I have a re-occurring problem of trying to make my own plans and not wanting to follow God's plans. I like to be in control/to think I can do things on my own. I have gotten better at not blaming God when He "says" He has other plans, but I am still guilty of making lots of plans without praying about them first.
Do you trust God in all areas of your life? Do you like to be in control?
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Birth Control
This post will be about the basic options and the moral issues some have with them. Feel free to share what you think! This is just a basic overview of what I know...
Hormone Options (Pill, Patch, etc)
The originally, the goal of these methods was to prevent the body from ovulating. But, they found out that even with high doses, some women still ovulated. So, now they also prevent implantation in the event you do ovulate, etc. As a result, many Christians have issue with these. Because they prevent implantation, there can still be conception. So, many feel that this method causes very early abortions. Also, for some women (like Mrs. Duggar), the embryo will implant but will not survive due to the poor uterine lining caused by the birth control.
Barrier Options (Condom, Diaphragm, etc)
These methods prevent the sperm from getting to the egg. The only object some have with these methods (morally) is that you are having relations without a chance of conception. You are relations without a chance of pregnancy (i.e. the Catholic objection to most birth control). But, in my mind, God can still cause the barrier to fail if He wanted you pregnant - they are 100% effective!
Surgical Methods (Tubal Ligation/Vasectomy)
These two methods (as well as the new Essure method) create a "hole" in one partner's plumbing so that either the egg or sperm is not available for conception. The moral objections to a vasectomy are the same as to the barrier methods. With the tubal ligation, there may be an increased chance of ectopic pregnancy. So, as a result some women choose to not have it done because they are afraid of being the cause of causing a child to die (similar to the issues with hormonal methods).
Family Planning
There are many versions of this, but the general principle is that you chart and determine when you ovulate. You refrain for relations or use a barrier method during the period of time you may become pregnant. The only moral objection to this is not giving God complete control (in some people's minds).
How do you feel about birth control? Did you know about all of these moral issues? Do you know of more moral issues?
Please Share Your Ideas!
Hormone Options (Pill, Patch, etc)
The originally, the goal of these methods was to prevent the body from ovulating. But, they found out that even with high doses, some women still ovulated. So, now they also prevent implantation in the event you do ovulate, etc. As a result, many Christians have issue with these. Because they prevent implantation, there can still be conception. So, many feel that this method causes very early abortions. Also, for some women (like Mrs. Duggar), the embryo will implant but will not survive due to the poor uterine lining caused by the birth control.
Barrier Options (Condom, Diaphragm, etc)
These methods prevent the sperm from getting to the egg. The only object some have with these methods (morally) is that you are having relations without a chance of conception. You are relations without a chance of pregnancy (i.e. the Catholic objection to most birth control). But, in my mind, God can still cause the barrier to fail if He wanted you pregnant - they are 100% effective!
Surgical Methods (Tubal Ligation/Vasectomy)
These two methods (as well as the new Essure method) create a "hole" in one partner's plumbing so that either the egg or sperm is not available for conception. The moral objections to a vasectomy are the same as to the barrier methods. With the tubal ligation, there may be an increased chance of ectopic pregnancy. So, as a result some women choose to not have it done because they are afraid of being the cause of causing a child to die (similar to the issues with hormonal methods).
Family Planning
There are many versions of this, but the general principle is that you chart and determine when you ovulate. You refrain for relations or use a barrier method during the period of time you may become pregnant. The only moral objection to this is not giving God complete control (in some people's minds).
How do you feel about birth control? Did you know about all of these moral issues? Do you know of more moral issues?
Please Share Your Ideas!
Monday, March 16, 2009
Forgiveness
This weekend, I had an experience watching someone struggle with forgiveness. My brother-in-law was struggling to forgive his dad and younger brother for selling his car stereo (it was in the younger brother's car, and they didn't take it out when they sold it). They offered to pay him for it, but he wasn't willing to forgive them. It turned up into a big argument/fight (as normally does when this BIL gets upset).
In the end, one of the brothers finally put it this way - they have asked for forgiveness. It is now in your hands. It is between you and God at this point.
The Bible says this is true. Here are some verses:
Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. Colossians 3:13
Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven: Luke 6:37
For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. Matthew 6:14-16
And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. Mark 11:25
In the end, one of the brothers finally put it this way - they have asked for forgiveness. It is now in your hands. It is between you and God at this point.
The Bible says this is true. Here are some verses:
Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. Colossians 3:13
Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven: Luke 6:37
For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. Matthew 6:14-16
And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. Mark 11:25
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
El Shaddai
Last night in our Faith Bible Institute class, we were studying the names of God. One of the names we covered was El Shaddai - The Mighty God. Literally, El Shaddai means the breasted one. John Yates went into an analogy about God and us. An infant/toddler is crawling towards the edge of a cliff. His mom tries to get him to come to her by chasing after him, etc, but he only goes closer to the edge (thinking his mom is playing). Then, in a last ditch effort, she pares her breast in an effort to get the baby to come away from the edge. The baby natural comes to his mom to nurse.
This description reminds us that God draws us to Him, just as a mom can draw her baby. He draws us to Him when we are wandering dangerously close to the edge. Have you seen God work in your life like this? I have. Some times you don't notice the callings and drawings at the time, but they are there. A friend may say something. Someone might ask you to do something to help them. There might be a special service or event at church you feel called to attend. Whatever it is, God is calling you back to Him before He has to call you home.
***********************************
Sunday I got my diploma from Faith Bible Institute. I completed the six semesters/three years through the Bible in December. My husband and one of our friends also completed it at the same time. I highly recommend some sort of complete, chronological study of the Bible. Studying this way allows you to put all the stories together. It gives you a better foundation for studying the Bible on your own.
This description reminds us that God draws us to Him, just as a mom can draw her baby. He draws us to Him when we are wandering dangerously close to the edge. Have you seen God work in your life like this? I have. Some times you don't notice the callings and drawings at the time, but they are there. A friend may say something. Someone might ask you to do something to help them. There might be a special service or event at church you feel called to attend. Whatever it is, God is calling you back to Him before He has to call you home.
***********************************
Sunday I got my diploma from Faith Bible Institute. I completed the six semesters/three years through the Bible in December. My husband and one of our friends also completed it at the same time. I highly recommend some sort of complete, chronological study of the Bible. Studying this way allows you to put all the stories together. It gives you a better foundation for studying the Bible on your own.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Children/Age of Accountability
Here is Jen L's question:
I've been thinking a lot about kids and Christianity. A friend recently posted on FB that her 18 month old son had helped her lead worship at school one morning (she's the music director at a church school) and that he was clapping and raising his hands in praise and she was so proud of him for worshiping like that. Maybe I'm rude for saying this, but I think he was just imitating behavior he had seen. Our kids are only a few months behind him age-wise, and I don't think either of them really understands the concept of praise and worship, no matter how much we've ha them in church. I grew up in church and did a lot of the same things I saw the adults doing, but until I was around 7, I didn't really start to understand. I don't think it was until I was in middle school that I really understood the idea of praise and being a Christian. It is definitely importatnt to instill our Christian values in our kids from a very young age, but I guess my question for discussion is what is the age of accountability? When do you think kids are really able to grasp the concepts of what it means to be a Christian? Obviously it's a constant process, as I am still learning new aspects of it myself. An interesting topic for us moms of youngsters, I think!
I don't know if there is an actual age for the age of accountability, but it is something I definitely believe in (see David's son for an example). Some kids I think can grasp the concept at 5 or so. Others don't grasp it until 7 or 8 I bet. Then there are those with mental impairments that may never be able to fully grasp the concept.
I totally agree with you that the 18 month old was probably just mimicking. But, this is a great way to teach the little ones how to behave in church, etc. If you set the examples early on, it is easier to get them to follow it. This is why I am actually glad AJU5 sits with me most Sundays at church. We got to a very small church, and so we don't have a true nursery (we have a room, but there aren't enough kids to really have someone in there during service). She is learning how to sit in church, how to pray, and how to worship God. These are things we will have to explain to her later, but she is getting the ideas now.
I think you are also right when you say it is all a process. There are teenagers and adults even that have accept Christ as their Saviour but have not fully understood what it meant. They just followed along. Now, that isn't to say that these people aren't saved, but it is a big reason for discipleship and Christian education. I know I am still learning a lot about my faith! There are things I believed when I first was saved that I don't agree with now. There are things I didn't even know about then that I have strong convictions on now.
+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+
So, I answered the "two" questions I got. I don't know if anyone else reads this, but if you have other things you want me to discuss, let me know! I am more than willing to try and conquer any question!
I've been thinking a lot about kids and Christianity. A friend recently posted on FB that her 18 month old son had helped her lead worship at school one morning (she's the music director at a church school) and that he was clapping and raising his hands in praise and she was so proud of him for worshiping like that. Maybe I'm rude for saying this, but I think he was just imitating behavior he had seen. Our kids are only a few months behind him age-wise, and I don't think either of them really understands the concept of praise and worship, no matter how much we've ha them in church. I grew up in church and did a lot of the same things I saw the adults doing, but until I was around 7, I didn't really start to understand. I don't think it was until I was in middle school that I really understood the idea of praise and being a Christian. It is definitely importatnt to instill our Christian values in our kids from a very young age, but I guess my question for discussion is what is the age of accountability? When do you think kids are really able to grasp the concepts of what it means to be a Christian? Obviously it's a constant process, as I am still learning new aspects of it myself. An interesting topic for us moms of youngsters, I think!
I don't know if there is an actual age for the age of accountability, but it is something I definitely believe in (see David's son for an example). Some kids I think can grasp the concept at 5 or so. Others don't grasp it until 7 or 8 I bet. Then there are those with mental impairments that may never be able to fully grasp the concept.
I totally agree with you that the 18 month old was probably just mimicking. But, this is a great way to teach the little ones how to behave in church, etc. If you set the examples early on, it is easier to get them to follow it. This is why I am actually glad AJU5 sits with me most Sundays at church. We got to a very small church, and so we don't have a true nursery (we have a room, but there aren't enough kids to really have someone in there during service). She is learning how to sit in church, how to pray, and how to worship God. These are things we will have to explain to her later, but she is getting the ideas now.
I think you are also right when you say it is all a process. There are teenagers and adults even that have accept Christ as their Saviour but have not fully understood what it meant. They just followed along. Now, that isn't to say that these people aren't saved, but it is a big reason for discipleship and Christian education. I know I am still learning a lot about my faith! There are things I believed when I first was saved that I don't agree with now. There are things I didn't even know about then that I have strong convictions on now.
+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+
So, I answered the "two" questions I got. I don't know if anyone else reads this, but if you have other things you want me to discuss, let me know! I am more than willing to try and conquer any question!
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Part Two of Mary-Lou's Question
Here is the question Mary-Lou asked:
I don't know if you have already posted this, but I always love hearing abut the personal spiritual journeys of people. How did you come to Christ? What has been your biggest challenge? What has been your greatest joy? How do you related to Jesus... Lord, Teacher, Savior? (I ask that last one because I think he is ALL of those things, but I realize that I tend to turn to him more as Lord than Teacher, etc. It is something I work on, continuing to develop all aspects of my relationship with him.)
I answered the first part earlier this week with my testimony. Now on to the rest of it.
I would say my biggest challenge is submitting to God. I like to be in control. I like to do things myself. But, I know things would be easier if I let God have the pilot seat and I took the co-pilot role. He has shown us that He is in charge, and even then we got mad at Him. We we found out we were pregnant with AJU5, it took us about a month to accept that it was His will. We did learn from this and didn't get upset with the most recent pregnancy (which ended in a miscarriage), but we did ask why! I wish I was better at handing even the simple things over to Him though. I find that when I pray about even simple issues, they work out a lot simpler than when I try to do it on my own!
I would say my greatest joy is AJU5. Now, she is also a big headache, but as some of my colleagues have said, I seem the happiest now with her. God called me to be a mother, and I am enjoying it.
Jesus is more Savior to me each day. But, I should lean on Him more as teacher and Lord. Like I said above, I tend to take control and not hand things over like I should. I like to be lord of my life, but He should be the Lord. I am also learning from Him through His Word, but I don't study as much as I should. Hopefully I will continue to grow in these areas!
Feel free to answer these questions yourself!
I don't know if you have already posted this, but I always love hearing abut the personal spiritual journeys of people. How did you come to Christ? What has been your biggest challenge? What has been your greatest joy? How do you related to Jesus... Lord, Teacher, Savior? (I ask that last one because I think he is ALL of those things, but I realize that I tend to turn to him more as Lord than Teacher, etc. It is something I work on, continuing to develop all aspects of my relationship with him.)
I answered the first part earlier this week with my testimony. Now on to the rest of it.
I would say my biggest challenge is submitting to God. I like to be in control. I like to do things myself. But, I know things would be easier if I let God have the pilot seat and I took the co-pilot role. He has shown us that He is in charge, and even then we got mad at Him. We we found out we were pregnant with AJU5, it took us about a month to accept that it was His will. We did learn from this and didn't get upset with the most recent pregnancy (which ended in a miscarriage), but we did ask why! I wish I was better at handing even the simple things over to Him though. I find that when I pray about even simple issues, they work out a lot simpler than when I try to do it on my own!
I would say my greatest joy is AJU5. Now, she is also a big headache, but as some of my colleagues have said, I seem the happiest now with her. God called me to be a mother, and I am enjoying it.
Jesus is more Savior to me each day. But, I should lean on Him more as teacher and Lord. Like I said above, I tend to take control and not hand things over like I should. I like to be lord of my life, but He should be the Lord. I am also learning from Him through His Word, but I don't study as much as I should. Hopefully I will continue to grow in these areas!
Feel free to answer these questions yourself!
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
My Testimony
Here is the question Mary-Lou asked:
I don't know if you have already posted this, but I always love hearing abut the personal spiritual journeys of people. How did you come to Christ? What has been your biggest challenge? What has been your greatest joy? How do you related to Jesus... Lord, Teacher, Savior? (I ask that last one because I think he is ALL of those things, but I realize that I tend to turn to him more as Lord than Teacher, etc. It is something I work on, continuing to develop all aspects of my relationship with him.)
So, today I will post about how I came to know the Lord as my Saviour. I will tackle the other questions later :)
My family went to church (Methodist) until I was 6. We moved to a new town, and my parents weren't big fans of the church there. So, we became Easter/Christmas "Christians" for a while, and as I got older, even that stopped. There were times in high school that, looking back, I can see God calling me. But, I was not ready or willing. I ended up going to a "Christian" college. My degree required me to take two religion classes. I put these off until my senior year (partly because I was working on a double major, etc and had to front-load those classes). In the fall, I took a class on the Old Testament/Hebrew Bible, and in the spring I took a class on the heroes (and heroines) of the ancient world. Through these two classes, I came to the conclusion that there was a God, and the most likely, at least what I had read of the Bible, was true. But, I had VERY little of the New Testament.
Then I met my husband. We actually met online through one of the online chat programs. He was raised in the church and had accepted Christ at a young age. Some of our first conversations were about religion and Christianity. He (I don't remember how) got me to read one of the Gospels. I asked him and a female friend of his questions as I read through it. What I read, to me, was obviously true (with the exception of things I just didn't understand/was confused about - which is why I asked questions). This was all during the roughly two months I spent at my parents before going to grad school. At the end of this period, AJU1 also convinced me to find a campus ministry to attend. I chose the one that had some things online, including a Yahoo Group, so I could get to know people before I started to attend. Within a few weeks of attending that campus ministry and church, I had accepted Christ as my Saviour. I can't say what day it actually happened though. See, during the two months of really searching and studying, I prayed a lot of possible "salvation" prayers. Many of them where of the "If you are really there" type, so any of those could have actually been the point of my salvation. I just know that I am certain I am saved now!
I don't know if you have already posted this, but I always love hearing abut the personal spiritual journeys of people. How did you come to Christ? What has been your biggest challenge? What has been your greatest joy? How do you related to Jesus... Lord, Teacher, Savior? (I ask that last one because I think he is ALL of those things, but I realize that I tend to turn to him more as Lord than Teacher, etc. It is something I work on, continuing to develop all aspects of my relationship with him.)
So, today I will post about how I came to know the Lord as my Saviour. I will tackle the other questions later :)
My family went to church (Methodist) until I was 6. We moved to a new town, and my parents weren't big fans of the church there. So, we became Easter/Christmas "Christians" for a while, and as I got older, even that stopped. There were times in high school that, looking back, I can see God calling me. But, I was not ready or willing. I ended up going to a "Christian" college. My degree required me to take two religion classes. I put these off until my senior year (partly because I was working on a double major, etc and had to front-load those classes). In the fall, I took a class on the Old Testament/Hebrew Bible, and in the spring I took a class on the heroes (and heroines) of the ancient world. Through these two classes, I came to the conclusion that there was a God, and the most likely, at least what I had read of the Bible, was true. But, I had VERY little of the New Testament.
Then I met my husband. We actually met online through one of the online chat programs. He was raised in the church and had accepted Christ at a young age. Some of our first conversations were about religion and Christianity. He (I don't remember how) got me to read one of the Gospels. I asked him and a female friend of his questions as I read through it. What I read, to me, was obviously true (with the exception of things I just didn't understand/was confused about - which is why I asked questions). This was all during the roughly two months I spent at my parents before going to grad school. At the end of this period, AJU1 also convinced me to find a campus ministry to attend. I chose the one that had some things online, including a Yahoo Group, so I could get to know people before I started to attend. Within a few weeks of attending that campus ministry and church, I had accepted Christ as my Saviour. I can't say what day it actually happened though. See, during the two months of really searching and studying, I prayed a lot of possible "salvation" prayers. Many of them where of the "If you are really there" type, so any of those could have actually been the point of my salvation. I just know that I am certain I am saved now!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)