Exposing the Deeds of Darkness

I came across an article about a new film from the makers of the excellent movie Bella. As you will see, they are not timid about exposing the realities of the sin of abortion in their movie "22 Weeks".

Not only should we support efforts such as this one, but should be working with our families to impact the culture in creative ways -- exposing sin and pointing to the saving grace of Jesus Christ.

Barking Up the Wrong Tree

Public schools can expect resurgence in attendance in the coming months and years as harsh economic realities intensify. Is it because state schools offer a better education than their private counterparts? Hardly. When families have to prune their budgets, cutting back on taxes is not an option. Thus, the thinking goes, we might as well make use of the tax dollars we are paying into the system and get the “free” education we are entitled to. Thus, Christian education gets allocated to the luxury column in the financial spreadsheet.

This is disastrous reasoning. If the Church does not make the survival of Christian schools a priority, and fails to encourage and support the efforts of homeschooling families, the dark age that looms before us will be ushered in sooner rather than later. Instead of building bigger sanctuaries, upgrading to the latest technological gizmos, and spending oodles of dollars to send kids to far away places for seven days to build buildings, the people of God need to address the fundamental issue of our day: Who is educating and discipling the next generation? Anyone who is not comfortable with the political choices that continue to disappoint year after year had better realize that the future lies in education. The enemies of God know this. When is the Church going to realize it?

Jesus was very clear: A bad tree cannot produce good fruit. Yet, good people are compromising their Christian principles and entertaining the idea of sending their children to the humanistic, statist, materialistic, atheistic synagogues of satan because the dad has been laid off and mom needs to go to work. As I pointed out to an acquaintance recently, “If money is what you want, you could go out tonight and bring home a bunch if you were willing to be a prostitute!” Her reaction was predictable. We all know that the Scripture forbids that. But, why do we pick and choose which Scriptures we are going to obey? Doesn't the Word of God state that children should be trained in God's ways from morning to evening, and at every opportunity and circumstance along the way?

James 4:2 says, “You have not because you ask not.” I submit that any Christian family that endeavors to obey God and keep His commandments should hold fast the profession of their faith without wavering, for He is faithful that promised. (Hebrews 10:23).

For those who are tempted to take the easy way out, let me remind you that 1 Corinthians 10:13 states,

No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.

For anyone who needs some encouragement in this area, let’s talk: lessons.learned@yahoo.com.

Taking the Offensive

During the summer, my husband visits other churches due a conflict between the summer schedule at our church and his work schedule. He repeatedly engages the pastors in discussion when filling out the new visitor card provided asking the question, “What is the church’s position regarding parents sending their children to public schools?”

One email response stated,

“At this point the church does not have an official position. Some of our pastors send their kids to public schools, others to Christian schools. It is up to the individual’s conscience and what the Holy Spirit shows them.”

My husband countered,

“I am not surprised by your response. I am concerned, as all Christians should be, with the welfare of the children of Christian households. After all, those who oppose the faith seem to understand that whoever controls the education of the young also controls the future.

Are you familiar with the books of Bruce Shortt or Samuel L. Blumenfeld? Both men have written powerfully on the topic.

If health problems from smoking warrant a warning label on a pack of Camels, then certainly “sin issues” from public schools warrant some direction or warning from the shepherds of the flock. I am assuming many in your congregation have school age children. Therefore, this is not purely an academic exercise.

The response came back,

I appreciate your heart in this matter. We try to keep our parents abreast of what the public schools are teaching and how they might respond. We try to allow room for those who are convicted that their kids need to be separated from such influence and those that feel that it is their job to influence the public schools. Each school and district is different as well as each child. The key, we believe, is teaching our parents to be intentional in their parenting and to follow the Holy Spirit’s guidance as to whether they protect their kids from the culture or engage the culture but not be of it. It is not a black and white issue, but definitely needs prayer and education.

My warrior husband persisted:

Thanks for your response.

I am not sure I understand what being an "intentional" parent means in this context. I imagine it might mean to make informed and responsible decisions when these decisions will have a profound effect on one’s child. For the future's sake I hope it is not a shallow out. Lord knows the public schools need missionaries.
I realize many parents feel they have few options and face a desperate situation. As for parents who have other options and still send their children to "engage the culture" in this arena, it is an appalling sin if they are using "the Spirit led me" to cover their negligence. For example, it is really not too different from the husband who says the "spirit" is leading him to divorce his wife (for non Biblical reason.). Children, and their families, going intentionally into such a conflict of faith are likely as rare as they are brave. However, if these parents really mean to send their children in as missionaries what courage they must have -- what incredible faith!

Christian history records many who gave their lives for the faith. It is not always the "safe" or "wise" path that we are called to. Missionaries often face and endure incredible hardships from disease and much more. Those who endure have seen God's hand at work.

I would think these remarkable parents who have been “led” to send their children to public school would likewise have incredible stories to relate as to how their child, often alone, took on the powers of Satan in situations where those in charge had a size, power, age, educational and legal advantage over them. What bravery to challenge those who by the grades they give can seemingly dictate future options for the child.

It must be awesome indeed to be young and in a situation where the “history" books have been revised to exclude, slander or belittle men and women of faith. To be in that position at a young age and to be taught (and graded and tested) as a FACT that we came from a great explosion and somehow life "occurred,” then evolved to our current state, and that the Living God had nothing to do with it. This is a challenge for which many graduate students and tenured professors pale.

Additionally, the indoctrination includes "learning" that families can have two or more dads or moms and that sexual preferences in gender are a matter of opinion. Further, that one can change one’s gender and being sexually active at a young age is normal and healthy. Subjects like how to use a condom, situational ethics, and evolutionary perspectives that we are nothing more than animals and answer to nothing higher than ourselves are standard fare. Having to show up daily to political correctness, the outlawing of the 10 Commandments on school grounds, and making sure that the Bible remains at home because it is a “taboo" book, surely amounts to a considerable burden. And, having to evangelize in the midst of censure if Scripture is quoted on school grounds to the teachers or other children, public thanks rendered to God at a graduation ceremony, or group prayer recited before an athletic event. Realizing that they might need the protection of a lawyer from one of the Christian legal associations for any of the activities listed above truly demonstrates what a tremendous task such families are undertaking!

WHAT COURAGE, WHAT FAITH for such a tender and impressionable age. What sacrifice for parents who launch their young child into this arena (designed by the culture’s brightest minds and darkest souls who hate and despise God) that works tirelessly to undercut the Christian faith and the structure of the Christian family.

I wonder how many “missionary minded” parents actually schedule the time to equip their children to evangelize the lost in the midst of homework assignments, sports teams, music lessons, dinner preparation, shopping etc. etc. and effectively counter the poison that they’ve been fed all day long?

It’s time that those of us who “get it” to challenge our brothers and sisters who apparently don’t. The best missionaries will be those children who are taught from a young age that every area of life and thought is subject to our Creator/Savior. Then after they've been given a truly Christian education (in all subjects) will they be ready to engage the culture, qualified to do so. Would we let grammar school and high school aged students perform cancer surgery? Why then do we assume that they are equipped to sever others from the carcinogenic hold of sin?

Do It All to the Glory of God

Back in 1982, my husband and I were in a yogurt shop where an elderly couple overheard that we were celebrating our seventh wedding anniversary. The husband proudly informed us that they had already celebrated their 60th. He then looked at my husband and commented, “You won’t even really know her until after 25 years!”

Well, I’d have to say that went both ways. Eighteen years into our marriage, my husband rediscovered and began to earnestly play golf. He had golfed as a kid with his father, but I figured that was long in his past. Not so. Of all the things that have tested my marriage, golf ranks high on the list. I had many an irreverent conversation with God about the state of affairs at the outset. But thanks to His abounding grace and the mentoring of some very dear Christian women, I weathered the storms. But, wait...there’s more. Not only did I accept the fact that golf was going to be a part of our lives, I discovered that my two daughters (seven years apart in age) both demonstrated pronounced talent and skill in this sport.

In the fifteen years since, I have walked hundreds of golf courses, sat through hours and hours of lessons, and read most everything I could get my hands on to better understand the game and learn how it is to be played well. (Note: I don’t play golf. I tell people I already know how to talk to myself!) The high point of all this came this summer when my youngest daughter participated in the 2008 USGA Girls’ Junior Championship. She exceeded her expectations with excellent scores during the two days of qualifying which allowed her to “make the cut” and play two more rounds of match play. The years of practice and diligence (on all our parts)paid off with the opportunity to play at a high level and learn a tremendous amount in the process.

I have used the sport of golf in numerous ways in our homeschool. Arithmetic, geometry, physics, and a host of other subjects have been interwoven with golf and were enhanced by the relationship. Early on, I worked to incorporate a biblical worldview into the activity in keeping with the fact that our faith is a faith for all of life. This gave us many chances to deal with character issues and matters of the heart. This year, we instituted a practice that when Dorothy plays a course, she carries a small notebook with key reminders on to how to play each hole. On every one of the 18 pages (one page for each hole), I’ve included a Scripture passage that is pertinent to trusting in God for every outcome and thanking Him regardless of the result. Here are the current selections:

Hole #1 – Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God.

Hole #2 – I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Hole #3 – Let your light so shine among men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

Hole #4 – Ye are the light of the world, a city on a hill cannot be hid.

Hole #5 – Cast your burdens on the Lord; He shall sustain you.

Hole #6 – Wait on the Lord; He shall strengthen your heart.

Hole #7 – Thy will be done, Lord, on earth as it is in heaven.

Hole #8 – In this world you will have tribulation; but have no fear, I have overcome the world.

Hole #9 – Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say rejoice.

Hole #10 – The things you have learned, received, heard, and seen in me do, and the God of peace shall be with you.

Hole #11 – I press on toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

Hole #12 – Whatsoever things are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and of good report…think on these things.

Hole #13 – God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in Christ Jesus.

Hole #14 – The trying of your faith worketh patience.

Hole #15 – Let patience have her perfect work that you may be perfect and entire wanting for nothing.

Hole # 16 – Every good and perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights.

Hole #17 – If God be for you, who can be against you?

Hole #18 – Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

The entire competitive round becomes an opportunity to trust in the Lord with all our hearts and lean not on our own understanding as we endeavor to take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.

Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.(1 Cor. 10:31)

A Most Reliable Network

Many bemoan the negatives associated with the Internet and, to be sure, there are many. But, when used for God’s glory, it becomes a tool of fellowship and an opportunity to bear one another’s burdens. Having built up a network of homeschooling associates over the years, I routinely share info and prayer requests and stay connected with brothers and sisters in Christ, some of whom I have never met in person.

A number of years ago when my older daughter was heading to Scotland for postgraduate work, I sent an inquiry to over fifty contacts to see if anyone knew folks in Glasgow that she might be able to board with. I received thirty responses, one of which resulted in a wonderful living situation for her and the establishment of a life-long friendship.

More recently, sharing the news about my granddaughter’s diagnosis of cystic fibrosis (CF), I received emails of encouragement and referrals to people I could talk with and gather information and advice.

One such referral resulted in an hour-long conversation with a local minister (also a homeschooling dad) who, at the age of fifty, has defied the life expectancy for someone with this genetic condition. What could have been an awkward meeting produced a budding friendship, because we are “family in Christ.” His insights, experiences, and sense of humor were all helpful, not to mention his honesty regarding the realities of what may lie ahead for my son’s family.

Another referral, a homeschooling mother of six, with a son with CF, spent an equal amount of time with me, with words of genuine encouragement, without being sappy or pietistic. Like the man mentioned above, she confirmed that without the Lord Jesus Christ in her life, the trials and struggles that accompany this condition could well have broken her. She, too, remarked how her faith has been bolstered, the opportunities to share the love of God have been many, and her comfort in His sovereignty has produced a peace that passes understanding.

James says that the trying of our faith produces endurance. I would add it also reveals to God’s people that He has placed others in various places and circumstances, ready and equipped to help us during our trials.

In the world we will have tribulation, but thanks be to God, Christ has overcome the world (John 16:33).

Sounds of Silence

Laryngitis has its upsides and downsides. I learned to appreciate both. My laryngitis occurred as a result of the heavy smoke covering most of California due to hundreds of forest fires. I never knew whether or not any sound would come out of my mouth when I attempted to speak. Each attempt at vocalization was filled with surprise. More often than not, all I was capable of were breathy sounds of silence.

Some reflections:

1. A sixteen-year-old daughter who has been homeschooled all her life makes an excellent personal secretary. Her skill in making phone calls, setting up appointments, ordering in restaurants, and obtaining much needed directions demonstrated that her education has produced excellent results.

2. At the end of the day, the same sixteen-year-old is glad her mother is going to sleep and the translator duties are on hold until morning.

3. I realize how much I use my voice in any given day, and how much of what I say could just as well remain unsaid.

4. It is totally unnecessary to carry a cell phone when you cannot speak. If you make the mistake of answering it or making a call, people hang up figuring there was a bad connection or you are a prank call.

5. With enough mental intention to compensate for a total lack of sound, “yelling” across a parking lot can still cause your daughter to turn around, figuring you were calling her.

6. When you whisper, many people tend to whisper back to you. They have no idea why.

7. People who don’t respond in a whisper tend to speak in a louder voice than normal. I kept telling them that the problem was with my voice, not my ears. They also think you can’t carry heavy things!

8. Many people don’t know what laryngitis is. When I explained to a waitress that I couldn’t talk because of laryngitis, she assured me she wasn’t prejudiced and had no problem seating me.

9. A husband with some hearing impairment and a wife who can’t utter a sound are an amusing combination. Rather than the blind leading the blind, we were the deaf leading the mute.

10. Many people laugh when you tell them you have lost your voice. And, they don’t explain the reaction.

11. Thinking before you speak becomes more of a habit.

12. Despite all the lessons learned from my week of silence, I’m glad to have a voice once again to lift up and praise the Lord.

Speechless

My heart is full. There is much I want to say. But my vocal chords are too swollen to accommodate. My precious granddaughter fights congestion in her lungs as she fights a condition her almost three-week-old mind can’t fathom. The minds of her parents, grandparents, friends, and those of the Body of Christ who are praying for her are also having a difficult time comprehending the answers to the question: Why, Lord? In a strange way, I feel closer to her as I fight the effects of the smoke filled air in California that has taken away my ability to breathe and speak freely. I am strangely silent.

There is nothing like suffering to make academic and theoretical matters very personal. Nothing like suffering to force one to contemplate the weightier things in life with eternity in view. Nothing like a diagnosis of cystic fibrosis to change the colors in the palette of life.

So, as I have been unable to communicate easily these past few days due to laryngitis, a weak internet connection at my motel, and a sizeable geographical distance from my son and his family as they deal with this medical crisis, I have poured out my heart to God. That line of communication, praise God, has remained open during all hours of the night. How glad I am that He neither slumbers nor sleeps.

Yet, there is much for which to be grateful. A son who is demonstrating he knows what it takes to be a husband and father. A daughter-in-law who is willing to be weak so that the Lord can be strong. An 18-month-old grandson, too young to understand the medical issues surrounding his baby sister, but who still manages to make his parents smile and provide them with joy. A medical team at UC that is helping little Ellie fight her infections and breathe. Prayer warriors around the country who have placed this precious child and her parents on their list of petitions to God Almighty.

If God be for us, who can be against us?

Consider it all joy, brethren when you encounter trials and tribulations. For the testing of your faith produces perseverance.

Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, you are with me.

For Thine is the Kingdom, and the Power, and the Glory.

Give thanks to the Lord for He is good; His mercy endureth forever!

For he that will follow me must pick up his cross daily.

Children are a heritage of the Lord. Blessed is the man who has his quiver full of them.

Who sinned Lord that this man was born blind? He or his parents? Neither….but so that the works of the Lord may be made manifest.