In Defense of the Christian Faith

In this day and age, it seems that children and adults are sexually exploited on a regular basis, creating a very low self-image in the victims. I have always been passionate about advocating for these people, so I was very excited to be given a chance to review Melinda Todd’s ebook, How I Forgave My Molester . At a very young age, Melinda Todd had an experience that no child should have to endure – and the criminal was someone very close to her. Years later, the situation still haunted her: why had this happened, and why hadn’t her family stepped in to protect her? Struggling with self-worth and feelings of betrayal – even years into her marriage – Mel knew that something had to change. Eventually, Mel found the one thing that could truly set her free: Forgiveness. In this short, easy-to-read ebook, Melinda talks about her struggle with self-worth after the incident, and the steps that she took down the path of forgiveness. Several of these practical steps are incorporated int...

"I suspect that most of the individuals who have religious faith are content with blind faith. They feel no obligation to understand what they believe. They may even wish not to have their beliefs disturbed by thought. But if God in whom they believe created them with intellectual and rational powers, that imposes upon them the duty to try to understand the creed of their religion. Not to do so is to verge on superstition." ~ Mortimer J. Adler

Welcome to another addition of Inspiring Story, where the goal is to provide you with a testimony that will encourage you, build up your faith, and demonstrate the power of God. He does exist, and He makes it perfectly clear, many times in our day-to-day lives. Today, I would like to share a few testimonies that I came across randomly (actually, that's not true -- I believe that the Lord led me to them as I was searching for a story this week), but they blessed me so much that I just had to share with my readers. This is the testimony of what God is doing through Heidi Baker and her ministry, Iris Ministries, in Mosambique, Africa. The first, is an interview that CBN did with Heidi. I was deeply encouraged by this one... And here is an amazing testimony of blind eyes seeing: "...One thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see.... Why herein is a marvellous thing, that ye know not from whence he is, and [yet] he hath opened mine eyes. Now we know that God heare...

I read this story yesterday at the Baptist Press and I just had to share it for today's Inspiring Story. The names have been changed (by the authors) for privacy and protection. Enjoy! --------  No one notices the young Chinese woman silently crying in the back pew. It's the only place she finds solace from her deep depression and fear of death. She's not even sure why she sits in this church every afternoon; her communist education and Buddhist religion teach against a belief in God. Yet something keeps drawing Lily Wang here. She pulls a Bible from the pew. It's not in her native Mandarin, but she flips it open anyway. She learned to read a little Thai after moving to Thailand a few years ago to teach school, but she hasn't learned enough to really understand this. So many questions cloud her mind that she finally musters enough courage to speak to a man carrying the same book. He brushes past the petite woman and goes about his business. The rejection ...

Today marks the 38th anniversary of the Roe v. Wade case which legalized abortion in America. I have never really talked about abortion on this blog before, but today, I make an exception. I believe that abortion is wrong; the Bible says that life is precious -- it is sacred. Too many women have been lied to when they walk into an abortion clinic. They are told that it is just a harmless procedure, and that "it's just a fetus." Excuse me, but "fetus" is Latin for "baby"; yet abortion clinics like Planned Parenthood are making millions of American tax dollars off of this lie! But often, the women who enter such clinics are scared, and they think that having an abortion will alleviate all of their problems. However, the psychological effects of such an action are enormous, as any woman who has experienced an abortion will tell you. That being said, I also believe that if any woman reading this has had an abortion (or is contemplating having one), there...

It's time for another Inspiring Story. This week, I'd like to share Saad's story. "Saad" is a fifteen-year-old Pakistani who now resides in Florida. For the first few years of his life, he resided in Pakistan -- a predominately Muslim country -- with his Muslim family, until their move to the United States in 1997. The next decade brought with it many changes such as adjusting to American society, making new friends, and watching his mother battle breast cancer. All of these things prompted various emotions and questions that Saad had no answers for. April 16, 2010 is a day that Saad will never forget. He describes it as follows: The world was marked between AD and BC, and now it would mark on April 16th, the most important day of my life. I wonder if I hadn't done anything on that day, would my life be as crazy as it is now? Who knows? Anyways, it was a chat on Facebook, and I just thought I'd talk to Robert for a second. I wish I could have copy and ...

Merry Christmas, everyone! Today, I have a very Inspiring Story to share with y'all... John 1:1,14 states, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.... And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth." In this video, the Word of God comes to a tribe for the first time! How precious it is to them! Do we take the Word of God for granted? The true meaning of Christmas is that He came so that we might have life and have it more abundantly -- so that we might have eternal life! These people get that, and it is so touching and inspiring to see how they respond with love toward the Word of God! Enjoy! Hat tip: The Stand to Reason blog Do you have a favorite inspiring Christmas story that you'd like to share? You can link it up by Clicking here . Don't forget to join me tomorrow for a special Christmas post, as well! From my fa...

It's time for another Inspiring Story everyone! Feel free to share your stories using the linky tool below. I found today's story when I was looking for the story behind a beautiful, yet powerful hymn. Here is what I found: -------------------- "Take My Life": Frances Ridley Havergal   by Amos R. Wells Frances Ridley Havergal wrote so many helpful books, and lived a life so earnest and devoted, that she has had a very deep influence over the hearts of Christians. Of all her poems, the one before us meant the most to her, and has meant the most to the world. Miss Havergal was born in Astley, England, December 14, 1836. Her father was an Episcopal clergyman, a skilful composer of music, and himself a hymn-writer. She was baptized by another hymn writer, Rev. John Cawood, who wrote "Hark! what mean those holy voices?" She became also a brilliant singer and piano-player, and a glittering career in society was open before her. But she considered all he...

Okay, so I know that I'm a bit late in putting this up, but I promised you all that I was going to have a special Inspiring Story for Thanksgiving. I went through many videos, trying to find just the perfect one, and while it isn't specifically "thanksgiving-ish," I wanted to post it for you all because it is very inspiring. It's a testimony by a Latin Soul Artist named Martin Cantu. The quality isn't the greatest, but the story is awesome! Enjoy! The thought that comes to mind when I hear testimonies like these is just how thankful I am to God for all that He is doing around the world. Sometimes, we get stuck in "our own little worlds," and we fail to see that other people have real needs, too. God is filling that need in amazing ways... let's be the tool -- like Joyce was in this case --through which He does it! Happy Thanksgiving! Do you have a story that you'd like to share? Leave me a comment or link up here: Powered by Linky Too...

Today, I'd like to share a message by Mark Cahill that I found to be very inspiring, yet challenging to us as Christians. It's called "Lukewarm - NO MORE!" It is an hour long, but I encourage you to at least listen while you do other things if you can't give it your undivided attention; it will be an hour well spent! Special thanks to Alice for pointing me to it! :)

UPDATE : Something unexpected came up, so I am going to count my WFW as this week's Inspiring Story. I will also be extending the link party through Monday, October 18 this week. This should work out for ALL participants, so if you're thinking that you won't be able to make it, maybe you will! :D Be sure to link up (bottom of post) and then leave me a comment to let me know what you think! -------------- The following is an essay that I wrote after reading The Pastor’s Wife , an inspiring book written by Sabina Wurmbrand, the wife of The Voice of the Martyrs' founder. I am posting it today for the WFW, because I believe it provides a challenge to us as Christians to be set apart for Christ -- to be representative of Him, showing the love of Christ to the world instead of following its ways. As the Scripture says, “Therefore ‘Come out from among them And be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, And I will receive you.’ ‘I will be a Father to you, A...

Time for another Inspiring Story! Anyone is welcome to participate, but be sure to check out the guidelines first. Powered by Linky Tools Click here to enter your link and view the entire list of entered links... The following is a repost of an essay that I wrote on God's existence using the remarkable story of a Vietnamese Christian. I was reminded of it while considering my recent post, "Faith: The Stumbling Block." Enjoy! ----------------- Today’s Inspiring Story is an essay I wrote recently about Between Two Tigers, a book published by the Voice of the Martyrs. I am aware that to a skeptic this might not be enough “proof” that there is a God. However, it goes along so well with what I was talking about...: that only when our hearts are pure will we see the Lord. Some people think they’re sincere when they say, “If God exists, prove it to me!” And then when you show them, they shoot down everything you say with their own arguments. This, to me, says that...

It's that time again... time for the Inspiring Story meme! Lately, this meme has been rather sporadic, almost non-existent. That was not my original intention. However the purpose of this meme is to share a story each weekend that will inspire and encourage you. Anyone who would like to join in this meme may do so. Simply feature a true story, a personal testimony, or a story which has a (Godly) moral lesson on your blog. All entries must be of the Christian nature. Then use the "linky" tool, so that others can see your stories. If you do not have a blog, but wish to share a story anyway, you may leave it in the comments box. Thank you. Powered by Linky Tools Click here to enter your link and view the entire list of entered links... -------------------- Today's story comes from an issue of the Voice of the Martyrs (Special Issue -- 2007). Enjoy! Christ the Savior saves many from their hate. In a world of fear and terror, Christian courage reigns supreme. Sandu Fra...

I just found out the other day that you can pick up a complimentary copy of Voice of the Martyrs ' book "Tortured for Christ." This is the story of founder Richard Wurmbrand who spent 14 years in prison in Communist Romania simply for being a Christian. He wrote the book to make Christians in the West aware of what their brothers and sisters in Christ are experiencing for their dedication to Christ. As you know, I have a huge heart for the persecuted all over the world; they are laying down their lives for Christ daily, and they do it unashamedly. So if you're like me, and you just devour every book on the topic that you can get your hands on, why not get your free copy today? All you have to do is refer one or more friends, and provide your mailing address and you're on your way! And after you do that, here is a little teaser ... It was 1945. A pastor and his wife sat listening as one religious leader after another come forward to swear loyalty to th...

Today, I figured that I'd combine the Word For Wednesday and the Inspiring Story together. I'd like to start with this Scripture: Eph 4:1-3 "I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." As I mentioned previously , I've been thinking a lot about suffering. Now, I know that some may say that we aren't experiencing the cruel treatments that other Christians around the world are experiencing, so why think about their sufferings; we've got it easy here in America. But I would reply to this that just because we are not PRESENTLY experiencing those sufferings, this does not mean that we WON'T experience them at all. We must prepare our own hearts, because only God knows the future -- we do not. The unity of the Spirit is to be united in the Lo...

Some write their wrongs in marble: He more just, Stoop’d down serene and wrote them in the dust,— Trod under foot, the sport of every wind, Swept from the earth and blotted from His mind. There, secret in the grave, He bade them lie, And grieved they could not ’scape the Almighty eye. ~ Samuel Madden (1687–1765), based on John 8:6-11

... remember that song by the Newsboys? Well, for today's Inspiring Story, I'm taking a departure from my usual and traditional story of missionaries and people who are doing amazing things for God to post something a little different. I just found this story on a cute blog about dogs . What do dogs have to do with inspiration and the title of this post, you ask? Well, you'll just have to read this story to find out, but be warned, it is long and sad, too -- you might want to bring out the hankies. ;) ( Note : If you can't see the text, or you see a huge gap where the text is suppose to be, please click on the title to view the whole post. I'm having a bit of difficulty with the Blogger format.) ----------------- The Old Man and His Angel by Catherine Moore “Watch out! You nearly broad sided that car!” My father yelled at me. Can’t you do anything right?” Those words hurt worse than blows. I turned my head toward the elderly man in the seat beside me...

Photo by access.denied I found this quote at Daily Abundance , and it really spoke to me. I think too often, people (myself included) are too afraid to open the door and step out into the world of the unknown, because we are afraid of what might lie behind it; we are afraid of what we don't know. But the truth is, we can beat the fear; we have the power, the love, and the sound mind that only comes from God! We are overcomers! Now, for the quote... I hope it will inspire you as it did me. When fear strikes, it definitely helps to view it as an opportunity to use our faith in Christ! "Fear is opportunity knocking. Too often we hide behind the door and quiver. It is when we open the door and shine the light of faith into the shadows, that our fears are banished. Only then we learn that fear conquered is faith revealed." ~ Dawn Norton

The wait is over, folks! ;) I'm FINALLY getting around to posting this weeks Inspiring Story... thanks for your patience. Today, I'd like to focus on Angus Buchan, a Scottish-African who resides in South Africa. A man of extraordinary character and faith, his is a very interesting story, and I could go on and on about how much I admire him. Therefore, I will say this much: he is best known for his book and movie " Faith Like Potatoes " (which was the best video I have ever seen). His website tells a brief version of the story, for those interested. (If you click on the movie title above, you can also see a trailer.) Some of my readers have already seen the movie (and if you haven't, I highly recommend it), so today, I'm going to focus on a recent newsarticle pertaining to Angus Buchan... According to the local news, News24 , on April 6, 2009: The popular South African evangelist, Angus Buchan, collapsed on Saturday, shortly after his morning service at ...

I was looking for a particular quote today and I found these (all credit goes to Brian )... I think they are not only interesting, but they also provide us with some food for thought... "Understanding is the reward of faith. Therefore seek not to understand that you may believe, but believe that you may understand." - St. Augustine of Hippo I thought of that one in light of the Bible: Proverbs 4:4-7 states, "He also taught me, and said to me: 'Let your heart retain my words; Keep my commands, and live. Get wisdom! Get understanding! Do not forget, nor turn away from the words of my mouth. Do not forsake her, and she will preserve you; Love her, and she will keep you. Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding.'" Also, Proverbs 2:4-11 says, "If you seek her as silver, And search for her as for hidden treasures; Then you will understand the fear of the LORD, And find the knowledge of God. For the LO...