We Are His

Recently, I read a post titled I'm An Outcast. Several things have happened over the past few months, and I can completely relate to that post.

You see, God has been molding our lives, and as we have followed His lead in these past 18 months, we have made so many changes. Some may view these godly changes as evidence or fruit of our regenerated hearts and in fact admire our complete and utter faith. While others may view them as reckless, irresponsible, radical, non-conformist, or just plain crazy.

That brings me back to Jennifer's post. I realize more and more each day, that within the world's standards, we are outcasts. But, we are in good company. I take comfort in Jesus's words to his disciples in John 15:18-19:

"If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before it hated you. If you were of this world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, because of this the world hates you.

That hate is becoming apparent more and more each day.

Several months ago, my son's life long friend texted some very hurtful words to him about our family's choices, beliefs, and my son's character. This was a very personal and painful attack on our family.

More recently, my husband was verbally attacked by a teacher who works at his school. He had never met this teacher but was being introduced to him by another colleague. This particular teacher, responded to this introduction with a, "Oh, I know who you are. You are that conservative Christian." That was followed by 2 minute tirade attacking my husband's character, beliefs, morals, "hateful" God, "bigoted, misogynistic, and backwards ideas." He told my husband that anyone who goes to college and still clings to conservative values should not earn a degree, and that my husband does not deserve to be teaching. Ed chose to not respond, but rather, he politely said that he had to go and went back to his building.

While Ed is often judged and questioned for his beliefs, he has never experienced such a hateful and intolerant attack. Clearly "tolerance" and "hate" only goes one way in this young teacher's mind. Clearly everyone should agree with his beliefs. What is even more sad is that if this teacher actually realized what an amazingly hard-working man, loving husband, and caring father Ed is, he would regret every word he said…or maybe not. Certainly, he is "of this world" and does not see things from the perspective of our loving Creator.

This experience is a reminder that we need to be praying for the Full Armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-17) each and every day as it is clear that Satan is using those around us (even those near and dear to us) to attack us with flaming arrows. Our battle is not against flesh and blood but against Satan, and Satan is not happy with God's work in our lives.

While these attacks are painful and may damage relationships, we must consider them a blessing as clearly outlined in Matthew 5:10-12:

"Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heavens. Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

The persecution will continue for we are not of this world but outcasts who have been transformed and desire nothing more than to glorify Him with all that we do. We are His.

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2

For I Am Not Ashamed!

Are you proud of the gospel? Does your life outwardly (and inwardly) express your love for and obedience to His Word? Living in this countercultural way, don't be surprised if you experience flaming arrows. Just a week ago I woke up to a message from someone very near and dear to me expressing concern for the way Ed and I have chosen to lead our life and raise our boys. After the initial shock of the clear judgment and condemnation, I realized that this was the greatest compliment we could receive. Yes! We are now in the company of Jesus! Jesus was hated by the world and said in Mark 13:13:

"You will be hated by all because of My name, but the one who endures to the end, he will be saved."

My response to the message of judgment and condemnation was that of love, respect, and affirmation that we are indeed living and raising our children with a vision and with intention (and refuting the promise made in the message that our children would indeed be lost when they left home). While that vision and perspective was clearly not something that we shared, our parenting and choices still deserve respect. Every parent and generation makes choices based on their beliefs and morals. Ours just happen to be based on the infallible Word of God--our very life handbook. Believing that we were created by God, naturally we would look to His Word for daily instruction--His plan for humanity. His plan is clear! And with that very plan, we base our life and choices. Certainly in the past year we have made some drastic changes. Clearly, our LORD has regenerated our hearts.

My husband and I have never, in our almost 19 years of marriage, been more on the same page. We have a vision, not just for the education of our children, but MORE importantly for their salvation and their future relationships. Because with those two things, a new generation that will glorify God will spring forth.

We are currently taking a bible study called "Raising a Pure Generation." Last week's lesson focused on guarding our children's purity and having a clear vision for protecting it. The instructor shared that we, as parents, all too often focus and set goals only for academics, career, and sports/extracurricular activities for our children but ignore goals for their future relationships. That really hit me! When they are on the brink of divorce or struggling in their marriage at 35, that A+ in algebra is NOT going to matter.

Ed and I are intentionally raising our boys to respect women and save themselves for their marriage so that they can stand before their bride on their wedding day with a pure heart carrying no baggage from the past. What a gift! We are raising them to look at sex as a beautiful gift of marriage not a recreational activity. We are raising them to be leaders of their home and providers for their family. And we are praying aloud to them every night (well, the majority of nights) for their future wife. We have vision and are being very intentional.

Some of the judgment in the message was also based on the fact that we homeschool and that we somehow do not believe in science. And, because of that fact, our kids will not be prepared for the real world. That is simply silliness! Having been a teacher for 13 years (and Ed is still teaching in public school), I know the clear difference between what happens every single day in a homeschool versus a public school. I have the authority to express the clear difference. Not to mention what God says about how we are to train and teach our children… But, the fact that my kids are not out in the world…c'mon! My kids are not stuck in a classroom for 7 hours a day for 13 years with kids only their age (i.e.. fools). They are living life--learning to get along in a family, taking care of every day tasks (i.e.. cooking, cleaning, gardening, doing laundry, mentoring, etc.). They are learning about finances and a budget. They are volunteering their time at church (yes, even during the day during the week) and helping the poor. They are learning things they are excited about, not just limited to the state standards. They are also learning science, real science, that which has been proven--NOT just science that is unproven but supports a theory (one that clearly refutes God's creation). My boys can also advance in their academics at their own pace--how motivating! My children are very well aware of the "real world" because they are living and experiencing it hands-on everyday.

So, while those initial flaming arrows stung, I am now thankful for them--they were a sweet confirmation. Since the messages back and forth, my near and dear has expressed regret for the verbal attack (but I am sure there is more to come). I pray that our life will be a true expression of the gospel and will raise curiosity for the beauty of living for our LORD.

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. Romans 1:16

Under Attack--Prayer Warriors Needed!

We are certainly undergoing some serious spiritual attacks right now--the past few days have been incredibly challenging and heartbreaking. I am choosing not to elaborate in order to protect all involved.

I never realized the power of spiritual warfare, but it is real and the enemy is certainly not happy with all the changes we are making. Being on God's path and following His Word and will is exactly where we want to be…but that is not making the enemy happy. Satan is trying to cause havoc and weaken our faith and bond. But, he will NOT win this battle.

Over a year ago, a new friend's mother gave me a spiritual warfare book (she had never met me or my family) titled Satan, You Can't Have My Children written by Iris Delgado. Ed and I are currently using the scripture referenced in this book, and we are cloaking ourselves and our children in the full armor of God (Eph. 6:10-17) in order to combat the attacks on our family.

Keep calm and receive God's peace, especially when the storm is raging in intensity. Nothing confuses the enemy more than a child of God who is not moved by the tactics and strategies of the enemy. Iris Delgado

Scripture makes it very clear that we have power over the enemy.

Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing will injure you. Luke 10:19

I must say, though, this attack has made me weak and emotional. I am so thankful to have such an incredibly strong and loving husband who is leading our family, by God's grace, through this storm. We trust in His promises in His Word.

"I will lead the blind by a way they do not know, In the paths they do not know I will guide them. I will make darkness into light before them And rugged places into plains. These are the things I will do, And I will not leave them undone." Isaiah 42:16