For those interested in my response mentioned in the previous post, here is what I wrote.

"Esther did not reign. When she boldly went before the king without his permission, she did so humbly and respectfully. She did not demand, she requested. Why? Because she was not in authority over him but under his authority both as his subject and as his wife.

Esther is not an example of Sarah Palin's situation. God's Word is consistent; all Biblical doctrine from beginning to end is laid out in the first 11 chapters of Genesis. Woman's role, however distasteful to the current culture, is determined by God for His purposes. He does not speak to us a "new" word, He "finished" that on the cross. He gives us understanding of what He has already spoken to us.

Women chafe at the role of helper but God already said in Genesis that women would despise it. It should come as no surprise that the culture will fight hard against it. We don't have to live in the kitchen but we are simply not to rule over men and the office of president of the United States is one of governing authority over all people of a nation.

What would be the basis for believing this story sent by Pastor Arnold? Where is the biblical authority when it is opposed to what God laid down from the beginning of time? Our good and gracious Heavenly Father has warned us of many things in His Word and has told us what to look for. When something "new" appears to go against what He has already given us in His Word, we are to test it. This story does not pass the test of scripture.

We still stand on our position to vote our conscience, the basis of which is the Word of God, and not to vote the "lesser of two evils." God is sovereign and He will take care of this matter. Our job is to obey Him, regardless of the personal consequences. We will obey and trust that all governing authority rules according to His will. Looking back in Scripture we can see that, when women rule, it is a sign of a nation under judgment. Our nation appears to be under that judgment now.

We encourage anyone who sees truth in the above statements to look at The Constitution Party http://www.constitutionparty.com/ Before we do anything else, we are to be obedient to the Lord Jesus Christ and his directives to us in His Word. If a candidate cannot pass that test, then pass on that candidate, and trust Sovereign God for the outcome. He is still on His throne!"

Pastor Mark Arnold Claims a Word from the Lord

I received a forward today about a fellow named Pastor Mark Arnold. Referring to Palin's recent visit to Lebanon, Ohio, this is what Pastor Arnold said "...LORD allowed me to go to the Rally giving them a message that He wanted me to personally deliver." Well I found that statement immediately suspicious as I'm certain the Lord has already delivered His messages through the Bible and stated that He was finished with that season upon Christ's death. Normally I would have tossed the forward in the electronic trashcan and moved on but this really interested me because of who had sent it. In fact, it concerned me quite a bit.

The story goes that Pastor Arnold was burdened to pray for our Nation. His heart was broken and he says he "literally" interceded for these wonderful people (Sarah and Todd Palin) who "do not deserve all the hate against them." He calls Mrs. Palin "anointed" and says God has called her for this time. He believes that God told him to go to Lebanon, Ohio to give a message to the Palins and this is what he said when he had the opportunity to speak with them:

"God wants you to know that you are a present day Esther!"
"God wants to tell you that you are Chosen for such a time as this!"
"You are called, and chosen to be a leader.""Don't lose heart and don't fear man." "The news and nay-sayers and criticizers are going to be very hateful toward you... and in the days ahead they are going to turn up the heat...but do not fear.""You are a present day Esther." You are an Esther. You are an Esther!"Keep your eyes on GOD and know that He has chosen you to Reign!""Stay strong...be strong...don't tire. Don't be weary in well-doing. Be strong."

He is asking people to let him know what we think about all of this and gives his e-mail address as: MEA31975@aol.com

So I responded to the forward, as well as to Pastor Mark Arnold. I'll share with you what I wrote in my next blog entry. Stay tuned.

Adventure Continued

Blaine is home and sick with the stomach flu. The photos he sent home of the poverty stricken city would have made anybody sick to their stomach. I have too much stuff!

Blaine's Africa Adventure

Blaine will be home from Angola Friday night and we are all ready. We have seen photos of bat-laden trees and people doing laundry in the muddy river, heard stories of his being shuttled around from room to room to room many times in his 1-1/2 week stay in Luanda, and heard him tell of having a room on the 7th floor but no elevator available to get to the first floor.