The Privilege of Discipleship

Muddy Creek Canyon from across the way

"But blessed are your eyes, because they see, and your ears, because they hear." -- Matthew 13:16
The Susan G. Komen Foundation, dedicated to breast cancer research and prevention, recently changed their policy so that the money they grant will go to actual providers of mammograms and not third party referral services, such as Planned Parenthood. Planned Parenthood also happens to be under investigation in a number of states and that also played into Komen's decision.
The response from Planned Parenthood and its supporters can best be described as rabidly Pavlovian, a response designed strictly to intimidate and frighten any of Planned Parenthood's other sponsors from also cutting funding to the organization, whose primary business is abortion. The hierarchy of the Planned Parenthood organization knows exactly what bells to ring to bring about the Pavlovian response desired...a besmirching of the Komen Foundation with baseless smears. It did have the desired effect, however, of increasing donations...far above what Komen actually grants to the organization, and that is what I believe the intent was all along. A cold and cynical decision by PP, in my mind.
That PP should use a policy decision made by Komen's board in the best interests of  women to raise funds by sounding false alarms, using fear and intimidation and other such tactics should, in itself, be ample justification for cutting ties with PP.
In pondering this, I come back once again to the thought that perhaps Christians truly do already live in the Kingdom, for we see things so differently from those who live in the world. That must be why there is such a dichotomy between God-fearing people and those to whom government or no one but themselves is "god."
It seems no matter what issue, there exists such a huge rift...a chasm of such depths that so often there is no "common ground." I have often wondered how those who differ in opinion from myself and other like minded people can not see the Truth. I have often tried to enlighten them, but they just do not see it. They see things from their worldview only and there is no bridging the chasm that separates their view from those of Christians and other God fearing people.
Is my view Truth? I always seek God's guidance when such issues come to the fore. Because I do not wish to mislead anyone,  I try to do much praying and reading to get the actual facts of the issues before me. I seek out the Truth taught by the Church which is the pillar of authority empowered by Christ to guide us in these matters.
It seems that the commonly held worldview by those who support abortion or the euphemistic phrase of "Women's Reproductive Health" is such that they just cannot conceive that any digression from their view can possibly be a good thing. Yet, God continues to guide me towards life and the sanctity of the unborn and I trust in Him.
So, do I continue to exhort and tell of what I believe to be God's view of things? Or do I leave them alone in the world, letting them be content to continue in the world?
Lord, give me your guidance and let me hear your words.

Ah, my sweet child, such things are hard for you and I do not intend them to be. I desire that all of my children be saved and that they choose to enter into the Kingdom prepared by My Father and redeemed by Me for those who love God. I told my followers that they must be "in the world, but not of the world," and you have come upon some inkling of what that means. Yes, there is a deep division. My children can see the world view that so misleads others who choose not to believe, but those who do not believe cannot see into the Kingdom. They are blind. I saw it while on earth and gave my Father thanks and praise for hiding the truth from the wise and the learned, but revealing it to the childlike. Belief is required to open the way...to bridge the chasm. If they choose not to believe, they choose not to cross into the Kingdom of Delights that I have prepared for those who do believe and love. It is a free will choice and all need to have the opportunity to choose their path.

Do I want you to continue to tell of the Good News? Yes, I do, even if they appear not to hear. You may be surprised that your words do resound across the way and I have empowered those words to reach  souls whom I am seeking. Do not be afraid of the attacks that will come. Of course you will be attacked by evil, whose sole desire is to delude as many souls as possible. You will be protected, guided and guarded. Always seek my guidance and wisdom before your exhortations, however, never thinking that you possess the wisdom within yourself to do combat. Arm yourself with prayer, the Word of God and faith as a shield and then go forth into the day, combating the forces that seek to destroy souls. My child, I love you. Go in peace.

The Name of Christ

Wood Duck Mingling with Mallards

For the past couple of nights, I have had the strange experience of being awake, yet in a dream-like state where I find myself in a situation that could be terrifying.
In both "dreams" I have been on an airplane when terrorists attempt to take over the flight.
Instead of that happening, however, I stand up and invoke the Name of Jesus Christ, commanding the terrorists to put down their weapons and hostages.
They obey, simply because they must obey any commands issued "in the name of Jesus Christ."
And the plane continues on its journey with the terrorists now bound and awaiting arrest at the landing airport. At all times, I am calm and even joyful..never afraid.
So, the question has become...why do I not use "the name of Jesus Christ" more prayerfully and more powerfully? There is no reason for not using it...it was given to all who claim to be followers.
Jesus told the apostles at the Last Supper that "anything you ask the Father in my name, He will do" and most prayers are offered "in the name of Jesus." Yet for me, this has become rote and not a powerful answer to my problems.
I find I must begin using the name of Jesus more and with specific requests so that I can know the prayer has worked.
It sounds all rather clinical and like I am testing the Lord. I do not mean it to sound thus, it's just that it's such an eye-opener for me, that I have had the power to effect change in circumstances and have not used it effectively. I guess, the test is more a test of me and my faith than it is of the Lord or his promises.
So, today I begin with my prayer requests.
Dear Father, I give you thanks and praise for all the blessings you have bestowed upon me. I know I have failed to do your will and for this I seek your forgiveness and mercy. I may be dreaming but I am so excited to learn I do have power and it is in the power of the name of Jesus Christ that I can effect change in circumstances. So, today I begin. Father, I ask in the name of Jesus Christ, your only Son and my Savior, that charges of trespassing be dropped against the people who were arrested at Notre Dame University in protest of President Obama's stand on abortion. I thank you Father, for this solution to only one of the problems of the world and I hope that as I get better at using this tool you have given to all your children that I may become wiser and wiser in its use. I know, dear Lord, that you would not have us become tempted to abuse this wonderful gift, so I need all the wisdom you can provide as I seek to do your will. I thank you Father, in the name of Jesus, and I am so looking forward to taking this journey with you. Amen.
My sweet one, You are indeed precious to me. I know you long to help me save my world and that you have been seeking some way in which to become effective. I have given this gift to all my children and "in the name of Jesus" is used many times throughout the day and night as my children seek answers to their prayers. For many, as for you up until your 'dreams' the phrase has become rote and just a phrase to end a prayer. They say it without expecting that their prayers will be answered, they say it without having the faith that what they ask for will be given by me. So, yes, I am giving you a new perspective on it, a new lens in which to view your prayer requests. I am somewhat amused by your "testing" and have also given you the knowledge that it is yourself you are testing and not me. My sweet child. Your prayer has been answered. All is well. I am delighted you have begun posting again. We will make a formidable team. Go in peace. I love you.

The good and kind among us

Random Thoughts
Several years ago I was walking in a favorite spot when I looked up and there was this young moose standing right on the pathway. I snapped a couple of photos but decided not to try to continue along the same path. I'm sure I would have come up short in any contest over who had the right of way on the path!
It is always delightful to see wildlife, though, and I truly am grateful and thankful that the Lord has put me where he has.
I sometimes wonder what my mission is but I delight in being able to take a walk and see a moose in the wild. How awesome is that?
On Tuesday, the funeral of a very kind and generous man was held here. The church was packed to overflowing and nearly everyone could tell a story of his generosity. He was a very wealthy person and could have chosen to live anywhere, but he chose to live here. I think it must have been for similar reasons as I am thankful to live here.
When I think of his honesty and goodness and then look around at all the corruption and greed in this country, particularly in our "leaders" I am appalled at such a disconnect. These people who we entrust to make decisions for all of us are corrupt and greedy and not the same type of people as my friend.
Things seem to be happening very quickly now as far as the end times signs go. With each passing news cycle, I am surprised that the warning sign doesn't appear in the sky tomorrow. I still have much to do to prepare, though, and will strive to do better.
Oh my Lord and my God--help me to prepare for what is coming and to not waver in doing your will. You are precious to me and I want to please you and do what you would have me do.
I know I say that and then don't do it. Please help me to overcome this fault and to be instantly obedient. I love you and delight in all your goodness and kindness. I thank you for people like Tom who are good and generous and I pray that he is in heaven with you and his loved ones.

My sweet one--You are forgiven for your failures of the past and for your failures of this day. Do not seek to carry them into the new day. You have given them to me and must now rest assured that you may go forth into the new day without the burdens of past sins and failings.

Continue to strive to do my will and to do the things you think I am calling you to do. If you think I am calling you, then I probably am. Once you give me your life, as you do daily, then do not doubt where the guidance comes. Know that I will guard you against anything not according to my will. Be at peace and try to do better tomorrow. Know that I love you.