Handpicked by God!

What’s so special about being handpicked? I don’t know you tell me? Go back to the days of elementary school, when it was time to divide the class into teams. The teacher would select two team captains and they in turn would select, one by one, individuals to be on their team. 

Whoever was picked first would display a greater sense of confidence level than those few left in the end. Oh to be chosen first is a wonderful feeling but to be chosen last--- not so great.

The good news is God’s ways are never the ways of the world. Look at David, the least of those to be chosen, even born last. His brothers displayed significant outward statue and confidence. And because of their age difference they obviously had more experience in life then David. In the flesh it would make sense that Samuel would choose one of his older brothers. (I Samuel 16:6) Can’t you envision their faces when Jesse lined the boys up and Samuel passed over each one and then turned back to their father and asked, “Don’t you have another boy?” (I Samuel 16:11) I can imagine they may have chuckled at the thought that Samuel would even ask for their little brother David who was tending the flock. 

Thank God, Samuel didn’t choose in the flesh. (vs. 10 & 11) He waited on God to show him what could only be revealed in the spirit and David was anointed to be the next King of Israel.

I love that God takes the time to handpick His men and women and the qualifications He pursues are in total opposite of the world’s opinion. God looks inside the heart to see the real man or woman. 

How many times have you been in a situation when a decision was made to hire a person based upon their accomplishments, their successes, how much money they had in the bank, how long they owned their business, how far they excelled in their trade, even how beautiful they were to look at.  Oh how detrimental it is to our lives when we focus on the external and make decisions based on only what we see. When God isn’t included in the process we will suffer the consequences of those decisions.

Now back to David…

I believe God chose David because He knew in his own ability David couldn’t accomplish much, but with God all things are possible. God seems to specialize in putting us into positions, where we must rely on His work, His guidance and His hand to get us to the end result. Can you imagine being anointed King at a young age and not being appointed as King until age 30? I am sure he doubted his call many times and most likely his inner circle echoed those same thoughts.

But it really isn’t about us anyway. Our acknowledgment of who God is, wrapped around our faith and trust in knowing that we are anointed & called by an Almighty God to accomplish His purposes is humbling. If we are trusting in our own capabilities to handle the tasks at hand then we should be intimidated and fearful --- oh but if you are resting in God’s words and believe He has established you, you will accomplish all that He has already anointed you for.

So don’t get discouraged when you are picked last for the job, or better yet when you aren’t even picked at all, because GOD has a special assignment only YOU can fulfill and He will see to it that what He (the Lord) calls and anoints, He will establish.

Polly

THIS IS THE TRUTH!

JESUS IS COMING-----ARE YOU READY?




Ah well said!


Polly

Friends Don't Let Friends Go To Hell!

Kirk Cameron, you may remember him as the good looking guy from Growing Pains, has initiated a campaign called, The Way of The Master. A teaching series dedicated to saving the lost and helping others communicate the truth of the gospel. Their methods are amazing, and solely focused on warning people about the consequences of sin. In one of the video sessions Cameron said, “Friends Don’t Let Friends Go To Hell!” Sounds pretty cliché but very true. 


As much as we would like to think many would consider our efforts applaud-able, there are just as many who find our love offensive.  
Cameron explains in the series, that he has experienced it's easier to share the truth with a total stranger, then a friend. He said,  "A friend is easily offended when you suggest they are heading down the wrong path. They resist correction, because they feel accountable to your words, unlike a stranger who will never see you again."


Torrey and I, on a few occasions have been attacked, unjustly slandered, and wrongfully accused, simply on the basis of defending God’s word. Whenever you are in disagreement over a biblical principle with someone who doesn’t believe the word of God or harder yet, mis-interprets the word, you can expect opposition.  How can we not expect opposition, when Jesus warned us in n John 15:18, “if the world hated me, surely they will hate you.” 

Being hated isn’t easy; regardless it is our responsibility to continue to share the truth!

Look around at the behavior of society, moral downfall is not only evident outside the church, but it is equally as evident inside the church. Today, in most Christian circles, holiness isn’t a popular word. As a matter of fact, many of our so-called “Christian peers” are laughing and mocking those of us who are determined to remain faithful. (John 15:19, 17:16)

Their philosophy is to solicit as many lukewarm Christians as they can to side in their defense. They have played right into the hand of the enemy! They twist and construe the word of God and call it discernment, they argue and debate against absolute truth and call it justified.  Their conscience has been seared and as a result their hearts have hardened towards the truth and the messenger. The battle to defend the word of God requires committed Christians who have a strong will and determination to shut out the negative voices of opinions, pushing through the circles of indifference, to continue warning people of the judgment that lies ahead.

It's not going to get any easier to share the gospel. God foretold us long ago that “scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts…denying biblical truths”. The Apostle Paul also warned that many would be swayed from the truth, because of their “itching ears”, creating in their minds vain imaginations, which would lead to their own destruction.

MY GOD -------I CAN BARELY SIT HERE WITHOUT GETTING ANGRY AT THE DEVIL AND HIS DIABOLIC SCHEMES TO TAKE MY LOVED ONES AND FRIENDS TO ETERNAL DAMNATION. MY HEART IS BROKEN FOR THOSE WHO ARE DECEIVED, CAUGHT UP IN THE THINGS OF THIS WORLD AND WHAT IT HAS TO OFFER.

When I think about judgment day and what it will be like for my friends and loved ones who have denied the truth, it motivates me beyond my natural ability to continue, regardless of the opposition, regardless of how many are offended. My hurt feelings are menial in comparison to what awaits them if they do not receive the truth. 

Polly

In closing I want to leave with you an illustration from Kirk Cameron’s series. The Way of The Master. Please read it, it may change your mind about judgment day!

Material Written & Published by "The Way of The Master"
Obviously, those who flippantly say such things and act according to their flesh, don’t believe in the biblical concept of hell. Their understanding of the nature of God is erroneous. They make statements like God is a God of mercy and grace and they believe this justifies their behavior. Yes God is a God of mercy and grace, but He is also known as THE JUDGE.

Let me put it to you this way… "If a judge in Florida turns a blind eye to the un-lawful dealings of the Mafia, if he sees their murderous acts and deliberately turns the other way, is he a good or bad judge? He’s obviously corrupt, and should be brought to justice him-self. If he is a good judge, he will do everything within his power to bring those murderers to justice making sure that they are justly punished.

"If Almighty God sees a man rape and strangle to death your sister or mother, do you think He should look the other way, or bring that murderer to justice? It makes sense then, that if God is good, He will do everything in His power to ensure justice is done. The Bible tells us that He will punish murderers punish murderers and rapists. However, God is so good, he will also punish thieves, liars, adulterers, fornicators, and blasphemers. He will even punish those who desired to murder and rape but never took the opportunity. He warns that if we hate someone, we commit murder in our hearts. If we lust, we commit adultery in the heart, etc."

The reality of sin is eminent, hell! Jesus said that it is a place of torment, where the worm never dies and the fire is never quenched (Matthew 9:45-47). We tend to forget what pain is like when we don’t have it. Can you begin to imagine how terrible it would be to be in agony, with no hope of relief? Hell isn’t just a place with an absence of God’s blessings; it is literal torment, forever.

God has given His Law to convince men of their sins, and unless a sinner is convinced that he has sinned against God, he won’t see that hell is his eternal destiny. He may consider it a fit place for others, but not for himself. That’s why we mustn’t hesitate to open up the Law and show people they are responsible for sin, and that God’s wrath abides on him because of it. There are depiction's in the bible of what Hell will actually be like, Luke 16:24, Matt 13:42, 25:41, Ephesians 4:9, Revelation 20:15, Ezekiel 32:18-21, Isaiah 66:22-24)

Me, Myself and I!

Last week I was "overloaded" with messages from hurting friends who were needing a word of encouragement, simple advice, or a pat on the shoulder. I justified my workload to put those calls off until the next day and by Wednesday morning I had at least five phone messages to return along with other needs & requests that I later found in my email inbox.


I had just picked up a pen and paper to make a list of people to call back, when my phone started blinking alerting me to a new message. It was a text from a church member and this is what it said, "Polly, I know you are really busy but I have to talk to you. Is there a time I could come by today? (PLEASE!) Anytime is okay with me just let me know when to be there."  


Was God trying to get my attention or what? 


If you could have seen my reaction you would have been very disappointed in me. Let's just say the rest of the morning, I complained and grumbled acting like a spoiled, heartless brat!


Later that afternoon when my friend showed up I was determined to keep it short and sweet, even making a plan of escape if I needed to. (I know what you're thinking; I am embarrassed of myself too. Hopefully none of you can admit to acting this way. But this particular day I had my share of woes and truth be known my "flesh-woman" just wanted to put a sign on the door and say "go away, I have problems of my own.") 


Twenty-minutes into the conversation and I was so agitated, I couldn't even get a word in. I had somewhat "blocked her out" only nodding my head to persuade her I was listening. Until my thoughts were interrupted when she said, "... and Polly I knew you would be the one who would listen. I just don't have anyone I can confide in and I don't know who else would care!"


Oh brother, did I feel like the biggest jerk ever.  If jerk had an illustration it would have been me! 


Did she just say, "she knew I would listen?.....and care?" I could feel a huge lump come up in my throat, I couldn't even speak. I was embarrassed of my "superficial compassion" and to make matters worse, the Lord was quick to remind me, "She is mine, and I love her." 


How many times have I gone through the motions, completing what I like to call the "duty of serving", only to walk away completely disappointed in my selfish motives,  my need for public recognition and a pat on the back. I've disappointed God many times, by allowing my selfishness to win over the needs of another. I have no one to blame for my embarrassing behavior, except me, myself and I.


I learned a great lesson in that moment, even when we perceive no one knows our true intentions we can stand corrected, God does. He is always looking at what's behind our serve, and the motive for what we do.


Psalms 51:10-12  "Create in me a pure heart Oh Lord and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of my salvation and grant me a willing spirit to sustain me." 


Prayer - 
Lord, You already see and know my thoughts so why do I try to conceal them from you? Forgive me for my selfish behavior. Purify my heart, Lord. Give me a "new" love for your people! May I please YOU when I serve, may I honor YOU when I give, may I impress YOU with my actions. Amen


A great book I would like to recommend that relates to this post was written by Max Lucado entitled "It's Not About Me". It can be read individually or we have even used some of the chapters as part of our Family Devotional.

Polly

Abercrombie Who? - My daughter is worth more!

As the parent of a teenage son (now 16) I haven't had much pressure to "fight" the fashion world as some of my other "mom" friends. But I have heard many horrific stories about the battle to find decent clothing for teenage girls.

However, the time has come when I am now noticing my daughter's once "blocked & chubby" formed figure starting to slim down. The curves are taking shape, becoming visible through most attire she wears.  I realize teens mature physically at different stages, but it seems most of her friends are taking on different shapes too. Curves and more curves! I have concluded that all these noticeable physical changes, is a huge warning sign for me. I recognize effortless shopping days are quickly becoming a thing of my past!  And the more time I spend in the malls shopping with her, the more I am convinced I should have listened to my older & wiser friend and taken those sewing lessons years ago. Have you seen the itty-bitty shorts available in name brand stores? (I don't have to name those stores, most begin with the letter "A") Anyway, they make Daisy Dukes (from the Dukes of Hazards) look like she's wearing nickers!

On one of our recent trips to the mall, my daughter found a t-shirt she wanted to try on from one of the above mentioned stores, it was cute very simple, and white. Once she got it on,  she was so embarrassed she wouldn't even come out of the dressing room but murmured behind the door, "no mom I need a different color." So, I found the same shirt in a different color and handed it to her over the door. A few seconds later, she came out of the dressing room, hands crossed over her chest. Immediately I could see  the problem wasn't the color of the shirt, it was the material. It was just too thin to conceal anything!  I didn't have to convince Karson of that observation either. I realized the indecency bothered her to the point she didn't even feel comfortable for her own mother (me) to see her. An innocence I plan to protect!

She came out put her hands on her hips and said, "Mom every shirt I have tried on is too thin. I don't want a shirt you can see right through to my bra. I hate these!"  Yes ---I nodded agreeing! I quickly responded back, "I hate them too!" With a roll of her eyes she turned to head back in the dressing room, but noticed a poster hanging on the wall behind her, she pointed to it.  (You have to know my daughter, she doesn't hide her opinions. Her jaw hung down, eyes wide opened and with her facial expression she was letting me know she disapproved.) The picture was of a young girl maybe 15 wearing a white bathing suit. Behind her stood a boy, he was draped over her body kissing her neck. His hands were tucked in to the bottom portion of the young teen girl's bathing suit. A scene exclusively reserved for the bedroom and most definitely inappropriate for any teenager. I wasn't about to leave the store without letting a manager know that the indecent advertisement on the dressing room stall was uncalled for and an offense to me AND my daughter.

Needless to say, we didn't buy any t-shirts or shorts that day! I left disappointed and angry at the fashion industry and conclusive that I had arrived at a place I was dreading for a long time. On our way home, I questioned my ability to handle this "soon to be", on going battle with the fashion world? Karson and I had a long talk and I convinced her that she and I would be on a mission to make it a point to find clothes that she felt comfortable in, even if that meant she had to wear jeans and/or long pants to school & church.

Many other parents feel the same frustrations. You may be one of them. I began to search the Internet to find a name or contact person for the store, I wanted to send them an email or letter voicing my concerns for their inappropriate marketing posters  and the clothing selection they are offering to young teens. Upon my research I came across a lot of other parent links, protests, email campaigns all directed in stopping the fashion industry from perverting our teenage girls. Do a search yourself, you will be surprised. In my googling I came across a wonderful letter that inspired me to take action. I have made a copy of it below:

Dear Abercrombie,
You bore me. (Yawn, Yawn and double yawn) Your latest attempt to clothe our girls in trashy t-shirts like the one picture below is so very UNORIGINAL. Don't you remember? You tried the trashy t-shirt campaign already once before. Seems I remember it was right on the heels of the launch of your thong underwear to girls under 15. Who can forget the disturbing messages printed on the front like "wink, wink" and "eye candy"? Probably not the dads of the girl you marked the line to I imagine. All that to say I am not sure what led you to resurrect the old trashy t-shirt campaign, but I am guessing it's a last ditch attempt to bet back in the news. 

Which leads me to ask....is that old-enough-to-be-a-grand-pa, MICHAEL JEFFRIES still running your company? Did anyone tell him that it's no longer even considered fashionable to dress like a hoochie? It's sooooo yesterday, as in Britney-what's-her-name kinda yesterday. If you see Mr. Jeffries, tell him I have an idea for a radical marketing stunt: If he has a grand-daughter (and he very well may since he's in his mid sixties), would he be willing to do a photo shoot with his little princess wearing one of the trashy tee's above? Maybe he could stand next to her with his arm around her and do a cheesy thumb's up sign. Just an idea?


My guess is that he's feeling a bit desperate as of late, since net sales for the month of August 200 fell 23% from sales posted in August of 2008. Some analysts are even buzzing that A&F is past it's company sell-by date and bankruptcy may be just around the corner. So sad! It must be very tense around there. I imagine you guys are chalking up the sales decline to the struggling economy. While that may be a major variable, another cause could be your over-the-top "SEX SELLS" campaigns. While I am disappointed that you would once again attempt to resurrect the trashy-tee campaign, in a way, I'm also kind of glad. I personally see this as the final nail in your company coffin. Because he, everyone knows that when sales are down you go to desperate lengths to offend what little is left of your customer-base right? In the meantime, just know that moms like me will remain vigilant in equipping our daughters to identify marketing campaigns that prey on the insecurities of young women. And more importantly, we will encourage our girls to close their wallets to key offenders such as your company. And for that reason your days are numbered buddy --- mark my words.


Signed,
Vicki (last name) ----- I will be posting this on my FB and I hope it travels fast Mr. Jeffries!

I am determined along with this valiant mother, not only to keep my wallet closed from stores who try to pervert my daughter's self image and pure morals, but I also took it a step farther by sending a letter to the Executive office, letting them know that the clothing selection they offer is in complete violation of the school district my children attend. I mentioned that I would be posting this information on my BLOG and FACEBOOK asking others to take aggressive action against clothing stores who continue to dismiss our parental concerns. I hope you will do the same!

It's time we make our voices heard, our daughters are so worth it!

 Polly

Way Over Dressed!

Joyce Meyer: "If you are all wrapped up in yourself, you are way overdressed!

I was standing in line at the bank Monday in a little bit of a hurry, but I only had three people in front of me so I didn’t expect to be long. The entrance door to the bank was behind me so unless I turned around I couldn’t see anyone enter. I was minding my own business thinking about the next stop I had to make when my thoughts were interrupted by a woman’s voice. She spoke loud enough for everyone in the bank lobby to hear, (I am paraphrasing but trying to keep it close) “I have never seen so many handicap parking spaces in front of one building in all my life and not one of them is filled. I had to park my Lexus in the next parking lot 30 spaces from the door and walk. Why do they have 4 parking spaces allotted to handicaps? They should exchange one handicap spot out there for people with money and call it VIP parking! Goodness.”

Right then I knew I had already heard enough of this lady. The facial expression from the others around me led me to believe they had too. The tellers were all distracted by her arrogant remarks, as they rolled their eyes at one another and whispered behind the bulletproof glass. It was about to get better.

I turned around along with everyone else, to see who could be the owner of such hideous remarks. To my disappointment I knew her! (I don’t mean we were friends but a casual acquaintance with a mutual friend.) I quickly turned back so she couldn't make eye contact. I was afraid she would notice me and I didn’t want any of these people to think I was in any way associated with her.

By then she had made her way to the back of the line still complaining all the while. She griped about the wait in line and commented to her friend that there should be more employees working especially during the lunch hour when most people visited the bank. About that time one of the tellers walked through the lobby with her lunch tote in hand headed to the entrance door, obviously headed for lunch break, leaving only two tellers working. Of course most of us in line were disappointed she was leaving, which is usually the case when you’ve been waiting for a while, but hey, we understood she deserved a lunch break and we were letting the woman leave in peace. Until…

”Ms. Thang” behind me caught a glimpse of her exiting and objected!

“Excuse me,” she directed the comment to the teller heading out the door. “And where do you think your going? I hope you aren’t considering leaving for lunch break when you have a line of nine people waiting for your assistance.”

I was mortified; I could not believe this woman. Who was she trying to impress? What was she trying to prove?

I couldn’t imagine the scene getting any worse and by now everyone in the entire branch was looking at her. The young teller without hesitation opened the bank door and out she went, never even acknowledging the woman. The “friend” who accompanied this arrogant woman, now decided to get involved and she blurted out, “Where’s the manager? Is this the kind of respect you get here at your bank? Can’t these small town people recognize money when they see it?” (We heard more laughing and cackling from the two of them.)

Every second I stood there I was more embarrassed for her because I knew that once I turned around and she recognized me, she would feel horrible that I observed her obnoxious behavior and cruel words. But it was inevitable. I finished my transaction and turned to leave when the teller said, “Thank you Mrs. Herrin have a nice afternoon.” I responded back, “you do the same” and about that time my eyes looked up and caught the women’s eyes. She put on a big smile and spoke instantly, “Well hey there girl, how are you doing?”

I mustered up a “Good, thanks!” but was determined to keep walking out the door and before I could, she was already making conversation, “Isn’t this crazy?”  she motioned towards the line with her hand, “Poor customer service is what you call it. They’ll be sorry when I pull my money out of this bank.” I really had no comment for her, instead I wished I had a sign with the word "RUDE" on it,  that I could have pulled out of my purse.

I was again disappointed that now she really felt no remorse or embarrassment and I knew in my heart I wasn’t about to encourage her negativity so I didn’t even acknowledge her question and instead replied, “Hope your day gets better” and out the door I went.

I am convinced there are some people in this world who really think, “It’s All About Them!” They don’t play by the rules we learned in kindergarten to: share, tell the truth, speak kindly, and play nice. They value people based upon how much money is in their bank account and voice their opinions on any matter regardless of how it might make someone feel. They are arrogant, vain, and prideful and without the grace of God to intervene, they will bring destruction upon themselves.

Proverbs 16:18, Proverbs 8:13, Proverbs 11:2, I Samuel 2:3, Isaiah 2:11

I'm not sure if the "arrogant woman" will read my blog or even knows I have one. But if she stumbles upon it she will certainly recognize herself. When she does, I pray she will also recognize that she is way "OVERDRESSED"! 

Polly

I Love You Torrey

I Love You Torrey!

1993 we were engaged and quickly approaching marriage.

February 12, 1988 started a journey I will forever be grateful to God for. That evening in Cleveland, TN I went on my first date with the man I have been married to for almost 18 years, my husband Torrey. So today I want to celebrate all that he is and has been to me.

Torrey, helped coach our girl's intramural softball at Lee. We won this game! I love this picture because it was the following day after our first date. Don't know why we didn't take pictures of the first date? Yeah that's me behind the glove. Ha!

Torrey, I consider you the greatest blessing bestowed upon me by our heavenly Father, immediately followed by Noah and Karson, equally. You have been an answer to a young girls prayer who just wanted to “do the will of Her Father”. Little did I know when I said yes what all that would encompass! (Haaa! I love you. J) 

This was our two year anniversary and I was pregnant with Noah.

You make me smile when no one else can; you applaud all my successes, encourage me through all my disappointments and support me in all of my endeavors. Thank you for allowing me to dream and for your continual encouragement to move forward to pursue those dreams. I am enticed by your charming ways and the gentlemen you are. I never tire of being treated like a lady. Your love for our children amazes me and it makes me love you even more. Your commitment to lead our family in the way of the Lord is so attractive. I love to hear you pray over us and see you unashamedly worship our creator. Your leadership is bold and fearless and you make no excuses for your obedience to God, regardless of who and what our critics may say.

Twenty-two years has quickly gone by…. (18 yrs of marriage 4 years dating) We have grown together spiritually and emotionally. Of course we have weathered some difficult seasons, which we thought would never go away, but our commitment to each other and to our Savior is what sustains us. My Nana was right when she told me, “You picked the right one!”

My heart still skips a beat every time you reach over to hold my hand or when you wink at me from across a crowded room. You are amazing and I love you more and more with every passing day.

I know that to you “our song” has always been “Everything I Do, I Do It For You" by Bryan Adams.

But I feel the song that best describes my feelings toward you goes something like this:

Because You Loved Me (by Celine Dion)

For all those times you stood by me

For all the truth that you made me see

For all the joy you brought to my life

For all the wrong that you made right

For every dream you made come true

For all the love I found in you

I'll be forever thankful, baby

You're the one who held me up

Never let me fall

You're the one who saw me through

Through it all

You were my strength when I was weak

You were my voice when I couldn't speak

You were my eyes when I couldn't see

You saw the best there was in me

Lifted me up when I couldn't reach

You gave me faith 'cause you believed

I'm everything I am

Because you loved me, ooh, baby

You gave me wings and made me fly

You touched my hand I could touch the sky

I lost my faith, you gave it back to me

You said no star was out of reach

You stood by me and I stood tall

I had your love, I had it all

I'm grateful for each day you gave me

Maybe, I don't know that much

But I know this much is true

I was blessed because

I was loved by you

You were always there for me, the tender wind that carried me

The light in the dark shining your love into my life

You've been my inspiration through the lies you were the truth

My world is a better place because of you

You were my strength when I was weak

You were my voice when I couldn't speak

You were my eyes when I couldn't see

You saw the best there was in me

Lifted me up when I couldn't reach

You gave me faith 'cause you believed

I'm everything I am

Because you loved me

I'm everything I am…….Because you loved me!

Polly

Secret Motives

Proverbs 11:3 says, “The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.”

Integrity can be defined as “the quality of being honest and upright”. (Taken from the Meriam Online Dictionary) Basically, integrity is a oneness between our mind and our actions. A woman of integrity practices what she preaches and this isn’t just for those called to the pulpit.  A woman of integrity has nothing to hide or cover up. Her motives are pure; she is genuine, upright and real in her relationships. There is nothing “hidden or concealed”.

Duplicity on the other hand is deliberate deceptiveness. It’s the enemy of integrity. In today’s terms we call this woman, “two-faced, deceptive, fraudulent”. A woman of duplicity is like a seasoned poker player who conveys messages with her words that are in complete opposite from her thoughts.  As a matter of fact it would surprise you what is really on her mind and the pretentious motives she conceals.

On the surface a woman of integrity and a woman of duplicity may appear the same. The differences are visible only through the Holy Spirit’s discernment. But taking a closer look at what’s she’s trying to hide under her polished couture, could disappoint you.

For example, let’s consider a woman we will call Delilah, an expert at duplicity. She does not want to appear too aggressive or too assertive, but never underestimate her determination to get her way. Delilah doesn’t want anything to do with her husband’s office friends. So when the offer arises for her to come along on a weekend planning retreat she quickly falsifies her excuse to her husband, “I have so much to do to finish for the birthday party later in the month. I just don’t see how I could ever fit this extra weekend in. I’m sorry honey.” Duplicity at it’s finest.

So what’s the big deal you ask?  No one was really harmed by Delilah’s deceptive scheme. And what if her husband was disappointed and felt like the odd-man out is that such a bad thing?  The big deal is God hates duplicity! He hates it when our secret motive is to manipulate, control an opinion, seek revenge or promote division. False motives and hidden plotted schemes are never concealed from his view, because He is omniscient. And in case you would like to argue this case with me you should read what He has to say about this behavior:

 “Woe to you teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men’s bones and everything unclean. In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness.” (Matt 23) (More scriptures Proverbs 12:22, II TIm 3:1-5, Matt 7:15 are just a few.)

Yet even after God’s warnings many will continue to parade around in their “cloaks of holiness” perverting the very essence of Christianity justifying their behavior and daring someone to call them on it.

It’s time women of integrity rise to the battlefield and declare war against duplicity and her deceptive schemes. We must hold this spirit accountable and without apology, before we find our churches filled with “dead men’s bones” and “white washed tombs” and we can no longer distinguish the difference.

In the end “all that is done in secret will be exposed” (Ecc 12:14 and Romans 2:6)

Are you pretending to be something you’re not? Do you find yourself manipulating, lying, or being deceitful in anyway? Is your private life different then the life you would like others to see? If so take this notice as God’s loving warning. He always warns us before He sends judgment, Oh I love that about my God.

Polly