Church Camp!

Well, first off I apologize for not posting sooner. Blogger hasn't let me get on my account, and the week before this I went to church camp.
Every year our youth group goes to a camp in the middle of nowhere (for my views on youth groups and church camps, contact me). But, hey! You can get closer to God in the middle of nowhere too!
But, last week was very cool. The Justin Cofield Band led worship for all of the services, and Brandon Barnard was the speaker. Both had great focus on God, and brought what he wanted them to. I know they both spoke to my heart through the messages and worship.
I could go on for days about church camp. But, I'll just give little snippets of what God gave me, and what, no doubt I will be posting on in the near future.
~Our God is a consuming fire. Fire for Him in our lives may consume things that are there now.
~God doesn't want us to surrender our stuff. He wants us to surrender ourselves.
~Live for eternity. Life is way too short to focus on.
~Store up treasures in heaven. You will be blessed when you can cast them at Jesus's feet when you get there.
~Many people think they've found something better than Jesus. Impossible!
~May you be covered in the dust of your Rabbi. Let the rabbi be Jesus.
~You have to pursue God. He will pursue you, but you have to pursue him too.
~It's not reckless abandon to God. It's actually very calculated.
~Sin is sin. It's all even in God's sight.
~Many times we apologize for what we do, not for who we are.
~Where sin is concerned, people just mumble now. (this is talking about specifically confessing your sin)
~To confess means to own up to the fact that our behavior wasn't just the result of bad parenting, bad genes, and chemical inbalances caused by twinkies. But, somewhere you made a bad choice in the mix. -Sorry, I didn't catch his name
~Take responsibility for everything you do. Every bad decision, every time you mess up. You live in a generation of irresponsible people. Be responsible!
~You don't just offend people with sin, you offend God!
~True confession brings change in your life.
~You don't follow your own rules with Jesus.
~It doesn't mean thinking less of yourself. It means thinking of yourself less.
~Don't be training to be good. Train to be godly.
~Aim at nothing and you'll hit it everytime.
~Training:Here's what you do:
1. Eat right- Learn to have a steady diet of scripture. Consume the spirit. It isn't enough to read God's word. Let God's word read you.
2. Excercise- Excercise your faith. You have to get in shape. We have some overstuffed Christians. Change, then practice. Learn, try it out and practice.
~God will never give up on you.
~God is a consuming fire. He is all that remains.
~The Israelites had to cover the doorway in blood to be saved. We have to go through Jesus's blood to be saved.
~You have to be willing to die to follow Jesus.
To be continued...
(note: I have MANY more pages of notes to condense and type in. This is just a very small portion. But, please ponder these thoughts, and ask any questions you might have.)

Whatever You Do....

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will recieve an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. (Colossians 3:23-24)
Whatever. Whatever you do. Whether that means unloading the dishwasher, cleaning your room, or cooking dinner, this verse tells us we should do it as unto God.
What does that mean? Well, it means that our approach toward doing any work at all should be that we are doing it to Christ, for Christ. Would you clean God's room better than you do yours? With a better attitude? Maybe, faster, and more in depth? If the answer is yes, you need to change your heart toward work. Don't think, "Okay, how can I get away with less work?" And, don't pretend that you don't think that way. Everyone does at some point or another. Instead, think, "How can I do this to honor God? How can I serve him by doing this?"
The HCSB version puts it like this:
Whatever you do, do it enthusiastically, as something done for the Lord and not for men, knowing that you will receive the reward of an inheritance from the Lord—you serve the Lord Christ. (Colossians 3:23-24)
This version sheds a little more light on this subject. It says to do it "enthusiastically."
Dictionary.com provides this definition: full of or characterized by enthusiasm; ardent: He seems very enthusiastic about his role in the play.
Synonyms listed are: eager, fervent, zealous, passionate, vehement, fervid, impassioned
So we need to be cheerful, eager, even passionate about working for God. That doesn't fit with the classic teengage look that is disinterested, surly, and rebellious. Our lost friends will judge Christianty by you, whether you want them to, or not. So, have a good attitude and cheerful heart about work. Do it for the Lord!

Is He REALLY Enough?

If you listen to Christian music, you know who Chris Tomlin is. For those who don't, he wrote How Great is Our God, Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone), Enough, Indescribable, Holy is the Lord...And tons more. But, tonight in worship, we sang Enough. The gist of the song is that God is enough for you. But, during the song, I was thinking, "Is he REALLY enough? Could I live without everything but God? Is he truly all I ever want?" Well, sadly, I can't say that he is all I want in this life. I have my desires, that probably aren't God's. But, sadly enough, people don't think God is enough for them. They look for satisfaction in fame, money, love, recognition, work, food, and many other things. But, these things are all temporary. They don't last. In fact, the only thing that does last is God. God is the only thing that has always been and will always be. He doesn't have a beginning and he doesn't have an end. That, in and of itself, is hard to wrap my mind around. I can't imagine anything that didn't ever begin or end. Everything I've ever known on this earth has a beginning, or has ended. Except God. The same God who will always be is telling you that he wants to be all you want. He wants to be everything you need. He wants you to know that whether you realize it or not, you are completely dependent on him. He is enough. Let's look at a few examples in scripture, to see how God truly provided everything for people.
Abraham: God sent him away from his homeland, yet he never suffered materially. In fact, he depended on God and he didn't let him down.
David: He knew he would be King someday, but he didn't want to push it. He knew that God would put him there in the right time.
Jeremiah: Even though he was thrown in a cistern, he knew God would use him in some way.
Mary: She was just a young teenager, but she knew she could depend on God during her unexpected pregnancy.
Jesus: He never went without prayer, because he knew it was vital. He trusted God.
Paul: Although shipwrecked three times, snakebitten, and thrown in prison numerous times, he knew God wasn't through with him yet.
I could go on and on, but those are just a few. But, my point is this. God was enough for them, in their lives. He is enough for you. You just have to wholly trust on him, and believe.

God Gave Her the Gift of...Encouragement

I have a lot of really good friends. But, I have a few who are really special. One of them has the special gift of encouragement. She seems to know just when I'm down, and sends something encouraging, whether it be a good job, or a long email about how glad she is we're friends. I truly appreciate what she does.
Barnabas, in the Bible, means "Son of Encouragement." And he truly was an encourager. The gift of encouragement is given to all, yet few use it.
Everyone loves to be told something nice. Even the meanest person you can think of has some good quality. So many times we're down in the dumps and all we need to lift us out is a kind word. Think of how you would feel. Think of what you would want someone to say to you.
Be an encourager. Use the wonderful gift God gave you and tell someone today how wonderful they are to you.

But, I Just Can't See Him Working Here

In the movie Facing the Giants, (which I highly recommend) Coach Taylor says to Mr. Bridges. "But, I just can't see him working here...." Mr. Bridges replied, "Coach Taylor, I heard a story once about two farmers. There was a drought. Both prayed and asked God for rain, but only one prepared his fields. Which one are you?" (or, something to that effect)
So many times in my life I can't see what's going to happen next. You tell God, I'll trust you forever, and it's similar to jumping of a cliff and not knowing how high it was. Then, you suddenly find, that God is holding you in his hand, and promises to never let you go. God has a plan for your life, but a lot of the time it is just so hard to see. The phrase "You can't see the forest for the trees." is actually more profound than you think at first glance. Just wrap your mind around that for just a minute. Sometimes we're in God's plan so that we can't even see us.

Honestly, the Isrealites make me laugh when I read about them. I'm just saying that from our point of view they look, well, unintelligent. We can't see it as they truly saw it, or we might make the same choices. But, the Israelites knew God had a plan for them. Why else would he bring them out of Egypt? But, time and time againt they chose to rebel against God. If we truly want what God wants, we will try to stay in the word, and close to him, and know that he will bring it all about in his timing.

God, I Will Go Wherever You Want....Except There!

So many times we tell God we'll follow him forever, and wherever he wants us to...Except for that one place. Think of the worst place on Earth and then imagine God telling you to go there! Wow! How many would actually go?
On the way to the Promised Land the Israelites sent out spies into the land of Canaan. Eight of the spies came back with the report that the people were giants, and there was no way they could conquer it. Only two of the spies, Joshua and Caleb, brought back a good report about the land. They acknowledged that the people were big, but they knew with God on their side they could win. The people went with the eight spies report and decided not to go into the Promised Land. They later repented, but it was too late. They had to wander in the desert for forty more years.
Looking back on it, the Israelites don't look too bright. There was a wonderful land waiting for them, and they didn't take it because they were scared. How many times have we missed out on what God truly wanted for our lives, because we were scared? How many times has something wonderful been prevented because we didn't think that it was the best thing for us?
We have to have faith and step out and do what God wants us to do. But, we have to make sure that it is truly God speaking to us. I'm not saying go jump off a cliff because you think that God wants you to. Pray, seek scripture, and then step out in faith.

In His Steps By Charles Sheldon

I recently read In His Steps by Charles Sheldon, and really enjoyed it. This book is (as the publisher says) a novel, but not to be read as such. It is to be read with prayer, and thought.
This is a powerful story of Raymond, a small town in America, where many people decide to do exactly what they think (can interpret from scriptures and wise teaching) Jesus would do in their shoes for a year. You follow all of the characters as some fall, some continue, and the town changes- and with the town, follow the impact as it spreads. I highly recommend this book to any person at any age (though some very young readers may have trouble understanding and reading the whole book).

But, many thoughts crossed my head while I read this book, and thought about what it meant for my life. What would Jesus do if he were here, in this situation? It is a question I think every person needs to ask themselves. So many times, we are simply following our own inclinations, and God cannot use us as he would wish. We need to simply let go of the control panel, and let God take us where he will. But, asking yourself W.W.J.D.? (What Would Jesus Do?) will change your entire life, your aspect on things, and the way you handle certain situations and people. As simple a question as it is, it can change your life. So, today, ask yourself: What Would Jesus Do?

Refreshment By Elisabeth Elliot

He who refreshes others will himself be refreshed(Prv 11:25).
"If you...satisfy the needs of thewretched...the Lord will satisfy your needs" (Is58:10,11 NEB).

Do you often feel like parched ground, unable to produce anything worthwhile? I do. When I am in need of refreshment, it isn't easy to think of the needs of others. But I have found that if,instead of praying for my own comfort and satisfaction, I ask the Lord to enable me to give to others, an amazing thing often happens--I find my own needs wonderfully met. Refreshment comes in ways I would never have thought of, both for others, and then, incidentally, for myself.

Lord,
be as the dew to me today, as You were to Israel, that I may "flower like the lily"(Hos14:5 NEB).

*This is from Elisabeth Elliot's book: A Light For My Feet

P.U.S.H.

I actually got this off of Kaitlin's blog (http://missionamare.blogspot.com). But, it is well worth reproducing here. This is a great reminder. Read on!

A man was sleeping at night in his cabin when suddenly his room filled with light and the Savior appeared. The Lord told the man he had work for him to do, and showed him a large rock in front of his cabin. The Lord explained that the man was to push against the rock with all his might.

This the man did, day after day. For many years he toiled from sun up to sun down, his shoulders set squarely against the cold, massive surface of the unmoving rock, pushing it with all his might. Each night the man returned to his cabin sore, and worn out, feeling that his whole day had been spent in vain.

Since the man was showing signs of discouragement, the adversary decided to enter the picture by placing thoughts into the man's weary mind: "You have been pushing against this rock for a long time, and it hasn't budged. Why kill yourself over this? You are never going to move it." Thus giving the man the impression that the task was impossible and that he was a failure.
These troubled thoughts discouraged and disheartened the man. "Why kill myself over this? I'll just put in my time, giving just the minimum effort and that wil be good enough." And that is what he planned to do until one day he decided to make it a matter of prayer and take his thoughts to the Lord.

"Lord" he said, "I have labored long and hard in your service, putting all my strength to do which you have asked. Yet after all this time, I have not even been able to budge that rock. What is wrong? Why am I failing?"

The Lord responded compassionately, "My friend, when I asked you to serve me and you accepted, I told you that your task was to push against the rock with all your strength, which you have done. Never once did I mention to you that I expected you to move it. Your task was to push. And now you come to my with your strength spent, thinking that you have failed. But is that really so? Look at yourself. Your arms are strong and muscled, your back sinewy and brown, your hands are calloused from constant pressure, and your legs have become massive and hard. Through opposition you have grown much and your abilities now surpass that which you used to have. Yet you haven't moved the rock. But your calling was to be obedient and to push and to exercise your faith and trust in my wisdom. This you have done. I, my friend, will now move the rock."

At times when we hear a word from God, we tend to use our own intellect to decipher what he wants, when actually what God wants is simple obedience and faith in him...By all means exercise the faith that moves mountains, but know that it is still God who moves mountains.
****************************************************************
P.U.S.H (Pray Until Something Happens)
When everything seems to go wrong,...just P.U.S.H.
When the job gets you down,...just P.U.S.H.
When people don't react the way you think they should,...just P.U.S.H.
When money is short and bills are due,...just P.U.S.H.
When people just don't understand you,...just P.U.S.H.
When the pressure of school is too much,...just P.U.S.H

Sing 'Em...Mean 'Em

I love to sing -though I'm not good at it- but, lately, I've noticed some things. On Sunday mornings I sing in the choir, and I look down at all the people from the choir loft. The expressions are funny- some blank, some asleep, but there are a few who seem to be worshipping and awake. But, most don't seem to mean what they sing. Do you?

It wasn't until lately that I actually started noticing the words, and what they meant. I mean, I sing along with the radio all the time, but I sing and don't pay attention to the words. We need to either mean the words we sing or don't sing at all.

Why? Well, just singing meaningless words doesn't give glory to God. But, if you sing worshipful lyrics, and really mean them, you are glorifying God through your songs. And, you don't have to just sing three hymns in church on Sunday-you can sing all the time. The Bible says, "Let my mouth continually sing your praises." (or something to that effect). We don't have to sing all the time, but when we do, let's sing for God's glory.

Happy Easter!

Happy Easter! Praise the Lord!

He is Risen!

~Mark 16:6~
And he said to them, "Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen; he is not here. See the place where they laid him.

Praise Him, for He is worthy!

My God, how wonderful You are,
Your majesty, how bright;
How beautiful Your mercy seat,
In depths of burning light!

How wonderful, how beautiful,
The sight of You must be;
Your endless wisdom, boundless pow'r,
And glorious purity!

O how I fear You, living God,
With deep and tender fear;
And worship You with trembling hope,
And penitential tears!

Yet, I may love You, too,
O Lord Almighty as You are
For You have stooped to ask of me
The love of my poor heart!
~Fredrick W. Faber My God How Wonderful You Are

Isn't our God great? He conquered death and the grave, he deserves our praise!

PS. We are having an Easter drama at our church. We did it Friday and Saturday night, and tonight is our last night. So far we have had five saved, and over ten recommitments to Christ! PTL!!!

Maybe if You Had A Son...

Joseph, a troubled carpenter, has a very sick son, and doesn't know where to turn. God doesn't seem to hear him, or listen if he's even there! He's looking for someone to turn to, someone who can help.
"Maybe if you had a son, you would understand." Joseph prays to God at one point, pleading for his small son's life. What Joseph later found out is that God did have a son, and he did understand.
You see, God sent his only son. His son that he loved. He sent him to die for you. I don't know many Moms that would give up their son-even for you.
Think about the cross. It wasn't easy for Jesus to suffer it. He prayed for God to take this cup from him if there was another way, but there wasn't. Crucifixtion is, I believe to this day, one of the absolute worst ways to die.
The prisoner was first scourged until he was barely alive, and chunks of their body would be torn off when the whip (or whatever you like to call it) wrapped around the body and lashed back. After this, Jesus had a purple robe (a sign of royalty) thrown around him and was spit upon and hit. After a while, they would be stripped of their clothes and be marched of to Golgotha carrying their cross. The cross itself was probably extremely heavy, and these people were barley alive. Then they would be nailed to the cross, and lifted up and set down. Now, they weren't set down gently-they were dropped down, and all they had to support them was the nails in their hands and feet.
Jesus knew he would go through all this-yet he did it anyway. And he did it for you. Even if only would person would have been saved, he still would have done it.
But, Jesus didn't stay dead. You see, he rose again three days later! He conquered death and the grave, there on the cross. He defeated the devil, and defeated death so that we don't have to face it. Everyone will die a natural death, but now Jesus offers you eternal life with him forever. You don't have to die in your sin for all eternity.
Accept Jesus today!
**Contact me if you want details on recieving Christ, or questions.

What Do You Bring to the Table?

What do you contribute to your fellow believers in Christ? Do you do nothing, sitting silently in a corner, always listening? Or, do you try to give God your all and get involved?

Mary, Lazarus's sister, brought Jesus a great gift: she annointed him with perfume and wiped his feet with her hair. The Bible says that the perfume was worth a year's wages. Today, that would be, on average, $30,000 to $35,000 (or somewhere in there). Would you sacrifice everything you would earn for a year, just to be rubbed on somebody's feet? Well, to be honest, I don't think most of us would. But, if it is Jesus's feet, that is a very different matter. But, still, who would? I could say that I would, but would I? I hope I would, but I haven't been in that situation yet. We need to give God our best, and we can't do that in a corner. We have to be in the action, right in the middle of whatever is happening.

But, really, how are you serving God? Are you serving him boldly, and with a purpose? Or, are you too ashamed to attend church openly? Serve God boldly, he didn't die in secret for you. He died in the open, for all to see. Serve him openly and boldly, but don't flaunt it, or boast about what you are doing for God. I am not saying you shouldn't serve God behind the scenes, in fact, I am saying to serve God and not be ashamed of it, and don't try to hide it. If you don't get recognition, that's okay. Those already rewarded with the praise of men have been rewarded. But, those who haven't will be rewarded by God (who wouldn't want to be?).

Bring things to the table, seen or unseen. Serve Jesus without any shame!

Lottie Moon

After doing the Annie Armstrong post earlier, (and after persistent comments) I decided to go ahead and post about Lottie Moon.
Charlotte Diggs Moon was born on December 12, 1840 in Virginia. In 1858, she dedicated her life to Christ and was baptized. She was the first lady to receive a master's degree, which she did in 1861. Lottie became a missionary in 1873, with her sister Edmonia, to Tengchow, China. Lottie served 39 years as a missionary to China. She died December 24, 1912 in a harbor in China (many believe that, as this was a time of famine, she died of starvation, because she gave others all her food). She was on her way back to America for the first time since she left when she died.
To read more about Lottie Moon go to:
http://ime.imb.org/LottieMoon/default.asp
http://www.trailblazerbooks.com/books/Moon/Moon-bio.html
http://www.tlogical.net/biolmoon.htm
and
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lottie_Moon

**Note**: Soli Deo Gloria is not affiliated to the IMB or any of its ministries in any way.

Good News-Lottie Moon Christmas Offering!

In a story on Baptist Press news (www.bpnews.com) the International Mission Board released a statement saying that the Lottie Moon Christmas was "projected to exceed the 150 million goal." Praise the Lord!
49 missionaries have already been appointed by the trustees, and hopefully more will be soon. Thank you to everyone who gave! You can never know how many people will be reached by these missionaries!

**Note**: Soli Deo Gloria is not in any way affiliated with the International Mission Board, or the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering.

Keep On

This is a poem a friend of mine wrote. I thought it really described how a lot of us feel a lot of the time!

“Keep On”

You know you’re different,
They do too.
You don’t know why,
But they look at you.

They wonder why you’re like that,
They think that you are odd,
I know sometimes it’s tempting,
But do not follow the crowd.

I know it hurts sometimes,
Keep on fighting.
I know it’s hard sometimes,
Keep on trying.

I know you’re trying to find
the reason why you’re here,
But just trust God,
He understands your fear.

You know the truth, but still it hurts.
He’s made you who you are for a reason,
You know but you don’t understand.
He’s placed you where you are in this season.

I know it hurts sometimes,
Keep on fighting.
I know it’s hard sometimes,
Keep on trying.

You wonder, is it worth it?
Or should I just be like them?
Yes, I guess I’m happy,
But I’m also suffering.

Don’t do it.
Don’t give in.
It will be worth it
In the end.

I know it hurts sometimes,
Keep on fighting.
I know it’s hard sometimes,
Keep on trying.

And yes, you’ll get questions.
And yes, you get ridiculed,
But just ignore them,
And a stronger relationship with God you’ll build.

For His opinions are the ones that matter,
So don’t worry about what they think.
God will make you stronger,
Link by link.

I know it hurts sometimes,
Keep on fighting.
I know it’s hard sometimes,
Keep on trying

Wow! What an awesome poem, and what's more an awesome challenge as well! Let's keep on keeping on! Soli Deo Gloria!

Pour Out My Heart

I'm longing to pour out my heart
And say that I love you
Pour out my heart
And say that I need you
Pour out my heart
And say that I'm thankful
Pour out my heart
And say that you're wonderful

Before, I talked about being real. Well, we have to be real with God. Drop the "thee" and "thou" from your prayers, he knows who you really are! I'm not saying don't be respectful, but if you put on a front for God, he'll know it. God knows everything. Just tell him everything that happens in your life, your concerns, your dreams, your hopes, your plans. Everything. Pour out your hurts, your laughs, your joy, and your tears. Give them all to him. If you really want God to be the Lord of your life, you have to tell him about it! Talk to him about your friends, why you like them, or what you think that they should do better. He already knows everything you're going to tell him...But he wants to hear it anyway! He loves you, he cares for you. So, tell him about the real you. The person who laughs or cries inwardly, and has to be strong outwardly. He wants to know you. So pour out your heart to him.

Are You Real?

There is a great song by KJ52. It talks about God asking us if we are "real". Are you real? Are you upfront and candid? Do you put on a front for other people? If you aren't yourself around some people and pretend to be what you're not, you aren't real.

So much stress keeps running through me now
I fell into a mess that I wish I could climb out
I guess I'll hide it so nobody will find out
That way everyone thinks everything is fine now
At home things are messed up with Mom and Dad
And at school all my friends stab me in the back
No one is real anymore I hate the way they act
There is so many things I wish I had
So God if your there do you understand
Don't you care about anything that's happening
It's not fair to put me through all this junk again
You see that I'm scared so help me if you can
So please speak loud and clear cuz I'm listening
I need to know that your real cuz I'm struggling
You need to show that your real cuz I'm stumbling
Show me that you care and this is what I'm saying

Are you real I want to know
Are you real then let it go
Are you real I want to know
Are you real then let it show

It was right then when everything it began to change
I started looking at these things
In a different way I saw life through God's eyes and it wasn't the same
That was right at the time I called on your name
And then I saw all the lies that was thrown my way
I recognized that I need you and on that day
I cried out and seeked you that was when you came
Now that I see you I've been through a major change
I believe you are real cuz it's so plain
Finally I feel that I can make it through anything
It don't matter what they speak or if they hate
They can't keep me down no more cuz I've seen your face
And from now never will I be ashamed cuz I'm a stand strong
I won't bend or sway now that I know that you are real it's gonna be okay
I hear you speaking in my ear and this is what you say

Are you real I want to know
Are you real then let it go
Are you real I want to know
Are you real then let it show

See there is a war that's going on outside
You can try and ignore it and just run and hide
But everyday more and more people die
See the battle is for souls and we are on the front lines
So many soldiers are too scared to fight
They're too worried about what people thinking of their life
How can you fight if you won't lay down ya pride
And how will anyone see if you won't shine your light
So many of your friends just walking around blind
And you've got the source that can open up their eyes
It's y'alls choice what you'll do with your lives
But I'm gonna go to war cuz I've made up my mind
Jesus gave his life when he went and died
So the least I can do is just give him all of mine
So how many of y'all are ready to fight by my side
Cuz this is what he's saying here tonight

Are you real I want to know
Are you real then let it go
Are you real I want to know
Are you real then let it show

If you are wondering why such words as "ya" and "cuz" were in there, yes, I did notice them. That's just how people spell things in rap.
But, I want you to notice the second verse. How many of us are to scared to lay down our pride and fight the good fight? God knows if we're real or not, but he wants us to show him anyway. I have to admit that this is hard for me. It's so easy to seem all spiritual and all that on here. I know sometimes I'm not real. I wish I were more. But, I know, I can make myself be more real with everyone I know. Are you real? Maybe the best way to answer this question is to ask God. He will show you. You can fight beside me. But, you have to be real with people, and you have to be real with God. Will you be real?

Annie Armstrong

Every year at our church we take an Annie Armstrong offering. Up until recently, I wasn't really sure why we did it. Well, Annie Armstrong was a remarkable person, and I think we could learn a little more about her.

Annie Walker Armstrong was born July 11, 1850. She was the daughter of James and Mary Armstrong. Annie became a Christian at the age of 19, and was baptized into the church shortly after. She encouraged the first Lottie Moon Christmas offering and worked to raise money for it herself. She worked with the Southern Baptist Convention until 1906 when she resigned. She died on December 20, 1938.

This is just the bare facts, but there is so much you can learn about her! For more information go to: www.anniearmstrong.com, or www.tlogical.net/bioarmstrong.htm.

Think about your offering. Why do you give it? Where does it go? Do you really know?

The North American Mission Board said, "The Annie Armstrong Easter Offering is much more than an offering envelope and an annual missions-giving emphasis. When people give to the offering, 100 percent of their gift will be transformed into missionary salaries and ministry supplies. Those missionaries and supplies will help others hear the message of Christ and respond in faith to His offer of salvation. Time and again our missionaries relate how the offering is their lifeblood. They know that behind each penny given, there is a Southern Baptist who believes in what they do and are affirming the need to equip them to share the gospel with those who need a Savior."

This offering supports missionaries all over the world that are sharing the Bible with people every day. This is just another way we can help.

*Note*: Soli Deo Gloria or its author in any way, are not associated with the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering. We leave the choice of giving to the offering entirely up to the reader, we just want to provide the readers with information about the offering and the person it was named for.

It's Not a Choice, It's a Child

I don't believe abortion is permissible by any means. Why should we kill children who have yet to be born when we were once just like them? Who gave us permission to kill a child if it is "unwanted"?

There is a very sweet couple in our church who have always wanted a baby. After many miscarriages they decided to adopt. Now, they have an energertic two-year-old. If his mother hadn't decided to give her baby up to be adopted, he might have been aborted. There are so many families that want these little babies that are killed every day.

Many people say that life begins at birth. But, in a story on Baptist Press News (www.bpnews.net) they share the story of a baby girl born at 23 weeks. Most babies are born between 37 and 40 weeks. The death rate for babies born that early is 70%. Everyone around her has pronounced her an absolute miracle. Baptist Press said, "“Instead, it’s time to see human life as a continuous thread beginning at conception and entitled to protection at all stages,” said Buckley, a fellow of the Southern Baptist Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission’s Research Institute. “As Dr. Seuss used to say, ‘A person’s a person, no matter how small.’”" I highly agree with Dr. Seuss. A baby, though it may still be in the womb, is a person.

Elisabeth Elliot in her book, On Asking God Why says this about a premature baby at a hospital, "...Who is it that makes the "selections"? Who may determine which tiny person is acceptable and maybe permitted to be born (and if necessary, hovered over, cradled in a sterile temperature controlled incubator to assist his survival), and which is unacceptable and may betreated as a cancer or a gangrenous growth and surgically or chemically removed? What perverted vision of "life enhancement" warrants such a choice?" Indeed, who is to make that choice? If God so blesses you with a baby, do you have a choice of depriving it of life?"

God is the giver of life, and it must grieve him to know that we are ready and, in some cases, willing to destroy it. Isaiah 66:9 says, "Shall I bring to the point of birth and not cause to bring forth?" says the LORD; "shall I, who cause to bring forth, shut the womb?" says your God."
God clearly says gives us life. Should he? Should he 'shut the womb'? Many women today are doing this artificially using pills and other means that actually abort babies.

Many people are ready to adopt if the parent (or parents) do not believe they are capable, or simply don't want the baby (Which, personally I don't understand. I love babies!). Romans 8:16 says, "For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, 'Abba! Father!'" We have been adopted by God, and we can follow his example if he leads us to do so.

That baby isn't a choice. It isn't a little glob of tissue. It is a child that God designed and breathed life into.