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dogsgunsrichmond · 4 years

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ember, 2005

"Comrades, I'm very excited today, because the large-scale online survey sina.com that was done for us showed that our next generation is quite promising and our Party's cause will be carried on. In answering the question, "Will you shoot at women, children and prisoners of war," more than 80 per cent of the respondents answered in the affirmative, exceeding by far our expectations. Today I'd like to focus on why we asked sina.com to conduct this online survey among our people. My speech today is a sequel to my speech last time, during which I started with a discussion of the issue of the three islands [Taiwan, Diaoyu Islands and the Spratley Islands --- Ott] and mentioned that 20 years of the idyllic theme of 'peace and development' had come to an end, and concluded that modernization under the saber is the only option for China's next phase. I also mentioned we have a vital stake overseas. The central issue of this survey appears to be whether one should shoot at women, children and prisoners of war, but its real significance goes far beyond that. Ostensibly, our intention is mainly to figure out what the Chinese people's attitude towards war is: If these future soldiers do not hesitate to kill even noncombatants, they'll naturally be doubly ready and ruthless in killing combatants. Therefore, the responses to the survey questions may reflect the general attitude people have towards war..We wanted to know: If China's global development will necessitate massive deaths in enemy countries; will our people endorse that scenario? Will they be for or against it?

The fact is, our 'development' refers to the great revitalization of the Chinese nation, which, of course, is not limited to the land we have now but also includes the whole world. As everybody knows, according to the views propagated by the Western scholars, humanity as a whole originated from one single mother in Africa. Therefore no race can claim racial superiority. However, according to the research conducted by most Chinese scholars, the Chinese are different from other races on earth. We did not originate in Africa. Instead, we originated independently in the land of China. Therefore, we can rightfully assert that we are the product of cultural roots of more than a million years, civilization and progress of more than ten thousand years, an ancient nation of five thousand years, and a single Chinese entity of two thousand years. This is the Chinese nation that calls itself 'descendants of Yan and Huang.'

During our long history, our people have disseminated throughout the Americas and the regions along the Pacific Rim, and they became Indians in the Americas and the East Asian ethnic groups in the South Pacific. We all know that on account of our national superiority, during the thriving and prosperous Tang Dynasty our civilization was at the peak of the world. We were the centre of the world civilization, and no other civilization in the world was comparable to ours. Later on, because of our complacency, narrow-mindedness, and the self-enclosure of our own country, we were surpassed by Western civilization, and the centre of the world shifted to the West.

In reviewing history, one may ask: Will the centre of the world civilization shift back to China? Actually, Comrade Liu Huaqing made similar points in early 1980's Based on an historical analysis, he pointed out that the centre of world civilization is shifting. It shifted from the East to Western Europe and later to the United States; now it is shifting back to the East. Therefore, if we refer to the 19th Century as the British Century and the 20th century as the American Century, then the 21st Century will be the Chinese Century! (Wild applause fills the auditorium.)

Our Chinese people are wiser than the Germans because, fundamentally, our race is superior to theirs. As a result, we have a longer history, more people, and larger land area. On this basis, our ancestors left us with the two most essential heritages, which are atheism and great unity. It was Confucius, the founder of our Chinese culture, who gave us these heritages. These two heritages determined that we have a stronger ability to survive than the West. That is why the Chinese race has been able to prosper for so long. We are destined 'not to be buried by either heaven or earth' no matter how severe the natural, man-made, and national disasters. This is our advantage. Take response to war as an example. The reason that the United States remains today is that it has never seen war on its mainland. Once its enemies aim at the mainland, the enemies would have already reached Washington before its congress finishes debating and authorizes the president to declare war. But for us, we don't waste time on these trivial things. Maybe you have now come to understand why we recently decided to further promulgate atheism. If we let theology from the West into China and empty us from the inside, if we let all Chinese people listen to God and follow God, who will obediently listen to us and follow us? If the common people don't believe Comrade Hu Jintao is a qualified leader, begin to question his authority, and want to monitor him, if the religious followers in our society question why we are leading God in churches, can our Party continue to rule China??

The first pressing issue facing us is living space. This is the biggest focus of the revitalization of the Chinese race. In my last speech, I said that the fight over basic living resources (including land and ocean) is the source of the vast majority of wars in history. This may change in the information age, but not fundamentally. Our per capita resources are much less than those of Germany's back then. In addition, economic development in the last twenty-plus years had a negative impact, and climates are rapidly changing for the worse. Our resources are in very short supply. The environment is severely polluted, especially that of soil, water, and air. Not only our ability to sustain and develop our race, but even its survival is gravely threatened, to a degree much greater than faced Germany back then Anybody who has been to Western countries knows that their living space is much better than ours. They have forests alongside the highways, while we hardly have any trees by our streets. Their sky is often blue with white clouds, while our sky is covered with a layer of dark haze. Their tap water is clean enough for drinking, while even our ground water is so polluted that it can't be drunk without filtering. They have few people in the streets, and two or three people can occupy a small residential building; in contrast our streets are always crawling with people, and several people have to share one room.

Many years ago, there was a book titled Yellow Catastrophes. It said that, due to our following the American style of consumption, our limited resources would no longer support the population and society would collapse once our population reaches 1.3 billion. Now our population has already exceeded this limit, and we are now relying on imports to sustain our nation. It's not that we haven't paid attention to this issue. The Ministry of Land Resources is specialized in this issue. But we must understand that the term 'living space' (lebenstraum) is too closely related to Nazi Germany.

The reason we don't want to discuss this too openly is to avoid the West's association of us with Nazi Germany, which could in turn reinforce the view that China is a threat. Therefore, in our emphasis on He Xin's new theory, 'Human Rights are just living rights' we only talk about 'living' but not 'space' so as to avoid using the term 'living space.' From the perspective of history, the reason that China is faced with the issue of living space is because Western countries have developed ahead of Eastern countries. Western countries established colonies all around the world, therefore giving themselves an advantage on the issue of living space. To solve this problem, we must lead the Chinese people outside of China, so that they can develop outside of China.

Would the United States allow us to go out to gain new living space? First, if the United States is firm in blocking us, it is hard for us to do anything significant to Taiwan and some other countries! Second, even if we could snatch some land from Taiwan, Vietnam, India, or even Japan, how much more living space can we get? Very trivial! Only countries like the United States, Canada and Australia have the vast land to serve our need for mass colonization.

Therefore, solving the 'issue of America' is the key to solving all other issues. First, this makes it possible for us to have many people migrate there and even establish another Chinaunder the same leadership of the CCP. America was originally discovered by the ancestors of the yellow race, but Columbus gave credit to the White race. We the descendants of the Chinese nation are ENTITLED to the possession of the land! It is historical destiny that China and United States will come into unavoidable confrontation on a narrow path and fight. In the long run, the relationship of China and the United States is one of a life-and-death struggle. Of course, right now it is not the time to openly break up with them yet. Our reform and opening to the outside world still rely on their capital and technology. We still need America. Therefore, we must do everything we can to promote our relationship with America, learn from America in all aspects and use America as an example to reconstruct our country. Only by using special means to 'clean up' America will we be able to lead the Chinese people there. Only by using non-destructive weapons that can kill many people will we be able to reserve America for ourselves.

There has been rapid development of modern biological technology, and new bio weapons have been invented one after another. Of course we have not been idle; in the past years we have seized the opportunity to master weapons of this kind. We are capable of achieving our purpose of 'cleaning up' America all of a sudden. When Comrade Xiaoping was still with us, the Party Central Committee had the perspicacity to make the right decision not to develop aircraft carrier groups and focused instead on developing lethal weapons that can eliminate mass populations of the enemy country. Biological weapons are unprecedented in their ruthlessness, but if the Americans do not die then the Chinese have to die. If the Chinese people are strapped to the present land, a total societal collapse is bound to take place. According to the computations of the author of Yellow Peril, more than half of the Chinese will die, and that figure would be more than 800 million people! Just after the liberation, our yellow land supported nearly 500 million people, while today the official figure of the population is more than 1.3 billion. This yellow land has reached the limit of its capacity. One day, who know how soon it will come, the great collapse will occur any time and more than half of the population will have to go.

It is indeed brutal to kill one or two hundred million Americans. But that is the only path that will secure a Chinese century, a century in which the CCP leads the world. We, as revolutionary humanitarians, do not want deaths, But if history confronts us with a choice between deaths of Chinese and those of Americans, we'd have to pick the latter, as, for us, it is more important to safeguard the lives of the Chinese people and the life of our Party. The last problem I want to talk about is of firmly seizing the preparations for military battle. The central committee believes, as long as we resolve the United States problem at one blow, our domestic problems will all be readily solved. Therefore, our military battle preparation appears to aim at Taiwan, but in fact is aimed at the United States, and the preparation is far beyond the scope of attacking aircraft carriers or satellites. Marxism pointed out that violence is the midwife for the birth of the new society. Therefore war is the midwife for the birth of China's century.

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dailyaudiobible · 6 years

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08/15/2018 DAB Transcript

Nehemiah 9:22-10:39 , 1 Corinthians 9:19-10:13 , Psalms 34:1-10 , Proverbs 21:13

Today is the 15th day of August. Welcome to the Daily Audio Bible. I am Brian. And it's great to be here with you as we move through the center of our week, the heart of our week. And so here in the middle of everything, let's pour God's word into the center of our lives. We're reading from the Good News Translation this week. Nehemiah 9:22-10:39 today.

Commentary:

Okay. So, in 1 Corinthians, Paul continued to share his posture of ministry. And yesterday he spoke of the honorable right of those who had devoted themselves to ministry to be able to care for their needs and support their families from that work, even though he didn't exercise that right. And today Paul discussed the fact that he was a free man but had found it meaningful to look at himself as a slave to all people. And in looking at the world through those eyes, Paul could reverence everyone no matter who they were. And then he encouraged us to consider this posture in our own lives. By understanding that it can be done, but it takes the same kind of self-discipline that an athlete must commit to in order to win. And one of those disciples is the vigilance required to observe the ways our hearts can be seduced or tempted. Paul said, If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall. The temptations in your life aren't any different from what others experience. And God is faithful. And he will not allow you to be tempted more than you can stand. So, this example that Paul gave the Corinthians is one that we can all put to good use. We can lower ourselves. We can humble ourselves so that we might find common ground with whoever we're talking to. We can understand that this posture is a discipline. It's something that we learn a skill, a strength that we commit to. And we can learn from the past and choose not to repeat it. And we can be vigilant about things that would pull our hearts off course. These characteristics, if we want to call them that, these traits or behaviors, are all things that we would be able to say we can see them in Jesus. And, so, if we are in the pursuit of becoming Christ-like, than we must follow in the footsteps of the Savior.

Prayer:

Father, we commit to that. Self-discipline, it can be a very, very challenging thing. We can find ourselves seduced into all kinds of things, whether that be the candy bar we shouldn't pick up at the gas station or things of much more significance. And this imagery of training like an athlete is imagery we can all understand today and has been able to be understood for thousands of years. This kind of vigilance and discipline and pursuit of the goal, of the prize. We understand that, we just don't often apply it to our spiritual lives. So, often we're leaning on grace, like we don't have to really do any work because we can just lean on grace. And yet that's not what Paul is instructing us to do. He's instructing us to become strong and disciplined people, mature men and women of the kingdom of God, wielding the authority of the kingdom of God on this planet, which takes skill and discipline that we have to grow into. So, we see this and see the converse, the alternative that we don't do this. And that we become weak and flabby and are tossed to and from by every wind of doctrine. And this life of faith never makes any sense because we never ever got any further than being an infant. Come, Holy Spirit. We wanna grow up. We wanna be effective men and women for Your kingdom on this earth, conduits that You can channel Your love through toward anyone, anywhere, anytime. Come Jesus we pray. In Your mighty name we ask. Amen.

Announcements:

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Check out the community section where you can find out all kinds of places to connect. If you're a woman and you're not connected with the Daily Audio Bible women's group, you are missing out, so be sure to go over there to that Facebook group. Get involved. If you're not a part of the DAB Friends Facebook group, you're missing out on continual conversation. So, check that out. If you haven't visited the prayer wall in a while, there's constant prayer happening there. So, there are ways to reach out and know that you are not alone and you can find them in the community section at dailyaudiobible.com.

If you want to partner with the Daily Audio Bible, you can do that at dailyaudiobible.com as well. There is a link. It's on the homepage. And I thank you. I thank you for your partnership as we move our way through the summertime. If you're using the Daily Audio Bible app, you can press the give button in the upper right-hand corner. Or if you prefer, the mailing address is P.O Box 1996, Spring Hill, Tennessee, 37174.

And that's it for today. I'm Brian I love you and I’ll be waiting for you here tomorrow.

Community Prayer and Praise:

Hi family. This is Jeff Bernhardt calling from Canada. Just wanted to reach out and put a prayer request up there. I am in ministry and I’m also in business and at a real change of season in my life. A lot of things are shifting and moving and just really need clarity for where God wants me to go and the decisions He wants me to make. And I don’t typically reach out for prayer but I’ll tell you, when you pray with people you become more connected. I do feel more connected to this community. So, I’m just gonna throw it out there and ask you to pray for me and this situation, that God will give me wisdom and clarity and that the enemy wouldn’t be able to bring confusion or any type of fear at all. I’m really looking to step out in faith into this next season and just want to do what God’s calling me to do. And wanted to let you guys know that I am hearing your requests and I am praying for you, pretty much on a daily basis. Brian, love what you guys do and excited to be a part of this community. Anyway, have a very great week and wishing all the best for you all. Be blessed.

Hello DAB brothers and sisters. This is Rob Still, worship dude in Nashville Tennessee. It is Sunday morning, August 12th as I’m driving on my way to lead worship at church and I just wanted to implore you guys to remember your pastors and the people who serve on your church and read to remember to pray for them. They are men and women who have committed their lives to serving the body of Christ however flawed they may be. And they truly need the prayers and intercessions of their brothers and sisters. So, thank you for all of you guys who stay on the podcast and listen to the prayer requests. I listen to them. I don’t call a whole lot but thank you for all pray. Thank you for all who call in. Now for me, specifically, I am in a difficult situation this week and I really pray that you guys would just intercede, that the will of God would be done. May His kingdom come. Okay, that’s it for now. So, may the Lord richly bless you. Thank you for praying.

Hi DABbers. This is hopeful. I just want to thank you so much for all of your prayers for us to be able to get pregnant. I can’t tell you how much that has meant to me and I don’t know why it’s so hard for some of us to call but it is. It’s just hard for me. I want to also say that I’ve been praying for all of you every day I listen to this. Every single morning I walk my dog and I just lift each and every one of you up in prayer. And I just love you guys and I thank you for this. Brian and Jill, thank you for this amazing community. I wanted to continue to ask for prayer, of course, for us to be able to get pregnant. There’s a lot I haven’t shared and I want to also be able to say that I do have…I don’t know if it’s called a praise report, because I had a tumor at one point that was benign on my ovaries. And I’ve never looked at that as a blessing but I’m coming to realize the doctors had told me either I would wake up with one ovary and fallopian tube missing or I would wake up with having had a full hysterectomy and having to start chemotherapy. And I was going through a lot of that time. And it’s possible, it’s possible for me to be pregnant. It’s going to be incredibly difficult with my age and I had other health problems as well. And, so, I wanted to say, I want to be able to thank the Lord that I didn’t have a full hysterectomy, that there is a small possibility. And I also want to tell the gentleman from Australia, I think you called in, and you guys are having the same journey as we are. And it just touched my heart and where all in this together and I want to lift you up as well. And I’m praying for you all and I hope that the next time we call in that we can talk about us being pregnant. Love you guys.

This is Kacy from Oklahoma and I’m calling to ask for prayer for my dad. This is Sunday, the 12th of August and my dad goes in for facial reconstruction on Tuesday from skin melanoma and he is gonna have a rough time. And, so, I want to pray for him and I want to pray for my mom because she’s gonna be taking care of him a lot after __ the next week or so. And, so, I just want to pray for them. Lord, I just pray for my family, that we can get through this and, yeah, that’s what I’m calling for. So, I want to say a big thank you to Brian and Jill for making this community what it is and for bringing it out each and every day because it’s an awesome community. And, yeah, that is what I’m gonna…I’m gonna call in with an update after surgery. And, yeah, I’ll let you guys know what’s going on. And again, this is Kacy from Oklahoma. My dad’s name is Paul. So, keep him in your prayers and I will call back. Bye.

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tigerathleticmissionexperience · 5 years

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The ETBU Tiger Cheer, Pom, and Acrobatics and Tumbling teams wrapped up their Tiger Athletic Mission Experience (TAME) trip to Japan on Saturday and headed home after an incredible 12 day journey. It was a blessing and truly amazing to personally witness these young women love and serve the people of Japan and share their faith in Christ. They were able to use their God-given talents and abilities to minister and spread the Word to hundreds of people and children throughout the trip. I was encouraged and proud of our student-athletes as they served and poured our their hearts. The final recap of the trip is provided by Sophomore Michaela McLemore, Head Pom Coach Kyla Arbuckle, and Head Cheer and Acrobatics and Tumbling Coach Farrah Dunaway.

“Friday was our last day at Camp Buttobi. Even though we were stretched during our time at camp, which included no AC, sleeping on the floor, and very different meals, we were all sad to leave. At breakfast the campers and staff thanked us and each one lined up to personally say goodbye and thanks. They gave us cards, CDs of their worship music, lots of hugs and a few tears. Everyone was touched, but the love shown by the campers to our team was something that we will all remember forever.

After lunch we returned back to the church in Toyko, which took about six hours because of the rain and traffic. Once we had dinner, we all packed our stuff to prepare for a full day of travel back to Texas tomorrow,” Sophomore Michaela McLemore stated.

“This week has been eye opening not only for us individually but also collectively for our teams and the spirit program. We have traveled for days together, as well as slept side-by-side each night. This experience has brought our teams closer and we are thankful for the hard work that’s been put into our experience.

At the beginning of the week, we were excited to get to explore Japan and get immersed in their culture. We saw several shrines where the Japanese people worship while we prayed that their eyes and hearts would be opened to Christianity. Our teams got to put on a mini-festival in the front of a mall as well. Although there was a language barrier, we were still able to show the love of Christ through our smiles and interactions. This continued through Joy Joy Church and talking to strangers as we traveled through Tokyo.

Camp Buttobi was our favorite part by far. Although we were washing dishes and preparing for meals, we had the best time serving the camp and getting to know each other better. Our hearts were touched by the relationships we created with the campers. They were so eager to love on us and were overjoyed to worship God. Even with a language barrier, we worshiped alongside the campers. We were moved by the way they were sold out for Christ even though we had no idea what they were singing or praying about. At the end of the camp, each camper and staff came to each of us individually and thanked us for our service. We were told that we were like angels to them and we believe they were our angels as well. Even though communication with them was limited, we will be forever grateful for the impact they made on our lives.

Our teams have grown closer, our spirits have been freed, and our experience was unforgettable. Thank you to everyone who donated to our trip, organized our travels, and those who have encouraged us along the way. Without those people we would not have gotten to immerse ourselves into this life changing experience,” Head Pom Coach Kyla Arbuckle said.

“When called to travel with a group of athletes to Japan during a traditionally busy time in my life, I was willing and excited, but my flesh was weak. I had just come off of 10 days of cheer training and camp.

Just before our Japan departure, my eyes were lifted to trust in His timing and His plan for my service. Despite my heart being torn, there was no way of knowing what the Lord had prepared for us on this journey.

In preparation for this trip, I had been praying for three very specific things: that my athletes would be able to experience the Lord in a truly personal and unique way, that they learn to serve others when it does benefit them, and that the Lord would remove every bit of them from each and every circumstance to where they can only and fully rely on Him.

The trip began with much curiosity, anticipation, as well as some apprehension from some of athletes. With the three very different teams traveling as one, a changing itinerary, and an array of challenges with language and cultural barriers, mental toughness and flexibility was the order of the week.

We were welcomed most graciously by the ISF ministry team and immediately served by the staff of the Hongodai Christ Church. We had the opportunity to hike to Inoshima, where we explored the town, a shinto prayer wall and shrine, and the majestic North Pacific Ocean. The hiking was excruciatingly hot, but the cool of the ocean water the perfect remedy. Watching the students throw off their inhibitions and jump from the rocky shoreline into the foreign salt water with such joy and freedom was exhilarating. The cool plunge served as a refresher to fuel our trek back to the church for the night.

The next day we traveled to a local shopping area, which allowed the teams to engage the people with music and games. There was some initial hesitation from a few athletes to get silly or not worry about being seen as goofy, while others quickly engaged in the activities and embraced to opportunity to involve others in our play. Limbo was the biggest hit. Japanese of all ages danced beneath the rope, whether they were holding small children or in a suit holding a briefcase. Their curiosity and willingness to engage with us only propelled the athletes to play harder and smile bigger, freeing them even more from the chains binding them experiencing God’s plan for them her.

Sunday Morning allowed two of the athletes to give their personal testimony to the children at the church. We then were able to perform short skills and worship with them. Watching one of my athletes give her testimony for the first time was so incredibly special! I could see the Holy Spirit work in her as well as in others with every word she spoke.

Before traveling to serve at the Buttobi Camp, we enjoyed a day in Tokyo. I could not help but be broken for the mass amount of people who do NOT know the Lord. On the way back to Hongodai Church, I noticed the great number of people that were just getting off work so late at night trying to make it home to their families, only to repeat the schedule the next day. I again was broken for the people who do not have the hope of the Lord.

Tuesday we loaded the buses and traveled about five hours into the mountains to serve at Camp Buttobi. We had vague directions on what we were being asked to do while at this camp, but were excited to see what God had planned. Upon arrival, everyone was ecstatic to see us and we began to work right away. There were over 300 children and parents that we prepared food for on a daily basis. We prepped food, collected dishes and washed and sanitized them after every meal. The camp was complete with abundant stinging horseflies, interesting food choices, no mattresses, no air conditioning, few English speaking people, community bathing and confusing footwear traditions. Outside shoes, inside shoes and bathroom shoes. There was ample opportunity for our athletes to complain, shut down, or give up. Yet, the Holy Spirit shined through each and everyone of them more and more each day. So much to where I could not recognize them any longer but only see Jesus’s face with every thing they did. These athletes served beyond their comfortability, beyond their own strength and beyond their individual expectation and reached the hearts of those we encountered. From singing baby shark in Japanese with toddlers and parents, to just embracing the Japanese children during worship, to being the hands and feet of Jesus in the camp, the Lord used each and everyone of these athletes and a very special way.

With the help of everyone who prayed for Japan, the children, and these athletes, the Lord answered every one of our prayers. When the athletes had nothing left in them physically, the Holy Spirit took over and became glorified! One of the greatest gifts in serving as a coach for these athletes, has been watching them experience the Lord, serve others, and realize what God can do through them if they are willing. Thank you for the opportunity to serve on behalf of East Texas Baptist University and Tiger Athletics. It was truly a gift to be a part of it,” Head Cheer and Acrobatics and Tumbling Coach Farrah Dunaway said

#tame

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discoveringthebible · 7 years

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“Love in Action”

Although it has taken me many years, I believe I am blessed to have ADHD and that I am an empath. It helps me to see the world in a way that most people don’t. (I won’t use the word, ‘can’t’ because I think most people could see the world from this different perspective if they tried.)

My church family was hit with a death of a beloved man, he had been having health problems the last 5-6 years of his life; his wife and children faithfully by his side until he passed away. Just a few days before his death, his wife received news that she has terminal cancer. My heart aches. My soul hurts. I have no words to say. When I think of them and their family, a smile appears, but so do the tears. He isn’t suffering anymore, I know how frustrated he was that he just wasn’t getting better. He is at peace. I’m going to miss him terribly.

At church on Sunday, our call to worship was to choose to be joyful. To choose joy, even in the midst of sorrow and suffering. Usually, a call like this is needed. I think we humans have the tendency to loathe in self pity. However, with how I see, feel and experience the clear suffering at the loss of a wonderful person, it’s not practical for me. And sometimes I don’t think it’s practical for a lot of people. It is totally biblical, don’t get me wrong, but there is another side to the ‘joy’ coin. It’s sorrow. I’m not going to suggest that we need to stay stuck in sorrow or be superficial in joy. We need to be authentic in both. If we don’t feel like smiling, we don’t have to. If we feel nothing but joy, we don’t need to tone it down for others. We should never fake our emotions, we need to be true to ourselves, this also helps us to be true to God in our prayers and conversations with Him. If we are sad or sorrowful, we need to experience it and communicate with God, as God knows where we are. If we are full of joy, we need to express it and share it, too.

I try to use Scripture passages in all of my blogs on here. (This is the point of “Discovering the Bible.”) And as an aspiring Theologian and Pastor, it’s probably a really good idea.

Paul, a New Testament writer, who wrote more NT books than any other, often wrote to a specific person or people group. He wrote to Jews and Gentiles, to Greek speaking people and those in Rome. Paul addressed many things, some of which have even been misunderstood in church (like women in ministry. If you would like to know my stance on women in ministry, read my blog “Women in Ministry” or click here: http://discoveringthebible.tumblr.com/post/151595981604/women-in-ministry .)

Paul wrote in Romans 12:9-21 (New Living Translation)

9: Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. 10: Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. 11: Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. 12: Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. 13: When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality. 14: Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. 15: Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. 16: Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all! 17: Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. 18: Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. 19: Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, “I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” says the Lord ( see Deuteronomy 32:35). 20: Instead, “If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads.” (see Proverbs 25:21-22). 21: Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.

As I said in my “Women in Ministry” blog, context is extremely important. (And I realized I did not leave a footnote where I found those quotes. I will work at correcting that.) The verse I wanted to share with you is in bold, above. Romans 9:15: Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. Sounds simple, right? It is simple, but it’s not easy. With my gift of empathy (I am now convinced that it is a spiritual gift, I used to think it was a curse, ask me how my mind was changed), I feel connected to people on an emotional level. My soul and heart ache for them when they are hurting and grieving. But my heart and soul also rejoice and is overjoyed when I hear about people I know doing awesome things and just those who are happy and excited for opportunities or things that God is doing in their lives.

I want to encourage the few of you who read this, to be open to being more empathetic and not being afraid to step inside someone else’s shoes. If someone comes to you and is happy, be happy with them, don’t envy them. If someone comes to you upset or hurting, let their injustice become your injustice. In verse 16 Paul writes, “Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all.”

This includes all of the social injustices we see in our world. Charlottesville, VA is under much social injustice, on which ever side you might see yourself on. There is much anger, hurt, frustration, death, mourning, rage and fear there. In my opinion, much of the issue lies with getting caught up on the color of our skin, not what’s actually the most important: that we are all human. (If North Korea’s leader is waiting for a time when the American People are devouring ourselves, he can see that we are already tearing ourselves apart from the inside out.)

We all want freedom to express who we are, but we are expressing ourselves by our injustices and right now everyone has been hurt. One of the issues with freedom is that there are limitations. If one person has the right to say to another, “Hey, you’re fat!” The other person says, “Look who’s talking, how many donuts did you have this morning for breakfast?” The only thing that happens here is that both people are now hurt by words, and that escalates into something much worse. (I am not suggesting the crisis in Charlottesville is because of a few harsh words. From my understanding a group of white supremists made a demonstration in protest of the city taking down monuments of Civil War era leaders. And I understand that black lives matter activists thought their rights were being in fringed upon because the other group was protesting, because they see those statues as a painful reminder of their ancestor’s years in slavery. And in a protest, a supremist sympathizer drove his car into a crowd of supremist protesters, killing a woman, injuring nearly 2 dozen others and somewhere in the skuffle, I also understand that 2 deputies died as well.)

We need to understand that there is a better way to live. And Paul tells us how. We need to stop pretending and really start loving those around us, no matter what political stance they have, no matter what color of skin, no matter what. We need to be more empathetic toward people, not sympathetic. (Empathy is a genuine feeling of willingness to help out of a sense of compassion. Sympathy is feeling pity or feeling sorry for someone else.)

We need to see others in ways that Christ did: with and through love.

How are we going to do that? How will we be able to put love into practice? Paul tells us this too: pray. Romans 9:12c: Keep on praying.

He also wrote to the church in Thessalonica in 1 Thessalonians 5:17: Never stop praying. (NLT)

We need to pray and pray like God’s people have never prayed before, in a posture and in a way that is most beneficial for each of us. Whether that is on our knees, standing with arms raised, or kneeling, or sitting, or whatever way we see fit. We need to pray for love to shine through.

I hope you will pray with me for that.

Peace and Blessings,

Cody Marie Bolton

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faithnotes-blog · 5 years

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Why Some Pastors Are Divorced

Some Pharisees came to Jesus, testing Him and asking, “IS IT LAWFUL FOR A MAN TO DIVORCE his wife for any reason at all?” And He answered and said, “Have you not read that He who created them from the beginning made them male and female, and said, ‘ For this reason A man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’? So they are no longer two, but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate.” They said to Him, “ Why then did Moses command to give her A certificate of divorce and send her away?” He said to them, “Because of your hardness of heart Moses permitted you to divorce your wives; but from the beginning it has not been this way. And I say to you, WHOEVER DIVORCES HIS WIFE, EXCEPT FOR IMMORALITY, AND MARRIES ANOTHER WOMAN COMMITS ADULTERY.” The disciples said to Him, “If the relationship of the man with his wife is like this, it is better not to marry.

Matthew 19:3-10 (NASB)

There are many reasons for getting divorced. Some people do have a biblical basis for their divorces and it is important to know the reasons why some people do enter into divorce. Some people get divorced because they just want a new woman. There are men who have a bad character and mistreat their wives. Indeed, such people may end up divorced. There are also men who are multiple adulterers and really do not have what it takes to be married to one woman.

There are also people who want a pretext for divorcing their wives. They cook up reasons for divorcing their wives. Be careful! Don’t you know that you will stand before God and be judged in everything you do?

And I saw the dead, small and great, STAND BEFORE GOD; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and THE DEAD WERE JUDGED out of those things which were written in the books, ACCORDING TO THEIR WORKS. Revelation 20:12

But those are not the type of people I am talking about in this chapter.

In this chapter, I am talking about men of God who are not adulterers and who have no intention of ever divorcing but find themselves getting divorced! There are many people who have had to divorce in spite of their resolve never to do so. It is important not to crucify the good and the bad together on the same tree. Jesus was crucified together with thieves. Righteous Jesus was given the same treatment as wicked criminals! That is wrong and also dangerous. Not all situations are the same.

So here is why some men and women do get divorced in spite of their determination never to do so.

When a minister’s marriage breaks down, you will hear a very common storyline.

The usual story is that there is a lovely, gentle, humble and faithful wife who has been dwelling happily and peacefully with her man of God. This humble faithful wife of the man of God is an innocent sufferer and has become a victim of a terrible evil. There is an evil woman who is hunting for the man of God and she is luring and enticing him. This humble faithful wife of the man of God is married to a husband who cannot control himself as he helplessly follows his banal desires. The man of God is an almost mad, senseless and impulsive man when it comes to this other woman and does not seem to like his own beautiful wife any more. The man of God seems to be helplessly overcome by a wicked female who has been lurking in the background for a long time.

The man of God who was serving God, suddenly becomes disobedient and no longer follows the will of God and begins to act like someone who is possessed and out of his mind. The man of God then abandons his lovely, gentle and faithful woman who could harm no one. The man of God is unfeeling and does not care about his family any more and moves out of the house to have fun with a new, exciting and strange woman. It is easy to paste a man with the accusation of being unfaithful. Men are well known to desire numerous women. It is, therefore, not bizarre to suggest that a pastor is sleeping with someone else.

This is the usual storyline. However, there are cases in which this stereotyped story is not true. There are many cases in which the husband is not unfaithful. Indeed, statistics show that a very low percentage of pastors have affairs with other women.

Remember the scripture that says “judge with righteous judgment.” Do not lump all divorces together and give them one and the same judgment. In this chapter I want you to know some reasons why some pastors are divorced.

Reasons Why Some Pastors are Divorced

1. Some men of God have wives who commit adultery with other men and this becomes the reason for their divorce. Some men of God do not have affairs with other women but are accused as though they did.

And Potiphar’s wife soon began to look at him lustfully. “COME AND SLEEP WITH ME,” SHE DEMANDED. Genesis 39:7 (NLT)

Some good men of God get divorced because they are married to unfaithful wives. Amazingly, there are quite a number of wives who are not faithful to their men of God. Jesus was clear that adultery and immorality are a good reason for getting divorced. There are many pastors who are accused of leaving their wives for other women whereas it is in fact the other way round.

Some Pharisees came to Jesus, testing Him and asking, “ IS IT LAWFUL FOR A MAN TO DIVORCE his wife for any reason at all?” And He answered and said, “Have you not read that He who created them from the beginning made them male and female, and said, ‘For this reason A man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’? So they are no longer two, but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate.” They said to Him, “ Why then did Moses command to give her A certificate of divorce and send her away?” He said to them, “Because of your hardness of heart Moses permitted you to divorce your wives; but from the beginning it has not been this way. And I say to you, WHOEVER DIVORCES HIS WIFE, EXCEPT FOR IMMORALITY, AND MARRIES ANOTHER WOMAN COMMITS ADULTERY.” The disciples said to Him, “If the relationship of the man with his wife is like this, it is better not to marry.”

Matthew 19:3-10 (NASB)

Can I divorce? Is it right to divorce my wife? Jesus answered this question clearly. Jesus was asked this very question and He answered it fully. The answer that Jesus gave is all the answer you need about whether it is right or not to divorce the “beast” in your life. The Scripture above is clear and needs no interpretation. It will amaze you to know that many husbands who have adulterous wives simply do not speak about it and simply do not react to their wives having affairs. They just carry on living with them as though nothing happened.

2. Some people are divorced because they believe they are in a situation that is similar to God divorcing Israel.

And I saw, when for all the causes whereby backsliding Israel committed adultery I HAD PUT HER AWAY, AND GIVEN HER A BILL OF DIVORCE; yet her treacherous sister Judah feared not, but went and played the harlot also. Jeremiah 3:8

God has declared Himself to be a divorcee because He could not stand the behaviour of His bride Jerusalem. Both Jeremiah and Isaiah knew that God had divorced Israel His love.

No one will ever be able to tell you clearly that it is right to divorce your wife. God knows every circumstance and you will be judged for doing the right or wrong thing. If you think I am going to tell you that it is right to divorce, then you might as well stop reading. I can only show you what the scripture says about God divorcing and leave you to walk by your own faith. God told us in His word not to divorce. But he Himself has divorced Israel whom He loved.

Thus saith the Lord, Where is the bill of YOUR MOTHER’S DIVORCEMENT, WHOM I HAVE PUT AWAY? Or which of my creditors is it to whom I have sold you? Behold, for your iniquities have ye sold yourselves, and for your transgressions is your MOTHER PUT AWAY. Isaiah 50:1

You will never have everyone agreeing with one opinion on a divorce or a marriage. Whatever you do, some people will think you were right and some will think you were wrong. Even with the choosing of a wife, some people will think you are right and some will think you are wrong.

God, in His righteousness decided to set aside His bride. Even though God in His righteousness decided to get a divorce, you as a pastor will always be unsure of yourself when it comes to divorce.

You will always be unsure of what the Christian community really thinks about you. You cannot tell whether they will trust your decision to separate from your wife. If you divorce, you will always be despised by a section of the Christian community. There are those who believe that it is always wrong to divorce no matter what.

If you divorce, you will always have a kind of “limp” in the ministry.

If you divorce, you will never be sure whether you were at fault or not.

If you divorce, you will need to have great faith to walk on in full view of the public.

Marriage or divorce is an act of your faith and your wisdom. Unfortunately it is an act you carry out in the full view of the world. The faith you act out will be judged by the Lord in heaven. The wisdom you act out by divorcing will play out on earth. It is in heaven that you will eventually be justified or condemned for getting divorced.

3. Some men of God are divorced because they are married to a “beast” and can no longer dwell together with her. They prefer to dwell in the wilderness than to continue for one more day in the house with this woman.

It is BETTER TO DWELL IN THE WILDERNESS, than with a contentious and an angry woman. Proverbs 21:19

If you have ever been behind the scenes when ministry marriages break up, you will often hear another version of Christian marriage. You will often hear about the “beasts” in the woman that the man endured for many years.

You may hear about a wife who stopped cooking for her husband or serving him food for many years.

You may hear about a wife who lives in another house or in another country against her husband’s wishes, leaving him to have affairs with other women if he wants to.

You may hear about a wife who had affairs that the husband forgave and ignored. You may hear about the behaviour of a wild and angry wife who tormented her husband with her wild uncontrollable behaviour for many years. You may hear about stubbornness of the highest order. You may hear about a marriage in which there was no sex for many years. You may hear about a man who has had to masturbate to relieve himself of his sexual needs because his wife was unwilling to have sex with him. You may hear about a man who watches pornography in order to have some excitement since his wife has no interest in sex at all.

You may find out that the husband has had girlfriends on the side because his wife was unwilling and uncaring about sex.

You may hear about how the husband has tried to castrate himself in order to deal with his unmet sexual desires. You may hear about a domineering wife who controls her husband as if he were her little boy or servant. You may hear about a wife who has manifested clear psychiatric symptoms for years. You may hear about a wife who has had personality disorders for many years.

You may hear about a marriage in which the man was accused incessantly about many things he had never done.

You may hear about a sweet relationship that was destroyed because of continuous and complicated accusations. You may hear about a man who is both the father and the mother to the children because the mother simply refuses to do her work as a mother.

You may hear about a man who caters for his children, cooks for them, baths them, dresses them up and does homework with them, whilst his wife never lifts a finger to look after the children she brought forth. You may hear about a woman who was drinking alcohol regularly and embarrassing her husband by getting drunk in public. You may hear about a woman who was using so much money that she caused financial crises in her home. You may hear about a man who is known in every restaurant in the city because he never has food at home!

You may even hear about a wife who physically beats up her husband! If you do bother to find out more, you will find out that the marriages of ministers are much more complicated than they seem on the outside. The breakup of pastors’ marriages may be far more complicated than they seem.

This is why you cannot prescribe one solution for all marriages. You must not be like the herbalist who has one potion for all problems. You must be a minister of God’s Word and walk in righteousness, justice and equity. You must be fair and true to God and to all the sides of the equation.

4. Some men of God are divorced because they feel they can handle the reaction of the Christian community to their divorce.

Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand. Romans 14:4

There are people who believe that God’s judgment is the basis of their standing or falling. They have decided that they stand or fall before God and man’s opinion does not matter anymore. They no longer care who judges them. It is the Lord’s opinion of them that matters to them.

It is also important to note that adultery is the reason that Jesus gave for a man to legally leave his wife. Jesus said, “But I say unto you, that whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart” (Matthew 5:28).

According to this scripture, if you look at a woman lustfully you have already committed adultery. Most men have looked upon a woman with lust and therefore most men have committed adultery and therefore most women are scripturally entitled to a divorce.

However, if you divorce, you will find yourself in a very “grey area”. Some people will support you if you divorce but you will also be criticised by many others. There will always be different opinions about your decision to divorce. I have observed many different attitudes and reactions from Christians towards divorce.

Some people believe that your marriage is your own business and they therefore have no comment to make about your decision to divorce.

Some people simply take sides, depending on whom they are closer to. Some people always believe that the man is wrong, no matter what. Some people will no longer follow you because you are divorced. Some people will follow you no matter how many times you marry or divorce. Some people believe strongly in never divorcing no matter the occasion. Some people believe in having polygamous marriages like the patriarchs in the Bible. Some people believe strongly in endless counselling to resolve the unresolvable. Some people believe in taking radical decisions about marriage. Some people believe strongly in divorcing if there is a need to. Some people believe strongly in hanging in there, suffering and enduring everything, no matter what. Some people believe strongly that God uses the marriage as a thorn in the flesh to humble them, so, even though they may suffer, they believe staying in it is part of their ministry. Some people believe in staying in the marriage just to protect the children from the trauma of a divorce. Some people believe that you should remain unmarried even if your wife is dead. Some people believe that if your wife is dead, you should not marry for at least five years, to honour her and to show that she is difficult to replace. Indeed, it takes a strong mind of someone who is sure of himself to take such a decision to move into unchartered waters that require even more faith and attract more criticism.

5. Some pastors are divorced because they believe it is the better of two options. What do I mean by the better of two options? Jesus taught us about choosing the better of two options.

Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: IT IS BETTER FOR THEE to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire. And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: IT IS BETTER FOR THEE to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire. Matthew 18:8-9

Jesus gave a great word of wisdom when He said, “It is better to cut off your arm and enter into heaven.” It is a bad thing to go to heaven without one of your arms. But it is worse to go to hell with two arms. Jesus Christ was teaching us about how to take decisions when you are faced with two bad options.

Hard Decisions to Take: Choosing Between Two Bad Options Divorce is always a bad option. A divorce will break your heart and break down your life. Living in a difficult marriage is also a bad experience and a bad option.

You must always take the better of the two bad options. Many ministers are often faced with two bad options. The word of God is always right. Sometimes the word of God supports both options. Sometimes both options you are faced with are biblically sound. A child of God must always follow the word of God. What about if both options are in line with the word of God? That is when Jesus’ wisdom comes in. Choose the better of the two options!

Let us look at a few examples of hard decisions that Christian marriages are often faced with.

Divorce is a bad option. It is also a bad option to live in confusion and unable to bear fruit. It is not God’s will that you live in strife and confusion. God also hates divorce. So what are we going to do? It is God’s will that you live in peace. It is also God’s will that you bear fruit.

Divorce is a bad option. It is also a bad option to be fighting each other, abusing each other and living in a constant state of quarrelling, strife, unhappiness, tension and stress.

Divorce is a bad option. It is also a bad option to fight physically as a couple and embarrass yourselves in public.

Divorce is a bad option. It is also a bad option to die prematurely because of marital quarrels.

Divorce and remarriage is a bad option. It is also a bad option to be provoked into becoming a murderer.

Divorce and remarriage is a bad option. It is also a bad option to be married and live as an adulterer on the side.

In your life and in your marriage, you may have to choose one of these bad options I have described above. No one can take that decision for you! No one can decide certain things for you! You have to decide which bad option you are going to take and trust that you are taking the right decision. Just expect your judgment from God at the end of the day.

When it is time for exams, no one can do them for you. You have to work out the equation yourself based on what you know. Your wisdom will be seen by the results you get in the examination. This life is an examination! Your wisdom will be seen by the decisions you take based on the options you have. Remember that God will judge you for everything you decide!

You can never say that I told you to divorce. You can only say that I told you to choose between two hard options for which you will receive your own judgment. Jesus our Saviour, decided never to get married or to have a wedding! Wisdom is justified of her children. We will find out everything we do not know when we get to heaven.

6. Some people are divorced because they are married to a “devil” and not a wife. Some people simply decide that they can no longer stay with a devil. They think to themselves, “I am not in hell. Why should I live with a devil?

Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers (diabolos) (DEVILS) sober, faithful in all things. 1 Timothy 3:11

The scripture above is very clear that wives can be literal devils. The word “slanderer” is translated from the word “diabolos” which means “devil”. Some pastors divorce their wives because they consider their wives as literal devils and want to cast out the devil from their lives.

If you behave like a wife, you will be a blessing to your husband. If you behave like a devil, you greatly increase the risk of being cast away. Jesus taught us to cast out devils. When a person behaves like a literal devil it is not surprising that they are treated like a literal devil and cast out.

There are many questions a wife should ask herself. Let us go through some of them.

Am I a wife? Am I a good wife? Am I a wife in the real sense of the word “wife”?

Am I a help to someone’s life?

Am I complementary to my husband?

Do I help my husband with food, clothing, finances and life in general?

Do I satisfy my husband sexually?

Do I live with my husband?

Do I live apart from your husband in another house, region or country?

Do I hinder my husband?

Am I the one who does not show love and tenderness to my husband?

Am I the greatest challenge to my husband’s ministry?

Am I the greatest opposition to my husband and his ministry?

Am I the only one who argues with my husband?

Am I the only one who does not see my husband as a great person?

Am I the greatest accuser of my husband and his ministry?

Am I the greatest hindrance to my husband and his ministry?

Am I the greatest contender with my husband and his ministry?

Am I the only one who shouts at my husband?

Depending on your answers to any of these questions, you may not be a helper to your husband at all. Indeed, you may be a devil because a devil is an opposer, a tempter, a challenger and an accuser! Remember that a wife is supposed to be a helper and not a devil. Indeed, you may only be a wife technically or even legally, but in reality you are neither a wife nor a helper to your husband.

Even so must their wives be grave, not SLANDERERS (DIABOLOS), sober, faithful in all things. 1 Timothy 3:11

The risk of divorce is greatly increased when you are transformed from a helper into a devil. Do not increase this risk in your life. Not all men will accept never-ending provocation! Not all men will take endless nonsense! Some men may continually accept whatever you do to them. But there are some men who will just walk away and say, “I can’t take that any more.”

A pastor’s wife may end up being transformed from a beauty into a “devil”. What do you do with a “devil”? Cast it out!

Should you divorce from your wife? Jesus’ answer is “No”! Do not separate except for adultery!

However, do remember that people will naturally tend to separate themselves from devils: ( opposers, challengers, shouters, accusers, destroyers, murderers, wicked persons and adversaries). Most people would rather escape from a wicked devil than remain trapped in a room with one.

Do not become a devil: an opposer, a tempter, an accuser, a destroyer, a murderer, a wicked creature or an adversary! If you are any of these things, you put your husband in great difficulty because he is living with a devil instead of with a wife.

He can see from the Word of God that he should not separate from his wife. But his common sense tells him to separate himself from the devil that destroys him.

Do not confuse your husband nor weaken his resolve to stay with you! Do not turn into a devil or you may be cast out as an enemy!

The Lord hath taken away thy judgments, HE HATH CAST OUT THINE ENEMY: the king of Israel, even the Lord, is in the midst of thee: thou shalt not see evil any more. Zephaniah 3:15

Do not become an accuser or you may be cast down as the accuser of the brethren was cast down.

And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for THE ACCUSER OF OUR BRETHREN IS CAST DOWN, which accused them before our God day and night. Revelation 12:10

Do not become an opposer! Do not contend with your husband! You will have no rest in this life if you do so.

If a wise man contendeth with a foolish man, whether he rage or laugh, there is no rest. Proverbs 29:9

Do not make yourself into an enemy! You may be “tread upon” in your marriage.

Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Luke 10:19 ………………………………………………………… May God give you wisdom! May God establish you!

May God deliver you from temptation in marriage!

May your ministry never be hindered by your marriage!

May God bless you in this life! May God bless you in your adventure of marriage!

by Dag Heward-Mills

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mypinkchapter · 5 years

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Top 3 Favorites.

Hi friends! I am feeling so thankful because we can now count on ONE HAND how many treatments I have left... FIVE more weeks/rounds to go!!! Praise Jesus! I feel great! #happydance

In the perfect timing that comes only from the Lord, our women's ministry began a new fall Bible study over the book of Job by Lisa Harper; it is a seven week study & when we started up, I had seven weeks of chemo left! How sweet to wrap up these chemo rounds studying a book about finding unlikely joy in the midst of suffering... suffering that isn't even comprehend-able for me. My suffering in comparison to Job's is literally a drop in a bucket.

With that in mind daily & with the excitement of seeing even more slivers of light at the end of this tunnel, edging closer, I thought it would be fun to reflect on my favorite parts of cancer. Yes -- favorite! In such a crazy turn of events from the diagnosis in April, as we carry on now, this has been such an incredible blessing. I fully believe gratefulness in the midst of the journey has been a huge part of my healing. So, without further ado: lists of my top 3 favorites, cancer edition!

Top 3 favorite: head coverings

Nothing. Way more people than I would have originally wanted have seen my bald head because hello, it's been a hot Arkansas summer, & I actually like showing off my teeny tiny hair growth to anyone who wants to see!

Baseball caps -- in particular my simple breast cancer baseball cap that was a gift from my bestie, Natalie. Pretty sure I wear it at least 3-4 days of the week, but it's neat how many conversations that one hat has sparked because it answers the pressing question everyone has when they notice my bald head, wondering what cancer I have. So many new survivor friends now!

Multicolor/turquoise scarf from my fellow breastie, Savanah. This was her favorite headwrap during her journey & I think she seasoned it up just perfectly for me because it is truly the only headwrap I feel comfortable/happy in. It's like the scarf just knows how to make a bald girl feel a little better! ;)

Top 3 favorite: perks of having a bald (but really now a "fuzzy") head

I can get ready in under 10 minutes!

I walk out of the shower & have dry hair in quite literally no time.

Back in the day, straightening my hair was no simple task & I certainly don't miss all that time in front of a mirror, but I also can't wait for the day I get to turn my straightener back on! #lovehaterelationship

Top 3 favorite: things about the St. B's Cancer Center

My NURSES... unbelievably precious humans that I actually get excited to see weekly. I am so blessed to have our sweet Aunt Sandra looking out for me like no other; she loves like I'm her own & has been the absolute best caretaker. Plus, so many other sweet folks have brightened my days & have taken top-notch care of me. I don't want to forget their names one day -- Mandy, Jyl, Mr. Jack, Tasha, & such a kind volunteer, Ms. Dorothy.

I've had a wonderful oncologist, Dr. Durrani, but my PA, Callie, is someone I have grown to think of as a friend -- she's just a friend that talks cancer with me! And fun fact: we're only four days apart, so to have someone relate-able & my age walking with me through this has been quite the comfort.

The hours spent in those recliners inside the infusion room have been truly priceless. I have cherished conversations with my “chemo buddies” each week. Between my husband, Mom, Dad, & Gran (plus a few new chemo buddies coming up in my last few rounds!), I have loved the catch-up sessions with those I love the most!

Top 3 favorite: things about my Riverside family since diagnosis

My kids. Cancer or no cancer, I love my kids. The love, compassion, & respect has been unmatched by both my Jr. High & Sr. High students. The world could use way more kids like the ones I am honored to teach.

The family I work with on the daily. Something that many don't know is the fact that the sweet, sweet faculty & staff have all been providing dinners three nights a week for my family. Three nights a week, y'all. There is a care calendar in place where we have been provided for since the beginning of the school year until my treatments wrap up in early October. How humbling to have so many people spend time & effort to lovingly prepare a meal or provide a gift card to make our lives easier... I will never forget the generosity & support shown by those I am blessed to work alongside.

Mr. Priest, Mr. Ziegler, Mr. Durham, & Mrs. Priest -- my administration has gone above & beyond with their support. There hasn't been a moment when I had to put my health on the back burner; they have been so encouraging & willing to stand in the gap for me to ensure I can be back to 100% when I am ready & able.

Top 3 favorite: Scriptures since diagnosis

My go-to & the reference on my Team Erin bracelets: “Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in everything; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is perfected in weakness.’ Therefore, I will most gladly boast all the more about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may reside in me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9

This past Wednesday night, a sweet friend, Nicole Arbuckle, prayed Psalm 57 over our Bible study & gracious, it was good... so good. I loved verse 1, "Be gracious to me, God, be gracious to me, for I take refuge in you. I will seek refuge in the shadow of your wings until danger passes."

Top 3 favorite: funny moments since diagnosis

Meeting Chris Harrison at the FedEx St. Jude Classic & he thought I was a St. Jude patient. I told him that aged me backwards 10+ years so I would gladly take that "compliment" of sorts!

Elly holds onto my head & we both giggle when she does as I get her dressed in the mornings. :)

Ryan cracks jokes about my bald head & people legitimately have no idea how to react! Example: "Oh yeah, last time you met her she probably had hair but she definitely doesn't now!" *cue awkward laughter* So funny every time!

Top 3 favorite: lessons learned since diagnosis

Embrace the spontaneity. Random ice cream runs with Elly & Ryan. Living in the moment & not fretting so much over what's next, whether that be a big life change or just a simple monkey wrench thrown in an evening plan. Texting your best friend at 2pm that the Backstreet Boys are in town that night & somehow making the arrangement to go & dance way past your bedtime at the very last minute. Modifying & adjusting in the classroom, on the spot, because lesson plans aren't realistic every single day. Y'all, this idea of spontaneity just never came natural & not to say I'm so great at it now, but I sure am learning that some of the sweetest/best memories live in the unplanned moments.

Trust Jesus. He is good. He has a plan that rivals no other plan I could make for myself. Know that every single moment in stormy seasons is worth it, is purposeful, & I pray will be used to glorify Him. There is NO way I could walk this walk without Jesus living in me & walking in-step with me.

Savor the days. I have spent 28 years of life truly sweating the small stuff, as the cliché goes. Cancer sure knows how to strip that away & has served as a reminder these past five months that time is far too short & fleeting to waste my days. This has been the greatest perspective shift I could have ever hoped for & never knew I needed. Gratitude has truly washed over me & fortunately, I will never be the same.

"The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped. Therefore my heart rejoices, and I praise Him with my song." Psalm 28:7

All my love from my pink chapter, Erin

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chestnutpost · 5 years

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Omar says it's 'exciting' her views on Israel are sparking debate

“It’s not surprising. I think it is actually exciting because we are finally able to have conversations that we weren’t really willing to,” Omar told CNN on Tuesday. “It is really important for us to get a different lens about what peace in that region could look like and the kind of difficult conversations we need to have about allies.”

Omar along with Democratic Rep. Rashida Tlaib of Michigan, the first two Muslim women to serve in Congress, are indeed changing the conversation on Capitol Hill over the United States’ long-standing relationship with Israel by speaking out critically against the Israeli government over its treatment of Palestinians.

As they challenge the political status quo over Israel in Washington, Omar and Tlaib are facing intense scrutiny and criticism, in particular from Republicans eager to exploit divisions in the Democratic Party.

Tlaib and Omar have also broken the mold on Capitol Hill by supporting the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement. The movement is a non-violent activist campaign that aims to put economic and political pressure on Israel over its actions toward Palestinians, including calling for an end to Israeli occupation of the West Bank.

Omar told CNN that Israel should be held accountable for living up to “the same values that we push for” in the United States as one of its allies.

“Israel is an ally of the United States and I think as much as you would look to your neighbor to your friends to live out the same values as you are, we want to make sure that our allies are living out the same values that we push for here,” she said.

Republicans react critically

In her first month in Congress, Republicans have been quick to criticize Omar, a Somali immigrant who came to the US as a refugee more than two decades ago, for statements she has made regarding Israel.

Rep. Lee Zeldin, a Republican from New York, pointed out in a tweet last month that Omar supports the BDS movement and in 2012 made a statement saying that “Israel has hypnotized the world, may Allah awaken the people and help them see the evil doings of Israel.” Highlighting that statement, Zeldin argued that rather than supporting Israel and countering anti-Semitism, Democrats “are now empowering it.”

The 2012 statement from Omar came in the midst of an eight-day war between Israel and Hamas. Israel said it had to counter attack because of consistent rocket fire from Gaza into civilian areas of Israel.

The Israel Defense Forces said Israel launched at least 1,500 airstrikes on Gaza. The Gaza Ministry of Health said 163 Palestinians were killed and more than 1,000 wounded. Hamas’ military wing, the al Qassam brigade, said it fired 1,573 rockets toward Israel during the hostilities. Six Israelis were killed, and at least 200 wounded.

Omar has since expressed regret for her choice of words, saying that she had “unknowingly” used an “anti-Semitic trope” and that her statement “came in the context of the Gaza War.”

Zeldin also posted an anti-Semitic voicemail he received to Twitter last month and tagged Omar, asking the congresswoman, “Would love to know what part of this hate filled, anti-Semitic rant you disagree with? I disagree with all of it. Do you?”

Omar responded by saying, “This is heinous and hateful. I too am flooded with bigoted voicemails and calls every day. Maybe we could meet and share notes on how to fight religious discrimination of all kinds?”

In an interview with Yahoo News, Omar was asked how the US can work toward peace between Israelis and Palestinians and answered that “an equal approach to dealing with both” is necessary.

She elaborated on that by saying, “Most of the things that have always been aggravating to me is that we have had a policy that makes one superior to the other.”

“When I see Israel institute law that recognizes it as a Jewish state and does not recognize the other religions that are living in it and we still uphold it as a democracy in the Middle East, I almost chuckle because I know that if we see that in any other society we would criticize it, we would call it out — we do that to Iran, we do that to any other place that sort of upholds its religion.”

Omar appears to have been referencing Israel passing into law last year a controversial bill that declares that the Jewish people have an exclusive right to national self-determination in Israel.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who had advocated for the nation-state bill, hailed its passage and called it a “defining moment” in Israel’s history, but critics, including some strong supporters of Israel, expressed concern that it would weaken and undermine Israeli democracy.

The National Republican Congressional Committee highlighted Omar’s remarks to Yahoo News by saying on its website that the congresswoman’s “latest anti-Semitic attack included comparing Israel to Iran.”

Omar and Tlaib argue they’re not attacking a faith

Both Omar and Tlaib have made a point to argue that their criticism of actions by the Israeli government should not be viewed as an attack on a faith.

“When I talk about places like Saudi Arabia or Israel or even now with Venezuela, I’m not criticizing the people. I’m not criticizing their faith, I’m not criticizing their way of life,” Omar said in a recent appearance on Comedy Central’s “The Daily Show with Trevor Noah.”

“What I’m criticizing is what’s happening at the moment, and I want for there to be accountability so that the government, that administration, that regime can do better,” she said.

Tlaib, who is the first Palestinian-American woman to serve in Congress, explained her support for the BDS movement by invoking freedom of speech in an interview with CNN prior to her swearing in — and made a point to say that the movement is not an attack on a faith.

“I don’t like the criminalization of freedom of speech and so much of my principles around BDS to me are — I know for so many it might trigger these other thoughts about it, for me though, it is very much tied to core values around freedom of expression and freedom of speech. So to be able to do economic boycotts is connected,” she said.

She added, “for those that think this is some sort of attack on a faith, I just want to push back and say no this is really about racism, about inequality and about human rights.”

House Republican leader Kevin McCarthy was asked at a news conference Friday about GOP criticism of Tlaib and Omar over their comments on Israel and whether he believes it’s possible to be critical of the Israeli government and its policies without being anti-Semitic.

“It’s possible,” McCarthy responded, “but I think the language they are using is wrong,” though he did not point to any specific examples.

Speaking at a Center for American Progress event on Tuesday, Omar said that people should be able to practice all religions freely.

“I know how it feels to be hated because of my religious beliefs. I am proof that as Americans we can embrace our differences,” she said.

Omar added, “The core of Islam, just like Christianity and Judaism, is the radical message of human equality in the eyes of God. We also must recognize that religious hate of all kind, whether it is against Muslims, Jews, Christians or atheists, are linked.”

Omar’s office initially declined an interview, but CNN was able to speak with her as she was leaving the event. Omar did not respond to questions, however, about why she supports the BDS movement. Tlaib declined to answer questions from CNN in the halls of the Capitol on Wednesday.

Tlaib hopes to lead congressional delegation to the West Bank

Polling does show shifting sentiment among Democrats in their views of Israel and Palestinians. A Pew poll last year found that support for Israel among Democrats and independents has fallen and support has risen among Republicans and that Democrats are divided over which side in the conflict they sympathize more with.

Tlaib, however, has faced public push back from within the ranks of House Democrats for saying that she plans to lead a congressional delegation to the West Bank, where her grandmother still lives. Member of Congress regularly take congressional delegation trips to Israel.

Democratic chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee Eliot Engel of New York told the Al-Monitor that “instead of her talking about things, she’s new here, she ought to listen and learn and open her mind and then come to some conclusions,” in reference to the idea of a West Bank delegation.

The next day, Tlaib tagged Engel in a tweet, saying, “how are we ever going to obtain peace? I hope you’ll come with me on the trip to listen and learn. My sity (grandmother) will welcome you with an embrace & love. Please feel free to call me if you have anything to say. I am your colleague now.”

Tlaib told CNN in the interview prior to her swearing in that she believes “we’ll get closer to peace” when “we start addressing the humanitarian needs of both Israelis and Palestinians … when we’re not thinking the other person is less than or less deserving.”

Tlaib faces scrutiny over a photograph

Tlaib has also faced controversy after a man named Abbas Hamideh posted a photo with her to Twitter last month with the caption, “I was honored to be at Congresswoman @RashidaTlaib swearing in ceremony in #Detroit and private dinner afterward with the entire family, friends and activists across the country.”

Hamideh is an activist who has said in social media posts that Israel “does not have a right to exist” and that “Nazis and Zionists are similar.”

Jonathan Greenblatt, the CEO and national director of the Anti-Defamation League, drew attention to the photograph several days later on Twitter, saying that Hamideh has “equated Zionists with Nazis” and calling on Tlaib to “denounce his anti-Semitism.” The ADL is also critical of the BDS movement and argues on its website that the movement “is the most prominent effort to undermine Israel’s existence.”

In late January, Zeldin introduced a House resolution that calls for a rejection of anti-Israel and anti-Semitic hatred in the US and around the world. The text of the resolution mentions Tlaib and Omar by name, citing, among other things, the controversy over Hamideh as well as Omar’s statement that “Israel has hypnotized the world.”

Asked for comment on the photo, Tlaib told CNN through a spokesman, “I oppose hate and violence in all forms and will continue to work for peace. It is also important to note, I’ve taken thousands of photos over the course of my campaign and now during my tenure. A photo does not mean I agree with anything someone says. It is obvious this man thrives on media attention from his recent posts. It’s unfortunate that he was successful. I do not agree with the statements brought to my attention.”

The congresswoman also recently gave a lengthy statement to The New York Times in which she said, “It is unfair to be held responsible for the statements of others, especially when my actions … make clear that I oppose all forms of hate and condemn those who dehumanize others.”

She added, “It is disappointing that some of my colleagues are feeding into the hate and division and mislabeling me to ignite fear.”

CNN’s Ray Sanchez, Andrew Carey, Ben Wedeman contributed to this report.

The post Omar says it's 'exciting' her views on Israel are sparking debate appeared first on The Chestnut Post.

from The Chestnut Post https://www.thechestnutpost.com/news/omar-says-it039s-039exciting039-her-views-on-israel-are-sparking-debate/

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ascbh13 · 7 years

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International Day of Older Persons.Luke 2. 36-38. Kay Morison. 8th October 2017

My parents-in-law often stayed with us over the years, especially when we lived in warmer climes and summer there was winter here.

I used to help my mother in law get out of the car, never easy as one ages, and she used to say to me, many times.

“Don’t get old, dear”. Not much choice there! But we all come to realise that growing old isn’t always easy.

When I was doing O level English Literature, we studied the poems of Robert Browning and Elizabeth Barrett Browning. As a teenager, I felt their love story, their elopement, their flight to Italy were all so exciting and wonderful. And then Robert Browning wrote such a marvellous poem:

Grow old along with me!

The best is yet to be,

The last of life, for which the first was made:

Our times are in His hand

Who saith “A whole I planned,

Youth shows but half; trust God: see all, nor be afraid!”

You see, it’s all in the way we look at growing old, as the well known saying goes:

Two men looked through prison bars, one saw mud, the other saw stars….

This Sunday we are marking the United Nations International Day of Celebrating Older Persons, The designated date was actually October 1st , but we were having another celebration on that day: We were celebrating with thankfulness the Harvest, and remembering the needy.

There are many passages in the Bible mentioning old age. I chose one that seems to fit best. The incident I have chosen is the Story of Anna, which is recorded in just two verses in Luke’s Gospel. We heard them read just now.

Luke was a doctor and a very gifted writer. He manages to give us, his readers, a complete sketch of this elderly lady named Anna. How did he do this? Luke was not in the Temple that day.

It is worth remembering that Biblical Scholars agree that the unique parts of Luke’s Gospel came directly from his discussions with Mary after the resurrection of Jesus. That would account for Luke’s detailed knowledge about Jesus’ birth. Also the event in Mary’s life we are looking at today. Meeting Anna and Simeon must have meant so much to Mary, that she vividly remembered this event for years and could recount it all to Luke much later on.

Back to Anna. Her name is derived from the word for Grace – or Beauty…. Such a lovely name.

Luke tells us first of all that Anna was a Prophetess. There had not been a Jewish Prophet of the likes of Isaiah or Amos for hundreds of years. Now we meet Anna whom God had prepared for “such a time as this”.

In Jewish history there were only ever 7 prophetesses. So she was very special. In the Bible, a “prophet” is not someone who reads fortunes, looks at crystal balls or is a medium. All such things are actually condemned by God for his people. If you like, read what God tells us in the book of Deuteronomy, 18. v. 11.

But yes, Anna had been given the spiritual gift of prophecy or “perceiving and telling deep truths from God”, In the list of spiritual gifts given in I Corinthians 12, this is one of the gifts the Holy Spirit had given to some people in the distant past, but after Pentecost to the followers of Jesus.

Next Luke also tells us about Anna’s background. A real “Who Do You Think You Are?” story. She was of a long lost tribe, one of the 12 tribes of Israel, the tribe of Asher. She knew her background, her cultural history. Today you would need to go on to Ancestry.Co to find out your background from so long ago!

So relating that to our current experience – let’s see what Anna’s life has to say to ours today. Luke doesn’t waste words: There are only two verses, but they contain so much. So I have three short points to ponder today as we celebrate the lives and importance of older people.

1. Our God is a God for ordinary people

Anna knew her family history but she was not a princess or someone of high birth. Nor did she hold a prestigious role or place in every day Jewish life. She was an ordinary lady who did extra ordinary things for God.

We can probably say we are ordinary people too. Yes, we are greatly blessed to have had an education, to have shelter and food which these days so many “ordinary people” do not seem to have. Especially just now with the hurricanes and earthquakes which have hurt so many ordinary, humble people.

But we are ordinary and God is for us, just as He was for Anna long ago!

2. Our God is a God for elderly people…both male and female.

I realise I am talking about Anna, a woman, but all these attributes of God, apply to men just as much!

Luke tells us that Anna was 84. We have many wonderful people in our congregation of that age and even some much older. They are still here in church, still singing in our choir, faithful pray-ers and serving God in so many ways. God is certainly a God for elderly people here in Branksome Park.

Indeed, when I told someone last week that I was preaching on this theme of elderly people today, he promptly replied “that’s a suitable sermon for round here!”

We know from the statistics that our part of Dorset contains the highest number of elderly people who live alone. And that’s just like Anna.

This in fact was the driving force for starting the All Saints’ Older Persons’ Ministry which Kate Edwards leads so warmly and efficiently and in such a caring way.

And if God is a God for the elderly and we live in an area where there are such a huge numbers of elderly, lonely people, we must surely care for them as best we can.

Which brings me to my third point:

3. Our God is a God for Worshipful People - Praying People!

Luke tells us that Anna “never left the Temple”. Whether than means she had a little room somewhere, or whether she just had a special corner in the Temple, where she settled down every day, we are not told. But it can snow in Jerusalem! So I hope at her age she was warm enough!

Wherever she was based, Luke tells us she worshipped with fasting and prayers. We may know a bit about praying but Matthew 6 says “when you fast….” not if you fast…

I guess we could too easily dismiss Anna’s times of prayer and fasting. Saying to ourselves she had no other responsibilities. She was widowed, it would appear she had no children - so she could devote her time to worship, private prayer and Temple services. Maybe today that would be like an enclosed order of Nuns.

It all seems a bit distant in comparison to our busy, stressful lives. But… Do we have a private prayer life? And join regularly, as today, in public prayer? How often? I found a quote in William Barclay: “They pray best together, who first pray alone”. So our prayers here in public worship are “best” if undergirded by our private prayers.

Anna was certainly worshipful and prayerful and she fasted, gave up time and food in order to pray, That’s a thought!

So, to round up our thinking about one older person for this special day: (1) Anna had known sorrow but she had not grown bitter. (2)Anna had never ceased to hope.

Look at the wonderful result of such marvellous characteristics….Anna was actually there in the Temple, when Mary and Joseph brought in the infant Jesus.

Now, Mary and Joseph were there in the Temple to perform the various religious ceremonies after the birth of a child. I can just about remember a few newly delivered Mothers coming to church for a service called “the Churching of Women.” It is a service in the Book of Common Prayer. Maybe now, a service of Thanksgiving for the birth of a child is more suitable.

But back to Anna in the Temple. And this will particularly interest the men in our congregation. There was also an elderly man called Simeon there. He too was present in the Temple at just the right time to meet the infant Jesus with Mary and Joseph.

Both Anna and Simeon had long been waiting for the arrival of the prophesied Messiah, the Saviour. Simeon perceived that the infant Jesus was in fact that Messiah! And sang praise to God! We know his song of praise. It is called the Nunc Dimittis and is sung or said at Evening Prayer. Anna also saw this baby and believed. That this very baby was the Messiah, the promised Saviour. And she also praised God. She rejoiced. She believed this baby was the fulfilment of the Old Testament prophecies…

Indeed, some of these prophecies are very familiar to us and we hear them every Christmas: “Unto us a child is born…unto us a son is given.” The point is that Anna and Simeon, elderly persons, saw Jesus and they believed!

Whatever your age, you, too, can see the baby with your inward eyes, and put your trust in Jesus as not only the Saviour of the World but your personal Saviour too!

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