Last week was painfully historic. It will probably be decades before we’ll know the full extent of the societal impact of President Obama’s endorsement of same-sex marriage. Suffice it to say, the magnitude of this unprecedented announcement will be seismic and most certainly stand as a defining moment in our generation’s struggles over the moral dilemma of homosexuality. The tragedy of the whole matter is that it only adds to the confusion and ethical misguidedness that many have succumbed to. As Christians try to grapple with the question of how to respond and engage our culture over the issue of the gay lifestyle, let me suggest that the first step in our strategy should be to make sure the subject is properly handled within our own homes.
If there is a silver lining to the President’s unfortunate endorsement, it is that it provides parents with a powerful teachable moment with our children. It is critical that we seize the opportunity to have a healthy discussion about “gay marriage” with our kids. That’s exactly what my wife and I did a few days ago with our daughter.
Before broaching the topic, we had to think deeply about how to have this type of talk with a five year old. Here are some pointers that I’ll pass on to you. Hopefully, they will be helpful as you sit down and share your heart with your own son or daughter. Each tip is biblically based and appropriate for all ages.
Step #1 – Affirm the responsibility that Christians have to pray for their President. (1 Timothy 2:1-4)
Step #2 – Let them know that the President’s job is to do good and to honor God, since it is God that appoints our leaders. (Romans 13:1-4)
Step #3 – Help them to understand that when leaders do wrong and dishonor God’s commands, they are to be corrected. (Matthew 14:3,4)
Step #4 – Explain to them why gay marriage is wrong in the eyes of God. (Leviticus 18:22)
Step #5 – Teach them that God made sex to be beautiful and sacred. In order to keep sex pure he set certain boundaries. Marriage acts a parameter to safeguard against the misuse of our sexuality. (Hebrews 13:4)
Step #6 – Show them God’s definition of marriage as being a covenant between a man and a woman. (Matthew 19:4-6)
Step #7 – Make sure that they are clear on the fact that they are responsible to obey God and to honor him more that they honor man. (Ecclesiastes 12:13)
I recommend that the best way to end your discussion is to ask them to join you in prayer for the President and for our nation. For some, this might be an uncomfortable and difficult conversation, but don’t be afraid, God is with you. Remember, as Christian parents, we should take advantage of occasions like this to reinforce our biblical worldview in the minds of our kids and to train them on how to think critically about the relationship between Christianity and culture. Let’s equip them with tools that they’ll need to persuade others toward Christ and to withstand the many challenges to their faith which are sure to come.
My car broke down in a tunnel during rush hour in downtown Boston. Angry drivers expressed their frustration as they struggled past me. Eventually, the car was towed to a station for repairs. Later it broke down again, stranding me along the Interstate at 2 a.m. Back to the shop it went.
Unfortunately, the repair shop also doubled as a parking lot during Red Sox baseball games. When I arrived after work the next day to pick up my car, it was hemmed in by 30 other vehicles!
Let’s just say I was less than Christlike in my initial reaction. I ranted and raved, and then, realizing it was only making them less willing to help me at the close of their day, I decided to give up. I stormed toward the glass doors and struggled to get them open. My anger increased when the station workers laughed at me.
I had barely made it out when I realized how unlike Christ I’d been. Chastened, I rapped on the locked doors and mouthed “I’m sorry” to the staff inside. They were stunned! They let me back in, and I meekly told them that Christians shouldn’t behave as I had. Minutes later, they were shifting cars to free up mine. I learned the truth that soft rather than harsh words can change circumstances (Prov. 15:1).
O may I find in anger’s grip
The strength to temper tongue and lip;
But failing that, may God grant me
The courage for apology. —Kilgore
A soft answer has often been
the means of breaking a hard heart.
How do YOU feel about Christians pledging a Greek organization?
Don’t be shy, share your thoughts. Whether you are Greek or Non-Greek, it’s ok to discuss this. It needs to be discussed. Below is a link to a Facebook posting that has stirred some feelings on YouTube. Read it and share your thoughts about it. Also, check out this YouTube Channel that has people who denounced Greek organizations due to Christian principles. After reviewing the channel, share your thoughts below in the comment section. God bless!
Fraternities and Freemasonry have infiltrated churches for a very long time. When I was younger, I vaguely understood fraternities. I originally conceived at them as silly benign cliques found in universities and other locations. I was wrong for fraternities are much bigger than that.
Many fraternities and sororities among a variety of ethnic groups that make up many world leaders (like engineers, politicians, scientists, lawyers, doctors, athletes, etc.). There are a lot of connections between Freemasonry and Greek Lettered Fraternities. Even Paul Rich, who is a 32nd Degree Freemason, wrote that GLOs are cousins to the Masons. Freemasonry is related to the ancient Mysteries as exposed by even Masonic sources.
In the Masonic book “The Spirit of Masonry” which was published in 1775 we are told, “Masons know the way of gaining an understanding of Abrac.” Abrac is a type of magic. John Theophilus Desaguliers (1683-1744) has been called the father of speculative Freemasonry. Rainbow Girls is a Masonic group for girls and the Masonic group for boys is called DeMolay. Other Masonic appenages include the Order of Amaranth, the Order of the Builders, and others. rd th Strangely enough, 33 Degree Freemason James J. Davis founded the Mooseheart Home, 13 Degree York Rite Freemason Robert C. Fletcher was one of the founders of the Rotary International in 1905, and Mason O. Sam Cummings was an organizer of the Kiwanis International. The first main Fraternity in America was called Phi Beta Kappa. It was founded in 1773. John Heath was a founder, but he wasn’t a Mason since was 15 years old. Yet, Phi Beta Kappa founder Thomas Smith was a Mason of the Williamsburg Lodge. Smith became the President of Phi Beta Kappa in May 3, 1777.
9 Other members of the fraternity joined the Masonic Lodge the next year. Other fraternities came about like Tau Beta Pi in 1885 and Sigma Xi for scientists in 1886. There is a website called the Black Church Page. NotYourTypicalNegro has a Youtube video about this subject. Watching and paying attention to things can help people to resist deception in the world. A lot of groups (not just false ministries) overtly explain their apostasy in their own website. The person with the Youtube video was criticized by a person with a Youtube account named Bishop321 (who is a woman). This woman said a lot of propaganda to NotYourTypicalNegro about how he accepts Eurocentric Christianity. That’s false since Jesus Christ is meant for all people irrespective of their nationality, sex, or race. Not to mention that not everything in Europe was wicked. Not everything in Africa was wicked as well. There are righteous people in Europe, America, Africa, Asia, and the world over. So, Bishop321 tried to utilize the race card in trying to intimidate NotYourTypicalNegro. That didn’t work since he found more information about this preacher.
Bishop321 uses deception in saying that being pastored is equal to being told the truth. No, God can easily reveal the truth fully via the Word of God unto anyone. She talks about opposing intolerance, but we have every right to be intolerant of all forms of evil.
The Bishop321 woman is affiliated with the site of http://www.theblackchurchpage.com/. The site has an image looking similar to Thaumaturgic Triangle symbol. The Thaumaturgic Triangle is known for being for magical purposes like spell casting or demon summing. Triangles have been exploited for occult purposes for years and they are readily embraced in Freemasonry. On the Board of Advisors of this site, Bishop321’s real name is shown on the page. The site has a place where you can set up an account. On the form, it asks for a Greek organization and a Masonic affiliation.
Why would they do this only if Freemasonry or Greek fraternities have infiltrated this site. This women claims to acquire a degree as well. So, real discerning people aren’t fooled at all.
GLOs or Greek Lettered Organizations have been exposed since early 2008 in a big way. They have been exposed like in no other time in history from my opinion. In many of these groups like the Delta Sigma Theta, there are women chanting via praising Delta. I saw a video of Deltas saying they will give all of their love, peace, and happiness to Delta. That’s wrong since we give all of our love to God ultimately. That type of devotion to a fraternity or sorority is definitely going too far.
There are those in the Alpha Kappa Alpha singing about sisterhood.
Those in Omega Psi Phi go into broad daylight stepping for Omega.
Yet, there is idolatry in these Greek Lettered Organizations.
Idolatry is the devotion, service, agreement with, or worship rendered to a false god or material image. It’s about the veneration of false gods. Many of the fraternities and sororities are affiliated with these false gods and goddesses.
Phi Beta Sigma pays homage to Horus. Phi Beta Sigma was created at Howard University in Washington D.C. at January 9, 1914. Its founders are A. Langston Taylor, Leonard F. Morse, and C. I. Brown (whose colors are royal blue and white). Horus is the Egyptian false god.
Alpha Kappa Alpha is associated with Qadesh or Qetesh. Qetesh is actually a Semitic nature goddess, not necessarily Egyptian. Now, Faye Wattleton is the famous once 14 year President of the murderous Planned Parenthood group. Faye is an AKA woman, who is responsible for the millions of babies being murdered. Faye received the 1986 American Humanist Award. She received other accolades, so Faye Wattleton is a woman of the establishment. Alpha
Phi Alpha (who is a fraternity) has the Sphinx as its logo.
Alpha Phi Alpha was created in 1906. The Sphinx was a mythological being with the head of a human with the body of a lion. They are typically meant as temple guardians. Sphinxes exist globally even in ancient Asian cultures as well. Sphinxes are used near the doors of Freemason Temples (2 of them in the Scottish Rite headquarters of Washington D.C. meaning wisdom and power). Charles H. Wesley is quoted to give glory to this fraternity with idolatrous words (as found in his book of the History of Alpha Phi Alpha, Development in College Life from 1981). Of course Delta Sigma Theta praises Minerva, which is the goddess of Wisdom (It’s symbolized with as an owl also. Minerva is also called Athena and Isis). Minerva is on the Delta Sigma Theta’s coat of arms. Delta Sigma Theta Inc. The Grand Chapter, Membership Intake Program from 1990
from pg. 106 admitted that: “…That is why Minerva the goddess of wisdom is our sorority mentor…” I will never embrace a false goddess as a mentor at all. Hence, the false goddess of Minerva overshadows Delta Sigma Theta.
Kappa Alpha Psi has Thoth (it’s the god of wisdom) in their rituals, and Zeta Psi Beta has the false cat god of Bastet (or the Devouring lady).
Again, AKA was the first of the black sororities. Their coat of arms have the Greek mythological Titan Atlas holding up the world.
The Bible on the other hand says that the Earth is of the Lord’s and the fullness thereof. Also, Job 26:7 says that God holds the Earth on nothing. Altas hence represents the lies that the ancient Greeks believed in. They (or the AKAs) are quoted as saying: “…To thee O Alpha Kappa Alpha! We pledge our hearts, our minds our strength. To foster their teachings, obey thy Laws and make thee supreme in service to all mankind” (from pg. 39 of their ritual book).
Some of these groups knell on shrines to false god.
For example, pg. 14 of the ritual book of Kappa Alpha Psi says that: “…The Altar of Kappa Alpha Psi, which is the sacred Delphic Shrine, shall be placed in the center of the room and covered with a crimson and crown coverlet.” The Delphic Shrine was used as the shrine of the false god of Apollo (in the Greek polytheistic religion). They want to bow to the altar.
Sigma Gamma Rho refers to Ma’at as its inspiration. Omega Psi Phi is associated with Anubis. Anubis is the Egyptian mythological false god with a head of a jackal. He relates to the embalming of those who are dead. Anubis was involved with the Underworld in Egyptian mythology. There are other groups like this. In Greek culture, there are Greek elephants. Ironically, Delta Sigma Theta offers elephant shaped key chains.
There is a dog key chain offered for Omega Psi Phi.
Delta Sigma Theta’s Grand Chapter, Candidate Syllabus from 1990 on pg. 130 outline that: “…Our founders were well aware of the need to transfuse the ideals of Greek moral virtues with the later concepts of brotherhood and love…”
The Bible in Exodus 20:1-5 forbids having other gods before me, have graven images, and you can’t bow down to them. Therefore, these GLOs should never embrace false gods at all, especially as mascots for their organizations. The Deltas have this quote: “Question: What is the ultimate goal, then? Answer: Wisdom! The college educated woman seeks to become wise rather than smart. That is why MINERVA, the Goddess of Wisdom, is our Sorority mentor.” (DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY, INC., GRAND CHAPTER, MEMBERSHIP INTAKE PROGRAM, 1987, p. 106.). Minerva is a false goddess and isn’t to be praised at all.
Minerva is the Roman goddess. The Greek version of Minerva is called Athena. Celebrations and altars were utilized for this false goddess. The Delta Sigma Sorority Crest or Coat of Arms was designed by Soror F. Ailene Marks and Soror Jeanette Tripplet Jones (both are of the Lambda). It was authorized by the 1934 executive committee. The sword to them means truth and the staff is representative of leadership. The laurel is a symbol of achievement as used by the Greeks. NPHC (or the
National Pan-Hellenic Council, Inc.) is one umbrella group of 9 African American Greek fraternities and sororities internationally. So, I wouldn’t be involved in the hazing filled, false gods embracing GLOs at all. There are tattoos and bands in these groups as well. We are tattooed by God’s Spirit if we are real believers in God. We don’t need to have man-made tattoos in our flesh (1 Cor. 3:16-17, Lev. 19:28, 2 Cor. 5:17, and Matthew 22:37-38).
Ex-Sorority member (of Sigma Gamma Rho) and Christian Helene Previl gave her story to another Christian named David Williams. Previl is an expert since she was apart of that fraternal culture in college. Helene was apart of Florida International University.
Sigma Gamma Rho was created by 7 female school teachers. from November 12, 1922. They were from Indianapolis, Indiana. Of course, ΣΓΡ claims to be all about public service, a non-profit group, and they want to improve the quality of life inside of many communities. Each new members of ΣΓΡ must know of their history as well. Previl was once a leader in the ΣΓΡ. Helene Previl defined a sorority or fraternity as an organized group that is composed of pagan beliefs plus rituals. Their purpose is to prepare young individuals to continue on the legacy of secret societies via brainwashing and subliminal mind control. That’s an accurate definition since GLOs are typically about dealing with the involvement of brainwashing young folks to embrace too much conformity.
Much brainwashing is involved in such organizations. She (or Helene) pledged in the sorority. A pledge is a person who has been accepted for membership in a fraternity (or similar group) and has promised to join, but this person hasn’t been initiated yet. She even went into National Boule conferences. A Boule is a legislative council of advisors. Boule comes from the advisors to ancient Greek kings. Helene watched pagan Haitian voodoo rituals. Now, Helene said that she saw rituals performed as a soror that were similar to those done in the practice of voodoo. Voodoo is a powerful form of witchcraft. Most GLOs have oaths of secrecy that candidates do before they receive full entry (This is similar to Freemasonry definitely with their secret death oaths). Helene said that she was required to repeat their oath constantly. She said that those wearing a ΣΓΡ shirt who isn’t a member can be sued (since it’s a trademarked image).
“Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds.” Proverbs 27:23 (NIV)
We crammed suitcases, backpacks and tote bags on a luggage cart and raced to the ticket counter. Late for our flight, we thought it would save time to put everything on one cart and run.
Every few steps, something started slipping. My husband was pushing, I was pulling – both of us trying to balance the overloaded cart. We were doing okay until we approached the elevator.
Our oldest son, seven at the time, held the elevator door open. But, as we went over the sloped curb bags started falling. Robbie, who was three and had a broken foot, stopped in front of the cart. My husband didn’t see him as he reached for a slipping bag and ran over Robbie’s foot.
Robbie screamed, my husband yelled for help and the elevator beeped to tell us the door had been open too long. Our son Josh started crying in fear. Within seconds, we were in a total meltdown.
If only … if only we had left our hotel with extra time, if only we had anticipated the wait at the rental car return, if only we hadn’t overloaded the cart, if only we hadn’t gotten frustrated with scared and hurt children.
Regrets weighed heavy as we ran to our gate, making our flight with seconds to spare.
I wish that day was an exception, but during that time in my life I always tried to do one last thing before leaving the house, fit one more errand into an already busy afternoon, or take on more than I could handle.
The problem? I had an overloaded life.
My responsibilities outweighed my capacity to manage them. Every day I was frustrated — at myself, my home, husband and children. Why couldn’t anyone get it together?! Why didn’t the demands stop? Why did everyone NEED me so much?!
The day came when I couldn’t deny reality any more. I couldn’t blame, find excuses or procrastinate. I was falling apart, and my family was suffering. My techniques had to stop.
Proverbs 27:23 says, “Know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds.” That’s just what I needed to do. Although it was painful, I took an honest look at all my responsibilities, projects, priorities and tasks, and paid careful attention to what I was doing well and what I was neglecting.
I listed things I needed to do for home, work, family. What needed to be done now, and future projects. I recorded volunteer responsibilities at school and church. It took days, as things came to mind that I’d forgotten. When I was done I wanted to burn it and start over – it was that overwhelming.
Instead, I started to edit. After spending lots of time in prayer, seeking God’s will in that season of my life, I crossed through responsibilities I didn’t feel called to any more, and things other people could do. I whittled my list down to what I could manage given my priorities as a wife and mom of three little boys.
Some things could be edited out of my life immediately, while other commitments needed to be fulfilled before I removed them from my schedule.
Finally life became manageable. The underlying anxiety that I “should” be doing something all the time ceased. My never-ending list became a “Project” list I manage weekly. And from that list I pull the tasks that become my to-do list for the week or day.
God has since added two girls to our family through adoption, so now I’m the mother of five. And they all still need me. But, by knowing the condition of my flocks, I’m able to manage the controllable parts of my life so I can better deal with the uncontrollable parts.
I’ll probably always deal with the tendency to believe I can do more than I really can. But I’ve realized my optimism can hurt me and my loved ones if I don’t balance it with wisdom and a careful look at the reality of my life at this present moment. I’ve learned the hard way – an overloaded life leads to meltdowns. But a well-managed life leads to balance and peace.
Dear Lord, You know how crazy and out of control my life can be. But You’ve called me to a well-managed life. Help me manage better what I can control, and in doing so, prepare for what I can’t control. I need Your wisdom and discernment today. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Related Resources:
Visit Glynnis’ blog today where she’s talking more about creating a project management system to oversee all your responsibilities.
Do you ever feel overloaded? Starting January 9th, Glynnis is hosting “15-Days to Living Clutter-FREE” on her blog. She’ll be sharing ways to reduce the clutter in our minds, schedules, offices and homes. Visit her blog today for more information.
“Do not be anxious about anything…” Philippians 4:6 (ESV)
“You are not liked.”
“Who are you to think you could do that?”
“Why did you say that? Everyone thinks you’re annoying.”
“Your kids just illustrated every inadequacy you have as a mom.”
“You are invisible.”
Have you ever been taunted by these thoughts? I have. Why do we let such destructive words fall hard on our souls? Toxic thoughts are so dangerous because they leave no room for truth to flourish. And in the absence of truth, lies reign.
The other day I was discussing something with my husband and I said, “I know you think I’m being annoying and overly protective about this but…”
He stopped me and said, “How do you know that’s what I’m thinking? Please don’t hold me liable for saying things that are really only thoughts in your mind.”
Wow. He’s so right. He hadn’t said those things. I was assuming he was thinking them and operating as if those toxic thoughts were reality.
I think we girls do this way too often. People aren’t thinking about us and assessing us nearly as much as we think they are.
As Christian women we should hold our thoughts to a higher standard. How dare these run away thoughts be allowed to simply parade about as if they are true and manipulate us into feeling insecure, inadequate, and misunderstood! Oh how much trouble we invite into our lives based on assumptions. We are instructed:
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me – practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. (Philippians 4:6-9 NIV 1984)
This is probably a verse you’ve read before. But, have you thought of applying it to your every thought…especially the toxic ones?
We are to think on, ponder and park our minds on constructive thoughts—not destructive thoughts. Thoughts that build up not tear down. Thoughts that breathe life not drain the life from us. Thoughts that lead to goodness not anxiety.
So, here are three questions we’d do well to ask ourselves when thoughts are dragging us down.
1. Did someone actually say this or am I assuming they are thinking it?
If they actually said it, deal with it then. If I’m assuming it, that’s unfair to them and unnecessarily damaging to me. Instead of staying anxious, I need to seek truth by seeking God and asking Him for peace.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
2. Have I been actively engaging with truth lately?
The more we read God’s truths and let truth fill our mind, the less time we’ll spend contemplating untruths.
Thinking run-away, worrisome thoughts invites anxiety. Thinking thoughts of truth wraps my mind in peace and helps me rise above my circumstances.
And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
3. Are certain situations or friendships feeding my insecurities?
If so, maybe I need to take a break from these for a season.
I need to seek friendships that are characterized by truth, honor, and love.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
Good gracious I know this is tough stuff. I know these issues can be more complicated than three simple questions. But it’s a good place to start holding our thoughts accountable.
After all, how a woman thinks is often how she lives.
I think we need to read that one again, don’t you? How a woman thinks is often how she lives. May we think upon and live out truth—and only truth today.
Dear Lord, reveal to me untruths throughout my day that can so easily distract and discourage me. Help me see You and Your truth in all I do. You have taught that only Your truth will set me free. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Related Resources:
Give your friends an amazing gift today. It’s free. It’s life changing. It will strengthen her heart and make your friendship feel safe. To read more about this gift, visit Lysa’s blog today by clicking here.
Lysa will be speaking in more than 40 cities this year. Click here to see her schedule. She would be honored to meet you.
If you enjoy Lysa’s devotions, be sure to sign up for notes of encouragement she sends out from her blog by clicking here. They are free and great for passing along to friends.
When you purchase resources through Proverbs 31 Ministries, your purchase supports many areas of ministry we provide at no cost. Therefore, we are extremely grateful for each and every purchase you make with us!
Application Steps:
We’ve got to hold our thoughts to a higher standard. Oh how much trouble we invite into our lives based on assumptions. Look up powerful verses on truth in the Bible. Seek wisdom and peace in the words of truth Jesus spoke.
Reflections:
The more I read God’s truths and let truth fill my mind, the less time I’ll spend contemplating untruths.
Power Verses:
Ephesians 4:15, “Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.” (NIV 1984)
John 8:32, “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (NIV 1984)
