Living Beyond Our Limitations

Have you grown weary standing up against people that oppose you? Do you want to become someone stronger and freer? Ever feel like giving up when you once again face the struggles in your life? You know, the ones that tire you out, the secret places deep inside that you’d be ashamed to admit exist, the pain you’ve tried and often failed to overcome, the depression that haunts you. Thankfully, there’s hope.

Let’s cut to the chase: Without the power of God acting in your life and on your behalf, there is no hope but only human effort.

(Man, I haven't shared my personal Bible Study notes in a long, long, time! Do you miss them? If so, let me know.)

As those who follow Jesus Christ, we know we are choosing to go against the grain in how we live and have different priorities. This creates a tension we can’t deny. But all these troubles are in exchange for an eternal life with God instead of an eternity of pain and torment with Him.

This Christian life that we’ve chosen is a vigorous life- hard but rewarding!  

As a Jesus follower, we will have 3 main areas of trials and tribulations:

1- External Battles (Living against the grain of our culture)

2- Internal Battles (Nagging temptations, struggles, a “thorn in the flesh”)

3- I’ll share this one a few paragraphs down the line.

Some battles we win; others we lose. But Jesus has won the war! Let’s talk about one of our biggest battles- the fight against shame.

What creates shame in our lives?

Shame comes from many places:

·       Family History (Background, social status, ethnicity)

·       Our Personal History

·       Sexual and Physical Abuse

·       Our Sin - Our Temptations - Our Secrets!

Even as you are reading this, I bet these secret, darker places in your heart and mind are coming to the forefront! These are the same things that cause us to walk in brokenness instead of wholeness! Now, right now, stop and pray. Pray for God to protect your mind and heart from the attacks of Satan, who doesn’t want you to be whole and free! Below is a key verse to remember:

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

The world hated Jesus first (John 15:18). He is our model as well as Lord and Savior! Just look at the temptations Jesus faced and at the hand of Satan no less! Look at Luke 4:1-13:

"Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, 2 where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry. 3 The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.” 4 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone.’” (Deut. 8:3) 

5 The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. 6 And he said to him, “I will give you all their authority and splendor; it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. 7 If you worship me, it will all be yours.” 8 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.’” (Deut. 6:13)   

9 The devil led him to Jerusalem and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down from here.10 For it is written: “‘He will command his angels concerning you to guard you carefully; 11 they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’” (Psalm 91:11-12)

12 Jesus answered, “It is said: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’” (Deut. 6:16)  

13 When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time. 14  Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread through the whole countryside."

Overall, Satan offered Jesus a way to live that left God out of the picture. Although we know Jesus is divine, the One True God, we also know that he had very real needs as a man on this earth. Imagine being in the desert, in the rough untamed wilderness for forty days. 

·       Hungry? See Verse 4 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” (Deut. 8:3) 

Satan offers: Meet your own need (the counterfeit of trusting God’s provision)

·       Power, Position, Influence?  See Verse 7 Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’” (Deut. 6:16)  

Satan offers:  Power and position that comes from the world (a counterfeit of true authority and impact that comes from obedience to God) 

·    See Verse 10 Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’” (Deut. 6:13) 

Safety, Security, Proving Yourself to Others?   

Satan offers: Trust in yourself and human wisdom (the counterfeit of God’s wisdom)

Ultimately, Satan offers results without relationship with God! Our enemy is trying to separate people from the Living God, the only one that brings hope, joy, peace, and eternal life. Just like Adam and Eve in the garden, Jesus was given and a chance to bypass obedience to God, taking glory from God. Where Adam failed, Jesus succeeded. 

We fool ourselves into thinking we can avoid a similar life of hardship and trouble. And our very nature fights against these things. But even if we gain some measure of success in that, we are missing out on God’s good plans for us. Plans better than we can imagine or create for ourselves.

Obeying God brings suffering, but it brings glory to God- and don’t miss this- we are often healed in the process!

How do we win those internal battles?  

1-     We must know and believe the promises of God.

o   Nothing can separate us from God’s love (Romans 8:35)

o   When we look to Him, we are never covered with shame (Psalm 34:4-5) 

o   Our sins are removed from us (Psalm 103:1-13)

o   God has good plans for us (1 Corinthians 2:9)

o   We are created intentionally and with purpose. Created for His Glory (Isaiah 43:7)

We can know the truth, but still feel lies. How you will choose to live will have as impact on your healing.

2-     Our Identity Comes from God now, not the world. Not from who others say we are. Not our parents, not our society, not our boss, the news, or our political affiliation… and not even our own self-doubt.

Proverbs 23:7- “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.” (American KJB translation)

3-     We have power of Holy Spirit-   

·       Luke 11:9-14 tells us that the Father will give the Holy Spirit to those who ask!

·       God gives us the gifts we need to bring Him glory and do His will (Hebrews 2:3-13- and We are HIS family!)

NOTE: We have grace to succeed or fail!  

Ephesians 2:8-9. “8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. “

Salvation doesn’t depend on our performance. It’s a gift- but how we choose to live reflects our thankfulness for God and all he has done through Jesus Christ.

(Need more? Read Romans 61-23.)

Let’s get practical!

Those deepest ongoing temptations are signals you need time with the Lord. Spend a good portion of time in prayer, in reading the Bible, in worship.

Choose obedience. You are as free as you want to be- Every choice you make (obedience or sin) shows how free you will live. And who is your master. When we bring God glory as we should, we receive joy!

Focus on the work of the Kingdom and your love for God- not on your wounding! When we are self-focused, we tend to concentrate on what we DO NOT have vs. What we DO have! This is a practical application of this verse:

Luke 9:23- “Then he said to them all, “If anyone wants to become my follower, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me.”

How to Bring Healing and Wholeness

As I said earlier, you will have 3 main areas of trials and tribulations (see Jesus’ words in John 16)

1- External battles (you are used to these living in your culture)

2- Internal battles (thorn in the flesh, torment, temptation)

And now the last one…

3- BATTLES AND JUDGMENTS WITHIN THE BODY OF BELIEVERS (Yes, we can be our own worst enemy... this one hurts!)

1.     LOVE one another!  

Look at Matthew 22:37-39:

“Jesus said to him, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. The second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”

“Can we love from afar?” It’s difficult! But we must go beyond our choices to love as well! 

2.     We Must also ACCEPT one another!

Just read  I Corinthians 1:10-13 here:

10 I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought. 11 My brothers and sisters, some from Chloe’s household have informed me that there are quarrels among you. 12 What I mean is this: One of you says, “I follow Paul”; another, “I follow Apollos”; another, “I follow Cephas”; still another, “I follow Christ.” 13 Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized in the name of Paul?  

We may not be divided by teacher or church, but we divide ourselves out in other ways:

·       Leader vs. Follower

·       Married or single

·       With or without children

·       By interests and hobbies (athletes vs. Creatives, introverts vs. Extroverts- other examples)

·       By our beliefs on secondary theologies

·       We need friendships with those different than us! God uses those not like us to bring pain to the surface so that he can heal! He uses our differences to conform us to Christlikeness. 

3.     Forgive One Another  

Here's two killer verses to wrestle with: 

Romans 15:7- “Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.”

Colossians 3:12-17-  

12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

The hardest and sometimes most powerful? Confession.

1-Personal Confession before God (See 1 Peter 2:1- Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind.)

2- Confession to Each Other

James 5:16- “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”

I’m going to leave the following in caps. And I hope it makes an impact:

THE ENEMY’S PLAN IS DIVIDE AND CONQUER. SEPARATE OUT THE SHEEP, THEY’LL SCATTER, AND THE WOLF WILL PICK THEM OFF ONE BY ONE!

Let’s not help our enemy defeat us by playing into his hands! And let us not grow weary, but let us give God time to complete our transformation into Christlikeness.

Yes, our past, our sins, our secrets, can leave us living in shame! Certainly, we’ll be tempted by the enemy to meet our own needs and not letting God do His work in His time. We’ve got to know God’s word, know our identity, and then we must embrace His power to walk in grace!

Help us Lord to accept each other, forgive each other, and confess our sins before God and to our family in Christ. Amen!

Notable and Quotable: Chuck Swindoll

 

A timely message from one of the greats, Chuck Swindoll: 

In Mark 12, we run across several types of Jewish religious leaders, all taking their turns at trying to trap Jesus into saying something that they can use against Him: Pharisees in Mark 12:13-17, Sadducees in Mark 12:18-27, and one of the teachers of religious law in Mark 12:28-34. Of course, they all fail. Each of these types of religious leaders had its own specific types of rules, regulations, and ways of living. The problem is, these religious types didn’t vanish. Many of these people are sitting in the pews of churches today.

Are you a modern-day Pharisee—religious, legalistic, judgmental, opinionated, and harsh with those who don’t keep your rules? I have a good friend who is an elder in his church. He says, “My problem is that I’m a recovering Pharisee.” There’s an honest man. But maybe you’re not even “recovering.” Maybe you don’t even realize your pharisaic tendencies at all. The fact is that you may still be lost. You’ve got all these things you’re keeping, all this stuff you’re proud of, all these people you’re judging. You don’t miss a meeting, and you don’t miss a chance to refer to your righteousness (or at least hint about it), talk about how often you pray, explain why you pray, and on and on and on. You can be full of religion but still lost. When we come to Jesus, we drop all that garbage, and we realize that there’s nothing in our hands we can bring—there’s only a cross we can cling to.

Maybe you’re a modern-day Sadducee. See if this ­description fits: You look like you’re interested in religion, but you’re really interested in politics. You’re impressed with the teachings of Jesus, but you’re humanistic. You’re somewhat religious, but you’re more sophisticated. You may be wealthy. Maybe you’ve grown up in a church, but you’re not really all that sure about the devil and the demons and all that life-after-death stuff. You’re far more concerned about your position, your wealth, your possessions. If you’re a Sadducee, you’re also lost.

Of all these types, the people I’m most concerned about are the modern-day “teachers of religious law,” the modern-day scribes. You may have studied theology. You may have heard about grace or even taught about grace. Folks might think you’re a faithful follower. You’re sensible. You’re intelligent. You’re not far from the Kingdom, but you’re not there yet either. Make sure that you don’t let your study of the details of theology replace your need to submit to the Lord Jesus by faith. Those who fall into this category, like modern-day Pharisees and Sadducees, are lost.

I fear for you if you are anywhere on this list, because none of us know what a day will bring forth (see Prov. 27:1). Today is the day, my friends, to find Jesus. Quit fighting Him. Quit thinking you’ve got plenty of time. Quit thinking you’re bulletproof.

Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matt. 11:28-29). Find your peace in your relationship with Him. He’s the only One who can forgive you—and He will. He’s the only One who can provide goodness and mercy all the rest of the days of your life—and He will. But you must come to Him. Come.

New Day, New Year

It's a new day and a new year. Time to start over? Today's the day. Looking for a fresh beginning? You couldn't pick a better time to do the right things. Choices, choices, choices. I know I have them to make too. And I know I cannot do this on my own. Lord Jesus, give me the strength I need and the desire to walk with you more fully. It's something I cannot do on my own. 

Depression and Suicidal Thoughts

Depression and suicide has hit our extended family and friends in the last month. Really. It is heartbreaking to live through and watch the survivors try to piece their lives back together. Are you hearing many more stories about depression and how common it is especially during the holidays? I certainly am!  If you are someone who struggles with depression ( I do!) and even thoughts of ending your own life, don't give up! Read on, be encouraged, and get the help you need.

Thanks to men such as Dwayne Johnson, The Rock, discussion about male depression is not as uncommon as it used to be.  Thankfully. Wintertime is always a season where this sense of overwhelming sadness is triggered in me. This gets worse especially after the holidays when everything goes back to normal, and Spring seems oh so far away. That said, I have a slight understanding of the ups and downs that can accompany the feeling of things not being 100% "right". There is hope!

Although it's less so than in years past, I have been constantly amazed by the general reluctance of the society and sometimes even the faith community to discuss this very common human condition. Yet, I have read two very interesting pieces in the New Testament where both the great Apostle Paul and even Jesus himself struggled with despair. Imagine that! Here's a quote from Paul written to the church in Corinth.

"We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we even despised of life. Indeed, in our hearts we felt the sentence of death. But this happened what we might not rely on ourselves, but on God,who raises the dead" (II Corinthians 1:8-9).

Jesus' words are even more important here, as He is God in the flesh: In the garden of Gethsemane before his crucifixion, he says to Peter, James and John, "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death" (Matthew 26:38). Is this not shocking to realize the Son of God and also Christianity's greatest evangelist felt with despair? 

How much more direct and descriptive can that be?

Personally speaking, it's taken me years to accept the fluctuations that come in life. I've been trained in the Southern California mindset of "Always sunny and free all the time". But life is not like that- which is why I am also so against the prosperity teachers that can populate the Christian airwaves and bookstores. Your best life ever? It includes pain, suffering and sorrow. These form our character and help put our priorities into focus us.

It is possible to manage life's ups and downs when dealing with depression. One of the few things I have discovered: First, stay as far away from sin as possible! Instead of looking toward the things that will seem to meet my needs in the moment or distract me from my pain but ultimately keep me addicted, I will ask God for strength to avoid them. The truth is giving in to them only adds  to my problems by doing things I know will cause me to be more deeply depressed later. Be it too much food or alcohol, drugs, illicit sex, gambling, the internet, shopping etc, the actions which numb our pain can also be the very ones that keep us captive instead of free.

Secondly, when my need feels great, when I am sad, or even when I am just craving what I know is ultimately destructive, I am training myself to see that as my clue that I need more peaceful alone time with my heavenly father. Time for quiet reflection, prayer, worship, and reading my Bible will bring me back to a peaceful place if I discipline myself to engage in these essential activities. I've made the decision that my life belongs to Jesus, so I can go right to Him when I know He can and will show tender care for me. He always meets me when I need Him. He never turns away regardless of what I am feeling or what I have done.

Third, develop a pattern of choosing to have a thankful heart. It is a challenge in our culture that continuously tells us we need more to be satisfied. (Isn't that the core message of any advertising?) The next trip, the next purchase, the next relationship will not take away the pain. In fact, they may add to it! Everything we own owns us to some degree, either by the financial investment to purchase it or the time it takes to maintain it. I am so blessed by God! Yet, how often do I long for more of everything and not be grateful for my life. It will never be perfect or free from want or conflict, so I might as well be as joyful, thankful and at peace as I can be. Thankfulness brings hope and a very needed reminder that things do not always stay hard or without the chance for change.

Tears ago, there was a brief season of a few months where I even took  antidepressants on the advice of my doctor. That helped balance me out when I need it. Others need them as a long term part of their lives. If that's you, please consider it. God uses doctors to heal, too! This includes counselors and leaders in the faith community. Keep that in consideration if you struggle.

When all else fails- WAIT. Stop. Rest. Get help. Sleep. Do not take any action to hurt yourself or others. Wait for a new day. I know that when the pain is deep and the depression is overwhelming, everything else in our lives gets blocked from our view. 

A friend sent me this (below). I think you'll find it VERY helpful:

"The Beloved Romans 1:7- 

“To all those in Rome who are loved [beloved] by God and called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ." 

Paul says that the saints in Rome, those who have placed their trust in Jesus Christ to save their souls, are loved by God, or more acurately, they are The Beloved. This word beloved is more accurate because it is in the present tense and never ending. Revealing the love from God towards His children. The first 9 uses of this Word in the New Testament is used of how the Father loved Jesus His Son. This should give us insight into how God loves you!    God's Love for His Kids is Unchanging    Unconditional and Unselfish. 

Remember this encouraging and uplifting Truth when you do not feel like the Beloved of God. Pick up the shield of faith that stops the firey missles of the enemy and speak the Truth of God out of your mouth, as the Sword of the Spirit like David did; "Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become disturbed within me? (Then preach this exhortation to your soul) Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him for the help of His presence." 

Father God, You are Present, never leaving me, never forsaking me. Help me to preach the gospel to myself over and over again today, elevating You in my heart and allowing Your Presence to rise in my mind, so that I walk with You morning noon and night, in Jesus name amen ACTION: Be-loved."

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God is faithful as we continue to look to Him for hope and strength. In fact, God so loved YOU that He sent Jesus to earth to die in your place. The baby in the manger grew up to be God's perfect and complete sacrifice for the sins of all who believe in Him. May my disclosure and insights help give you who struggle some ideas about how to live life well in the midst of difficulty.

A New Beginning

Today begins a new season in our lives. About a year or so ago, I began to feel restless, thinking that God might have something else for me. I desired to finish well and not coast into retirement. From a very practical standpoint, this meant quitting my job and starting from scratch. We began to read our Bible and pray as we wanted to hear clearly what this might mean.

God kept bringing me back again and again to Matthew, chapter 9, verses 14-17: "Then the disciples of John came to him, saying, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?” And Jesus said to them, “Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast. No one puts a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old garment, for the patch tears away from the garment, and a worse tear is made.  Neither is new wine put into old wineskins. If it is, the skins burst and the wine is spilled and the skins are destroyed. But new wine is put into fresh wineskins, and so both are preserved.”

Now I know from my studies that these verses primarily refer to the Old Covenant versus the New Covenant (conforming to the Law and looking forward to the Savior to come to achieve eternal life vs. Placing trust in Jesus Christ alone as the payment for your sin, turning from the old ways and surrendering your life fully to Him). But there was something else going on. It was to be a new season. A dear friend called me in the midst and said, "As I pray for you, I feel like God is clearing your plate and preparing a new season."

We spoke to our pastor who solidly affirmed what we were reading and hearing in our prayers. With some additional wisdom from godly and trusted friends, we took the steps to alter our lives once more as God directed. It's SO scary! Yet, time and time again, Jesus has been faithful. And we go to bed at night resting in the fact we are being obedient to Him. Needless to say, the job search has begun. If you are a follower of Jesus, please pray for us.

Christmas Family Devotional 2023- Week Three

Our final devotional for the year should not be the last one. God is good all the time, and focusing on Him each day brings peace, joy, and hope in a world that is sorely lacking in all three. How our hearts long for a connection with our Heavenly Father! 

December 21 - 31

Time of Praise
Open the book of Psalms together.
Show your children how often the word “praise” appears.
Lead prayers and statements of praise. It’s ok if they repeat your words. They are learning by your example. 

Time of Confession
Read 1 John 1:9 and Psalms 103:11, 12 together.
Point out that a perfect love like God’s can only truly wipe out our sins so that they are not held against us. This is hard for all of us to believe.

Model a prayer that God builds a humble spirit in them, making them willing to confess their sins, and trains them to look to God as their only true source of forgiveness.


Time of Thanksgiving
Read Psalms 136 together.
Encourage your kids to repeat the line “His love endures forever” each time they hear it read. As you do this with them, pray that thanksgiving grows in their hearts.

Lead children to ask God to build a sincere gratefulness in their hearts.

____________

May God bless you this Christmas season with the greatest gift- 

a strengthened relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ, the One who paid the price for your sin by dying on the cross in your place.

(Devotional copyright Mark Taft.)

Guilty of Murder and Set Free

I was so moved by this story of indifference to compassion, I knew I had to share it when I first read it. In our world of selfishness, chaos, depravity, and disillusionment, it's refreshing to read of a person brave enough to acknowledge and encounter their part in it and make a change.
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"I was an abortionist. The abortion industry isn't willing to prioritize patient safety. I was pro-choice for decades. I performed abortions and had an abortion myself. Can't we all at least agree on importance of safety in the industry?

I’ve killed more people than Ted Bundy.

Coming to terms with the fact that I was a professional mass murderer was devastating, but it compelled me to speak the truth.

I began my medical career believing the modern clichés that women must have total control over our bodies, and that it’s irresponsible and unethical to bring unwanted children into an overpopulated world. During my OB-GYN residency in Florida in the late 1970s, I went above and beyond the usual first-trimester abortion requirement and asked to learn to perform second-trimester dismemberment abortions. When faced with my own unwanted pregnancy before entering medical school, I chose abortion.

Abortions, I soon discovered, can be very profitable. When I got my medical license in Florida in 1978, I moonlighted as an abortionist on the weekends, making more money than I would have made working in the emergency room. I was amazed by the perfect little fingers and toes but treated fetal remains like any other medical specimen — with no emotion. I even performed abortions while I was pregnant. The difference was clear to me at the time: My baby was wanted; my patients' babies weren't. I saw no contradiction in that.

The only time I questioned my line of work was during my neonatal rotation, when I realized I was trying to save babies in the neonatal intensive care unit who were the same age as some of the babies I was aborting.

The path to life-

Three patients changed my professional trajectory.

I was preparing to perform an abortion on the first when I realized I had already performed three on her in the past — she was using abortion as birth control. I protested doing the fourth, only to be told by my boss that I had no right to deny it to her. “Easy for you to say, you’re not the one doing the killing,” I snapped back. I did the killing, but my response startled even me.

A sad choice, but the right one: I had a later abortion because I couldn't give my baby girl both life and peace

The second patient was a young woman there with a friend. Her friend asked whether she wanted to see the tissue when I was done, and she replied angrily that no, she just wanted to kill it. “What did this baby ever do to you?” I wondered, again surprised by my reaction. I don't think I had ever thought of them as babies before.

But it was a mother of four who felt she just couldn’t manage another child who brought me to tears. She wept before, during and after the procedure. It was the grief of a woman who knew the moral gravity of what she was doing that ended my abortion career.

I stopped doing abortions, but I remained pro-choice. Over time, I saw in my OB-GYN practice young girls flourish who had chosen not to abort, and older, more educated patients who had aborted struggle psychologically. Gradually, I began to see the feminist narrative that abortion empowers women as increasingly flimsy.

Ultimately, I could not shake the realization that the only thing that decided the fate of the baby was whether he or she was wanted or not. The former was born. The latter was killed. The life or death of a human being should not be so arbitrarily decided.

I became pro-life.

Shoddy, dangerous care

I now give expert testimony on the realities of abortion, like the testimonies the Supreme Court will soon consider in the case of June Medical Services LLC v. Gee.

For years, many abortion clinics have gotten away with shoddy practices that no surgery center would be likely to get away with. This is surely because abortion workers, legislators and law enforcement fear that they will be accused of restricting access to abortion if they hold abortion clinics accountable.

Loving abortion clinic workers, too:Pro-life movement should follow Abby Johnson's lead, turning abortion workers into allies

A former manager of an abortion clinic told me that she was instructed to use dish washing liquid to clean their instruments when their sanitizer broke down so they wouldn’t have to close while it was repaired. Inspection reports in multiple states have found clinics not properly sanitizing their instruments. 

A patient who came to me for complications from a late-term abortion said she was kept in a cold room overnight without a blanket during an induction abortion. She was forced to give birth in a toilet the next morning, only to watch her still living baby drown.

As a gynecologist on call in the emergency room, I personally treated women experiencing severe complications, including life-threatening hemorrhage and infection from abortions, because no one at the abortion clinic had admitting privileges. No abortion clinic personnel ever called to give me information on a patient they were sending to the ER. This is not a safe way to practice medicine.

When it comes to abortionists being required to have local hospital admitting privileges, the issue the court will consider in Gee, the fact is that many physicians on staff at ambulatory surgical centers are required to have hospital privileges to ensure that patient care is not compromised in the event of a complication.

Helping patients fight for their lives, and their rights:We met as doctor and patient, but a life-saving abortion was the start of our friendship

One of the reasons we are told these safety standards aren’t needed is because abortion is so safe, but we don’t know the true percent of women who experience complications.

Only 28 states require abortion providers to report post-abortion complications, and states are not required to submit abortion data to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Abortion clinics don't want this information to come out, and providers have taken states to court to try to avoid reporting. 

Recently, a former Arizona abortion clinic employee won millions of dollars in a wrongful termination lawsuit after she was fired for noting serious health and safety violations at her clinic.

Yet Americans were horrified when the unsanitary conditions and unsafe medical practices of convicted Dr. Kermit Gosnell’s abortion clinic were uncovered, and shocked when news broke about Dr. Ulrich Klopfer, an abortionist who, day after day, walked out of his office with bags of aborted fetal remains, accumulating thousands, and violating endless ethical, medical and legal standards. These are hallmarks of an unsafe industry.

I was pro-choice for decades. I performed abortions and had an abortion. I understand in a deep and personal way where the fault lines of disagreement over abortion in America lie. But can’t we at least all agree on the importance of safety in the abortion industry?" 

Dr. Kathi Aultman is an associate scholar with the Charlotte Lozier Institute and a member of the American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists. 

(Published by USA Today January 22, 2020.)

Notable and Quotable: Larry Osborne

"If we claim to be followers of Jesus, there's never a good reason for panic. God loves a mess. After all, it takes a mess to have a miracle."

                        Larry Osborne, Author of Thriving in Babylon

I love this quote! How many times do I have to learn this lesson- that if I wait instead of panic, God comes through and I learn a lesson, see Him in a deeper more mature way, and watch God at work...even if the end result is not something I initially want. Even though I know better, I can fall into the trap of thinking being a follower of Jesus means I deserve and can get an easy life. (How'd that work out for His disciples?) Then I remember, it's truly about dying to self and living for God's purposes, relying on God's grace and not my own works to gain me favor and forgiveness from God. Major lessons taught over and over again...

Conquering Shame and Living Beyond Our Limitations

Have you grown weary standing up against people that oppose you? Do you want to become someone stronger and freer? Ever feel like giving up when you once again face the struggles in your life? You know, the ones that tire you out, the secret places deep inside that you’d be ashamed to admit exist, the pain you’ve tried and often failed to overcome, the depression that haunts you. Thankfully, there’s hope.

 

Let’s cut to the chase: Without the power of God acting in your life and on your behalf, there is no hope but only human effort.

 

As those who follow Jesus Christ, we know we are choosing to go against the grain in how we live and have different priorities. This creates a tension we can’t deny. But all these troubles are in exchange for an eternal life with God instead of an eternity of pain and torment with Him.

 

This Christian life that we’ve chosen is a vigorous life- hard but rewarding!  

 

As a Jesus follower, we will have 3 main areas of trials and tribulations:

1- External Battles (Living against the grain of our culture)

2- Internal Battles (Nagging temptations, struggles, a “thorn in the flesh”)

3- I’ll share this one a few paragraphs down the line.

 

Some battles we win; others we lose. But Jesus has won the war! Let’s talk about one of our biggest battles- the fight against shame.

 

What creates shame in our lives?

Shame comes from many places:

·       Family History (Background, social status, ethnicity)

·       Our Personal History

·       Sexual and Physical Abuse

·       Our Sin - Our Temptations - Our Secrets!

 

Even as you are reading this, I bet these secret, darker places in your heart and mind are coming to the forefront! These are the same things that cause us to walk in brokenness instead of wholeness! Now, right now, stop and pray. Pray for God to protect your mind and heart from the attacks of Satan, who doesn’t want you to be whole and free! Below is a key verse to remember:

 

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

 

The world hated Jesus first (John 15:18). He is our model as well as Lord and Savior! Just look at the temptations Jesus faced and at the hand of Satan no less! Look at Luke 4:1-14

 

Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, ² where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry. ³ The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.” ⁴ Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone.’” (Deut. 8:3)

 

⁵ The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. ⁶ And he said to him, “I will give you all their authority and splendor; it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. ⁷ If you worship me, it will all be yours.” ⁸ Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.’” (Deut. 6:13)  

 

⁹ The devil led him to Jerusalem and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down from here.¹⁰ For it is written: “‘He will command his angels concerning you to guard you carefully; ¹¹ they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’” (Psalm 91:11-12)

¹² Jesus answered, “It is said: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’” (Deut. 6:16)  

 

¹³ When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time. 14  Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread through the whole countryside. 

 

Overall, Satan offered Jesus a way to live that left God out of the picture. Although we know Jesus is divine, the One True God, we also know that he had very real needs as a man on this earth. Imagine being in the desert, in the rough untamed wilderness for forty days.

 

·       Hungry?  ⁴ Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” (Deut. 8:3)

Satan offers: Meet your own need (the counterfeit of trusting God’s provision)

 

·       Power, Position, Influence?   ⁷ Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’” (Deut. 6:16)  

Satan offers:  Power and position that comes from the world (a counterfeit of true authority and impact that comes from obedience to God)

 

·       ¹⁰ Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’” (Deut. 6:13)

 

Safety, Security, Proving Yourself to Others?   

Satan offers: Trust in yourself and human wisdom (the counterfeit of God’s wisdom)

 

Ultimately, Satan offers results without relationship with God! Our enemy is trying to separate people from the Living God, the only one that brings hope, joy, peace, and eternal life. Just like Adam and Eve in the garden, Jesus was given and a chance to bypass obedience to God, taking glory from God. Where Adam failed, Jesus succeeded.

 

We fool ourselves into thinking we can avoid a similar life of hardship and trouble. And our very nature fights against these things. But even if we gain some measure of success in that, we are missing out on God’s good plans for us. Plans better than we can imagine or create for ourselves.

 

Obeying God brings suffering, but it brings glory to God- and don’t miss this- we are often healed of our shame and pain in the process!

 

Winning the Internal Battles

 

1-     We must know and believe the promises of God.

 

o   Nothing can separate us from God’s love (Romans 8:35)

o   When we look to Him, we are never covered with shame (Psalm 34:4-5)

o   Our sins are removed from us (Psalm 103:1-13)

o   God has good plans for us (1 Corinthians 2:9)

o   We are created intentionally and with purpose. Created for His Glory (Isaiah 43:7)

 

We can know the truth, but still feel lies. How you will choose to live will have as impact on your healing.

 

2-     Our Identity Comes from God now, not the world. Not from who others say we are. Not our parents, not our society, not our boss, the news, or our political affiliation… and not even our own self-doubt.

 

Proverbs 23:7- “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.” (American KJB translation)

 

3-     We have power of Holy Spirit-   

·       Luke 11:9-14 tells us that the Father will give the Holy Spirit to those who ask!

·       God gives us the gifts we need to bring Him glory and do His will (Hebrews 2:3-13- and We are HIS family!)

 

NOTE: We have grace to succeed or fail! 

Ephesians 2:8-9. “⁸ For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— ⁹ not by works, so that no one can boast. “

 

Salvation doesn’t depend on our performance. It’s a gift- but how we choose to live reflects our thankfulness for God and all he has done through Jesus Christ.

 

(Need more? Read Romans 61-23. Won’t do that now.)

 

Let’s get practical!

Those deepest ongoing temptations are signals you need time with the Lord. Spend a good portion of time in prayer, in reading the Bible, in worship.

 

Choose obedience. You are as free as you want to be- Every choice you make (obedience or sin) shows how free you will live. And who is your master. When we bring God glory as we should, we receive joy!

 

Focus on the work of the Kingdom and your love for God- not on your wounding! When we are self-focused, we tend to concentrate on what we DO NOT have vs. What we DO have! This is a practical application of this verse:

 

Luke 9:23- “Then he said to them all, “If anyone wants to become my follower, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me.”

 

 

How to Bring Healing and Wholeness

 

As I said earlier, you will have 3 main areas of trials and tribulations (see Jesus’ words in John 16)

1- External battles (you are used to these living in your culture)

2- Internal battles (thorn in the flesh, torment, temptation)

And now the last one…

3- BATTLES AND JUDGMENTS WITHIN THE BODY OF BELIEVERS. (Yes, we can be our own worst enemy...)

 

1.     LOVE one another!  

 

Look at Matthew 22:37-39

“Jesus said to him, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. The second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”

 

“Can we love from afar?” It’s difficult! But we must go beyond our choices to love as well!

 

2.     We Must also ACCEPT one another!

 

Read  I Corinthians 1:10-13

¹⁰ I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought. ¹¹ My brothers and sisters, some from Chloe’s household have informed me that there are quarrels among you. ¹² What I mean is this: One of you says, “I follow Paul”; another, “I follow Apollos”; another, “I follow Cephas”; still another, “I follow Christ.”

¹³ Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized in the name of Paul? 

 

We may not be divided by teacher or church, but we divide ourselves out in other ways:

·       Leader vs. Follower

·       Married or single

·       With or without children

·       By interests and hobbies (athletes vs. Creatives, introverts vs. Extroverts- other examples)

·       By our beliefs on secondary theologies

·       We need friendships with those different than us! God uses those not like us to bring pain to the surface so that he can heal! He uses our differences to conform us to Christlikeness.

 

3.     Forgive One Another

 

Romans 15:7

“Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.”

 

Colossians 3:12-17 (A mini conclusion to this section of the book)

 

¹² Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. ¹³ Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. ¹⁴ And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

¹⁵ Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. ¹⁶ Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. ¹⁷ And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

 

The hardest and sometimes most powerful? Confession.

 

1-Personal Confession before God (See 1 Peter 2:1- Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind.)

 

2- Confession to Each Other

 

James 5:16

“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”

 

I’m going to leave the following in caps. And I hope it makes an impact:

 

THE ENEMY’S PLAN IS DIVIDE AND CONQUER. SEPARATE OUT THE SHEEP, THEY’LL SCATTER, AND THE WOLF WILL PICK THEM OFF ONE BY ONE!

 

Let’s not help our enemy defeat us by playing into his hands! And let us not grow weary, but let us give God time to complete our transformation into Christlikeness.

 

 Yes, our past, our sins, our secrets, can leave us living in shame! Certainly, we’ll be tempted by the enemy to meet our own needs and not letting God do His work in His time. We’ve got to know God’s word, know our identity, and then we must embrace His power to walk in grace!

 

Help us Lord to accept each other, forgive each other, and confess our sins before God and to our family in Christ. Amen!