Rising From the Wounds

The recollection and after-effects of past hurts and the guilt of past sins can hold us back in our relationship with Christ, yet, in His great love and power, He can offer us forgiveness and power to overcome. Psalm 103 states:
11 For as the heavens are high above the earth, So great is His mercy toward those who fear Him;
12 As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us.
13 As a father pities his children, So the Lord pities those who fear Him.
14 For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust.

The peace we seek deep inside is not produced in frail humanity, but in the fortification of our souls through the presence of Jesus Christ.  Where there has been hurt, shame, and sin manifested, through what we have done or what has been done to us, we know that God's forgiveness brings the potential for things to be made right. He brings us healing for our wounds and joy even in our sadness and brokenness. We can totally trust Him with the burdens we carry.  

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In Colossians 3, we can read a powerful picture of the forgiveness of God, which has been not only extended toward us, but can be activated in order to forgive others. The passage states:
12 Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering;
13 bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.
14 But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.

In this broken world, we know that sin has the potential to not only affect the one who commits the act of disobedience, but others as well.  The act of taking the life of another can certainly impact the one whose life is taken, produces guilt, remorse, and punishment in the life of the one who committed the act, and families and the culture at large could be affected, as well.

In an abortion, the act does not merely affect the mother, who may be exercising what activists say is a "my body, my choice" demonstration, but the mother's family and those who come in contact with her may be impacted as well.  And, certainly we know that a baby will not have the opportunity to live.

That is, more often than not.  But, did you know that there are babies who survive abortion, and while they have experienced physical, and perhaps emotional wounds, they can still recognize that God has a purpose for them.  They are victims, yes, but they also have a chance to live.

Recently, the first retreat of the Abortion Survivors Network occurred in Texas.  

CBNNews.com reported on comments by attendees:

Karen, a 76-year-old survivor, told LiveAction it was a "safe place to share our stories for healing to take place" and that she was grateful for the "camaraderie, mutual love, and connection" that she felt.

"Sitting in a room full of people I just met, I have never felt more like I belonged. I am not alone in my struggles. There was a whole room that echoed, 'me too.' That was healing for me," said abortion survivor Denisha.

An Instagram post by the Network stated, "Most of these women have never shared their story publicly or shown the world their face. Why? There's a million reasons why, but what matters is that they found a place where they belong..." According to the CBN article, " The retreat focused on the topics of forgiveness, identity, and coping with the trauma of surviving an abortion."

Melissa Ohden, who has been a guest on The Meeting House and spoke at the First Choice Women's Health Center banquet several years ago, is the founder of the Network, and she commented on CBN's FaithNation on her mother's attempt to take her life through a saline abortion. She said, "Forty-three years ago, my birth mother Ruth was forced to have a saline infusion abortion." The article quotes her as saying:

"They couldn't successfully induce Ruth's labor and so on the fifth day when they finally did succeed, they believed that I would be born as a successful abortion, just delivered as a deceased child. And that's the day I was accidentally born alive," she explained.

The article relates: 

And she recently testified against the Women's Health Protection Act during a congressional hearing. The bill would allow abortion all the way up until birth, use money from taxpayers, and remove restrictions on abortion even after a fetus is deemed viable.

Her personal testimony is found at the Abortion Survivors Network website. It opens up by saying:

Now a mother, herself, Melissa Ohden has experienced first-hand what she calls the “intergenerational impact of abortion.” The reality is that abortion doesn’t just impact a woman’s life; it ends a child’s life. It forever changes the lives of everyone it touches, including women, men, extended family members, friends, and our communities.

Life can hurt sometimes, and there are wounds we carry - some are completely healed; others stay with us.  Regardless, God walks with us through our times of hurt and sadness. And, His presence can produce joy as we walk through His intended healing process.

Melissa Ohden is an inspiration - according to a Focus on the Family article, she learned that she was an abortion survivor when she was 14 years old.  She searched for her birth mother and eventually found her, as well as other relatives.  It was obviously an incredibly freeing experience for her. She writes:

No one but God could rewrite the narrative that began 40 years ago when my birth mother was pressured to have an abortion.

No one but God could bring about good in the midst of the suffering we have all experienced over the past four decades.

No one but God could unite us with the power of unconditional love and forgiveness.

Truly, what man intends for evil in our lives, God can use for good (Genesis 50:20). Continue to trust in Him, and I am confident that He will work His plans in your life.

Through the power of God's forgiveness, He will write a new story for our lives.  The pains of the past can propel us to a new sense of purpose and belonging in Christ.  We can rise from and above the wounds we have experienced - once they are identified, we can be confident in God that He is able to work in our hearts and bring forth fruit to His glory.

Back-To-School Dreams

Jesus taught us to be generous and mindful of the people around us. We are not to be selfish, but to lay down self and allow His love to flow through us. In Matthew 10, He says:
38 And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me.
39 He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it.
40 "He who receives you receives Me, and he who receives Me receives Him who sent Me.
41 He who receives a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet's reward. And he who receives a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man's reward.
42 And whoever gives one of these little ones only a cup of cold water in the name of a disciple, assuredly, I say to you, he shall by no means lose his reward."

Before His own death on a cross, Jesus reminded those who heard that they were to give of themselves. His death was an ultimate act of love, of self-sacrifice, of considering our fallen state, our separation from God, and the redemption that we so desperately needed and could not provide for ourselves. If we have come to know Him and are dedicated to follow Him, then we demonstrate that by showing our love for Him and become a channel of His love to other people.

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We show we love God by honoring Him in worship, and our lives display that as we love others. Hebrews 13 states:
15 Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.
16 But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.

The day before a special event in Los Angeles, Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw gave a health update. You see, the Dodgers' ace has been out of commission for quite some time now, and the Los Angeles Times reported that he "has been out since July 7 because of elbow inflammation," and "acknowledged Friday that he will not be able to return until early September."

Kershaw, who is an outspoken Christian, made himself available to the press in association with an event that he and his foundation were participating in this past Saturday.  The Times said that he "is partnering with the LA Dream Center to hand out 2,500 backpacks and school supplies at his foundation’s annual back-to-school bash Saturday, said he hopes to resume playing catch 'soon.'”

So, while the press went after the pitching story, there was an even greater story of the thousands of lives impacted by the Dream Center and the organization, Kershaw's Challenge, on Saturday.  In an article prior to the event, CBN.com said that:

This is the 8th year that the Dream Center and Kershaw's Challenge have partnered to put on this highly-anticipated event back on the Dream Center campus, where 2,500 generously donated backpacks for students K through 12, and other school supplies will be given away. Supplies will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Back-to-School Bash is a FREE event and it has a few other festivities in store, including carnival games, a zip line, rock climbing, a ferris wheel, water slides, and much more.

Following the event, the Dream Center posted on Facebook:

What a day!!! We had such a blast at this year’s #BacktoSchoolBash getting to throw the biggest carnival event of the summer for the children and families of the city we love so much.

Without the generosity, kindness, compassion, and heart of @claytonkershaw and Ellen, everyone at @kershawschallenge and @dodgersfoundation, this event would not have been possible! We are so incredibly grateful and honored that we GET to do this and are so looking forward to next year!

In a press release Dream Center co-founder Matthew Barnett is quoted as saying: "After having to endure a tumultuous year of bad news and constant adjustment, we know that this school year may prove to be challenging yet again as students and families try to readjust back to in-person learning. I hope we can plant new dreams and hopes in their hearts for the future! This event is one simple way to remind them that their neighbors and their community care deeply about them and are rooting hard for them.”  Certainly, when a community sees the love of God manifested through churches and ministries, people are drawn to Christ.  And, especially when you have students who are entering another school year with the challenges of dealing with COVID, there is a special level of encouragement that they need.

Throughout the pandemic, the Dream Center has been ministering to families, including a massive food program, in which area residents were able to stop by and receive gifts of food to alleviate physical hunger - as well as their spiritual hunger.  Matthew was on The Meeting House last spring sharing about how God's love was being expressed through the ministry's outreach during the COVID-19 crisis. He also discussed his book, One Small Step: The Life-Changing Adventure of Following God’s Nudges.

In our communities in the Faith Radio broadcast area, churches and ministries have been taking part in special back-to-school events.  Our children who are in school certainly need to have the security of knowing that there are people who love them during this difficult season.  We can encouraged to pray for not only the students, but also the teachers, administrators, and support personnel who are in the process of heading back to the classroom.  And, parents certainly need your prayers, as well.

You may not have thousands of people to whom you'll be ministering in a single day, but there may be one - one person whom God has pointed out to whom He has sent you, in order that He might express His love through you. We have to exhibit a sensitivity to the Spirit so that we will not only be ready, but that we will recognize that we are ready.  We are prepared to do what He has called us to do.

And, ministry should be regarded as an opportunity - as the Dream Center Facebook post suggests, they GET to do this.  We have been chosen by the Most High to represent Him in this world and given the capacity to love others without limits because He lives in us. We can open our eyes to the world around us - a broken world that is in need of healing, in need of what God supplies.

Deal

We can consider the quality of our works, the fruit we produce for the glory of God, in order to honor His name. The degree of our surrender will determine the quality of our fruit. And, we should be dedicated to giving our best to the Lord. Ephesians 2 reminds us:
8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,
9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.
10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

We don't work for our salvation, and it is tempting to rely on our human strength in order to produce good works for God; but that's not how it works.  The fruit that pleases God is not dependent on human effort, but on the power of the Spirit working mightily through us. We offer ourselves, as the Bible says, as living sacrifices, so that Christ's love might be expressed through us. We are not trying to work to earn God's love, but we abide in that love, and in so doing, we are obedient to our Father. 

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In our study of the Word, we can certainly, and rightly, focus on the promises of God - but what about our promises to Him? We have surrendered our lives and have pledged a life of obedience to Christ; we are called to lay down our lives so that His life may be expressed through us. Psalm 61 says:
5 For You, O God, have heard my vows; You have given me the heritage of those who fear Your name.
6 You will prolong the king's life, His years as many generations.
7 He shall abide before God forever. Oh, prepare mercy and truth, which may preserve him!
8 So I will sing praise to Your name forever, That I may daily perform my vows.

The actor has lost his life on screen over a hundred times; but he was destined to either spend the rest of his life in prison or even lose his life for real through the death penalty.

But, he made a deal.

With God.

Movieguide.org offers this:

“I made a deal with God,” actor Danny Trejo recalled. At the time, he was in solitary confinement and facing the death penalty.

“I asked Him to let me die with dignity. Then I promised to always say His name and help my fellow inmates.”

Trejo details the encounter in his new book, Trejo: My Life of Crime, Redemption, and Hollywood.

The Movieguide article links to an NBCNews.com story, as well as a piece at USAToday.com, which says this:

"I said 'inmate' because I never thought I was getting out of prison. By the grace of God, on August 23, 1969, they let me out. I kept my deal. I say his name 20 times a day and I help wherever I can."

While still serving time, Trejo began attending 12-step programs and eventually became sober. After prison, he worked as a drug counselor.

If there's anything he hopes readers walk away with, he says, it is the belief "that it doesn't matter where you start, it's where you end."

Movieguide notes that: "In addition to acting, Trejo also threw himself into embracing a new kind of masculinity — community service," and quotes the actor as saying, “Masculine means you go to work, you support your family, you help out your neighbors — that’s masculine, that’s machismo...we’re supposed to be caretakers. That’s what masculinity means to me now,” Trejo said. “Everything good that has happened to me, has happened as a direct result of helping someone else,” he adds, “and that’s masculine — helping people.”

In a YouTube video referenced in the article, Trejo says, "Jesus is everything...I’m always asked how I’ve accomplished what I’ve accomplished [considering] where I came from, and only an idiot would deny that it was an act of God that brought me … from on my way to a gas chamber to where I’m at now.”

Danny Trejo claims to have made a deal with God; but God has something wonderful and surprising in store - instead of dying with dignity, as Trejo had asked, God allowed him to live and even sprung him from prison.  But, Danny did not believe he was exempt from keeping up his end of the bargain - he claims to have continued to speak God's name 20 times a day and he threw himself into community service. Certainly, God's ways are higher than our own.

And, that's our first takeaway as we consider the actor's story.

I don't necessarily think we should make deals with God, although I have heard that concept in testimonies, especially people who are desperate, at the end of their rope.  The Bible does speak of making vows to God, and emphasizes the importance of following through.  You know, if we have been born again, we have made a promise to Jesus - he has saved our soul, and now we are called to life of obedience to Him and service to others. 

Too often, even though the Lord has promised the abundant life to us, we make ill-informed decisions to pursue our own course, make decisions based on what we think rather than what He thinks.  The Bible says that faith without works is dead; that doesn't mean we fall into the deception of trying to make our good outweigh our bad, but to allow the Spirit of God, as we love Him daily, to direct us so that we might honor the Lord.

Panning Pessimism

The apostle Paul provides for us an example of how to persevere through trial and how to maintain the right perspective, even when discouragement is threatening to settle in. Philippians 4 offers these reflections:
11 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content:
12 I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.
13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Contentment doesn't mean complacency and it certainly doesn't mean indifference.  Contentment is actually something we need to actively seek.  We have to struggle against the winds and ways of this world in order to find the place, spiritually and mentally speaking, where we have absolute trust in God and that our minds are steadfast in Him.  When the ways of this world attempt to control us, we can dig deeper and place ourselves under the authority and control of the Holy Spirit. 

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Joshua had been appointed the leader of the Israelites, chosen to the lead the people into the promised land. This involved massive numbers of people and quite a bit of preparation. God said to him in Joshua 1:9:
9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."

Then we find Joshua's response; reading on...
10 Then Joshua commanded the officers of the people, saying,
11 "Pass through the camp and command the people, saying, 'Prepare provisions for yourselves, for within three days you will cross over this Jordan, to go in to possess the land which the Lord your God is giving you to possess.' "

There is promise there - not pessimism!  There is much about which to be pessimistic these days - in addition to the overwhelming amount of attention being paid attention to COVID, there are economic concerns.  We continue to see ideologies that run contrary to a Christian worldview that are embraced, leading to a sense of hopelessness, even fear and anger.  We are stressed out and in many cases burnt out.

Had enough?  Well, there is good news with which I want to undergird today's original commentary: there is hope on the horizon; and that horizon could be in sight even today.

The Hill reported on July 25, last Monday, on an ABC News/IPSOS poll; the article says:

More than half of those surveyed in the ABC News/Ipsos poll published Sunday, or 55 percent, said they are pessimistic about the direction of the country. In May, 36 percent indicated the same thing.

Forty-five percent of respondents now report feeling optimistic about the way things are going in the United States. Almost two in three - 64 percent -- agreed in the May survey, however.

With regard to the coronavirus and the Delta variant, "about 6 in 10 also indicated they are concerned, with 20 percent saying they are 'very' and 42 percent saying they are 'somewhat' concerned that they or someone they know will become infected." 

Majorities of Americans favor so-called "vaccine passports" to take part in certain activities.  Another article from The Hill reported on a fairly recent Gallup poll, released in May:

The survey found that 57 percent of Americans would favor proof of vaccination for traveling by airplane, while 43 percent said they would oppose such a measure.

Fifty-five percent of respondents said they favored requiring vaccine passports for attending events that have large crowds — like sporting events or concerts — compared to 45 percent who said they were opposed.

However, 60 percent of those surveyed said they are opposed to requiring vaccine passports for dining in at a restaurant, and 55 percent opposed requiring proof of vaccination to go to work. Fifty-six percent opposed such proof for staying in a hotel.

So, at least as of May, Americans indicated they were not in favor of the type of draconian, two-tier regulations, yet unprinted, as I understand it, out of New York City that relegates people who exercise their rights of privacy and conscience to second-class citizens.  Meanwhile, mixed messaging from the Administration leaves Americans with a sense of confusion.  And fear.  As I've said on the air, the Church has been a strong voice against tyranny and authoritarianism.

When we're afraid, our view of the world becomes skewed. Americans who are afraid soon become pessimistic, and that can lead to despair and a sense of hopelessness. I just heard a commentator yesterday who indicated that panic fuels a willingness to give up on the freedoms that are guaranteed by the Constitution.  Over half of Americans are pessimistic about the future of our country - is it any wonder?

So, we need a good dose of reality - that may mean, probably does mean, a reduction in our consumption of legacy media.  It means sticking with the trusted sources and increasing our intake of the absolute truth of Scripture.  God's Word is reliable and speaks powerfully to our current condition - namely, that He is the source of wisdom and that we can exhibit a firm confidence in Him. We don't ignore circumstances, but we can know that He is with us in the midst of our trying circumstances. 

We also hold firm to the American ideal, the founding principle, that, as it's been said, our rights are given to us by God.  That means government is not the grantor of rights; no, our civil authorities' job is to uphold the rights we've already been given.  When leaders use their power and exploit a public health crisis to subjugate the citizenry, we have a problem.  We need to pray, speak out, and elect leaders who will respect the amazing capacity of the American people to make good decisions.

For His Glory

I don't know how much of a sports fan that that apostle Paul actually was, but he certainly integrated sports analogies into his writings, likening our walk in Christ as a "race" or a "fight." He also mentioned the "prize" that comes from faithful service. Philippians 3 states:
12 Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me.
13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead,
14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Through reliance on the Holy Spirit, we can acquire the resources that we need in order to obey God, in order to accomplish great things for Him.  Everyone is gifted, each person can do something, and by so doing to advance the Kingdom of God.  We can approach our lives each day with supernatural motivation and Christ-centered determination, knowing that He has provided the power we need in order to fulfill what He has called us to do.  

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In the book of Colossians, chapter 3, we can discover wise words that can govern our motivation in life; we can read:
16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

The 2020, er 2021 Summer Olympic games in Tokyo continue to plod on, consuming hours and hours of television coverage and sparking ad nauseam discussion about controversial issues.  Such as the withdrawal of Simone Biles from the team gymnastic competition - that has certainly been a subject of debate that has bordered on exploitative.  The women's soccer team, I think more than a few would admit, got their due, failing to win the gold medal - their antics, rooted in false enlightenment and narcissism has grown thin. 

And, then there's the story of the transgender weightlifter from New Zealand who failed miserably in his attempt to compete against women; but why is this guy in the competition in this first place?  We also couldn't wait, I am sure, to see what new and exciting way that Gwen Berry, or perhaps another athlete, would disrespect the country that said athlete is representing - with Berry, you don't have to worry, she failed miserably in her competition.

Owen Strachan, a recent Meeting House guest, said that the "biggest story" of these Olympics in Tokyo is the "wokeification" of the event.  He shared this example at The Christian Post:

...shot put specialist Raven Saunders — an outspoken lesbian — “twerked” after her event, shaking her body for the cameras. Having won silver, she then made an X with her hands on the medal stand. The X symbolizes “intersectionality” according to Saunders, meaning Saunders is claiming that she, as a black sexual minority, is an oppressed person with “intersecting” claims to social justice.

Strachan also pointed out the antics of the women's soccer team and Gwen Berry.  He writes:

Woke Olympians are corrupting one of America’s — and the world’s — most unitive events. As has been happening for years now, politics is overtaking sports. Instead of being able to enjoy competition and cheer for American athletes, our moments of leisure and rest must be injected with divisive ideology. So goes the woke playbook: ultimately nothing is to be enjoyed. Life must become a confessionalist monoculture, with American citizens constantly lamenting the past and making atonement for generational sins.

So, I can certainly understand how you may be soured toward the Games.  Our television has not landed on any Olympic coverage during this fortnight.  But, I know, I know, we shouldn't allow the "distractions" to keep us from rejoicing with athletes who profess Christ who have exhibited and attained incredible achievement.

One example is U.S. runner Keni Harrison, who won the silver medal in the 100-meter hurdles. A Christian Headlines article reports:

After the race, Harrison ran around the track draped in an American flag, wearing a big smile. Despite owning multiple medals in other world races – including the world record at 12.21 seconds – it was her first Olympic medal.

"I learn from my mistakes," she told NBC in a post-race interview. "For this to be my first Olympics and to come here on this world stage, and represent my country to the best of my ability – all the glory goes to God just to have this opportunity. … Just to get a silver medal at this stage, it's amazing."

Her story includes being adopted and surviving a health scare early in life.

Then, there's swimmer Caeleb Dressel, who garnered five gold medals at this year's Olympics. CBN.com relates that:

A large eagle tattoo covers the top of his left shoulder, which represents one of his favorite Bible verses, Isaiah 40:31, which says, "But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."

"It's the reason I'm in the sport — not just to go fast times, but to inspire people and show them where I find my happiness with what God's given me," Dressel said after the 2015 U.S. Nationals, via the Baptist Standard.

During a time at the University of Florida, he lost his love for swimming, but decided to return and God met him there.  Again, CBN.com quotes the swimmer:

"Coming out of that, I started swimming again and really just put all my trust in God and knowing that He's going to take care of everything for me, good or bad," Dressel told the Baptist Standard in 2016. "I really learned a lot, and I really learned to see the light at the end of the tunnel and trust what God is doing, whether it be a rough point in your life or a top pinnacle in your life. You've just got to take pauses and really trust what He's doing."

The stories of Harrison and Dressel can remind us about the importance of reliance on God.  We are told in Scripture to do all for the glory of God.  As we realize that we belong to Him and He gives us the power to do what He has called us to do, it gives us a sense of joy and purpose, knowing that the Creator of the universe goes with us. 

We can also remember that Paul uses athletic analogies to drive home points about the Christian life. In addition to sports, by and large, being an entertaining outlet for us, I do think there is a sense of satisfaction when we watch athletes who are doing their best.  But, we know that there is exhilaration when we are moving in sync with our Heavenly Father, seeing Him glorified.  And, when we become discouraged and we struggle, we can know He meets us there and gives us the capacity to keep moving on.

Purity Not Pollution

In order to live a productive Christian life and grow in Christ, we have to make sure that our minds are pure and that we are protecting ourselves from harmful influences. Psalm 101 states:
2 I will behave wisely in a perfect way. Oh, when will You come to me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart.
3 I will set nothing wicked before my eyes; I hate the work of those who fall away; It shall not cling to me.
4 A perverse heart shall depart from me; I will not know wickedness.

This is an incredibly bold declaration, and if we are living up to what these verses say, we can experience the fullness of God's Spirit working through us.  When we are tempted by the enemy, who seeks to get our eyes off Christ into what doesn't edify and doesn't contribute to the glory of God, we can recognize that the Scripture promises a way of escape. We are enabled by the Spirit to make the right choices about what we allow to enter our consciousness. 

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The Lord has made available to us powerful resources so that we can take action against sinful thought patterns and destructive behaviors. The retraining of the mind is a key, according to 2nd Corinthians 10:
3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh.
4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds,
5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,
6 and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.

I had mentioned recently that our freedom in Christ and as Americans does not give us the ability to do whatever we want.  I think of the commentator, David French, who said that these Drag Queen Story Hours were "blessings of liberty." In these events, grown men dress up as ladies and read stories to small children at local libraries, which certainly presents a normalization of transgenderism. These displays, in my opinion, should not be allowed to infect local communities behind a fictitious shield of freedom of expression.  Whatever happened to community standards?  And, parents are speaking up.

One could say that this type of freedom is a cornerstone of conservative thought and practice. Many Christians identify as "conservative," but this practice, as well as a recent incident in Florida, show that the two are not always consistent. Consider what happened at a large meeting of the student organization Turning Point USA (not to be confused with the ministry of David Jeremiah, which is called, Turning Point).  There, a high-profile "porn star" named Brandi Love was "welcomed" as a VIP the the event, but then asked to leave that large gathering in Florida.  Newsweek reported that:

TPUSA explained the decision to remove Love from their event, telling Newsweek on Sunday night that the move was "in keeping with its standard operating procedures to not involve porn brands, influencers, or personalities that post or publish sexually explicit and pornographic content."

After she was dismissed, Love took to social media and denounced the organization as a "cult," and said, "Adult entertainment was normalized by Larry Flynt, Hugh Hefner & The Supreme Court," adding, "These people saying you can't be conservative and a pornstar are simply trying to exact control over a population group."

Certainly, Love can make the case for the free market, capitalism, and freedom of expression.  But, is her occupation moral and does it contribute to the betterment of society?  It's not "cancel culture" to limit or ban harmful expressions.  That's why we have laws, rooted in the 10 Commandments, against theft and murder.  Those Commandments also say it's wrong to cheat on your spouse, which is not illegal, but certainly does not contribute to a better functioning society.

And, the Bible warns us against lust - repeatedly.  

Just before the coronavirus drastically affected the 2020 Regular Session of the Alabama Legislature, lawmakers in both chambers voted to declare pornography as a "public health crisis" in the state. According to CNSNews.com, Dawn Hawkins, Executive Director of the National Center on Sexual Exploitation, declared in a press release that, “Alabama has become the 16th state to formally recognize the harmful effects of pornography on public health..." She added:

“Modern pornography -- with its limitless quantity, speed, and violent or degrading themes -- is a jarring new variable in human development," she said. "It’s not surprising that such a variable would have negative effects on brains and bodies built for person-to-person sexual contact."

The article quoted from NCOSE's website, stating.

The summary shows, among other things, that 93% of boys and 62% of girls saw Internet porn during adolescence. For college males, 49% "first encountered pornography before age 13."

Also, "64% of young people, ages 13–24, actively seek out pornography weekly or more often," and 11 porn sites are "among the world’s top 300 most popular Internet sites."

Josh McDowell came on The Meeting House last year and issued a warning about pornography during the pandemic, contending that would be one of the direct results of lockdowns and isolation.  A CBN.com story related:

Christian author Josh McDowell stated that even before the pandemic, “All research showed the number one epidemic globally – in every country of the world – was loneliness.”

It hits colleges especially hard with two-thirds of students feeling “very lonely.” That can be as hard on your health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Loneliness can also lead to higher rates of death, illness, injury, smoking, obesity and high blood pressure.”

Two other conditions hitting hard during these days: depression and anxiety.

All three feed into porn addiction.

He went on to say, “And that’s what we have during the COVID-19 time,” adding, "That’s why we’re going to have a huge explosion of porn when we come out of this crisis.”

The Bible tells us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. Pornography brings about a transformation, too, but it is a negative one that leads to the corruption of the mind.  While the Bible calls us to be pure, pornography brings its own unique form of pollution.

We have to fight back with the practice of pulling down strongholds and meditating on Scripture.  The power of the Word in our minds can wash us clean from thinking that doesn't line up. Other solutions involve accountability among believers and even professional assistance.  The enemy is strong, especially in this area, but the resources that God makes available are stronger - it's important to admit the severity of the problem and search out Christ-centered solutions.

Cuba Libre

We are called to live under the control of the Holy Spirit, who gives us the capability to be influential for Him in this world. Proverbs chapter 11 states:
11 By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted, But it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.
12 He who is devoid of wisdom despises his neighbor, But a man of understanding holds his peace.
13 A talebearer reveals secrets, But he who is of a faithful spirit conceals a matter.
14 Where there is no counsel, the people fall; But in the multitude of counselors there is safety.

We have been entrusted with a message of peace and freedom in Jesus Christ. Across the world, believers in Christ met together and were encouraged and equipped for the service of our King. Now that Sunday has passed, we are launched into Monday, into the world, into our day-to-day lives - the question is: are we going to take the principles we have learned and been strengthened in and apply them, allowing Him to be our source of abundant life?  

+++++

We serve a King who rules above all earthly kingdoms, in order that His Kingdom may advance on this earth - it's a Kingdom of devotion to God, based on our freedom in Christ that enables us to overcome the desire for worldly control. 1st Peter 2 states:
11 Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul,
12 having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation.
13 Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake, whether to the king as supreme,
14 or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good.

It's not over, even though the demonstrations for freedom in the nation of Cuba may have disappeared from the news cycles.  Just last week, according to The Daily Signal, Cuban-Americans gathered at the U.S. Capitol for a "Cuba Libre" rally, which was organized, in part, by Alian Collazo, who lives in Florida. He said, “The lack of freedom in Cuba starts with everything...It is not just about freedom of the press and freedom of speech. Those are the fundamental things that they are asking for. But it goes down to every avenue of freedom that one can think of.”

Organizers are asking the U.S. Government to do more on behalf of the people in Cuba who are demanding freedom from the decades of oppression in the Caribbean nation. There were just under a dozen members of Congress mentioned in the article, including several from Florida. One of the attendees, Marta Beatriz Ferrer, said, "We are demanding that the dictatorship tell us where all the missing people are...” Her father has been missing for two weeks.

Meanwhile, the Church in Cuba is continuing to be faithful. The Evangelical Focus Europe website offered a look inside the evangelical community there in a July 12th article, written shortly after the protests began. It stated:

Inside and outside Cuba, evangelical leaders have called to prayer for the island.

“Brothers and sisters, pray for Cuba, the people are on the streets, asking for freedom, the situation is chaotic and very agitated”, said a message shared by Moisés de Prada, the leader of Assemblies of God in Cuba. “Everything points to the fact that this is going to get more complicated. People are in the streets in every province now, and there are clashes with the riot police. I urge you to pray that God takes control and prevents a bloodbath”.

He added, "Cubans could no longer bear the repression."

The article goes on to relate:

Christians in Cuba have denounced lack of religious freedom, slander campaigns and human rights abuses for many years.

Christian journalists have been threatened, evangelical pastors investigated, worship places closed, and individuals abused.

Only a minority of Christian churches have been allowed to operate with normality in Cuba, as international organisations have denounced.

Evangelical Focus also quoted from Noel Nieto, who is pastor of the Cuban Evangelical League, who "told Latin American news website Evangélico Digital that 'the situation today is something we have never experienced before. The peaceful protests are happening in several provinces and municipalities. They [the government] have taken down the internet, to try to avoid more protests and these are broadcasted live. We the churches are organising a prayer vigil asking God for Cuba...'"

Nieto said that "several" Christian denominations had been "praying together."

On July 16th, The Christian Post stated that:

Human rights activist and pastor Rev. Mario Félix Lleonart Barroso reported on Facebook that authorities had detained Yeremi Blanco Ramírez and Yarian Sierra, two pastors from the Berean Baptist Mission in Matanzas who are tutors at the William Carey Biblical Seminary.

Rev. Ramírez and Sierra are being held in a wing of the women’s prison in inadequate conditions in Matanzas, according to the United Kingdom-based watchdog group Christian Solidarity Worldwide.

The article also said:

Rev. Yusniel Pérez Montejo of the Eastern Baptist Convention was also reportedly detained in Songo-La Maya in Santiago. CSW reported on Tuesday that Montejo’s whereabouts were unknown.

A Catholic priest, Father Castor José Álvarez Devesa, was reportedly beaten and detained by Cuban authorities in the Montecarlo Prison in Camagüey. Catholic News Agency reports that Father Álvarez was believed to be defending young protesters on Sunday before his arrest. He was reportedly released.

I have been tracking the thirst for freedom periodically on this program.  We are certainly seeing it in the hearts of the Cuban people and in the Christian leaders there, who are pointing people to the freedom that Christ can offer - a freedom that can sustain and strengthen a person even when he or she is facing oppression from this world.  Deep within the human soul, we want to be free, and our nation was founded on human responsibility - to make good decisions based on reliable information and inspiration. That includes the freedom to practice our faith openly and without encumbrance.

But, there is a sinister human tendency to control others and limit their freedom.  When people don't make the personal decisions that some leaders desire, they resort to mandates - which is expressed in this day of COVID through vaccine passports and mask requirements.  What is so critical, as I alluded to last week, is whom we are allowing to control our decisions.  If we submit to the authority of the Holy Spirit, our decisions will lead to peace and joy even when human authorities result to worldly power and control that are potentially harmful. That's why we need to pray for our leaders and why we have to continue to follow the leadership of the Holy Spirit, who gives us wisdom to navigate uncertain times.

And, we can also be in prayer for the people of Cuba, who have decided that now is the moment in time to throw off the authoritarian rule of its governmental leaders and reach out for freedom. Socialism and Communism are built on the false promise of freedom and equality, yet, as it's been pointed out, it leads to greater control, because the worth of the individual is not respected and someone has to ultimately been in charge to manage the resources - and it's not God; in a socialist system, rights end up coming from the worldly authorities, in the American Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, our rights come from God.