrote in a letter: "With tightness in my throat, pain in my heart, and tears streaming down my face … I promise to stand strong in the strength of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ fighting with every strength of my being until you are united to our family again." Abedini and nine other prisoners were sent to solitary confinement April 29 after fellow prisoners protested Iran’s lack of medical care, representatives from the ACLJ said. During his time in solitary, Abedini's family in Iran was not allowed to visit him. The family worries about Abedini's health: He complained of internal bleeding from beatings by prison guards even before the solitary confinement and had been denied medical treatment for his injuries. The ACLJ said last month that Abedini suffers from frequent fainting, constant abdominal pain, blood in his stool, and is in need of immediate medical attention. Naghmeh told the ACLJ that her husband’s return to the general prison is a hopeful sign: "His release from solitary is a direct result of the multitudes praying. I am relieved my husband is out of solitary, but still am deeply concerned about Saeed's health. While this is a small victory, I am still demanding justice be done and that Saeed be released."

Cleveland Captor Could Face Murder Charges for Killing Unborn Babies

Ohio prosecutors announced on May 9 they might charge Ariel Castro with murder and seek the death penalty after one of his captives claimed he impregnated her five times and forced her to miscarry, WORLD reports. Castro already faces rape and kidnapping charges after three women he held captive for almost a decade escaped from his downtown Cleveland home last Monday. Michelle Knight, 32, told investigators Castro starved her for up to two weeks and hit her in the stomach to make her miscarry five babies. "Capital punishment must be reserved for those crimes that are truly the worst examples of human conduct," said Cuyahoga County prosecutor Timothy McGinty. "The reality is we still have brutal criminals in our midst who have no respect for the rule of law or human life." Another captive, Amanda Berry, gave birth to a daughter, now 6 years old, while she was imprisoned. Berry, 27, and the third captive, Gina DeJesus, 22, went home with family members on Wednesday. Knight remains in a Cleveland hospital, where officials say she is in good condition. According to National Right to Life, Ohio is one of 36 states with laws that recognize the intentional killing of an unborn child as homicide. Under Ohio law, anyone who intentionally kills an unborn child at any stage of prenatal development can be charged with aggravated murder, murder, voluntary manslaughter, involuntary manslaughter, negligent homicide, aggravated vehicular homicide and vehicular homicide, depending on the circumstances.

Texting While Driving Now Leading Cause of Death for Teen Drivers

Texting while driving has become a greater hazard than drinking and driving among teenagers who openly acknowledge sending and reading text messages while behind the wheel of a moving vehicle, Jim Liebelt reports. The number of teens who are dying or being injured as a result of texting while driving has skyrocketed as mobile device technology has advanced. Researchers at Cohen Children's Medical Center in New Hyde Park estimate more than 3,000 annual teen deaths nationwide from texting and 300,000 injuries. The habit now surpasses the number of teens who drink and drive -- a hazard that has been on a dramatic decline in recent years, researchers say. Dr. Andrew Adesman and a team of Cohen investigators found that while driving between September 2010 and December 2011, among 8,947 teenagers aged 15-18 nationwide, an estimated 49 percent of boys admitted to texting while driving compared with 45 percent of girls. Texting also increased with age. Only 24 percent of 15-year-olds tapped out messages while driving, compared with 58 percent of 18-year-olds, the data showed. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration acknowledged Wednesday that distracted driving of all kinds -- including the use of handheld cell phones -- is a growing hazard. Agency officials describe texting as among the worst of driver distractions because conversing by text simultaneously involves manual, visual and mental distractions.

Happy Thursday

Born Again! Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. - John 3:3 Born again. Do you know what Jesus had in mind when He said those two words to Nicodemus? He was talking covenant talk. He was telling Nicodemus what it meant to have a covenant with God. Let me paint the picture I believe was in Jesus' mind. Imagine a baby, a little baby born of an unwed mother. No one knows who its daddy is and no one wants to know. He is a child that nobody wants. He doesn't belong to anyone. Now, picture the best kind of family you can think of. A family that loves God. The man has a good job. They're blessed financially. They're givers and lovers of people, and they fall in love with this baby. Before long, they adopt it. What's happened? That baby was reborn. He got a new set of parents. Through adoption, he has now become an heir. Why? Not because of anything the baby has done. Those parents didn't say, "I want you to look at that baby. I'm so impressed with all that child has done for us. He has certainly earned our love and respect." No, it's a baby. It couldn't have done anything to earn its new life. This man and this woman agreed together out of the love in their hearts and bestowed grace on that child. Now he has access to everything they have. When they offer him a bottle, he doesn't knock the bottle away and say, "I'm so humble and undeserving. Just give me water." Of course not. That baby acts like part of the family--and not just part of the family but the best part of the family. Because in Jesus' day a covenant or adopted child had the same birthright as the firstborn son. That's what Jesus was talking about when He said, "You must be born again." He was talking about grace. He was talking about a new relationship of favor. A new family. A new authority. A new power. If you feel unworthy to receive the rich blessings God has for you today, think about that. Meditate on it, so instead of worrying about and struggling with the needs in your life, you can just walk boldly into the throne room of your Father and receive help to get those needs met. Discover what it really means to be a blood-bought child of Almighty God with a big brother like Jesus. Discover what it means to be born again! By Kenneth Copeland

Daily Smile: 
Hey, why couldn't Robin play baseball?

'Cause he didn't have a bat, man!
- submitted by Merritt


In The News:

Nine of 12 Jurors in Gosnell Trial Were 'Pro-Choice'

According to Philadelphia local affiliate NBC 10, nine of the 12 jurors who convicted abortionist Kermit Gosnell of murder on Monday were "pro-choice," CNSNews.com reports. The jury found Gosnell guilty of first-degree murder in three instances of killing babies born alive during abortions by snipping their spinal cords with surgical scissors. According to NBC 10 reporter Jacqueline London: "And to give you some background on the jurors, of the seven women and five men who are on the jury, at least nine told the court that they are pro-choice. Two say that they are neither pro-choice nor pro-life. So, interesting background on them, they have been very attentive throughout this entire trial." In addition to the three first-degree murder charges, Gosnell was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter in the overdose death of a patient and more than 200 other related charges. Earlier on Monday the jury was hung on two of the counts, though the court would not specify which ones. Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas judge Jeffrey P. Minehart told the jurors to try again to reach a unanimous verdict.

Government Appeals Unrestricted Sale of Plan B

The Obama administration has filed an appeal that will delay the sale of the morning-after pill Plan B One-Step and its generic competitors to girls without prescriptions, CBN News reports. The government says U.S. District Judge Edward Korman overstepped his authority when he ruled that any girl of any age should have access to the contraceptive drug. Last week, Korman refused to delay enforcement of his decision while the government challenges it. Monday's last-minute appeal asks the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan to postpone the judge's ruling while the case is being decided.

Tebow Finds Fulfillment Off the Field

Eleven days after the New York Jets cut him, Christian quarterback Tim Tebow told a crowd of about 3,000 at Lake Michigan College that his main goal is to impact lives, whether on or off the field. And that shouldn't be too hard considering a Forbes.com survey released last week named Tebow America's most influential athlete. Despite the controversy surrounding his public faith, Tebow finished ahead of Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps, Jamaican track star Usain Bolt and Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter. "That’s a huge honor," Tebow said in response to the survey. "I see it as a great responsibility to be a role model for future generations. That's something I care about more than winning football games. If I can take the game of football and can transcend football -- go to hospitals and make kids smile -- I'll be doing things that matter." Although Tebow didn’t mention his dismissal from the Jets during his hour-long speech or offer any insight as to what his next move might be, the 25-year-old did talk about finding a life of fulfillment after the game. "What I want to do with my life is impact lives," he said. "When a kid in a hospital is fighting for his life and I'm trying to win a football game, what really matters? This game isn't as important as a lot of us make it out to be. If I can give him a little bit of hope, I can do something that matters. That's what I want my legacy to be about. That's how I want to be remembered."

Nigeria: Open Doors Appeals for Prayer After Reports of Boko Haram Attack

Open Doors USA has issued an urgent appeal for prayer after receiving news that suspected Boko Haram terrorists attacked the predominantly Nigerian Christian village of Zangan in southern Kaduna state around midnight on Monday. Local sources report fatalities and Open Doors says it understands "the entire village has been destroyed." The village chief's residence was reportedly burnt to the ground and the village chief's whereabouts remain unknown after he fled Zangan. Churches and homes were among the buildings destroyed in the attack. Open Doors reports: "Zangan villagers are fleeing in large numbers for fear of escalating violence. Local sources have told us that Boko Haram had vowed earlier to destroy the predominantly Christian communities located in southern Kaduna. We do not have any more details at this stage, but understand that this area saw a similar attack about four weeks ago. Open Doors urges to pray for the people of southern Kaduna state and Zangan village in particular." Open Doors USA spokesman Jerry Dykstra said: “The extremist group Boko Haram wants to create an Islamic state and put Sharia Law into effect in a country split almost equally between Christians and Muslims. Attacks by Boko Haram have killed more than 3,000 people since 2009, based on figures from Human Rights Watch. Please pray for peace as the violence is spreading, especially in northern Nigeria."

Happy Wednesday

The Good and Bad Of Life
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.  --Romans 8:28

One afternoon, a teenage girl joined her mother in the kitchen. The young lady began explaining to her mom everything that was wrong with her life-she had failed an algebra test, her boyfriend broke up with her, and she just found out her best friend would be moving away soon.

All the while, the mother was baking a cake as the young girl talked. Finally, the girl's mother interrupted to ask if she wanted a snack. The daughter replied, "Absolutely! I love your cakes!"

"Here...have some cooking oil," her mother offered.

"Yuck!" the girl responded. "That's gross."

"Well, how about a couple of raw eggs?" asked the mother.

"Gross, mom!" was the girl's response.

"How about a cup of flour or a teaspoon of baking soda?" the mother then offered.

"Mom, those are all disgusting!" the girl said. "I don't want those things for snacks."

After a long pause, her mother finally said, "Dear, all these things seem bad by themselves. But when they are put together in the right way, they make a wonderfully delicious cake!"

God works the same way in the lives of believers. Not everything in life is a piece of cake. Sometimes tragedy or hardship strikes and leaves you wondering, "What did I do to deserve this?" or "Why did God do this to me?" Many times we wonder why He would even let us go through such difficulties.

However, what we oftentimes don't realize is that when God puts all these things in His order, they always work for good! We must simply trust Him that each of life's events, combined by His hands, will turn out to be something deliciously wonderful!

PRAYER CHALLENGE: Thank God for the good and bad "ingredients" He allows to come into your life. Thank Him for working all things together for your good and His glory.


Daily Smile:

The photographer for a national magazine was assigned to get photos of a great forest fire. Smoke at the scene was too thick to get any good shots, so he frantically called his home office to hire a plane. "It will be waiting for you at the airport!" he was assured by his editor. As soon as he got to the small, rural airport, sure enough, a plane was warming up near the runway. He jumped in with his equipment and yelled, "Let's go! Let's go!" The pilot swung the plane into the wind and soon they were in the air. "Fly over the north side of the fire," said the photographer, "and make three or four low level passes." 

"Why?" asked the pilot. 

"Because I'm going to take pictures! I'm a photographer, and photographers take pictures!" said the photographer with great exasperation. 

After a long pause the pilot said, "You mean you're not the instructor?"

In The News:

Gosnell Trial Spurs House Republicans to Demand States Regulate Abortion Clinics

Leaders of the House Energy and Commerce Committee have set a May 22 deadline in which they expect public health officials from all 50 states and Washington, D.C., to provide them with "details on state licensing of abortion clinics and providers, information on revoked licenses, state inspections of clinics and disciplinary actions" so they can "examine how each state regulates and monitors abortion clinics and protects the health and safety of women," the Christian Post reports. Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), vice chairman of the committee, who signed the letter to the public health officials along with her Republican colleagues on the committee, said: "Planned Parenthood called Gosnell's 'House of Horrors' an 'outlier,' but we're learning Gosnell is not an aberration. They were approached by women who complained about the disgusting conditions at Gosnell's facility, and they didn't report it. When the Pennsylvania Department of Health found out about Gosnell, they sat on their hands and the media was silent. Now we're discovering that other big abortion businesses refuse to give medical treatment to babies who survive botched abortions and we're finding out the truth from former pro-choice nurses who called their own Gosnell-like clinics 'ridiculously unsafe.'" On Wednesday, Blackburn introduced H. Res. 206, a resolution calling on members of the House to review the public policies that led to illegal abortion practices, such as those discovered at Gosnell's Philadelphia clinic. The resolution states that "Congress and States should gather information about and correct abusive, unsanitary and illegal abortion practices and the interstate referral of women and girls to facilities engaged in dangerous or illegal second- and third-trimester procedures."

Americans' Abortion Views Steady Amid Gosnell Trial

As Philadelphia abortionist Kermit Gosnell awaits the jury verdict in his murder trial, a new Gallup poll finds 26 percent of Americans saying abortion should be legal under any circumstances, 20 percent saying it should be illegal in all circumstances, and the majority -- 52 percent -- opting for something in between, as has been the case in nearly every Gallup measure of the question since 1975. The current views on the legality of abortion, conducted May 2-7, are nearly identical to those from Gallup's prior measures in December and May 2012. Although the survey was conducted after much of the testimony in Gosnell's trial had already been reported in the news, the stability in Americans' views about the legality of abortion suggests the trial has not swayed public opinion. Part of the reason could be that relatively few Americans are paying attention to it. One quarter of Americans say they have followed news of the case either very closely (7 percent) or somewhat closely (18 percent), but that is well below the 61-percent average level of attention Americans have paid to the more than 200 news stories Gallup has measured since 1991. An additional 20 percent of Americans say they are following it "not too closely," while 54 percent say "not at all." This makes the Gosnell case one of the least-followed news stories Gallup has measured.

Happy Tuesday

Grief
Be merciful to me, O Lord, for I am in distress; my eyes grow weak with sorrow, my soul and my body with grief. --Psalm 31:9

Author Edgar Jackson describes grief:

"Grief is the silent, knife-like terror and sadness that comes a hundred times a day, when you start to speak to someone who is no longer there.

"Grief is the emptiness that comes when you eat alone after eating with another for many years.

"Grief is teaching yourself to go to bed without saying good night to the one who has died.

"Grief is the helpless wishing that things were different when you know they are not and never will be again.

"Grief is a whole cluster of adjustments, apprehensions, and uncertainties that strike life in its forward progress and make it difficult to redirect the energies of life."

Few things are as painful as grief-especially when having to adjust to the loss of a spouse. Even though we all know that death will one day come to each one of us, we still can never be prepared enough to deal with the sense of loss and intense sadness that comes when death takes a loved one.

If you are dealing with grief, then you can find healing in a grief recovery group through your local church, senior center, or hospital. There are others out there who have dealt with grief and mended from the loss of a loved one before. Begin searching for that person with whom you can share your thoughts, feelings, and tears.

Finally and above all, seek healing in the arms of the Lord and His Word. It's only natural to ask Him "Why?" and "How come?" when someone we love passes away. But He is the ultimate Healer of our hearts and sovereign in His timing.

PRAYER CHALLENGE: Ask God to give you strength to take steps forward toward healing if you are experiencing grief. Pray that He would give you someone to share with in your journey.


Daily Smile:
Aoccdrnig to a rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it deosn’t mttaer in waht oredr the ltteers in a wrod are, the olny iprmoetnt tihng is taht the frist and lsat ltteer be at the rghit pclae. The rset can be a total mses and you can sitll raed it wouthit porbelm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe. Pettry amzanig huh?

In The News:

Same-Sex Marriage Now Legal in More Than 1 in 5 States

With congressional votes less than a week apart from each other, Rhode Island and Delaware both have legalized same-sex marriage, which, according to The New York Times, represents the "latest in a string of victories for those working to extend marital rights to gay and lesbian couples," Christianity Today reports. Rhode Island came first, following what the Associated Press called "a 16-year effort to extend marriage rights in this heavily Roman Catholic state." Days later, Delaware became the 11th state to legalize gay marriage. Similar votes will soon take place in Minnesota and Illinois, where the GOP chair recently resigned over the issue. However, in spite of the recent victories for gay marriage supporters, the Times notes that "short of a sweeping decision by the Supreme Court that same-sex marriage is a right, change could come more slowly in the coming years. Thirty states have adopted constitutional amendments limiting marriage to a man and a woman -- measures that can be reversed only with public ballots."

  

Tamerlan Tsarnaev Buried at Muslim Cemetery in Virginia

The body of Boston bombing suspect Tamerlan Tsarnaev was reportedly buried in a Muslim cemetery in a small town in central Virginia, about 15 miles away from Richmond, the Washington Times reports. Al-Barzakh Cemetery in Doswell, the first Muslim cemetery in the region, has interred Tsarnaev's remains, according to the Boston Globe. The interment came after a Virginia woman saw the protests outside a Worcester, Mass., funeral home that was storing Tsarnaev's body. Nobody wanted him buried locally, and she decided to help by contacting the Islamic Society of Greater Richmond and asking if members could help find a burial ground for the body. Society members found the Doswell cemetery and moved Tsarnaev on Wednesday evening, the Globe reported. Tsarnaev, 26, died during a shootout with police in Watertown, Mass. His brother and fellow bombing suspect, Dzhohkar, 19, is recovering from gunshot wounds.

Happy Monday

Alone???
As apostles of Christ we could have been a burden to you, but we were gentle among you, like a mother caring for her little children. We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us.
--1 Thessalonians 2:6-8

From 1986 to 1990, Frank Reed was held hostage in a Lebanon cell. For months at a time, he was blindfolded, living in complete darkness, and chained to a wall, kept in absolute silence.

Reed was beaten, made ill, and tormented, but he felt the most hopeless because it seemed that no one cared. He said in an interview with Time magazine, "Nothing I did mattered to anyone. I began to realize how withering it is to exist with not a single expression of caring around [me]....I learned one overriding fact: caring is a powerful force. If no one cares, you are truly alone."

Christians are never truly alone because we are fortunate to have God's gracious watch care over our lives, as well as that of the Church. This type of caring can provide the strength needed for a believer to endure anything.

Do you know someone who feels as though no one cares for them? Can you think of a few people right now who are living in loneliness? We have been called as believers to minister to those who are lonely. And in turn, we never have to be lonely because there are other believers who will care for us.

Remember the promise of Jesus: "I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me" (Matthew 25:40).

PRAYER CHALLENGE: Ask the Lord to open the doors of opportunity for you to pour out love, care, and concern for someone who needs it, just as Jesus did.

No Never Alone

I’ve seen the lightning flashing, I’ve heard the thunder roll.
I’ve felt sin’s breakers dashing, which almost conquered my soul.
I’ve heard the voice of my Savior, bidding me still to fight on.
He promised never to leave me, never to leave me alone!

Refrain

     No, never alone, no never alone,
     He promised never to leave me,
     He’ll claim me for His own;
     No, never alone, no never alone.
     He promised never to leave me,
     Never to leave me alone.

The world’s fierce winds are blowing, temptation sharp and keen.
I have a peace in knowing my Savior stands between—
He stands to shield me from danger when my friends are all gone.
He promised never to leave me, never to leave me alone!

Refrain

When in affliction’s valley I tread the road of care,
My Savior helps me carry the cross so heavy to bear;
Though all around me is darkness, earthly joys all flown;
My Savior whispers His promise, never to leave me alone!
Refrain

He died on Calvary’s mountain, for me they piercèd His side.
For me He opened that fountain, the crimson, cleansing tide.
For me He waiteth in glory, seated upon His throne.
He promised never to leave me, never to leave me alone!

Refrain

Daily Smile:
A preacher was walking down the street when he notices a little boy trying to ring the doorbell but it's just out of his reach. He watches his efforts for some time and walks over to press the the bell. After he pressed it he leveled down to the boy and asked' "Now what?" to which the boy turned and shouted, "NOW WE RUN!!"

In The News:

52,000 Letters En Route to Iran for Imprisoned American Pastor

More than 52,000 letters have been written to American pastor Saeed Abedini, commending him for his strong demonstration of faith as he languishes in an Iranian prison, Baptist Press reports. The Web-based campaign was launched by the American Center for Law and Justice ahead of Abedini's 33rd birthday on May 7. The ACLJ, which is representing Abedini's wife and children in the United States, reported that 52,501 letters have been written to the pastor, a U.S. citizen of Iranian descent who has been sentenced to eight years in prison for converting to Christianity. "These letters show the impact Pastor Saeed's case is having on people's lives," the ACLJ said. "One letter reads: 'Your message of forgiveness is an amazing testimony and actually helped us realize there was someone in our life we needed to forgive. Thank you.'" The large number of letters also serves to let Iranian officials know that the international community is still fighting for Pastor Saeed's release, said Tiffany Barrans, international legal director of the ACLJ. The ACLJ said it is printing out and delivering each letter through intermediaries to Evin Prison in Tehran; more letters can still be written at SaveSaeed.org. 

Gosnell Jury Begins Second Week of Deliberations

The jurors deliberating Kermit Gosnell's fate have been at work for a week now, sifting through hundreds of hours of testimony to determine whether the Philadelphia abortionist is guilty of murder, WORLD reports. Gosnell faces four counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of infants prosecutors say survived late-term abortions. He also faces one count of third-degree murder in the death of a patient who overdosed on anesthesia. Additional charges include racketeering, performing illegal abortions after 24 weeks, failing to observe the 24-hour waiting period, and endangering a child's welfare for employing a 15-year-old in the procedure area. The multiplicity of charges could explain why jurors are taking their time to review the evidence. Thursday morning, jurors requested to review the testimony of former Gosnell assistant Adrienne Moton, who testified to "snipping" the spines of 10 babies born alive during abortion procedures. Late Tuesday, the jury asked to review testimony given by Moton's coworker, Lynda Williams, who said she saw Gosnell use scissors to slice through the spinal cords of at least 30 babies after they were born.

Texas Judge Rules Cheerleaders Can Make Bible Banners

A judge has ruled that cheerleaders at a southeast Texas high school can display banners emblazoned with Bible verses at football games -- a decision that supporters are calling a victory for religions freedom, Todd Starnes reports. State District Judge Steve Thomas ruled Wednesday that the Kountze High School cheerleaders' banners were constitutionally permissible, and determined that no law "prohibits cheerleaders from using religious-themed banners at school sporting events." High school and middle school cheerleaders in Kountze had painted Bible verses on the large paper banners they created for the football players to run through at the start of games, but after the Freedom From Religion Foundation filed a complaint, the school district banned the messages. Last October, Judge Thomas granted a temporary injunction that allowed the cheerleaders to continue displaying the banners. Roger Byron, an attorney with the Liberty Institute, said: "The court's order today that the cheerleaders' run-through banners are constitutionally permissible vindicates our clients' rights and brings this case to a successful end. This is a great victory, not only for these cheerleaders, but for religious liberty of student leaders across the country."

Pro-Life Senator Loses Bid to Examine Country's Abortion Policies

A Senate resolution aimed at examining the policies that led to the practices of Philadelphia abortionist Kermit Gosnell's "House of Horrors" clinic was blocked Monday evening, WORLD reports. On Monday, Utah Sen. Mike Lee introduced the resolution, co-signed by 11 other senators, calling for the Senate to "investigate and correct abusive, unsanitary and illegal abortion practices." Lee tried to speed the resolution's passage on Monday night to try to quicken a response, but one unknown senator thwarted a unanimous vote. Lee said he did not understand why someone would object to his non-binding resolution asking Congress to examine what allows Gosnell-like clinics to operate with little scrutiny. "With numerous reports of similar instances surfacing around the country, the need for greater regulatory oversight of these so-called clinics is so plainly obvious," Lee said. "It strains the limits of disbelief to think all members of the Senate would not agree."