How Dare God!
According to Daily Guideposts,
“Louis XIV was one of France’s greatest kings. Known as the Sun King for the brilliance of his court, he saw his armies make France the most powerful country of its time. He was not without losses, however. When he received the news of his crushing defeat by the English at Blenheim, he purportedly proclaimed, “How could God do this to me? After all I have done for Him!”
Honestly, have you ever asked this question? It probably didn't seem as absurd when it was you doing the wondering, right? But don't forget that it is by grace that you have been saved, which means you really don't deserve it. Nevertheless, God has giving you all things, freely. Also, remember that your devotion is to be a reflection of that same grace. That means there can be no strings attached on your part, as well.
So, the next time you begin to wonder why God isn't reciprocating for all that you've done for Him, remember grace!
"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God" (Ephesians 2:8).
Lost Or Confused
Daniel Boone explored the great wilderness of Tennessee and Kentucky. It was Boone who marked the wilderness road that brought settlers into the new land. He often wandered over vast areas of forest, living off the land and dodging arrows. Once he was asked if he had ever been lost. He replied, “No.” But he did admit that he was “a mite confused once for about three or four days though!”
Perhaps it matters little that Boone’s pride would not allow him to admit that he’d ever been lost, in need of guidance. It matters a lot, however, if our pride keeps us from admitting that we are lost without Christ.
"I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture" (John 10:9).
"For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted" (Matthew 23:12).
Shout Your Abortion or Shout to the Lord
The HUFF POST reports:
Activists Lindy West, Amelia Bonow and Kimberly Morrison started the #ShoutYourAbortion hashtag on Sept. 19 [2015], in response to the news that the House voted to defund Planned Parenthood. West asked people on Twitter to use the hashtag to share how their lives have been impacted by safe, legal abortion. Women who have had abortions told their stories, and allies used the hashtag to show support for a woman's right to choose.
Some representative Tweets read as follows:
My abortion was in '10 & the career I've built since then fulfills me & makes me better able to care for kids I have now. #ShoutYourAbortion
Honestly, my abortion at 20 was one of the first responsible, non-self-destructive, grown-ass choices I ever made. #ShoutYourAbortion
I've had 2 abortions. I don't have to justify or explain them to anybody. My life is more valuable than a potential life. #shoutyourabortion
My abortion was in '07. I didn't want kids then and still don't. I'm managing my own wellness. #ShoutYourAbortion
I've never wanted to have children, so I had an abortion. I'm thriving, without guilt, without shame, without apologies. #ShoutYourAbortion
I haven't needed an abortion yet, but I don't know of ANY regrettable ones. If you need a ride to yours, let me know. #shoutyourabortion
Not all the Tweets have been in support of the abortion boasts. In fact, many have used the hashtag to counter it:
Destroying Sea Turtle eggs: Felony. Destroying Eagle eggs: Felony. Destroying a Fetus(Human): Get high fives on Twitter. #ShoutYourAbortion
I kept my baby. Because her divine right to live trumped my selfish desire not to take responsibility for my choices. #ShoutYourAbortion
Abortion does not make you unpregnant. It makes you the parent of a dead child. #ShoutYourAbortion
Instead of using the hashtag#ShoutYourAbortion why not drop the PC language and say #IKilledMyBabyAndImProudOfIt?
Perhaps one of the more balanced responses came from one tweeter who said, “Regardless of your stance on abortion, why can't we all agree it's not something to brag about? Why is #ShoutYourAbortion a thing? Ugh.”
Indeed, why is #ShoutYourAbortion a thing? Not only are we sinners, but we are proud sinners. While we should be mourning our sin, instead we revel in it. As one internet blogger put it, “The idea seems to be that boasting is magical -- it can turn even the most shameful atrocities into good deeds worthy of praise. What a disgraceful delusion.”
All the boasting in the world cannot magically transform sin into sanctity, or murder into morality.
We must guard our own hearts, however, from the equally dangerous delusion of boasting in our own righteousness. The Apostle Paul was quick to point this out to the Corinthian believers who, rather than dealing with the gross immorality in their midst, chose instead to be proud of themselves for being so much better (1 Corinthians 5:2).
Long story short, there is only one cause for boasting: “Therefore, as it is written: ‘Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord'" (1 Corintians 1:31).