Out of the mouths of babes

by Shonda Ponder
(originally written on July 29, 2001)

My 10-year-old was home-schooled until he was sent to live with his father last year due to some "financial hard times" that had come upon myself--making me fear for his safety and health. During the past year I have hoped, and prayed fervently, that he would not "unlearn" all I have tried to teach him, since he is now being sent to a public school (albeit in a small town), and not knowing how much importance his father would place on his growing mind.

For the last month or so, he has been returned to me for visitation (I have joint custody with his father), so I have had a chance to "feel him out" to make sure that he is doing "okay" and to check to see if there were any errors entered into his brain's programming that I needed to fix.

Upon having nice long conversations with him of an intellectual nature, I was relieved to know that his father was doing wonderfully at encouraging his intellect, despite the fact that he is no longer being home-schooled. I was bothered at one point because someone (not his father) had mentioned to him that he was much too young to think as intelligently as he thinks. I immediately told him that if God had not wished him to be as smart as he was, that He would not have given him the capacity to learn as much as he has learned. My son, thought about that for a moment, then said, "Okay. Good point."

During my visit with my son, it was made known to me that he wishes to grow up to be a scientist. His field of interest right now is "Spontaneous Human Combustion". He is reading every bit of material he can get his hands on about the subject. I immediately gave him access to my encyclopedias (and, I sent them home with him, when it was time, as well).
Our visit ended on Saturday, July 28th. So, we had to make a 400 mile trip to take him back home to his father so he could prepare him for the school year, which is to start in a couple of weeks.

I am always looking for ways in which to stimulate his thinking habits. Many times, I do this as a game, and he learns without even knowing that I am teaching him. His brain is like a computer--I learned this when he was barely old enough to communicate verbally. Everything he sees, hears, touches, and experiences is like software to him. So, having made this observation, I experimented with his mind, and taught him how to think. Every moment with him is spent "writing his programs". Every word that is spoken from him is a "test" of how well I have done my job. I have worked hard to create a success-bound character out of him.

And, as a result, today, the last words I spoke to him before returning him to his father were honestly, "Son, I am very proud of you."

On the long trip to return him to his father, I desparately tried to find ways not to think about being without him again. He is my pride and my joy. I teach him that he is special. I tell him that he doesn't have to be like everyone else when they do or say things that are not right. I teach him to ask questions in order to figure out how to create his own point of view. I have also taught him about God, and taught him (and showed him examples) of how, sometimes, man's laws differ.

Trying to soothe my breaking heart at having to let him go again, I decided to try to stimulate, and test his mind once again. This time, I wanted to do something different, and I wondered if he was up to the task.

Knowing that he wants to be a scientist, and wanting to introduce him, somehow, to the political nature of science, I said, "Son, do you know who our president is?"

"Yes, ma'am," he said. "George Bush."

"Well, President Bush right now is trying to decide whether or not to fund a certain type of scientific research. The people in the government right now are debating whether or not they should give scientists the money to continue doing stem-cell research." I said. "What do you think?"

He thought for a moment then asked, "What are stem-cells?"

I explained to him that they were the base components that all tissue in the human body is derived from. I told him that stem-cell research could theoretically help save lives in the future by providing new cells where old cells have been damaged or lost, such as in cancer.

Then he asked me, "What's wrong with that?"

I said, "Nothing. The debate is mainly over where they are getting the stem-cells from, and whether the government should support the research because of it." Which led to,

"Where do they get the stem-cells from?"

I had to answer this question carefully, because I did not want to influence his point of view in any way. So I answered it as best I could like this:

"Scientists can get stem-cells from humans, but not enough humans donate the amount of stem-cells needed for the research. Another alternative is to get them from a baby's umbilical cord, which is donated to science after the birth of a child. The umbilical cord is what attaches the baby to the mother while it is growing inside the mother's womb. But, again, not a lot of people think to donate the umbilical cords, either. So, scientists now are creating embryos in laboratories and getting the stem-cells from the embryos."
He thought about that for a moment then said, "What is an embryo?"

I explained to him that mothers have egg cells and fathers have sperm cells, and sometimes they donate these to science. When an egg and a sperm come together, it creates an embryo, which becomes a fetus, which becomes a baby, which becomes a child, and finally becomes an adult human being. I told him that some people believed that embryos were just a bunch of cells that are clumped together, and that it is okay to use embryos because it isn't alive.

"Does it grow?" he asked.

"Yes." I answered, restating that it becomes a fetus, etc.

"What do the scientists do with the embryos after they get the stem-cells?"

I explained to him that when all the stem-cells are taken from the embryo, that they discard the embryo.

"You mean, like, throw it away--because it won't grow?"

I said, "Yes."

"And, you are asking me if I think that the president should help the scientists by giving money to them so they can keep doing this?"

Again, I said, "Yes."

At this point, he surprised me by saying, "Can I think about this for a minute?"

I said, "Of course."

The conversation became quiet, and except for the hum of the car motor and the classic rock music faintly sounding on the radio speakers, I didn't pursue it for awhile, patiently anticipating his answer.

After what seemed like fifteen minutes he finally spoke up and said, "Mom?"

"Yes?"

"You say that embryos grow to become fetuses, right?"

I said, "Yes. That is what I said."

"Okay, let me think some more..."

Again, all was quiet for what seemed like another fifteen minutes. At this point he spoke up and said, "Mom?"

Again, I said, "Yes?"

I heard him take in a deep breath, and then he said, "I've thought about it, and I think the answer should be no."

"No, what?"

"No, I don't think the scientist should be using the embryos like that."

Of course, my next question was, "Why do you think that?"

"Well," he explained, "You said that an embryo is just a bunch of cells, right? But, you also said that it grows, and that the embryo, if it were left to grow, would become a human being right?"

I said, "Yes."

"Then, the scientists are really, actually, killing baby human beings. And killing human beings is wrong, isn't it?"

The Christian part of me wanted to jump up and down and hug him and say, "YES!!!!!!"

The mother in me wanted to shout, "I am SOOOO proud of you!"

But, the teacher in me only smiled, relieved at the fact that should he ever be able to make his dream of one day becoming a scientist a reality, that he is completely capable of making moral and ethical decisions.

Dirty

by Shonda Ponder
(originally written in April, 2000)

I didn't want to feel dirty
As I came to God that day
For all I'd done to forsake Him
And go my merry way

I knew that I had been wrong
And that there was no hope
Except that He forgive me
And give me strength to cope

Every sin I'd sinned
Every law I'd broken
Out of selfish hypocrisy
I ignored the words He'd spoken

And now I felt alone
And now I felt betrayed
But who was I to blame?
By myself I knelt and prayed

O, Lord, can you forgive me?
Can you hold me once again?
And can you help those others
That I'd taken from your plan?

Can you bless and keep us,
and bring us all back home
And give us hope again
Where before this there was none?

Have I been so wrong
That you have let me fall
Will you grab my hand
And let me feel your call?

I am but human, Lord
I am weak and frail
But with you I have strength
Without you I have failed

Lord, I walked away
Knowing I was wrong
And now I beg forgiveness
I know where I belong

And as I sat there hoping
And wondering if I'd done right
I felt a warm familiar cover
A soft array of light

That said, "I have not left you
Nor have I let you down
It was you who chose
To give away your crown

I know that you are hurting
Lost and so afraid
And now I am here waiting
To hold the child I made

I did not forget you
Nor did I let you go
My love reached out to you
As I watched you grow

And now you ask forgiveness
You want to come back home
I have a feast here waiting
And we won't eat alone

I began to cry
As I ran into his arms
How can I make it up
To all those I have harmed?

He wiped away my tears
And broke my heart of stone
And then He said, "In time,
They too will come back home."

NO KING BUT KING JESUS

I've been seeing lots of posts for a new Constitutional Convention. While I agree that improvements are still in order for the old Constitution (we should go back to the beginning and start over with the foundation of the original Constitution), I am careful to promote this, because I've learned through experience to be careful what you ask for.

I've come to the conclusion that Man has no power to improve on anything. And, if you really want to improve this country, God should be brought back into it. If this were to happen, this country would be blessed like no other country on earth ever was and ever will be. But, the pride of men will bring us down.

I thank God that, as a Christian, I do not have to live under the law of any country that goes against His law. My home is not here, on this earth. And, if by not following the laws set before me by the government that is here, I am sent home, I would be grateful. THIS is temporary.

And, I will live thus.

NO KING BUT KING JESUS!

Following Jesus with Joseph's Spirit

I remember when I was 8 years old and I had started to read my first Bible from Genesis to Revelation. Being determined to do so, because my Preacher said before I make the decision to accept Christ, I should understand why I am doing it, and that I should read the whole Bible. I was determined to understand why, because since I was a pre-schooler and my Grandma had first taken me to church, and I first heard the words, "Jesus loves me", I wanted to know who He was and why He loved me so much He died for me.

So, I started reading. I read every time I got a break at school. I read after my homework, and by the bathroom light in my bedroom at night when I was supposed to be sleeping...sometimes until 2 in the morning. My preacher had warned that there was boring parts, but if we read our way through it, later those boring parts that we didn't understand would come to light and we would eventually understand it as we continued to read, over and over again.

I doubt my preacher knew how seriously an eight year old would take his words. But, I did.

I remember sitting on our big chair in the living room, reading the story of Joseph from the Bible. My mom and step-dad didn't attend church at that time. But, they didn't keep me from walking down the road two blocks away every Sunday morning.

On this day, as I read the story of Joseph, and I got to the part where Judah offered his life in the place of Benjamin, and Joseph's reaction to it, I began to cry. The story was so beautiful and so inspiring. My mother asked me why I was crying now. All I could say was, "I love the story of Joseph. You should read it."

Joseph has always been my favorite Old Testament patriarchial story. Oh how I rejoiced when he was reunited with his father...and cried some more.

I was even more determined after that to finish the Bible. And, when I walked down the aisle to get saved, I was determined to follow Jesus with the spirit of Joseph in my heart.

No man is perfect. No, not one.

My bus driver (he is a very out-spoken Christian) has been very hung up on whether God wants us to be perfect, and whether anyone who sins (regardless of Christ's sacrifice) will go to heaven if they keep sinning. He has been obsessed with this. Today we had a very in depth conversation about this all the way home. I told him that sin is inevitable. Everybody sins. No one is perfect. Yes, God wants perfection, but God also knew that perfection, for man, was pretty much unattainable, so He sent Jesus to die for our sins. He paid the price so we don't have to. He was still stuck on the "once we become Christians, we should be perfect". I corrected him, "We should STRIVE to be perfect, there is a difference. I don't think it's so much the sin that we have to worry about, as it is our reaction to our own sin." I had to leave before we could finish the conversation but he was interested.

It is impossible to be sinless. If I never sinned, I'd be proud of that. And, that is a sin. And, THAT would make me a liar, which also is a sin.

God Speaks Through Dreams...Even Today!

I have issue with something that Dr. J. Vernon McGee just said in one of his recorded sermons (he has since passed, but his preaching is still heard on Christian Radio KHCB).

He said he didn't believe that God speaks to people in Dreams today. I find issue with that. I don't believe anywhere in the Bible is says that God will one day no longer speak to people any way He wishes to do so. Just because the majority of people are not receiving prophetic dreams does not mean that people do not receive them. Many receive them and throw them away, because they don't know how to interpret them, and don't want to make the effort.

People, the point I am making is that if God wants to speak to you, He is going to find a way to speak to you where He will be heard. And if that means He has to speak to you through a wrinkle in your shirt, He will do so.

I believe that God speaks through any way God wishes to speak...dreams included--and Dr. J. Vernon McGee was wrong.

God is not limited as to what He can do.

A "Christian" man does not NEED a "Christian" woman.

I get so tired of seeing posts from men who say, "I am so lonely. I need a Christian woman to make me happy". (As if having a "Christian woman" would solve all of your problems). The truth is, the motivations for wanting that "Christian woman" is selfish, because from the moment she says yes, you are hell-bent on corrupting her Christian morals.

You see, the only way a "Christian woman" should ever say yes to a man is when that man is a "Christian Man" who does not need a woman, period, to make him happy. He should already be happy with what God has given him, and if he has God, he should not be lonely. A "Christian woman" wants a man who will lead her further INTO God, not drag her FROM HIM.

A Christian man who invites a woman to follow him should be directing her steps toward what he is aiming for, GOD. If she doesn't want to follow, then you don't NEED HER.

Period.

You see, a "Christian woman" does not NEED you or anyone else to make her happy. She doesn't look to a relationship for what she NEEDS. She has GOD to supply all of her needs according to HIS riches in Glory. If she "chooses" to be with you, it's because you provide her with something she WANTS. And the ONLY thing a real "Christian woman" WANTS is to be closer to God.

You want to know why she disses you? Re-read the above. And, if this post has offended you so that you immediately call me "judgmental", all I can say is if the shoe fits, WEAR IT.

This is why I am single by choice and choose to stay that way. I have been through the hell of having a so-called Christian man time and again who has done NOTHING to lead me toward God. I REFUSE to make that mistake again.

Hope for the Best, Prepare for the Worst

It's my opinion that while we should all "grab a sword", our preparedness should be more in the tune of preparing for a world in which Jesus is King, than in fighting a one world government. If everyone did that, do you realize the peace there would be in the world (and no need for the sword we carry)? We should not be fighting against armies of terrorists, but rather against the evil they represent: Ephesians 6:12 says, "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places."

The forces of evil can do nothing we don't allow. Pray with your legs. In other words, you don't pray that God will give you a job if you are looking for employment by just sitting at home waiting for one to come to you. You pray while you are looking. Pray while you vote. Pray while you take action of some kind. And, be prepared for the worst.

For those who are thinking that the rapture will save you before the worst happens, is the rapture pre, mid, or post tribulation? As a Baptist, we are taught pre-trib rapture, but as a realist, nothing in the Bible specifies this. Therefore, while we hope for the best, I think it is wise to prepare for the worst.

In truth, I think it was left out of the Bible for a reason. God did not want us to live too comfortably, with the belief that we are all going to be saved from the persecution that is to come, because it would facilitate apathy.

Daily Bible Reading: 2 Chronicles 1

After Solomon became king, "God magnified him exceedingly". He became very popular. He had a reputation that exceeded the borders of his kingdom. Kings and Queens from lands far away heard of him and sought to meet with him. People who were not even of his own land respected and revered him, because he followed his father's teaching, and he worshipped the One True God with all his might.

He probably felt overwhelmed, being of such a young age and having been made King of Israel. When his own beloved father passed away, he sought comfort in the one his father had told him about that would never leave him, if he chose to be righteous and follow Him.

Overwhelmed and thankful for God's guidance because of his success, he sacrificed in front of his people, and worshipped God in a public setting, not hiding his faith or his dependence on the One True King over all.

7 In that night did God appear unto Solomon, and said unto him, Ask what I shall give thee.

8 And Solomon said unto God, Thou hast shewed great mercy unto David my father, and hast made me to reign in his stead.

9 Now, O LORD God, let thy promise unto David my father be established: for thou hast made me king over a people like the dust of the earth in multitude.

10 Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people: for who can judge this thy people, that is so great?

11 And God said to Solomon, Because this was in thine heart, and thou hast not asked riches, wealth, or honour, nor the life of thine enemies, neither yet hast asked long life; but hast asked wisdom and knowledge for thyself, that thou mayest judge my people, over whom I have made thee king:

12 Wisdom and knowledge is granted unto thee; and I will give thee riches, and wealth, and honour, such as none of the kings have had that have been before thee, neither shall there any after thee have the like.

God loved Solomon for his dependence on Him, and his humbleness of spirit, in spite of his station in life. And, because of his humbleness, gratitude and determination to credit God for his support, God determined to give Solomon all he could ever want or ask for, as well as wisdom and knowledge that he would need to keep it.

As children of God, we must never forget who gave us the gifts that we have, and we must never forget to honor and credit Him for it. If we do so, continually, never forgetting where we came from, God will bless us abundantly more than we could ever hope or ask for.



SOLOMON: The Reign of the Wisest King in the World in 3D Illustrations
The book shows us the basic moments of a governing in ancient ISRAEL by King SOLOMON, depicting his life and work, coronation, politics, economics, building of The Temple, forts and cities, reconstruction of the army and trading, fleet construction, peace and cooperation with other countries. Richly illustrated, the book inspires any teen's fantasia, letting them to adopt all stories nicely and easily.

Hypocrite

I have noticed that when people use the term "hypocrite", it is usually because they do not fully understand it's meaning and wish to insult the person to whom they are referring. A hypocrite is someone who claims to be sinless while judging others for the same sins that they, themselves, are guilty of.

As a matter of practice, I personally have never claimed to be sinless; nor do I judge others. I do, however, state facts. I do not dare tell someone who is homosexual that they are going to hell. As a matter of fact, homosexuals are just as qualified to see the Kingdom of Heaven as I am, if they have accepted Christ into their life and are seeking to better themselves and lead others to Christ. However, I will tell them that practicing homosexuality is a sin. The Bible says it is a sin. That is not judging, that is stating a fact. I could tell a good, Bible going woman that homosexuality is a sin and it would not offend her. Then why is it that if I tell someone who is a homosexual that homosexuality is a sin they get offended? Truth is truth, whether you want to hear it or not.

On the same note, I am not judging the homosexual by saying that homosexuality is a sin. What he or she does with that information is entirely their business. I am to love the sinner and hate the sin.

When I refer to the Bible, I am pointing as much to myself as I am anyone else. I am constantly working to better myself. God may not expect me to be perfect or sinless (after all, we wouldn't NEED Jesus if that were the case), but He does expect me to strive to achieve perfection. So, when I quote the Bible, it is usually to remind myself that what I am saying is backed by Biblical principle.


Proverbs 11:9 says, "The hypocrite with his mouth destroys his neighbor but through knowledge the righteous will be delivered." Therefore, someone who calls someone a hypocrite is, him or herself a hypocrite because he or she passes judgment on someone else.

The righteous are not people without sin. They are people who are doing their best to be without sin, yet being imperfect are humble enough to admit their own faults and attempt to right their evil ways. Their dependence is more fully on Christ's redeeming power and God's Grace because of their imperfection. Only one who is immature in their walk with God would dare try to pull a speck out of someone else's eye when they have a plank in their own. (Matthew 7:3)

One who is mature is willing to accept their limitations, and then glorify in God's infinite lack of them.

Daily Bible Reading: 2 Kings 16

After Pekah had ruled for seventeen years, Ahaz ruled Judah. He was twenty years old when he began to reign, and he was evil in the sight of the Lord.

Rezin, king of Syria and Pekah, king of Israel went to war against Ahaz. They besieged Ahaz, but was unable to conquer him. It was during that time that Rezin took back Ahath and drove out the Jews.

Ahaz allied with Tiglath-pileser, king of Assyria, and he asked for help from the besiegement by Pekah and Rezin. He gave all the gold to Tiglath-pileser he could find from the temple and the king's house. So, Tiglath-pileser killed Rezin and took Damascus captive.

King Ahaz saw an altar in Damascus that he liked, so he had Urijah the priest make one like it and place it in the temple for the king's personal use. Then, Ahaz died and his son Hezekiah became king.

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My Comments
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All of Judah's gold, and all of Israel's gold is steadily being depleted in order to gain political allies and maintain their independence. Slowly, God is exacting His punishment for their failure to follow Him. They still have an opportunity, but will they take such opportunity to turn from their sins and receive the blessings of God and live in the peace and splender that Solomon had enjoyed, or will they continue down the road that will eventually lead to their demise and utter destruction?

Compare this with the America of today. We started as a blessed nation. We won the favor of all the world. Then, over time, because of our tolerance of other gods and other beliefs; and, as we continually let other viewpoints conform us and change us, we put God on the back burner and now we are faced with enemies that get paid to be our allies and terrorism around every corner. Our country, which once was the richest country on earth is now over $16 trillion in debt. Our credit is steadily maxing out, and slowly we are being sold into slavery. There is corruption in every level of our government.

We still have the opportunity, but will we take such an opportunity to turn from our sins and receive the blessing of God and live in peace and splender that God gave us after the Revolutionary War, or will we continue down the road that is steadily leading us to our eventual demise and utterly be destroyed?

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Daily Bible Reading: 2 Kings 14

Now, when Jehoash, the son of Jehoahaz, was king of Israel, Amaziah, the son of Joash of Judah was king. Amaziah did well in the sight of the Lord, except he didn't take down the high places of he idols of Judah and some of the people still worshipped there.

He killed the servants that had conspired and killed his father, but he did not kill their children. He followed God's law that the children should not be put to death for their father's sin, only for their own. He defeated Edom, then he invited Jahoash to visit him.

Jehoash said, "Yeah, right. You defeated Edom and now you are feeling cocky and want to try your hand at me." But Amaziah finally convinced him. Jehoash defeated Amaziah and broke down the gates of Jerusalem, took all the treasures of the temple, then returned to Samaria.

Jehoash died and his son, Jeroboam, took his place.

Then Amaziah was conspired against and slain in Lachish. Judah made Azariah, his son, king. He was only sixteen years old.

Jeroboam did evil in the sight of the Lord, but God let him restore all of the lands that were lost in his father's day.

When Jeroboam died, his son, Zachariah, took his place.

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My Comments...
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A famous movie director, Steven Spielberg, once sported a quote from Shakespeare in his movie Something Wicked This Way Comes. It said, "O, what a wicked web we weave, when at first we practice to deceive." The web was getting more and more wicked as Israel and Judah continued to sin. The consequences were growing worse with each passing king, and continual refusal to repent.

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Daily Bible Reading: 2 Kings 13

After Jehoash had reigned for 23 years, Jehu's son, Jehoahaz took the throne of Israel. He was evil and this made God angry. So God let Hazael, king of Syria, take Israel. Then, Jehoahaz prayed to God to help them; so God, being a God of mercy and forgiveness, sent them a leader to help break the bonds of Syria, then they went back to their former lives. They continued in their old ways.

Jehoahaz died, and his son Jeroboam reigned.

When Israel was taken by Syria, it was Elisha that Jehoahaz went to for help to talk to God. Elisha told Jehoahaz to beat the floor with his staff. Jehoahaz hit the floor three times, and Elisha reprimanded him for his lack of determination. "If you had hit the floor at least five times, you would have drove the Syrians away for good! But, you will only be able to defeat them three times now."

Elisha was old and sick. He soon died. They placed him in a tomb. Later, the Moabites invaded the land. Once, when they were in a funeral procession for another man, they saw a band of men coming that they supposed were enemies, so they quickly put the dead men in the tomb with Elisha's bones. When the dead man touched the bones, he immediately came back to life.

Hazael, king of Syria, oppressed Israel until he died. Then, his son Benhadad became king. Jehoahash took back all the lands Hazael had taken when Benhadad became king.

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My Comments:
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"I'm sorry" only works if you turn from your actions that you are sorry for and determine not to do it again. If you say you are sorry, and ask for help, you may be helped. But if you turn back to your old ways, the one who helps you may be more likely to let you wallow in your misery. God has patience, to a point. After a while, though, He determines to practice "tough love" by letting you wallow in your misery until you learn why you should turn from your sin and determine to sin no more.

God doesn't want to hear His children cry. But, if they fail to learn from their mistakes, the only option He has is to let them suffer the consequences.

When God asks you to do something that will help you, then you should do it whole-heartedly. If you just half-heartedly do it, you will only get a half-hearted result, and the problem could come back at full force later. It's best to whole-heartedly take care of the problem once and for all.

Elisha had so much faith and spirit in him that the power God gave him even permeated his decaying body.

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