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Monday, June 18, 2007

Revised Message to a Rebelious House

Two evenings from now, June 20, the Bloomington City Council will meet to decide on the distribution of Jack Hopkins Social Services Funds. The presentation of each of the applicants can be viewed at the council website (http://www.bloomington.in.gov/council/) and by clicking on the link to view current and archived meeting (look for May 3). This is long and interesting viewing.

Unless someone compels me not to speak thus, this is what I will say to them Wednesday night:

In regards to the financial support, and approval of the City of Bloomington of Planned Parenthood, I have something to say. In regards to the care taken by the City of Bloomington to make sure that public funds granted to an organization of mercy and compassion not be used to promote or be involved in any way with religion; while promoting, approving and funding the abhorrent practice of heartlessly ending the tiny lives of the most helpless people among us, at the unofficial rate of 10 to 20 each week, I have something to say.

I thank God that He has preserved us and brought us together here, that I may speak, and you may hear, that your soul may live!

I call you now to righteousness, mercy, and justice. Since I see by your duplicity, that you are blind to these concepts, I have some counsel for you.

You are now, as in the past, considering funding an organization which is involved in the killing of helpless and voiceless persons, and the perpetuating of the victimization and dehumanization of young girls and women, and their loss of honour in our society. I call you to examine your hands, and see that they are stained with blood, and repent!

You are now, as in the past, considering the funding of organizations which may also be involved in religion or housed at religious facilities, or would like to work with people who follow Jesus Christ. In all your deliberations, you are so careful to make sure that these funds will not be used to contribute to, or promote religion. I call you to recognize that the God who created heaven and earth and everything in it, also created you, and brought you here to hear these words, that you would turn from the evil that the world would call good. I will tell you that it is He who has put you in this position, and not you, yourself, and that to do right is not to do right in your own eyes, or the eyes of the public, or in the eyes of your fellow councilmen; but in the eyes of God Himself. I urge you: "Let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!" (Amos 5:24)

God holds judgment in store for those who rebel against Him, wrath for those who revel in their wickedness, and terror for those who disregard the plight of the helpless and show no mercy. However, we know from His profit, Ezekiel, that He does not delight in the death of the wicked, but rather He calls them to turn to Him to learn righteousness. He has provided His own salvation in His Son, Jesus Christ. Nowhere else will you find the Words of Life, but from Him.

We have all together drank of the deceptive waters of our own selfish hearts, our society, our world. You, too, have been deceived; and have deceived yourselves. Why would your persist in your own way, and die? Turn, rather to Jesus. Take His yoke upon you and learn of Him, for He is the truth.

 And now hear the Word of the One True God from His prophet, Amos:

Seek good, not evil,
       that you may live.
       Then the LORD God Almighty will be with you,
       just as you say he is.
Hate evil, love good;
       maintain justice in the courts.
       Perhaps the LORD God Almighty will have mercy
       on the remnant of Joseph.

Come now, Bloomington, let us reason together. Won't you take refuge in the Lord Jesus Christ with me? He is your only hope.


When I posted this before, and requested input, I got a little bit of the "oil on my head' referenced in Psalm 141 (thanks, Jeff and Dave). This is revised based on their input. I will not refuse wise counsel. I beg for it. If these words are inappropriate or inappropriate for me (a woman) to speak in this situation, please let me know. My cause is Christ. I seek to honour Him.

Keep one another, the Church of the living God in prayer during this time, and every day. Each moment, we need to live to Christ. We were saved unto good works that were prepared in advance for us. Is this one of them?

Each day, God brings people into our lives. Brothers and Sisters, this is not by random chance. That which He whispers in your ear, shout from the rooftop!

8 comments:

Kim said...

As I shared with you Sunday I have had several "takes" on what I should say, or not, to you. And, more importantly, I had to really think on how to pray.

I know that the Lord has used women to speak out to those whom God called to hear.

Judges 4: 3-5
3The sons of Israel cried to the LORD; for he had nine hundred iron chariots, and he oppressed the sons of Israel severely for twenty years.

4Now Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lappidoth, was judging Israel at that time.

5She used to sit under the palm tree of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim; and the sons of Israel came up to her for judgment.

Likewise I know that in the New Testament women are called to be silent in the assembly...

1 Corinthians 14: 34-35

34The women are to keep silent in the churches; for they are not permitted to speak, but are to subject themselves, just as the Law also says.

35If they desire to learn anything, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is improper for a woman to speak in church.

We also know that women are to submit, to their husbands. And, I know that your husband has told you to do what the Lord requires. So, I will pray that the Lord makes clear what you are to say, or not to say. I will pray that you are given the strength to do God's will, and that you will do so humbly and in all knowledge that we have all sinned and fallen short of God's glory.

My prayers are ahead of you, with you and behind you...
Shalom,
Kim

Rachel Pierson said...

Thank you, Kim. That is very helpful.

Love,
Rachel

Anonymous said...

Rachel,

This has nothing to do with your post; though I would like to know how it went.

I was talking during dinner to my parents about birth control, and how Mr. Bayly and others do not approve of it. But because I get so wrapped up in the actual argument, I loose my train of thought, and all knowledge of the topic. (I know Mr. Bayly uses Galations, but I'm sure there's more.)

I was wondering if you'd be willing to write a post explaining why he takes this position (and maybe you do to, I'm not sure). If you're not comfortable, I'm willing to just ask Mr. Bayly.

Rachel Pierson said...

Dear Kim,

I miss you already. I hope you are having a wonderful visit. It sounds like you are.

You have asked me a question that is fraught with emotion. I won't shy away from it, and I will post my take on it (with tears), but for now:

You asked what Pastor Bayly thinks. I can't answer, but I can give you a quick link:

http://www.baylyblog.com/children_are_a_blessing/index.html

This is from his blog under the topic "Children are a Blessing."

For an excellent study of the sin of limiting children and the duplicity of our cultures thoughts on this, scroll down to "How many children should we have?" (June 3, 2004)

For an explanation of examples of birth control which have often apparently been interpreted as sodomite behaviour in the old testament, scroll down to "God's 'No' to birth control." (June 6, 2004)

Another excellent article with Scriptural references is simply "Making love without making babies" (January 13, 2007).

Love,
Rachel

Rachel Pierson said...

BTW: Submission through my husband's eyes and submission through mine have looked quite different. When I think I am "discussing" or "verifying his position" he sees my rebelion.

I am working on this, or rather (and thankfully), he is.

So yesterday when he said, "I don't want you to go." I said, "OK." Did I fail God's call? Did I thwart God's grand scheme? At the risk of copping out, I don't think so. The rocks did not cry out, and so I think my words would have been clanging cymbols if I had gone in disobedience to my husband.

I understand that Planned Parenthood had many people representing them there. The money was approved to be awarded to them.

Most importantly: God's will was done. Trees are known by their fruit. Work is given for us to do. People will be there on Thursdays to hear God's word.

I learned obedience.

Kim said...

May the Lord bless you in your continued obedience.
Hugs, Kim

Rachel Pierson said...

Kim, Thanks.

This one was really hard: Am I copping out? Did I exert influence on Glen's decision?

It is also something that I have to leave behind...

Rachel

Kim said...

Did you change Glenn's decision? I am guessing not. Your husband is a strong man and he is showing wisdom in the leading of his household. So, yes, leave this in the Lord's hands where it belongs. (I know, easier said than done.)
Hugs, Kim