MAKE YOUR BED WITH CARE, YOU’LL HAVE TO LIE IN IT

My friends and family think I’m obsessive; I call it organization. I become dysfunctional in the midst of chaos. There are some things I’m more organized with than others, so no peeking into my closet. I love order-everything needs a place; balance-an item in the middle of the shelf needs something on either side; and symmetry-my hairdresser finally convinced me that my face is asymmetrical, so my hair should be parted off center. Now you understand why my bookshelf is alphabetized, ironing shirts gives me a feeling of accomplishment and you will never find a haphazard, artistic mess on my mantle. With two boys and now grandchildren, I’ve learned to compromise on the family room and kitchen. I usually have a dirty glass or bowl in the sink, a pile of mail on the counter and various toys lying in disarray in front of the fireplace creating ordered chaos. There are two rooms, however which are non-negotiable; my bathroom and bedroom.

I need a clean neat bathroom, so I keep minimal toiletries on the counter and put out fresh towels every day. Speaking of towels, I always put the freshly laundered towels on the bottom of the pile so that I use all of them the same amount and they wear evenly. OKAY, that may be a little on the obsessive side, but I’m never embarrassed if a guest stops in. Also, there is something so relaxing about not being grossed out by a grimy tub, overflowing trash can and a cluttered vanity. As you probably guessed, I also squeeze the toothpaste from the bottom and hang the toilet paper over instead of under.

Although, I seldom enter my bedroom during the day, it is always ready and inviting if I need a peaceful sanctuary for a few minutes or a calm, quiet place to catch a quick nap. I consider my mattress and pillow to be an important investment. My Select Comfort mattress is set to the exact firmness or in my case softness and my Memory Foam pillow always cradles my head with just the right support. One other luxury that I consider a necessity is high thread-count sheets. There is no feeling like slipping between 600-count satiny, cotton sheets. Every night I slide into bed and just lie there for a moment enjoying the comfort of my mattress, pillow and soft sheets. Then I let out a sigh of pure pleasure as I sink into my luxuriously made bed and let go of the day’s problems and stress. However expensive or luxurious the room and its accessories, it wouldn’t have the same effect if I neglected to make the bed every morning. There wouldn’t be much pleasure if I had to sink into a rumpled bed with wrinkled or soiled sheets rather than a clean smooth bed. My Mom always taught me, “You make your bed and you’ll lie in it.” I figured it was worth taking a little extra time to get it right, if I had to lie there all night.

How many times have I gotten carried away with the every day cares and trials of life and failed to “make the bed” but never noticed until I had to lie in it. The sheets of my world had become crumpled and soiled all because I neglected to spend a few moments changing and smoothing them. I want to take a little time every day smoothing the wrinkles through prayer, tucking in the loose ends and plumping up the pillows by spending a little time in the Word of God. Sometimes daily prayer and Bible reading are not enough to keep everything God has provided in good order and I need a complete refreshing. I have to find an altar of repentance and linger for a while in His presence. I love to let the power of the Holy Ghost wash away all the mess until I feel totally renewed. Lord, remind me that the bed I make every day is the one that I will have to lie in that night. Help me to take the time to smooth, plump and tuck and occasionally change.

IF IT WAS WRONG IN 1850....

The Bible is very clear in naming the evil and sin that transcends generations and cultures, however, every generation defines evil and sin in their own terms. Generational and cultural sins usually have to do with new or changing ideas, expression or technology. We make laws with specific definition and police the vice until the next generation matures and embraces their own designated evils.

In the 1850’s photography was the newest phenomenon with the invention of the camera. It became fodder for many sermons and decency laws were passed in many communities to protect citizens from the evil of photography. It was reported that one shopkeeper placed a daguerreotype of people eating in a restaurant, in his window. So many people gathered to view the photograph that a major traffic jam ensued. The shopkeeper was prosecuted for obscenity!

Another critic stated: The wish to capture evanescent reflections is not only impossible, as has been shown by thorough German investigation, but the mere desire alone, the will to do so, is blasphemy. God created man in His own image, and no man-made machine may fix the image of God. Is it possible that God should have abandoned His eternal principles, and allowed a Frenchman in Paris to give to the world an invention of the Devil? (Author unknown)

The following letter was sent by a Minister to a local paper, voicing his concerns; Sir, - I beg to bring to your notice the serious harm likely to come from the increasing popularity of photography. Since Mr. Talbot and M. Daguerre perfected their processes for fixing a living image on paper a few years ago, there has been an alarming increase in the popularity of this unnatural pastime. The stage has now been reached when permanent damage is likely to be inflicted not only on painting, engraving, and the arts in general, but upon industry, manners, and the home itself.

Already, I am informed, the fascinations of the photograph album have had their effect on the thousands of children who would be better employed in pit or mill; already the reputations of Landseer, Turner, and even Martin and Westall are believed to be suffering; and I can myself vouch unhappily from my own family circle that idleness and vanity are encouraged by the constant posing for portraits, and the subsequent poring over them in unhealthy crouching attitudes. This day, alas, I have been obliged to call five of my daughters before me for reproof... (Appeared in an unnamed newspaper Jan 9, 1851) I find it amusing that he felt children would be better off employed in a “pit or mill” than constantly posing for immoral photographers.

It is interesting to look back over the years and remember the things the things our parents were certain would cause us irreparable damage have been set aside for the newest evil that has reared its ugly head. I wonder what our children will look back at and laugh as they attempt to legislate against the latest music, media offerings or idea?

King Solomon declared in Ecclesiastes 1:9-11, "The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun. 10 Is there anything whereof it may be said, See, this is new? It hath been already of old time, which was before us. 11 There is no remembrance of former things; neither shall there be any remembrance of things that are to come with those that shall come after. " The wisest man that every lived understood that human nature has not changed, since creation. We convince ourselves that we are smarter and more innovative than any other time in history, that we have more clarity, a greater revelation and were created for such a time as this. We will make the world a better place for future generations and our children will set up shrines to worship at the altar of our success. In reality we are destined to repeat mistakes, which will be repeated by our children and grandchildren. Every generation must make their own mistakes, learn their own lessons and find their own relationship with God.

The Word of God has left us a blueprint that crosses generations and cultures. It doesn’t address photography, rock music, or the color of your shoes but it does tell us of a loving God. A God who was not willing that any should perish, and came that we might be reconciled back to Him. A God who is so holy and by His grace clothes us in His righteousness that we may come before His throne with boldness. A God who has conquered evil and equips us to live a victorious life. . A God that went to prepare a place for us and is returning soon to take us to live with Him for eternity. A God who gives us the Holy Spirit to live in us and says, “It’s for you and your children and those who are far off;” this generation and those yet to come.

READY TO GIVE A DEFENSE

Have you ever been accused of being “defensive?” It seems that if one person makes a statement that violates your beliefs or values and you try to explain what you really believe or why that has become your core belief, the immediate response is, “Why are you being defensive?” My response is Offenses always make one Defensive. The dictionary defines Defensive as, “a position or attitude of defense.” Defense is defined as, “the defending of a cause or the like by speech,” or in my case, writing.

When my boys were at home, we welcomed everyone to enjoy freedom of speech in our home, with one stipulation; “If you felt the need to make a statement, be prepared to defend it.” Of course, as Mom, my defense at times consisted of, “Because I said so!” or “As a woman, I am entitled to think that!” These statements of course were only applied to the difficult teenage years and not philosophical thought. Because we encouraged critical thinking, my children excelled in high school and college and have developed strong core beliefs that they are well able to defend. Our family “discussions” scared off or “weeded out” many girlfriends, but I am happy that our boys married strong women who are not afraid to have opinions regarding a variety of subjects.

What does the Bible have to say about the subject? I have heard statements such as, “The Word of God or God Himself does not need defending.” Are we supposed to keep silent and let the Bible speak for itself? Can it speak if it is not read? Can they hear without a preacher? Peter addresses this subject with this statement, “sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.” 1 Peter 3:15 (NKJV)

There is a growing movement in the world of inclusion. I am inclusive in as much as I acknowledge that you may not think like me, have different opinions and value systems. I do not believe that inclusiveness means that I must entertain all opinions as equal in truth and incorporate all thought into my World View. We live in the United States where according to our Constitution; we still have freedom of speech. I respect that Right and agree that extends to our Beliefs. I also believe that Right covers Christians and our right to defend the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

The following is a defense written by my oldest son, Steven in response to many emails and discussions he has had on this subject.

In response to a message that I forwarded to some friends and family, that was subsequently forwarded to others, there has been an incredible and offensive backlash. This response has accused Christians of many things, including hatred, intolerance, and bigotry. I have ignored these charges as long as God would allow, but now I must respond with an attempt at very clear, straightforward language.

It is vitally important that we understand Christianity, so that we can put up a defense against those who, though not trusting in Christ, would tell us how “true Christians” should respond to the world. Satan is the great accuser, so where do you think the accusations of hatred, intolerance, and bigotry are rooted? Would Satan not love for Christians to begin to tolerate corruption of God’s Word and to encourage sin in the world?

This is at the heart of Christianity (nutshell version):
God loves all of His creation and as a result has made a way (through Jesus Christ) to restore the fallen and sinful race of mankind to communion with God, but that perfect love does not override His justice which requires those who reject His salvation (Jesus Christ) to be punished for the sin of pride which seeks to usurp God’s throne.

Christians believe that the Bible was written by God, through men (not by men). As such, it is non-negotiable, timeless, and absolute. As Christians, what must we believe? The answer is clear….we must believe what the Bible tells us. It is NOT our prerogative what we choose to believe and disregard from the Bible.

First principle: Man’s need for redemption. Romans 3:20-26; All have sinned, falling short of the glory of God. None are worthy, all are corrupt, and as a result there is nothing that we can bring to God, no deed we can perform, and no amount of good that can be done on our part in order to rectify our fallen nature. As we are corrupt in our nature (our lusts and desires), everything that comes from us, including all deeds and works, are corrupt by nature. Matthew 7:18 tells us that “neither can good fruit come from a corrupt tree”. The only way to receive redemption from our fallen nature is to allow God to impart His incorruptible nature to us. This does not mean that we are perfect in action or attitude, but that we accept the offer of salvation through Jesus Christ and allow His Spirit to change us, bringing us unto perfection.

Second principle: Acts 10:34; God is no respecter of persons, therefore there cannot be different paths for different people. Ephesians 4:4-6; one body, one Spirit, one Lord, one baptism, one God and Father of all. There is one, not several. Matthew 7:13-14; the path to salvation is narrow, not wide. John 14:6; Jesus makes it clear that He is the way, the truth, and the life…the only way. Acts 4:12; “There is one name given under heaven whereby all men must be saved.” When read in context, it is clear that the name is Jesus. Jesus said, the Bible teaches, and Christianity believes that there is one way to redemption and it is through the blood of Jesus Christ, whereby we come to God, submit our will, and allow the Holy Spirit to transform us into the image of Christ.

Third principle: man needs redemption and Jesus Christ is the only way, therefore, if one does not identify with Jesus Christ in His sacrifice for our sins, one cannot be saved from the punishment that awaits all corruption. A Christian, while not hating those of differing viewpoints and beliefs, cannot embrace other faiths that deny the divinity of Jesus Christ and deny the need for His redemptive sacrifice to be applied to our lives. Those faiths are corrupt at their nature and cannot be true or valid.

There is no faith equal to Christianity because all other faiths reject Jesus as God Himself and reject His salvation. The end road of this lack of belief (and resultant acceptance of salvation) is Judgment and everlasting separation from God.

Why do I write these things? There is an emerging trend in the world toward religious inclusion and universal validity of faith. This is nonsense and the Christian church must not accept this corruption of God’s Word and His Truth.

This is not hatred, it is fact. The heart of the Christian does not look at the world and hope for judgment, we instead hope for revelation and salvation to come to the lost. Just as God so loved the world, so does the heart of Christ in us cry out in desperation that the world is missing out on so great a salvation. Often people are missing out on a relationship with Jesus Christ simply because we don’t want to offend someone else’s misguided beliefs. We do not further the Gospel by compromising the Word of God and marrying Truth with deceit.

The expectation is being put upon Christians to accept the world so that we can all be happy and all get along. Matthew 10:34-35 is clear that Jesus did not come to bring peace and a “kumbaya” attitude into the world. He came to bring Truth and that Truth will be a division between those who embrace it and those who reject it. We must stand up for the Truth even when people don’t like it. Those people may be friends, family, or strangers, but we must stand regardless.

As I have mentioned, the charge of hatred, intolerance, bigotry has been brought in recent days. When you look at the fundamental beliefs of Christianity, it is the farthest thing from hatred and bigotry, though it is intolerant. In order to express love, we must be intolerant of falsehood. Standing on the Truth of God is the deepest love that we could show the world because it is the only way for mankind to be saved. Indifference to the falsehood being thrown around would be the essence of hatred…it would be to disregard the everlasting consequences of man’s sinful actions. By standing up for the Truth of God (the Gospel of Jesus Christ) we are displaying our love for the lost souls we see everywhere. We must stand firm, or more souls will perish without hope of redemption. There is no bigotry in this display of love…all are welcome to partake of the salvation of Jesus Christ.

In the last day, only Truth will stand. Jesus will either know you or He won’t. The consequences are clear for either one: Heaven for those who take on His salvation and have a relationship with Him, and everlasting punishment and separation for those who have not. This unfortunately includes the Muslim world, the Hindu world, the Buddhist world, and the followers of every other religion in the world.

Christians, let us be clear: we do not serve the same God as any other religion. Our God has revealed Himself in Jesus Christ. Acceptance of this is absolutely necessary. Any religion that denies this fundamental truth cannot possibly serve our God. They are rejecting Him and His incredible expression of love.

This presentation is in no way a complete defense of Christianity and all of our beliefs…I simply don’t have the time. However, I pray that it has strengthened your resolve to stand up for the Truth, to never be swayed by vain philosophies of man, and to daily renew your relationship with Jesus Christ.

As a mom, I am so proud of my boys and the men they have become. As their “sister in Christ”, however, I am so thankful for their strong belief in the gospel and their thoughtful defense of the same. Jesus is coming soon and Satan is out to steal everything we hold dear. We must fight for truth and always be ready to “give a defense.”