choice | Ezerwoman's Blog

Posts Tagged ‘choice’

Excellent Medicine?

Posted in Faith & Practice, Life issues, Relationships, Vocation, tagged abortion, abortion trauma, choice, consequences, death, evil, hope, spiritual warfare on November 1, 2010| Leave a Comment »

Women have abortions because they care about motherhood . . . [It’s] excellent medicine.”

So said Elizabeth Newhall on MSNBC, October 25, 2010. Ms. Newhall has been deceived. Death is never good medicine. Who is her deceiver?

Jesus called satan a “murderer from the beginning.” He said that satan had “nothing to do with the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies” (John 8:44). Later, Jesus said, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly” (John 10:10).

The “murderer” first approached woman in the Garden of Eden. He had no respect for her or the children that would grow in her womb. Despising the human life that God so loves, satan wanted woman to be the mother of death. He tempted her to think God was holding something back from her, something that should rightfully be hers. He deceived her into false spirituality and, failing to trust God, the woman determined her own standard of right and wrong. The man stood by in silence. He failed to remember God, enter into battle with the “murderer” and protect his “rib.” Only then did male and female fall into sin. Their relationship with God and each other was never the same.

The battle for life had begun.

But, God is the God of hope and promise. He did not want woman to be the mother of death. And so, He named her Eve which means “life” (Hebrew: chawwah). Eve became the “mother of all the living” (Genesis 3:20). Indeed, through her seed came the Promised One, Jesus Christ, who has victory over the “father of lies” and “murderer”.

Until Jesus returns, this will be a deceptive world where evil is called “excellent medicine.” But, the Creator of Life is not compatible with death. He loves mother and child. It is not His will that either be in harm’s way.

The God who created motherhood says choose the “blessing,” not the “curse” (Deuteronomy 30:19). He says:

Choose life… that you and your children may live.

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We Have Choices

Posted in Biblical manhood & womanhood, Faith & Practice, Life issues, Relationships, Vocation, tagged attitude, choice, contentment, happiness, husband, Jesus Christ, marriage, sacrifice, spiritual warfare, wife on October 21, 2010| 1 Comment »

Marriage is a grand idea. God designed it. One man + one woman + God = joy!

The male and the female: equal, but not the same. Compatible. Complementary. Two hands from two bodies playing one song on the keyboard of life. God bringing forth new life from one union. A procreative masterpiece.

Sigh. Now, in a fallen world, it is difficult (if not impossible) to imagine the perfection of God’s design. Marriage, like all relationships, is challenged. In the spiritual battle between life and death; good and evil; God and satan, marriage is attacked — relentlessly. Why? Because it is the cornerstone of civilization, a “nest” for children, and the hope for generations to come.

But, even in the most challenged marriages, God can (and does) work. When we see our role of husband or wife as one of our vocations, we better understand our call to “love our neighbor as ourselves.” A husband serves his neighbor (his wife). A wife serves her neighbor (her husband). Together, both serve their little neighbors (their children). God doesn’t need us to do anything for Him, said Martin Luther, but our neighbor does. God works through us to serve our neighbors.

Are we challenged in our service of others? Oh, yes. Even in the closest of families there are differences in personalities, mannerisms, preferences, perspectives, patience, confidence, show of love, and even humor. The lessons learned while growing up, personal experiences, and a motly mix of genes shape one person to be a little (or a lot) different from another. Still…

In marriage, as in all relationships, we have choices. We can build up, or tear down. We can focus on what’s working, or what’s not. We can serve, or wait to be served.

Contentment in marriage doesn’t come when someone acts the way we think we’d like them to. Contentment doesn’t depend on one person making the other happy or filling them up or meeting their needs.

Contentment is a “core” thing; it’s from the Cross. A Cross-focus rather than a “me” focus changes husband and wife, saint and sinner, from the inside out. Personalities and quirky habits remain, but a Cross-focused “core” changes our attitude. Attitude changes behavior.

Our response to our neighbor reveals our “core,” no matter if they make us happy or sad.

We love because He first loved us.

(1 John 4:9) In response to Jesus’ sacrificial love for us, how do we choose to love our neighbor?

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Titus 2 Retreats

Posted in Biblical manhood & womanhood, Vocation, tagged choice, contentment, encouragement, God's Word, lifestyle, marriage, mentor, transformation, women's issues on October 2, 2010| Leave a Comment »

The doubts begin about a week or so before each retreat. There is a hissing sound. “Who do you think you are?” Taking another look through the Study Guide brings mixed emotions: The Word is exciting, but will my manner of presentation be helpful or harmful?

On August 8-9, my living room was filled with nine women. My prayer was, “Please, dear God, don’t let me get in the way of Your Spirit.” There were Lutherans and non-Lutherans. Older and younger. Married and unmarried. Friday evening began, as always, with a meal. It’s a way to practice hospitality, not showing off, but showing respect. The women settled in for a night of contrasting the world with God’s Word before recognizing what Titus, chapter two, has to say to each of us in our vocation of mentoring. On Saturday, we continued with breakfast, two sessions (one being my favorite on “Identity”), lunch, and two more sessions.

This note arrived about a week later: “Thanks so much for welcoming us into your home for the Titus 2 Retreat . . . The material is excellent, well thought-out and organized. But, you present it with humility blended with confidence and commitment to the message. At our church, we are seeking transformation, not just information. And the Titus 2 for Life message is life-changing.”

Another note read, “It’s so wonderful to listen to someone who is so articulate, doesn’t compromise one bit of God’s Word — and gets it. I could have listened forever.” Another read: “Prior to this, I hadn’t considered the Genesis connection to Biblical womanhood.”

On September 17-18, a Titus 2 Retreat was hosted in Norfolk, NE. Eighteen women fit comfortably in Kathy’s peaceful and welcoming home. She did not “show off,” but showed respect for each guest by way of her caring and servant-style manner. Lutherans For Life members who assisted Kathy by helping with food explained their conviction and desire to help mentor away from trendy thinking to the foundational Word of God. By 3:00 on Saturday afternoon, all the women were tired. But, many lingered as if they didn’t want to hurry from a place of warmth and safety.

Titus 2 Retreats are not easy. Topics covered are counter-cultural and using the “double-edged Sword of Truth” is divisive. After a retreat, I am drained. I know each woman has a story. But, not knowing the stories, I pray for tender words of hope and encouragement. I am challenged to stay on track, yet allow discussion; speak what honors God, yet be alert to a variety of emotions.

Dear Spirit, You know my opinions count for nothing. They are not helpful. They are shifting grains of sand. Keep this little ministry rooted in Truth — God’s unchanging Word of Truth. On October 8-9 in the home of Sherry and with women from the Cedar Falls area,