We are all Slaves to GOD

I came across this comic the other day and at first thought it was going to be a funny joke, but as I read the last frame I was at first flabbergasted then angry… How dare they call God a liar! So I began to investigate the grounds they used for this comic.

Genesis 3:16 is the one that was used to say that Bible allows subjugation. Well, let’s see what  Genesis 3:16 says shall we? “To the woman he said, I will greatly increase your pains in childbearing; with pain you will give birth to children. Your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule over you.”  Now there is a back story here, God created Adam and Eve, he told them they could eat anything in the Garden of Eden except for the fruit from the Tree of Good and Evil or else they will die, SIN came into the picture and told Adam and Eve that they could indeed eat from the tree and they won’t die. STOP!

This is the make or break moment in the history of all Mankind. During this time Adam and Eve had the perfect relationship with God, they were never separated from him. They CHOSE to DISOBEY to BEILIEVE the LIE and not the TRUTH. The tree was not put into the garden to tempt us because God does not tempt, it was there to hold us accountable to either obey or disobey. To Obey is to worship God to Disobey is to SIN. 

We all know how the story of Adam and Eve ‘ends’ they CHOSE  to DISOBEY.  

Disobedience demands discipline.

God is our creator, our friend, our support, our rock, our father; he could have very easily destroyed us when our ancestors chose to willfully DISOBEY, instead he cursed us. To discipline us and show us that he loves us. Are we not all children of God? And as His children does he not have to lovingly discipline us when we do wrong in His eyes? Hebrews 12:4-11 states: “In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons: ‘My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those He loves, and punishes everyone he accepts as a son.’ Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? If you are not disciplined(and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live! Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; bur God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in His holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later, on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.”

God punished us because He LOVES us! He wants to have that relationship that we once had with him. He disciplines us to mold and lead us to be more righteous and to be more like Jesus. Genesis 3:16 is not an example of subjugation, but an excellent example of God’s amazing and never ending love, mercy and grace for us; the people that then and to this day turn our backs to Him.

Now onto the slavery issue; I have got to be honest and let you know that this one gave me a little more trouble than the previous one. On the bright side this one gave me a golden opportunity to delve deeper into God’s word to find the answers I was seeking. Let’s start at the verse in question: Leviticus 25:44-46:

“Your male and female slaves are to come from the nations around you; from them you may buy slaves. You may also buy some of the temporary residents living in your country, and they will become your property. You can will them to your children as inherited property and can make them slaves for life, but you must not rule over your fellow Israelites ruthlessly.”

Ok at first glance this does sound pretty bad, but the Bible isn’t just this one book, this one chapter, or these few verses. You have to compare scripture with scripture. Also, back then slavery didn’t have the negative connotation that it does today, most slaves were better off than some free men. In ancient cultures this was more viewed like an employee-employer relationship.

The Jews are no strangers to slavery and oppression. Exodus 1:11-14 states, “So they(the Egyptians) but slave masters over them (the Jews) to oppress them with forced labor, and they built Pithom and Rameses as store cities for Pharaoh. But the more they were oppressed the more they multiplied and spread; so the Egyptians began to dread the Israelites and worked them ruthlessly. They made their lives bitter with hard labor in brink and mortar and with all kinds of work in the fields; in all their hard labor the Egyptians used them ruthlessly.”

This of course was during the Israelites subjugation under Egypt. Moses was risen up by God to deliver the Israelites out of Egypt. After Egypt the Israelites were free men and women; that being said Exodus 21 shows that slavery was then voluntary to pay off debts, or to make restitutions, for 7 years the voluntary slaves served and when the 7^th year came they were released and all debts were forgiven.

Slaves in Israel were relatively well-treated because they were protected under the Mosaic Law.  Slavery back then was the normal. Slaves were the backbone of the great empires, Rome, Egypt, and Persia to name a few. I’m not saying that because it was the norm, that it makes it right. However, the Bible doesn’t condone the act of slavery, it recognizes the moral and ethical dilemmas that were present in that day and age. The Bible does however, give guidelines and rules on how a slave is to be treated.

Back to really the true issue at hand, Slavery. Are we not all slaves of God?

Job 13:27 “You fasten my feet in shackles; you keep close watch on all my paths by putting marks on the soles of my feet.”

Psalm 139: 2-4 “As the eyes of slaves look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a maid look to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to the Lord our God, till he shows us his mercy.”

Psalm 129:1-4 “They have greatly oppressed me from m y youth-let Israel sat they have greatly oppressed me from my youth, but they have not gained the victory over me. Plowmen have plowed my back and made their furrows long. But the Lord is righteous; he has cut me free from the cords of the wicked.”

Matthew 20:25-28 “Jesus called them to together and said ‘You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them and their high officials exercise authority over them . Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as ransom for many.”

Romans 6:16-18 “Don’t you know that when you offer yourselves to someone to obey him as slaves, you are slaves to the one whom you obey—whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness? But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you wholeheartedly obeyed the form of teaching to which you were entrusted. You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.”

Romans 6:22 “But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness and the result is eternal life.”

1 Corinthians 7:21-23 “Were you a slave when you were called? Don’t let it trouble you—although if you can gain your freedom, do so. For he who was a slave when he was called by the Lord is the Lord’s freedman; similarly, he who was a free man when he was called is Christ’s slave. You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of men.”

We  are all slaves of God.

While I was researching and praying about these two attacks on the Bible and God himself, I realized that there is a theme to both of these ‘issues’.

They both deal God showing himself to us, how loving he is, how gracious. Slavery and Subjugation of women, is all about someone ruling or conquering someone else. Well guess what? There is someone that rules over everybody: GOD! He is the highest of highest.  

God used the enslavement of the Israelites so that they would become more pure and more devout. As Deuteronomy 4:20 “But as for you , the Lord took you and brought you out of the iron-smelting furnace, out of Egypt, to be the people of his inheritance, as you are now.”

I Love the play on words here: the Iron-smelting furnace- Egypt: the oppressors of the Jews through suffering and slavery were the heat that was used to purify them; just as Iron must be heated to rid it of impurities.

The Lord oppresses =  the Lord Disciplines= because the Lord Loves.

 It’s as easy as that. God uses the situations to bring those he has his eyes on closer to him. In the case of the Jews it was the Slavery and oppression of the Egyptians.

WOW! What an AMAZING God we have!

A reflection....

Well, I did it. I have officially made the start to 'starting' my own 'business'. While I don't have to build the whole company from the ground up, I do get to have a sense of how hard that would be by trying to build my circle of clients up.

Sometimes I feel like I am pressuring too hard on some people. I worry about that too much I think. But I can't say I gave my all if all I did was sit on my tookus and expected everything to fall into my lap.

No, This is my new start to be more responisble and more grown up. I have to put my all in to it. I thank God for the opportunity to be my own boss. Everything I am able to do is because of his Grace. I do not pray to him selfishly that I will succeed. I pray that I am on the path that pleases him for me to be, and if I am not, I ask him for directions to get back on track.

I used to live my life very selfishly and self-centered. I am desperately trying to change that. Already I have seen improvement. I wake up every morning thankful get to see another glorious day that God made for me. I have more patience and a higher tolerance for those that are rude to me. I have A LOOOOONNNNGGGG! Way to go before the Good Lord is done with me. But I relish each trial he puts before me because it is in those moments that I KNOW he is with me. If he wasn't then how would I ever have gotten out of those exhausting and trying trials.

THANK YOU JESUS FOR EXEMPTING ME FROM THE LAW! I AM HUMBLED TO BE A CHOSEN CHILD OF YOURS!

Thank you to all of those that have/will support me in this new chapter in my life and walk in faith!

One small step.....

Re-reading my last post, I began to see more and more of how whiney I was. What was wrong with me?
Actually, nothing was wrong it just must've been a low point in my week for me. I also believe that I was little bit jealous.

There is nothing to be jealous about. If I want a change, then I need to be the one to initate the change. I can not just wait around for someone to hold my hand and tell me where to go, what to do and how to do it.

I could easily put the blame on my husband. Saying that he makes all the decisions, he pays the bills, he takes care of everything. He even drives everywhere because I don't have a license. But the blame isn't even half his, in fact the his blame is very minscule.

I don't have my license for a number of reasons, the main one? I'm scared to have it, I see the damages the destruction and chaos that ensues from drivers on the road. So while I yearn for the freedom of a license and the ability to come and go at will, I am also relieved that I don't have to do battle on the roads.

But, the time has come for me to stop being a little whiney baby and to develop into a mature responsible adult. I mean really? I am a mom to a wonderful 1 year old, and I can't legally drive? Enough! In 2 weeks if everything goes according to plan then I will get my permit re-instated and begin practicing and in about another month I will hopefull be fully licensed.

No more being babysat, no more being reliant on someone else to get somewhere. It is time to grow up. One step of many to come.

Oh and on Sunday, (if I see the person) I'm going to ask Crunchy's mentor to ask his wife to be mine. If I don't see him on Sunday for some reason, I will ask him on Tuesday! Changes are coming, and they are going to wonderfully FABULOUS!

"When you have to make a choice and don't make it; that is in itself a choice." ~William James.

A perfect quote for how my life has been up until now. From now on I will be consiously making a choice.

Where is my niche?

Today was a busy day! But every Tuesday is going to be for awhile! Bible study is so much fun! I LOVE learning God's word, it makes me feel closer to him! As a born again christian I am still flabbergasted at the price Jesus paid for MY sins. I can not believe someone did something so selfless. I could go on forever but then I would never get to sleep.

My husband, Crunchy, he has never been believed in Jesus or religion for that matter. However, through the power of prayer and the Grace of God he has seen the light and recently got baptized. On that day a man told one of our pastors that he wanted to reach out and help my husband since he was a new believer. What an amazing thing for him to say and do! My husband talked over the phone with him a few times then today while I was at bible study Crunchy met up with him at the church and they talked and my husband offered to help in anyway he can. Now he is going to be coming with me every Tuesday to do some volunteer work at the church. I am so happy for him in the aspect that he is taking steps to be more involved. But I can't help but feel that I still haven't found my little niche.

Yes, I go to a women's bible study, Yes I meet and talk to all kinds of wonderful women. But I didnt really have anyone reach out to me and offer to take me under their wing to answer any questions to help me find my footing so to speak. Granted, I didnt really think I needed someone, but I actually do.  I feel like an outsider looking in most of the time, except during the actual bible study. I've realized that besides God, I desperately need more friends and an outlet to pour some energy into, to do something anything in the Church body, in the name of the church... etc. You get the picture. I hear that small groups are a wonderful place to begin doing just that.

But, while I want these things and I yearn for them. I am a coward at heart about meeting new people. Especially ones that have known the Lord so much longer than me and feel so at home with who they are. Standing next to these amazing people I feel kind of like a fraud. Like I don't know what I am doing there. I don't belong. And it has nothing to do how the people are acting or talking to me. In all honesty I think it's Satan attempting to get me to turn my back again. Placing doubts in my head, and heart.  I know that I am NOT a fraud, that I LOVE the LORD and that I am blessed and saved by his Grace and his grace alone. I did nothing to warrant the blessings and love that God has placed on me. I am a sinner. These things I know. I also know that to OBEY the Lord is  to WORSHIP HIM. I will be obedient to the Lord.

I may not have found my niche just yet at church, but I have found a family in Christ.

To Africa With Love Update 3

Well... I heard back from the lady in charge with adopting little Caleb. Unfortunately they don't do international adoptions. Which I was prepared to hear... It still broke my heart. But there is a silver lining! I am still going to send the medi center that is helping him some diapers that P(my son) out grew before we could use them and also some clothes and blankets. It's not much but it's what I can do. I will continue to pray for Caleb; the little boy that stole my heart without even meeting him. I give thanks to God for opening my heart to Caleb and his fight. In doing so I believe he started a fire that has the potential to become a fire storm in me to help all abused, neglected, unwanted and unloved children. My grandma said this to me "even the smallest steps may have the biggest impact, you never know where the little steps will lead you." What a wise and wonderful woman she is. How do you change the world? A Random Kindness. Now I just need to begin my search and inquiry into the field of child abuse and how I can help.

To Africa With Love Update 2

Well, today after our AMAZING church service  I talked to my wonderful husband...(hmm I really need to get a better nickname for him... we'll call him Mr. Crunchy or Crunchy for short.) about Caleb Hope, I asked him if he thought about adopting him. He told me that he thought about it and that if we were able to that he is behind it 100%. I can not even begin to tell you the feeling of elation that ran through me. I could hardly wait to get to the computer today and email the lady that can answer all of our questions. I have to confess that I am kind of nervous.

I talked to our pastor's wife about international adoption and she offered to help us out, to make sure we don't get scammed. That is totally awesome of her! I have so many questions to ask people! : D Also at Crunchy's work there is a lady that recently adopted 2 russian girls. She informed us that the last she knew was that Africa didn't adopt out to the USA. That bit of news kind of disheartened me. But then I prayed to God and asked for him to give me the courage, strength and determination to see this to the end. If it is His will for me to adopt this baby then He will open a window for us to do it.

I keep praying for Caleb. The latest news is that he has a whole body infection due to the area that he was found in and having his umbilical cord still attached which allowed germs to flow freely into his body. He is on antibiotics and this could cause some complications when he grows up. Prayers to him always! He is already a part of my family in my heart and eyes. Even if he isn't placed with me I will always consider him a son. 

This song says it all:

KISSES IN THE WIND    (The Waiting Child's Lullabye)

I hold you in my heart and touch you in my dreams.
You are here each day with me, at least that's how it seems.

I know you wonder where we are... what's taking us so long.
But remember child, I love you so and God will keep you strong.

Now go outside and feel the breeze and let it touch your skin...
Because tonight, just as always, I blow you kisses in the wind.

May God hold you in His hand until I can be with you.
I promise you, my darling, I'm doing all that I can do.

Very soon, you'll have a family for real, not just pretend.
But for tonight, just as always, I blow you kisses in the wind.

May God wrap you in His arms and hold you very tight.
And let the angels bring the kisses that I send to you each night.

--- © Pamela Durkota, written for Josh

To Africa With Love Update

I heard back from the hospital that is taking care of Caleb. He is stable but is still very ill. He is currently in the Pediatric ICU. While I'm happy that he is stable I am still worried that he is ill. I havet to ask myself if this is normal to feel so attached to a baby that I haven't met, but love is love. There are no parameters that can define or contain love. I wish so bad that I could hold the little guy! I am sure that he is getting a lot of attention.

In addition to hearing from the hosptial they gave me another person to get into contact with to figure out how we can help Caleb. I sent the e-mail today I hope I don't have to wait too long to hear back from her. The burning in my heart is still there and the tears are still brimming in my eyes. I want to help him so bad. I am well on my way to doing just that. I just have to keep praying and doing God's will. I know that with God and Faith all things are possible.