“For the first time in human history, a nation was established on a solid foundation consistent with principles found in the Bible. Every one of our founders, with all of their distinction and diversity, clearly understood that this nation was, in fact, established under God—-not a Christian nation, but as a nation whose founders clearly understood the basic principles to remain free.”

James Robison, The Stream p.248; Worthy Publishing 2016

I haven’t known what to do when people say that our founders weren’t even Christian, and so argue that we cannot claim to be a Christian nation. Our founders had character flaws for sure. We can call those flaws, as I’m required to call my own, sin. Yet their prayers reveal their utter dependence on the same God I pray to. Documents and prayers show their knowledge of and reliance on God’s Word.

Robison acknowledges that our founding fathers possessed doctrinal differences. But, I guess, more important to me than whether I can call them “born again” is this: These men went to the ONE dependable source of truth to build the foundation of, what I consider, an imperfect nation for sure, but incredible; one that was founded on the firm foundation of God’s perfect, life-giving, and unchanging Word.

To God be all the glory,

lonnie

I can’t help it. I love this!

I just finished my third consecutive reading of Acts. I was in the middle of a printed Bible study on Corintians when I felt God direct me here. At each reading, my eyes and heart caught different aspects of Paul’s life. I kept lists, one being persecution—- many beatings and imprisonment—-for preaching the gospel.

But the very last verse of Acts says this:

“For the next two years, Paul lived in his own rented house. He welcomed all who visited him, proclaiming the kingdom of God with all boldness and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ. AND NO ONE TRIED TO STOP HIM (emphasis and delight, my own).”

Acts 29:30 New Living Translation

New American Standard says “unhindered.” I’ll take it either way.

As for me . . .

One day, a friend of a different culture and faith persuasion noticed my cross necklace. As she tucked my cross behind the neck of my top, she told me in her country, they wore religious symbols beneath their clothing.

I told her this: “I believe one day, I won’t be allowed to wear my cross. So, while I can, I am going to wear it out.”

My Friends, Do Not Take Your Freedom For Granted,

lonnie

“One of the subtlest hinderances to prayer is probably the most pervasive. In the broader culture and in our churches, we prize intellect, compentency, and wealth. Because we can do life without God, praying seems nice but unnecessary. Money can do what prayer does, and it is quicker and less time-consuming. Our trust in ourselves and in our talents makes us structurally independent of God. As a result, exhortations to pray don’t stick.”

Paul Miller (A Praying Life, p. 16) NavPress 2009

Paul Miller’s thoughts remind me of a Scripture that, sometimes, causes me to ponder:

” . . . Has God not chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith . . .?” James 5:2

I used to ask myself if I had to choose, would I rather be rich in material goods, or in faith. They were pretty uncertain times for us. I would surely have understood this quote at that time. Money IS quicker. Today, still, with a little trembling, I choose faith. I choose God.

He hasn’t always been predictable. He has ALWAYS been faithful.

EverGrowing—-EverDependent

On Him,

lonnie

““Every Christian must know this: winning elections is not nearly as important as winning hearts and minds.”

James Robison

The Stream, p. 203; Worthy Books 2016

Would it be reasonable to say that if hearts and minds were won, elections would take care of themselves? Yet, both REQUIRE prayer.

EverGrowing,

Lonnie

(from a Turkish prison)

“But what really broke me was unmet expectations. I expected that God would intervene to carry me above my circumstances into joy, that even in grief I would feel strength and an infusion of grace, and most importantly, that I would have a sense of his presence. Instead, I felt abandoned by God. The truth is, God’s faithfulness and loyalty and love are never put to the test in our difficulties; it was my faithfulness, my loyalty, my love for him that was being tested.”

Andrew Brunson

God’s Hostage, p. 213/ Nook; Baker Books 2019

This book was so HEAVY WITH HOPELESSNESS, that I could only read a couple pages at a time. Andrew’s feelings, though in far more difficult circumstances, felt too familiar; like those times I expected God to intervene and . . . He didn’t. At least not that I could see, then. And certainly not in the time I expected.

But I’d prayed for this stranger.

From a facebook post, I discovered he was from an area of North Carolina where I held cherished memories. I, with so many others, celebrated our prayer answers when this innocent man was released. I knew the book had a favorable outcome.

I think I kept reading because Andrew was so honest—–no superficial spirituality.

It feels so ugly when I go through struggles like a baby or drama queen (which I was in the middle of doing) and thinking that everyone else goes through with hope, patience and faithfulness.

Thank you, Andrew Brunson, for your honesty. I feel like you have walked through some struggles with me and helped me to recognize God.

EverGrowing,

Lonnie

P.S. Friends, do not shy away from hard books. You will find treasures therein.

“The Pine Grosbeak is uniquely tame when approached. The first one I saw . . . whistling from a bare elm in Madison, Wisconsin. I whistled back, and it hopped to a lower, closer branch. We whistled back and forth for a while, the bird steadily coming closer. I reached out, and it suddenly hopped onto my finger.”

Laura Erickson

For The Birds: January 6; Pfeifer-Hamilton 1994

Colour Me Extremely Jealous,

Lonnie

(One of the coolest books, ever. 365 Days of bird experience and trivia from a licensed bird rehabilitator and written from our backyard/ Duluth, Minnesota)

“The problem with world-changers is the temptation to compete with the One who has already come to change the world.”

James Robison

The Stream; Worthy Books 2016

I Love to Learn.

But I can’t keep it to myself.

What fun is that?!

I am a writer though, so I know how many edits, rewrites (and hours) it takes to grab a reader’s attention, and then keep it.

I will always give credit where credit is due–and then I hope you will double my joy by visiting a library or book source to read (or listen) to the book, yourself.

A practice I’ve taken up recently is this: After reading a book–with pencil (and/or post-it tabs)–I go back to read and pray through what I have underlined. It’s been an incredible experience.

If a quote I share strikes a chord in your heart, I’d love it if you would test-drive my beloved habit.

EverReading–EverGrowing

EverTrying To Walk Out My Faith,

Lonnie

“Isn’t this the same man who persecuted Jesus’ followers with devastation in Jerusalem? (Acts 9:21 NLT)”

Talk about a turn-around! Paul went from persecuting Christians to being a faithful and passionate follower of Jesus Christ; from persecuting to the one persecuted.

God——-Only God.

My friend, there is always hope.

lonnie

“Unless these men stay with the ship, you cannot be saved.

“So the soldiers cut the ropes that held the lifeboat and let it drift away.” (Acts 27:32 NIV)

Can you FEEL the lifeboat drift away?

I can.

What lifeboat are you depending on?

From here, it was all about trust ——trusting that Paul had, indeed, heard from God. And trusting that God would keep His promise.

“He ordered those who could swim to jump overboard first and get to land. The rest were to get there on planks or on other pieces of the ship. In this way everyone reached land safely.” (Acts 22:44)

They ALL got there—–but not the same way.

Just sayin’ . . .

Lonnie