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Generational Decision Making
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As a very young minister, I had a church member who was going to get an abortion. She ended up having the baby.
Years later I had a church member involved in a teen pregnancy who assured me that abortion was not being considered. Two weeks later she got an abortion.
Yesterday, on the 40th anniversary of the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion, I reflected on those two abortion decisions.
The baby that wasn't aborted is now a Christian adult serving God's kingdom and teaching their own children about Jesus. I can't fathom the loss now if that person didn't exist.
Yet that is exactly where we are due to the decision to have an abortion. There is not a Christian adult. No marriage. No children as a result of that marriage. What has our world lost in love, ministry, scientific discovery, or Christian influence because of those generations of people who do not exist?
While giving the Ten Commandments, God takes a moment between the second and third commandments to get His people to realize their choices impact future generations. Exodus 20:5-6 read,
"I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments."
A few weeks ago I preached a sermon as my first attempt to communicate the need to make decisions based on the good of future generations. I plan to make this a major theme of my ministry this year.
Will you join me in making a new commitment to talk to young people about making decisions not just for their own good but for the good of their children and future generations?
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If you have had an abortion ...
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Please know that my heart breaks for you and I love you.
My words above are in absolutely no way intended to beat you up or judge you. I am sure they were tough for you to read. I in no way want to hurt you.
My intent is to get parents and youth workers to be proactive in teaching young people a way of thinking that prepares them to consider the long range consequences of their decisions. Again, my intent was not to judge you.
I hope and pray you are already seeing a counselor or minister. If you need help, the following ministries are highly respected.
HOPE Abortion Recovery Ministry by Hope for the Heart based here in Plano, TX.
Rachel's Vineyard does retreats in Dallas and 47 other states and 25 other countries.
Healing Hearts Ministries International
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Cancel the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue
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One of my favorite periodicals is Sports Illustrated. As one who struggles with pornography, every February I have to get ready for the quest to keep bouncing my eyes from the swimsuit issue.
If you are a subscriber, you can tell SI not to send you this issue. This includes those of us who read it on our iPad. The following is directly from Sports Illustrated. Please take them up on their offer.
If You Do Not Want The Swimsuit Issue
The annual SI Swimsuit Issue will be published in February. If you're a subscriber and would prefer not to receive it, call our customer service center toll free at 1-866-228-1175 and let us know. If you choose not receive the SI Swimsuit Issue, SI will extend your subscription.
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