Arrogance in and of itself is not something to be admired.

The arrogant person ‘knows’ they are correct; ‘knows’ their opinions and views are the truth. They need no assistance from others; it is the other who needs assistance and direction from them.

Those to whom much has been given sometimes suffer from arrogance; or rather the people around them suffer.

Arrogance is doubly a pity, because the talents of the arrogant serve primarily themselves. The arrogant assumes their views and opinions are The Truth. In arrogance, natural confidence goes sadly awry.

For a ruling political leader to declare publicly, that whilst they greatly respect other people’s religious views, they do not believe in God – even though “I grew up in the Christian church, a Christian background. I won prizes for catechism, for being able to remember Bible verses. I am steeped in that tradition, but I’ve made decisions in my adult life about my own views”, seems terribly arrogant indeed.

Terribly arrogant and sad of Miss Gillard (Australia’s first female Prime Minister) to openly declare that she knows God – but she doesn’t need Him. But then again it begs asking if The Prime Minister personally KNOWS GOD or just ‘about’ Him’?

Because if she really KNOWS GOD and has taken this stance – she has arrogantly left herself wide open to the situation Matthew speaks about in Chapter 10 verse 33 of his Gospel.

“But whoever denies me before people I, too, will deny before my Father in heaven.” (International Standard Version)

Sadly Miss Gillard could be leading the Australian People down the same pathway she herself is traversing. If God is not leading her life, public and private, and she is leading the Australian Nation, then her every action against God, which the Australian public consents to or condones, is an act, on their part (by association) against God!

As an example of which pathway to traverse, consider the reintroduction of bills in Western Australia and Tasmania recently calling to legalise Euthanasia.  (Exodus 20:13)

Today, Voluntary Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide are illegal in all states and territories of Australia. The only end-of-life laws that exist are a patchwork of Advance Medical Directive and Power of Attorney laws, none of which allow a person to ask for active assistance to die. These laws operate on a state-by-state basis.  Your access to these laws depends entirely on where you live.

Where does our New Prime Minister stand on the issue of assisted suicide/voluntary euthanasia?

Abortion in Australia is a subject of state law rather than national law. The grounds on which abortion is permitted in Australia vary from state to state. In every state, abortion is legal to protect the life and health of the woman, though each state has a different definition.

There is no law anywhere in Australia that requires the notification or consent of a woman’s partner. There is also no enforced waiting period for an abortion. Except in Western Australia, a minor does not require parental consent or notification (see discussion at the Gillick article, which was imported into Australian law by the High Court in 1992).

Where does our New Prime Minister stand on the Abortion Issue – the termination of unborn children?

Exodus 20:1-17 give us a very simple code to live by – if we choose to be the children of God. Remembering that YES we do, as a gift from our gracious God, have the freedom to choose…. We can choose to accept Him as God and follow his ordinances, or to reject him as God, and follow our own blind pathways.

Instead of picking specifically on Australia, let’s look at the commandments, as given to us – from a political (world) viewpoint – seeking confirmation that governments worldwide (those in historically Christian countries) have chosen to follow or throw out.

For ease of understanding I have chosen to use a paraphrased version of Exodus 20:1-17 and Deuteronomy 5:6-21. They offer basic rules of behaviour for spiritual and moral living. They were given to all of us to choose to follow – not simply for the Israelites coming out of Egypt.

Jesus himself tells us in the New Testament: (Mat 5:17-20 NRSV) “Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfil. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not one letter, not one stroke of a letter, will pass from the law until all is accomplished.

Ten Laws to live by: the Ten Commandments

1. Do not worship any other god than the one true God. All other gods are false gods.
2. Do not make idols or images in the form of God. An idol can be anything (or anyone) you worship by giving it more importance than God. If something (or someone) has your time, attention and affections, it has your worship. It could be an idol in your life.
3. Do not treat God’s name lightly or with disrespect. Because of God’s importance, his name is always to be spoken of with honour.
4. Dedicate or set aside a regular day each week for Sabbath rest and worship of the Lord.
5. Give honor to your father and mother by treating them with respect and obedience.
6. Do not deliberately kill a fellow human being.
7. Do not have sexual relations with anyone other than your spouse. God forbids sex outside of the bounds of marriage.
8. Do not steal or take anything that doesn’t belong to you, unless you have been given permission to do so.
9. Do not tell a lie about someone or bring a false accusation against another person.
10. Do not desire anything or anyone that does not belong to you. Comparing yourself to others and longing to have what they have leads to jealousy, envy and other sins.  Be content to focus on the blessings God has given you, and not on what He has not given you.

NOW ask yourself this simple question. It matters not which country you reside in.

Do we as a Nation follow God’s rules and regulations, individually and collectively?

Honesty would direct us to hang our heads and say “NO we do not.”

Daily we hear of murders, arson, drug dealing, prostitution, abortions. In our own lives we often times use the sacred name of the Lord in vain … cursing and swearing.

A day set aside for worshipping the Lord alone is not something we can choose to do – it is a requirement of God’s Ordinances.

Obeying ones parents dutifully, without anger and tension and sourness of humor does not come easily to modern youth.

Theft, making false accusations, deceit and adultery all seem to be the ‘norm’ in modern society – yet we are strictly warned they are anathema to our Loving Lord.

Do we honour our God in the National Capitals and in the Courts of Law? Do we proclaim his laws and statutes as we live and breathe? Is He our Number One Concern?

Nation draws sword (and bomb) against nation, greed and avarice abound.

And we wonder why bad things happen to us. We do these bad things to each other; they are done back to us in repayment. Is this truly following in God’s ways?

Deuteronomy 30:19 (The Message Bible)

I call Heaven and Earth to witness against you today: I place before you Life and Death, Blessing and Curse. Choose life so that you and your children will live.  And love God, your God, listening obediently to him, firmly embracing him

In ending I just want to say that I truly believe if we ourselves, and our elected governments will follow God Law’s, will rule fairly and justly, will endeavour to save lives not end them, and call on His most Holy Name above all others, then we will be walking in His ways and will enjoy his promises, which we will see fulfilled as He promised us.

Until that happens we must struggle daily in our quest to see that WE DO NEED HIM in our lives…. anything less will simply continue to lead us down a path of destruction.

The United States of America pledge of allegiance: “I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Australia “Whereas the people of New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Queensland, and Tasmania, humbly relying on the blessing of Almighty God, have agreed to unite in one indissoluble Federal Commonwealth under the Crown of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, and under the Constitution hereby established:”

Seems to me that the Founding Father’s of the USA and Australia recognised the authority of Almighty God – such a pity our new Australian Prime Minister does not!

People of all nations PRAY for your leaders, politicians and government officials. Ask God to remove all obstacles to faith in their lives and ours, so that they may attempt to lead us to new life with Him.

We do need Him ~~~~~ there is no doubt.

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References used when writing this blog:

Arrogance

ABC – Gillard won’t play religion card

Gillard ousts Rudd in bloodless coup

West Australian MP Robin Chapple introduces Euthanasia Bill to WA Parliament

New bid to legalise voluntary euthanasia

Premier defends A-G’s voluntary euthanasia strategy

A peaceful death is everybody’s right

Thou shall not kill

Bible Knowledge – 10 commandments

Pledge of Allegiance

Maxine on Jesus – Maxine is a believer!

Was it a dream or a nightmare?  Was it a vision of some sort? Did it really happen?  I do not know.  I only know that the event and all the things that I am about to describe to you seem as real to me now in the day light as they did in the darkness.  I imagine it was all a dream, but I feel the reality of it in the deepest crevices of my heart and soul.

It began in a large white area that reminded me of a hospital.  It was immaculately clean and more tranquil than any hospital I had ever been in or visited.   I peered inside through a large gate with intricate and ornately designed carvings and emblems.  I saw a very tall man.  I don’t really think it was a man.  It was a very tall and broad creature with masculine features and a beauty that is not usually found in men.  He sort of floated or glided to the gate and opened it to let me in. He went back to where he had been and motioned for me to follow.  I did, with shaking knees and goose bumps on my arms. It was a strange eerie feeling that I felt in this place.  As I got closer to where to man stopped, I noticed that the entire area was filled with little clear cases or cube like carriages.   Each case had a teeny tiny little being inside.  Some were too small and fragile to even be seen with the human eye.  For each of them there was one or more attendants or care givers.  These care givers smiled as they saw me and smiled at the little beings as they handled them and cared for them and I could tell that the attendants shared special strength and a wonderful love with the little ones in the cases.  I could feel that the little beings were weak and that the smiling care givers helped them and gave them continual strength and that strength seemed to compound and accumulate the longer I stood there nearby watching.  The tiny beings looked almost identical to infant children.  They varied in size and shape and there were so many.  There were billions upon billions, at the very least.  For as far as I could see, this area was filled with the small clear cases and the little, innocent beings inside.

The man that had let me spoke to me with out opening his mouth.  He asked me to follow him and to take still a closer look.  I was led quickly on the man’s heels by my growing curiosity.  As we approached the first row of clear cases I saw that each little one had a name written beautifully on their case.  Each one had jewels and intricate designs upon it.  The cases were bright and shiny and they shimmered and so did the little ones inside.  They glowed! How beautiful, I thought.  The man spoke again.  This time he spoke aloud.  “Gently touch your fingers to this case”, he said, pointing with one long finger to a nearby case.  I did, and as my fingers touched a story began to unfold to me.  It was the story of the one inside.  It was a male child.  He was to become a medical scientist and discover the cure for cancer.  He was also to be a big brother, husband and father.  He would have been loved by many and he would have made a difference in the lives of others.

I touched many cases at the man’s command.  Each one told another story. I heard stories of love and purpose and stories of things that should have been and never were.  I heard stories of the one’s who would have saved people from burning buildings, traveled and made great discoveries, invented interesting and invaluable creations.  I learned of loving relationships that never formed and miraculous deeds of bravery and thoughtfulness that would never get to be done.  I even saw great triumphs for both humanity and in the kingdom of God and in heaven.

“Why”, I asked? “Why can’t these little babies do all of those great things?”  My heart was heavy and tears overflowed like a waterfall from deep within me.
The man did not answer me.  Instead he said, “Now, take my hand.”  When my hand went into his I saw the most terrible thing yet.  I saw one of those sweet, innocent babies growing comfortably within their Mother’s womb.  I could feel everything that the little baby felt.  I felt its tiny heart beat, small and low.  I felt the growth of strength in its little body.  I felt the safety and security of being there.  It was so warm.  It was so restful.  It was so very peaceful.  Then without warning I felt the Mother’s heart beat escalating and I heard loud but muffled voices.  It was all happening so fast.  The baby was startled awake from a wonderful dream.  Then some kind of machine came into the darkness.   The loud device entered the secret places inside the womb and began to devour the little baby.  I felt the baby’s pain.  Terrible, it was just awful.  It was too terrible to describe with words.  I felt a great pressure and an inner pain that surpassed that of the physical pain.  I felt the little baby’s sadness and all the hurt from of betrayal.  I felt the life being jolted away from the baby!   The baby’s life was stolen!
The baby was snatched!  It was too painful!

I pleaded with the man.  “Please make it stop!”  I tried to wrench my hand out of his hand but the man did not let go.  The terrible thing was still happening.  The little baby was so sweet and although the thoughts were not in words like our thoughts come to us, the baby had thoughts.  It wanted to say something, but there were no words or any way for the baby to speak.  It wanted to cry out for help, and for comfort but it could not cry.  The baby was so helpless to save itself and I found myself wishing and praying that there was something-anything I could do.  I watched helplessly as the hopes, dreams and opportunities to live and achieve and love and laugh were stolen too. Now the little baby had no more thoughts.  There were no more sweet dreams or hopes.  There were no tears and there was no more life in that womb. There was nothing more than emptiness and darkness, and the little baby was destroyed and discarded as nothing.

“What can I do’, I cried?  “Please just tell me!   What can I do?”  I heard no answer and I felt my hand being released.  I unclenched my eyes and slowly opened them. I was back in the area where all the little cases or baby carriages were at.  I don’t know why I had not noticed it before.  It was so quiet.  Not one baby whimpered or cried.  Other than my own, not one cry came from this place.   I now saw many attendants coming and going with many more aborted children, ministering to them, loving them and caring for them.  I now recognized them to be angels of God.  I was in heaven!  I looked for the angel that had let me in and could not find him anywhere.  Then, I looked and saw Jesus.  I saw the scars that the nails had left in His hands.  I saw the love in His eyes as He looked at me.  I heard love in His voice as He spoke, “You must be a voice for the unheard cries.”

The writing above is fiction and did not actually happen.  I just wanted to bring important attention to a very important issue. It is terrible to know how many children are aborted.  The reality is far worse than any nightmare.  The facts are startling!  According to bound4life an estimated 46 million abortions happen every year all over the world, (1 baby is killed every 2 seconds) and approximately 50 million babies have been aborted in the United States since 1973. There are many other numbers and statistics but one of the most upsetting is that the reason for 98% of all abortions is reportedly personal choice or inconvenience.

Scriptures that support the fact that unborn babies or fetuses are living children:

Psalm 139:14 (New International Version)

¹⁴ I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

Genesis 25:23 (Amplified Bible)

23The Lord said to her, [The founders of] two nations are in your womb, and the separation of two peoples has begun in your body; the one people shall be stronger than the other, and the elder shall serve the younger.

Job 31:15 (Amplified Bible)

15Did not He Who made me in the womb make [my servant]? And did not One fashion us both in the womb?

Jeremiah 1:5 (Amplified Bible)

5Before I formed you in the womb I knew [and] approved of you [as My chosen instrument], and before you were born I separated and set you apart, consecrating you; [and] I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.

Psalm 139:13 (Amplified Bible)

13For You did form my inward parts; You did knit me together in my mother’s womb.

God creates us very carefully and with great thought and love for us.  We are made special by God’s own design. Even before we are born, God has created us for a purpose.  God knows our future even while we are still inside the womb.  God fashions us all from within the womb.  God forms us and knows us and approves of us before we are born.  God has great plans for us even before we are born. God creates us both inside and out and we are alive at the time of conception.  From the moment we are conceived God is at work creating us according to His plan for us.

If you are pregnant or know someone that is pregnant and considering having an abortion, please seek help in making a good decision before aborting your unborn child.  Please know that the child you carry inside of you may be small but that child is alive and God has plans for every child before they are even conceived in the womb and born into this world.   God loves you and that little unborn baby very much.  There is nothing too difficult for God.  He will help you and see you through.

Please pray for the unborn children.  Please join me and be a voice for the unheard cries.

May your life be blessed and a blessing in Christ Jesus.

Do you feel worthless?  Do you feel like you’re a mistake?  Don’t Believe It!

You are special – You are uniquely and beautifully made!

I remember as a child, my mother told me in the heat of an argument that she was sorry I was born.  When I was in my twenties, she told me the story how she tried to abort me 3 times.  These statements surely had a negative affect on me well into my 30s.  Thank God, he has healed me from the stings of these words.  Today, I look at these happenings in a very different way….despite the fact that my mom tried to abort me several times…God willed me into existence.  What incredible plan God must have for my life.  It made me also realize that my words might have hurt people and that we need to be careful about what we say to one another.  The subconscious can’t take a joke.

Words are one thing.  I can only imagine the abuse some of you might have had to endure.  Some of you might had to endure not only verbal abuse but also physical and sexual abuse.  Watching the movie “Precious” gave a glimpse of what that would be like.

Abuses like that can make you feel worthless and full of shame.  I understand that there are even symptoms of guilt with being sexually abused, making you feel like that somehow it’s your fault you have been abused.  Let me make it perfectly clear…these are all lies of the enemy, who wants nothing less than to kill and destroy you.  Don’t you believe it!

You are special!
There is only one like you and God has a plan for your life.  He willed you and me into existence.  Let’s take a look at what the Bible says about your and my existence.

For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb.  Psalms 139:13 (NKJV)

I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well.  Psalms 139:14 (NKJV)

“Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will. “But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.  “Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.  Matt 10:29-31 (NKJV)

Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, The days fashioned for me, When as yet there were none of them.  How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How great is the sum of them!  Psalms 139:16-17 (NKJV)

God Loves You!
In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him.  In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.  1 John 4:9-10 (NKJV)

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.  ”For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.  John 3:16-17 (NKJV)

God Can Help

The name of the LORD is a strong tower; The righteous run to it and are safe. Prov 18:10 (NKJV)

He gives power to the weak, And to those who have no might He increases strength.  Isaiah 40:29 (NKJV)

He heals the brokenhearted And binds up their wounds.  Psalms 147:3 (NKJV)

Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’  Isaiah 41:10 (NKJV)

Blessed are those who mourn, For they shall be comforted.  Matt 5:4 (NKJV)

“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  ”Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  ”For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”  Matt 11:28-30 (NKJV)

New Beginnings
We can’t undo our past, at the same time however, we should not live with our false past identity.   I surely could have not done it myself.  God has not only healed me, but he has also given me a new identity…one that is based on my true identity that is in Christ.  As a Christian, we are no longer bound by our old identity…we’re a new creation.

Jesus is waiting.  Ask him to give you a new identity.  His word says…”Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it wll be opened to you.  “or everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.  Matt 7:7-8 (NKJV)

Don’t ever give up, because God has not given up on you!  You can choose to cling to your loss or hurt, or you can , with the help from God, learn to dance again.  LET GO AND LIVE!

Check out this beautiful video You are Special – by Max Lucado

Also, check out our articles on We’re Created Different, But We’re All Useful, What is Heaven? A world better than Avatar’s Pandora, Can Your God Do This?, In The Wilderness, It’s not fair! But, why isn’t life fair? And, can it be?, The Comforting Word of God, Salvation, Success and Failure Articles,

I also found other blogs that relate to this subject like this one that talks about that Americans are more pro-life now than ever before…praise God.  Or this site Jill Stanek…a true fighter for the cause…go Jill.  Stay up to date about he abortion issue on Pro-Life with Christ and check out this new movie that is hitting theaters this fall called “True2LifeTheMovie“.  Here is a great site called Stand for Life…I love the video on “How to defeat a pro-abortion argument“.