The Begining Of Life...Pro-Life Or Pro-Choice?

Abortion is one of the most divisive and controversial issues of our day. People generally have strong views about abortion. It is not a social issue of mere preference, but an issue about life and death.  The Bible never specifically addresses the issue of abortion. However, there are numerous teachings in Scripture that make it abundantly clear what God’s view of abortion is. Jeremiah 1:5 tells us that God knows us before He forms us in the womb. Psalm 139:13-16 speaks of God’s active role in our creation and formation in the womb. Exodus 21:22-25 prescribes the same penalty—death—for someone who causes the death of a baby in the womb as for someone who commits murder. This clearly indicates that God considers a baby in the womb to be as human as a full-grown adult. For the Christian, abortion is not a matter of a woman’s right to choose. It is a matter of the life or death of a human being made in God’s image (Genesis 1:26-27; 9:6).

Someone may ask: “what about when the life of the mother is at risk?” Honestly, this is the most difficult question to answer on the issue of abortion. First, let’s remember that this situation is the reason behind less than one-tenth of one percent of the abortions done in the world today. Far more women have an abortion for convenience than women who have an abortion to save their own lives. Second, let’s remember that God is a God of miracles. He can preserve the life of a mother and a child despite all the medical odds being against it.  But if it is God's will that a woman should die, killing her child isn't going to prevent that from happening, and that still gives her no right to murder someone else to save herself.  Ultimately, though, this question can only be decided between a husband, wife, and God. Any couple facing this extremely difficult situation should pray to the Lord for wisdom (James 1:5) as to what He would have them to do.

Over 95 percent of the abortions performed today involve women who simply do not want to have a baby. Less than 5 percent of abortions are for the reasons of rape, incest, or the mother's health at risk. Even in the more difficult 5 percent of instances, abortion should never be the first option. The life of a human being in the womb is worth every effort to allow the child to be born.

Ridin' Horses

Last week I got in a 6 year old bay roan gelding named Rosco for training.  I don't know what breed he is (the owner doesn't either) but he has to be some sort of gaited breed because he has a running walk.  He is an amazing little guy (well not very little)!  He is so smart and already knows how to sidepass, pivot on the front and back end, back fast, stop with my seat, pony other horses, trail ride, and we are working on him turning with my seat in only 3 rides:)

I am so blessed to be able to do this!  Imagine it!  Having people pay you to do something that you love!

Her are some photos of Rosco:

And here are some more fun pics:

Siblings

I have two sibling and I do admit that they are very irritating at times :) but I would do anything for them!  Siblings are mentioned often throughout the Old and New Testaments. Some of the most famous siblings we find are Cain and Abel (Genesis 4:1–8); Jacob and Esau (Genesis 25:19–27); Joseph and his eleven brothers (Genesis 37); Moses, Aaron, and Miriam (Numbers 26:59); Peter and Andrew (Matthew 4:18); and Martha, Mary, and Lazarus (John 11:1).

Love among siblings should be a natural thing, and the Bible uses such phileo love as an illustration of love among believers. The Bible commands us to love one another in the family of God as we would love a brother or sister: “Love one another with brotherly affection” (Romans 12:10, ESV). Paul expressed his love for the saints in Philippi this way: “My brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown” (Philippians 4:1).

Unfortunately, not all siblings express love for one another. Many of the famous sibling groups previously mentioned are known for their interpersonal conflict and even hatred for each other. Cain killed Abel out of jealousy, thereby committing the first murder (Genesis 4:3–8). Jacob and Esau were at odds from the time they were in the womb and into adulthood (Genesis 25:23; 27). Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery in Egypt (Genesis 37:12–28). Even Martha and Mary’s story contains a disagreement between the sisters (Luke 10:38–42).

Jesus Himself had siblings—brothers James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas, and an unknown number of sisters (Matthew 12:46; 13:55, 56). Jesus once used His family as a picture of His relationship with His followers: “While Jesus was still talking to the crowd, his mother and brothers stood outside, wanting to speak to him. Someone told him, ‘Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to you.’ He replied to him, ‘Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?’ Pointing to his disciples, he said, ‘Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother’” (Matthew 12:46—50).

In saying this, Jesus was not disrespecting His family or saying they were not important. Rather, He was likening a close family relationship to the bond He shares with everyone who believes in Him. In fact, Jesus’ bond with believers is even stronger, since it is not marred by jealousy, anger, frustration, or disagreements.

So what can we learn from the biblical examples of brothers and sisters? It’s important to understand that conflict between siblings is not part of God’s plan for the family. Although God ultimately used each situation to bring about His will, the conflict between some of these siblings caused murderous jealousy, grief, wars, and broken families.

There are a few principles that can be applied to any relationship. First, we are to love others in a way that reflects the agape love of Christ: “Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love” (1 John 4:7–8).

Second, we are to show kindness to each other, treating those around us the way we want to be treated (Ephesians 4:32; Luke 6:31). This means that we should not only respond gracefully in the face our siblings’ anger or accusations, but also go out of the way to serve them (John 13:12–14).

Finally, Paul instructed believers to “live at peace with everyone” (Romans 12:18), avoiding arguments and conflict and playing the role of peacemaker when disagreements arise within our families.  And man do I screw all this up all the time! :)  We all need to work on loving others more than ourselves. 

And I realized that I had totally forgot to do our joke of the week last week!  Sorry!  So here we go!