Not Guilty? Are You Sure?

“Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God”

(Matthew 19:17, NKJV).

I’m ashamed to admit that when the verdict was rendered in the Casey Anthony trial, my first reaction was the thought, She got away with murder! But then I heard that still, small voice inside me say, “So did you.”

How quickly we forget! Like Casey Anthony and everyone else who has ever walked this earth—with the single exception of the Son of God Himself—I was lost in sin and headed for hell, guilty on all counts, living on Death Row without even realizing it. And then, on July 5, 1974 (exactly 37 years to the day prior to the announcement of Casey Anthony’s “not guilty” verdict), I was “ambushed by Jesus of Nazareth” and declared “not guilty.” God, in His sovereignty and by His mercy and grace, plucked me off of Death Row and translated me from the kingdom of darkness into the Kingdom of His dear Son. What a miracle! And yet, 37 years later, how readily I respond to what appears a travesty of justice with words of condemnation.

Forgive me, Lord! It is not that God at that moment dealt with my heart to believe Casey Anthony was indeed innocent of the crime of killing her precious daughter, but instead that He reminded me of the old saying, “There but for the grace of God go I.” God was not caught off-guard by this unexpected verdict, and He declares in His Word that He is “not mocked.” Our sins will certainly “find us out”—not just Casey Anthony’s but ours too, unless they are forgiven and “under the blood” of the Savior who already went to Death Row and beyond for us.

Did Casey Anthony get away with murder? I don’t know…but God does. And He loves her so much that He sent His only Son to die for her so that she could have the opportunity to turn to Him for forgiveness. May we pray that she does, for as we are reminded in the Scriptures, it is only by His mercies that we all are not consumed and rightfully cast into hell.

What a mighty and merciful God we serve! May we remember to walk humbly before Him, remembering that we are only declared “not guilty” because of the sacrifice of the only truly “not guilty” One Himself.

Celebrating Fourth of July with Faith Deployed...Again

Jocelyn Green writes to, for, and about military families, so I thought it would be appropriate to highlight an excerpt from her latest release, Faith Deployed...Again, as we head into this Fourth of July weekend. Thank you, Jocelyn, for your support of our brave men and women in the military, as well as their families! And for anyone who might want a copy, there's ordering info below PLUS you can leave a comment (and become a follower if you aren't already) with CLEAR contact info (email is fine) for a chance to win a free copy. Blessings!

By Jocelyn Green

Happy Independence Day! As we celebrate our nation’s birthday and all that America means to us, let’s also remember our military families who sacrifice daily to keep our country the “land of the free.” The “homes of the brave” need encouragement now more than ever, as we are approaching a decade of deployments since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, almost ten years ago. As a former military wife myself, I understand the strain on military families, and I know that the best source of encouragement comes from applying the Word of God to our lives. The Bible is relevant, no matter the situation. Illustrating this truth has been the driving passion behind both of my devotional books for military wives, the second of which just released: Faith Deployed . . . Again: More Daily Encouragement for Military Wives (Moody Publishers). While my husband is no longer active-duty, my heart remains with the heroes at home.

The following is an excerpt from Faith Deployed…Again:

Vision Check

By Jocelyn Green

Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.
Psalm 34:8

When Rob and I married, we chose the hymn “Be Thou My Vision” to be played while we lit our unity candle. I had always loved the lyrics, but I had no idea how perfect they would prove to be not just for a single moment during a wedding ceremony, but for the day-to-day military lifestyle I was entering into.

So much of how we think, feel and live depends upon our vision—what we choose to see in any given situation. In fact, I believe that the difference between being simply concerned or being consumed by worry rides on where we to focus our sight.

In her book Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World, Joanna Weaver says, “Pastor and teacher Gary E. Gilley sums up the difference like this: ‘Worry is allowing problems and distress to come between us and the heart of God. It is the view that God has somehow lost control of the situation and we cannot trust Him. A legitimate concern presses us closer to the heart of God and causes us to lean and trust on Him all the more.’ Concern draws us to God. Worry pulls us from Him.”

Military wives (indeed, everyone on the planet!) will always have something to be concerned about. There are issues which simply cannot be ignored. But if we have done everything we can to help solve the problem and still find ourselves obsessing over it, we’ve crossed that line from concern to worry and find ourselves in dangerous territory.

The key to banishing worry from your heart is surprisingly simple. I look at it this way: your heart (and mine) has a limited capacity. The best way to get rid of the negative thoughts is to crowd them out with something else bigger and more beautiful: worship of the One who holds everything in His powerful and capable hands. In other words, stop focusing on the root of your worries and shift your gaze to the Lord. It won’t make the troubles disappear, but it sure will help you to stop staring at them all day long!

King David was a master at this. Psalm 10 begins with “Why, O Lord, do you stand far off? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?” But by the time he gets to the end of the chapter, he changes his tune to: “You hear, O Lord, the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry, defending the fatherless and the oppressed, in order that man, who is of the earth, may terrify no more” (verses 17-18). Did you see that? He turned his worry into worship.

The next time your heart is troubled, check your vision. Focus on God and on His unchanging character. Trust in who He is and the promises He provides in Scripture, rather than what is going on around you.

Ask

What am I most worried about today?
What can I praise God for instead?

Pray

Lord, please forgive my tendency to worry about things I can’t control. Help me draw closer to You and replace my anxiety by meditating on Your Word. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

For more information about Faith Deployed…Again, visit: http://www.faithdeployed.com/coming-soon/

Jocelyn Green is an award-winning author, freelance writer and editor. A former military wife, she authored, along with contributing writers, Faith Deployed: Daily Encouragement for Military Wives (Moody 2008) and Faith Deployed . . . Again: More Daily Encouragement for Military Wives (Moody 2011). Jocelyn is also co-author for Battlefields & Blessings: Stories of Faith and Courage from the War in Iraq & Afghanistan (AMG Publishers 2009), which won the Gold Medal from Military Writers Society of America in 2010. She is the editor of www.WivesinBloom.com, the online magazine of Christian Military Wives, and maintains her own award-winning Web site for military wives at www.faithdeployed.com. She holds a B.A. in English from Taylor University, and is an active member of the Evangelical Press Association, the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association and the Christian Authors Network. She and her husband have two children and reside in Cedar Falls, Iowa.

Fiery trials? Time to rejoice!

Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you,

as though some strange thing happened to you (1 Peter 4:12, NKJV).

In the past few weeks I’ve heard from people who are at the end of their rope, beaten down with trials and suffering that seem to have no end. They feel they cannot endure another minute and even find themselves questioning God and His faithfulness.

In the above verse, Peter was trying to help us see that as believers, trials are not the exception but rather the norm. We belong to Christ, who was beaten, tortured, and killed; should we truly expect any less?

But we do, don’t we? Particularly if we live in a country or culture or time when Christians aren’t openly persecuted. But that doesn’t mean we won’t be tried in other ways, indeed to the point of exhaustion, where we question if we can go on another day—another minute.

Christians throughout the centuries and even today in many countries understand these fiery trials only too well. One Chinese Christian, who had suffered beyond human endurance and therefore had learned to depend on God when all else was lost, said this:

“Where there is no cross, there is no crown. This lesson cannot be learned from books, and men do not usually taste this sweetness. This rich life does not exist in a comfortable environment. If the spices are not refined to become oil, the fragrance of the perfume cannot flow forth; if the grapes are not crushed in the vat, they will not become wine.”

Feeling crushed lately? You are not alone. Not only do other Christians truly “feel your pain” because they too are in the refining process, but Jesus Christ Himself endured the crushing so the fragrance of new life could burst forth in us.

Take courage in the verse that follows the one above: “rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy” (1 Peter 4:13, NKJV). God is faithful. Your sufferings are not in vain. Your tears do not fall unnoticed. He will bring you to the place of exceeding joy.

A challenge from my friend and co-author John Meacham

Divine Revelation: A Call from Christ to Join the Armies of Heaven

Since these early days of Peter and Paul, the church has been directed by its anticipation of Jesus’ second coming and maintained by its preparation of His followers to meet Jesus face-to-face in heaven. In light of these church traditions, I ask every Peter and every Paul who call themselves true prophets of Christ: Is your congregation ready for Jesus’ second coming?

And to every Mary Magdalene and every John who call themselves Christians, I ask: Are you ready to meet Jesus face-to-face in Heaven?

Excerpted from page 113

Wow! Divine Revelation: A Call from Christ to Join the Armies of Heaven is an eye opening journey. It speaks to the ordinary person and shows that God loves everyone, even ME! This book really called me to a closer relationship with Jesus Christ. Ruth Baker, Church Member

In John’s new book, Divine Revelation: A Call from Christ to Join the Armies of Heaven, I felt called to take a fresh look at my life and how Jesus must be our focus. Everyone who reads this book should prepare to be challenged and maybe even discover their own Dazzling Light. Ray LaCroix, Worship Leader

Divine Revelation: A Call from Christ to Join the Armies of Heaven puts into writing how true my comparison of John is to the Apostle Paul. A man of God, who is totally on fire for Jesus Christ! And after reading this book, I am inspired to work harder as a true disciple-witness for Jesus Christ. Elaine Pocalyko, Elder

Order you copy now from Tate Publishing: www.tatepublishing.com/bookstore/book.php?w=978-1-61346-086-3

The Importance of Finishing Well...

…but now you also must complete the doing of it;

that as there was a readiness to desire it, so there also may be a completion out of what you have (2 Corinthians 8:11, NKJV).

I lost two friends this week.

Actually, that’s not true. They’re not lost at all. In fact, they have simply gone on to heaven ahead of me. One was swimming in a pool at a hotel in Kauai, where he was vacationing with his beloved wife; the other lost her battle with cancer, as her husband and grown children watched and prayed at her bedside. Both were valiant warriors and committed servants of Christ; both are now rejoicing in their Savior’s presence.

Their passing into eternity brought the above scripture to the forefront of my thoughts. Jim and Jacque didn’t just “start well” or have an occasional victorious day as believers. These two godly people remained faithful from the beginning of their walk with the Lord—and they finished well, completing what they started in a way that honored the One they claimed to follow.

The Apostle Paul did the same. As he approached the end of his life, he confidently declared, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7, NKJV). And he certainly didn’t do so because he had an easy life! As trials, tests, and tribulations—some of which seem to have no end in sight—continue to assault us in an attempt to derail us and cause us to question God’s faithfulness, may we stay focused on finishing well so that when we too have “graduated” to heaven, others will say of us that we “fought the good fight…finished the race…kept the faith.”

June is "Bride Month"--Check it out!

Mona Hodgson has gracious given us an interview with Ida Sinclair, the main character in Too Rich for a Bride. Settle in for a minute and get to know Ida, won't you? I promise, you'll be glad you did!

Ida Sinclair: The Star of Too Rich for a Bride

By Mona Hodgson

(www.monahodgson.com)

Who are you?

I am the big sister, the oldest daughter, the responsible one. I’m the one who makes things happen for other people. Isn’t this what the first-born does?

What do you want?

I want to make things happen for myself. I want to be a successful businesswoman, respected for my abilities and my hard work.

You expect to do that in a mining town out West?

You think it’s wrong for me to seek success in the world of business, to earn my own money?

No, but it’s certainly not going to be easy. I only wanted to clarify your intentions for your fans.

My fans?

Yes, the Sinclair sisters—each of you--have a following of readers who care about you and your journey. What has your life been like since your mother died?

The moon was high when I heard my father crying. I rushed into the hallway outside my parents’ bed chamber. Dr. Haufbauer stood there rocking back and forth, shaking his head and puffing his pipe. Ever since then, I’ve felt responsible for my father’s well-being and my sisters’ care. Now it’s time for me to follow my dream.

Have you left any room for romance in your plans? Do you believe in love?

Although I would like to eventually find love and wed, I’m not searching for a man. Right now romance would be a distraction I can’t afford. If I ever do decide to pursue love and marriage, it’ll be after I’ve found success in business.

What about your father’s wishes that you and your sisters find a man in Cripple Creek, Colorado who can provide for you?

Father isn’t in Cripple Creek. He’s busy working in Paris. Besides, I’m not one of the daughters he was worried about. He knows I can take care of myself. Soon, I’ll prove it to him.

What has your life been like since your father moved to Paris?

Focused and lonely. I take my business courses in the mornings and work in the school’s office in the afternoons. Aunt Alma’s house is comfortable, but cluttered. Vivian has a beau, but you don’t want to get me started on him. Anyway, between Vivian’s schooling and her fascination with Gregory, she’s too busy for much more than a Sunday checkers game with her big sister.

What one word would you use to describe the following people?

Kat – wordsmith

Nell – homemaker

Vivian – Vivacious

Father – Steady

Aunt Alma - Entertaining

What word would you use to describe yourself?

Resourceful.

What word would your sisters use to describe you?

Dependable.

What word would your father use to describe you?

Capable.

How would you describe your relationship with God?

It’s more a battle for control, than a relationship.

Ida, now that you’ve been in Cripple Creek for a while, has your perspective changed any? One, you should know, you wrote the book. Two, my story says it all, and I don’t want to spoil the read for the Sinclair sister fans.

Wasn't that fun? Find out more about the brides in Mona's new series at her website: www.monahodgson.com

"Armed and Dangerous"!

…and the sword of the Spirit,

which is the word of God (Ephesians, 6:17, NKJV).

Have you ever noticed that of all the spiritual weapons listed in Ephesians 6, the Word of God is the only one that actually serves as both an offensive and defensive weapon? Defensive weapons are certainly necessary because we know the enemy of our souls continually prowls around “like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8). But as believers who belong to the victorious Savior who already defeated death, we don’t have to wait for the enemy to bring the fight to us. We can assault the very “gates of hell” (which Matthew 16:18 says will not prevail against the Church), and we will win. But how do we do that? With the Word of God, the Sword of the Spirit.

I learned how important this was the first time I became involved in jail ministry and discovered that, unlike when I went behind bars with a ministry team, as an individual visiting a specific inmate, I could not bring my Bible in with me. So how was I supposed to minister to that inmate? The Lord reminded me at that very moment that I had read and studied and memorized Scripture for years, and I carried that powerful weapon with me wherever I went. And that, my friends, made me “armed and dangerous”!

I hope that you too have realized the importance of taking the fight to the very gates of hell, armed with the Word of God in your heart. It is all we ever need to prevail against the enemy of our soul—and to help deliver others from his deadly grip.