This was a big win for religious freedom, but this case in of itself was not as important as the implications of the doors that would have opened had it been successful. Had the Court ruled in favor of the EEOC, the outcome would have meant that the government could control hiring practices at churches through its ability to rule on what constitutes discrimination. This case was the camel’s nose under the tent flap, opening the door to multiple scenarios (mandating the performance of gay marriage ceremonies, for one). Once the federal government could say who could be hired or fired, it might make the stretch to mandate what could or couldn’t be done by those employees. That might seem preposterous, but not so much, the way things are going these days.

This case is similar to the one fought by Grove City College in 1984 regarding federal student grants (Grove City College vs. Bell). The federal government said that if a college or university received federal dollars not only directly (as with public schools) but also through student grants (as in the case of private schools) the government had the right to say what was done with that money at those institutions. Grove City prevailed and won the right not to accept federal student grants.

But, the battle against government intrusion into religious institutions goes on: last week the Department of Health and Human Services announced that religiously-backed institutions (such as hospitals or schools) are not exempt from paying for contraception through health care coverage for their employees. While this specifically targets the Catholic Church, which is against many forms of birth control, all faith groups should be concerned. Hiring practices, health care; what would be the next target of the government? It would seem that it regards “religious freedom” to be a one-way street. We dodged one bullet in the battle, but the war goes on.

When Planned Parenthood recently released their annual report for last fiscal year (resource: Penny Starr, 1/3/12, www.cnsnews.com), the statistics listed over one billion dollars in assets, which included almost half a billion dollars in tax money. It also stated that the organization did over three hundred thousand abortions, marking a steady increase over the last few years.

Although they prefer to say that most of the government money (read: your tax dollars) goes to services other than abortion, the government money at the very least enables them to spend the money to do abortions without hurting their bottom line. As I like to say, “Follow the money.” If there wasn’t money to be made doing abortions, the number of them performed would drop drastically. And, if the philosophy of Planned Parenthood’s founder, Margaret Sanger, was honestly evaluated, activists would make sure that it would be hounded out of business for that alone.

Along with the above statistics, the report also includes that the number of adoption referrals they do continue to decline – down almost 83% in recent years. That shows that they’re just not that interested in saving lives.

It’s hard to imagine how it grieves the Father over the millions lost. It’s not only those who would have been great leaders, great mothers, great writers, et.al., but those who would’ve been great friends, great workers, great neighbors and others, just like us. We can only wonder who is missing from our lives if their mothers had made a different choice.

I have chargers. They are new standard equipment, it seems, in the 21st century. I have one for my laptop. For my cell phone. For my IPod. And for my digital camera (before I lost it). Also for the baby monitor. My two sons, my wife, we all have lots of them. They are plugged in everywhere, probably taking half the outlets in our house now as well as half our electric bill. They are in our cars too. We must carry them or something vital will lose power and we’ll miss that all important call or Facebook post.

These are all well and good and necessary, but I wonder if I am keeping my heart and soul and spirit charged. Or am I in the “red zone” (“Warning!” says my laptop. “In 13 minutes I will die!”) This year I intend to keep “charged” with God’s power, His Spirit, His Word my daily food, His presence. Jesus is my most important “charger” in 2012.

(1) a god exists that created the world and watches over human life;

(2) God wants people to be good, nice and fair to each other, as taught in the Bible and in most world religions;

(3) the central goal in life is to be happy and feel good about one’s self;

(4) God does not need to be particularly involved in one’s life except when God is needed to solve a problem;

(5) good people go to heaven when they die.

He also realized that these beliefs go beyond the American teen population and are found to be true with many adults also. At first it all seems OK and beneficial – some belief is better than no belief, right? – but it’s really a pretty superficial belief system. The major deficiencies are that the approach is not biblical; it’s ego-centric – “It is all about me!”; and it treats God as a servant to be beckoned as needed. There is no Lordship involved or personal responsibility to the Gospel.

I have posted about similar problemic beliefs three times over the past three years (see archives for “Don’t Mix” 2.12.11, “1 From Column ‘A’” 1.10.10, “Train up a Child” 8.16.09), so you can see that it’s a concern of mine. From “1 From Column ‘A’”: “When we start to incorporate other beliefs into how we practice Christianity, the dilution doesn’t strengthen us or add to our spirituality, it has the opposite effect. It weakens us by blurring the lines of what belief comes from what basis until it’s hard to identify just what it is that we believe or who we believe in. It cripples our ability to be effective witnesses for Jesus Christ and diminishes the faith we pass on to our children. (See “Train Up a Child,” 8.16.09)

The Lord created us to be His and we are called by His Name. Isaiah 43:21 “This people have I formed for Myself; they shall show forth My praise.” Don’t mix!”

As the time of His return grows short, we don’t have time to endure another “Dark Ages” when Christianity is forced underground or diminished to the point of having little influence.  We must be confident and strong in our own faith based on a firm foundation of a good understanding of the Word and a close personal relationship with our Lord and be ready to share the Good News with others, especially the youth. Fluff isn’t faith.

The founder of the Freedom from Religion Foundation formed the organization based on her pro-abortion principles and her feelings of being threatened by those who believe to choose life. I found it quite interesting that this anti-religion group was founded on the basis of death, versus religion based on life.

Although a 17,000-member organization doesn’t seem like anything to really be concerned about, there is definitely a growing trend away from people identifying with religion. An American Religious Identification Survey taken three years ago found that responders claiming to adhere to “no religion” have more than doubled in the last two decades. (Source: “The Arizona Republic,” 12.10.2011) 

One of the Phoenix billboards featured the quote, “Love + critical thinking = open minds.” So, this group is “lovingly” suing over any sign of religion that they can, any chance they can? If they are so “open minded,” why do they lash out as often as they can against those who have different beliefs? Maybe I’m misunderstanding their definition of “critical thinking.” Instead of rational problem solving thinking, maybe it’s irrational criticism thinking. They say they don’t want the beliefs of others imposed on them. They’re offended by Christian symbols, words, music, etc., yet think we shouldn’t be offended by their actions.

They like to say that they believe in “nothing” – “no gods required” (another billboard quote), but, as I’ve said before, it takes just as much faith to believe in “nothing” as it does to believe in “something.” The fact that these few people wanted to “come out of the closet” about their beliefs isn’t such a big deal. It’s irritating that they choose this time of the year; “We don’t need your god. We believe in nothing!” But, rather than pointing out how “free” they are, I think it points out how sad and drab their lives must be. What do they celebrate? They might say they celebrate the winter solstice, but that’s a religious holiday, too. But, of course, they would reject our sympathy because the whole point of their timing was intended to be irritating.

Most of all, I think it points out two truths found in that Book that they reject:

“…God our Savior, Who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.”

I Timothy 2:3 & 4 (NIV),

and,

“Do you not say, ‘Four months more and then the harvest?’

I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields!

They are ripe for harvest.”

John 4:35 (NIV)

P.S.: The above-mentioned Freedom From Religion Foundation had filed a lawsuit against Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer over a state Day of Prayer. They wanted the commemoration ruled unconstitutional and wanted an injunction to prevent the governor from issuing future such proclamations. Thankfully, the judge dismissed the case yesterday, saying that the plaintiffs couldn’t “show how the governor’s actions caused them injury or harm.” Just another case of them having “nothing” to stand on.  (Source: “The Arizona Republic,” 12.13.2011.)

P.S. #2: The Freedom from Religion Foundation wants a small town in southern New Jersey to take down a banner that spans a public roadway proclaiming, “Keep Christ in Christmas.” The sign was put up by the Knights of Columbus, a Catholic men’s organization and is anchored on private property. The only response from the town has been a statement from the mayor expressing that a minority wants the majority to “kowtow” to them. The foundation is looking for private property in the town to place their sign – which they have put up elsewhere across the country adjacent to public Christmas displays – which states: “At this season of the Winter Solstice, may reason prevail. There is only our natural world. Religion is but myth and superstition that hardens hearts and enslaves minds.” They are entitled to their opinion, but so are we. (Source: http://philadelphia.cbslocal.com, 12.13.11)

How it must grieve the Father to see His children squabble, fight and even war against each other. He stressed how important it is that they get along: “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity.” (Psalm 133:1, KJV) Jesus made it clear that our witness to the world we hope to change depends on it: “I in them and You in Me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that You sent Me and have loved them even as You have loved Me.” (John 17:23, NIV) But, from the very beginning, believers have had a hard time bearing witness by being unified. The Lord knows that it isn’t easy, but Paul told us that He makes provision for that by giving us the qualities that it requires: “May the God Who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus.” (Romans 15:5, NIV)

As the time until His coming dwindles down, it is more important than ever that believers strive for unity.  In “the big picture,” it doesn’t matter whether we sing hymns or the latest praise songs, which version of the Bible we read, or whether we go to church in our “Sunday best” or casual attire. Liturgy and literature aren’t good reasons for division. As we are reminded at this season that symbolizes peace and love, let us be aware of the blessing of brethren dwelling together in unity through Jesus Christ, Whose birth we celebrate. It pleases the Lord and blesses us.

 “And over all these virtues, put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” Colossians 3:14 (NIV)

“Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” Eph. 4:3 (NIV)

(Sources:  The Associated Press and Fox News)

“Good Morning,

Today’s scripture comes from the Book of 1 Peter: ^‘Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.’ 1 Peter 4:10 (New International Version) We are urged throughout the Bible to do as our Father in Heaven does. The Bible tells us over and over that Jesus Himself did what He saw His Father in heaven doing. Today’s scripture clearly tells us to use the gifts we have received to serve others. It goes on to say that to do so is being a faithful steward of God’s grace. Dictionary.com defines the word ‘steward’ as ‘a person who manages another’s property or financial affairs; one who administers anything as the agent of another or others.’

To me that says that we are acting as God’s agent in regards to the gifts He has generously endowed us with. Are you sharing your God- given gifts with the world in the way in which He intended them to be shared? Perhaps you are gifted with a beautiful singing voice. Or maybe there is a song or a poem or a story trapped within your heart that longs to be released by you writing it down. Perhaps you are filled with great wisdom. Do you share it with others, even when given the perfect opportunity and urging? Perhaps you are gifted athletically. Or to you, the organization of an area or process seems so very simple to determine and complete. Maybe you are extremely creative. Doable, creative ideas may flow easily for you. Perhaps you are visually artistic. Or you may have such a gift of empathy that you feel the pain of others. Perhaps you instinctively know to proceed each time, in every kind of situation. You might be a master with money. Or maybe you are gifted with spiritual discernment or prophesy. You may be totally comfortable teaching others or have an innate ability to speak confidently to an entire auditorium. Each one of us is gifted by our Father with good gifts. Are you sharing that gift? Imagine for a minute that you are suddenly struck with an idea for the perfect gift for someone you love dearly. You manage to painstakingly locate or carefully craft this gift for your loved one. Finally the day arrives when you are able to present your gift to your loved one. You are full of anticipation and absolutely certain he or she will love it. As you watch in horror, he or she inexplicably takes your gift and without even opening it, tosses it up high upon a shelf. How would you feel right then? Upset and quite befuddled I am sure! I have to imagine that our Father God feels the same way at times about many of the gifts He has given to us. Our Lord God has endowed you with a gift…be it physical, emotional, intellectual, or spiritual…and He did it for a reason. He did it for a purpose. My prayer this week is that we would ponder the wonderful gifts our Lord God has given to us. The Bible tell us no one hides a lighted lamp under a basket or the bed (Luke 8:16), but instead they place it in the open for all to see the light. May the Lord Jesus Christ help each one of us to be the very best stewards we can be of the gifts He has given to us. P.S. What’s the gift you’ve been hiding under a basket?”

(Two more of Teri’s devotions, “DNR” was posted here on May 6, 2010 and “OH, HOW HE LOVES US” on September 28, 2010. Both can be found in our archive for May and September 2010 archives.)

enjoying the bounty of the Lord.

May your hearts be filled with thanksgiving to the Giver of every good and perfect gift.

“Praise the Lord.

Give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good;

His love endures forever.”

Psalm 106:1