Do we have this kind of courage today?

Philippians 3:20-21: For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.

An important article from World magazine, July 18, 2009…

CHARITY: Health care sharing ministries seem to work, if they can survive | Warren Cole Smith, Rusty Leonard

President Obama says he’s looking for creative, “outside-the-box” thinking on health care. But the reform plans that have the greatest likelihood of passing put at risk a Christian alternative to insurance that is now being used by more than 100,000 people in the United States.

James Lansberry is vice president of Samaritan Ministries, the largest of the “health care sharing ministries” whose members pay for each other’s health care costs. His organization’s members pay for about $3 million in expenses a month. Payments vary, but a three- (or more) member family pays $285 per month directly to another family with a current need. Samaritan Ministries keeps track of who’s paying and who needs to be paid, and the ministry receives $170 per year from each family for serving as the clearinghouse.

Christian Care Medi-Share, the other major player in this market, has members set up a credit union account. Monthly payments go into that account. When needs arise, the ministry is authorized to transfer money in—or out to the accounts of others. (Disclosure: Samaritan Ministries and Christian Care Medi-Share have advertised in WORLD.)

“We’re already saving our members dramatic amounts of money,” Lansberry said. “But the current reform schemes threaten our survival. They mandate traditional insurance. We’re working hard to make sure that our members are seen as filling the intent of individual insurance mandates.”

To read the whole article, go here.

Stacy and I have been members of Samaritan for years. God has used this ministry to direct Christians around the world to bless us when we have had medical needs. With their help, we have paid for the births of two children, Emma’s surgery, and a major infection (which also required emergency air travel). We have likewise been able to directly help others in need. We send our share directly to a real family with a real need. And then we pray for them at our home during family worship.

Samaritan Ministries has been a true blessing to our family. Before deciding to go with Samaritan, we were paying almost $800 per month to a for profit company. And, like most insurance options, this company assisted with medical “needs” that we found morally troubling (such as abortions). Samaritan not only saved us money, it is a true ministry – not a profit center. And it helps with real needs, and does not compromise its Christian stand.

I encourage all Christian families to join Samaritan Ministries. And pleased pray for Samaritan and other health sharing ministries as they strive to be a help Christian families around the globe.

To learn more about Samaritan, go to http://www.samaritanministries.org or call them at 877.764.2426. Please let them know you heard about them from Stacy and I.

I am thinking of the wonder of my wife this evening. An old John Denver song has come to mind…

You fill up my senses,
like a night in the forest,
like the mountains in springtime,
like a walk in the rain,
like a storm in the desert,
like a sleepy blue ocean,
you fill up my senses,
come fill me again.

Come let me love you,
let me give my life to you,
let me drown in your laughter,
let me die in your arms,
let me lay down beside you,
let me always be with you,
come let me love you,
come love me again.

I love you Stacy

…it is a good time to reflect where we are as a nation. My heart is troubled. But God…

Piper’s message is spot on. I encourage all to reflect on what he has to say.

Also, the real world has arrested our lives. We have been very busy speaking, ministering, and enjoying the glory of God’s creation. In the past couple of months, the beauty of what is real has taken hold of my heart – reverence to God, relationships with others, and repentance of sin. Real life, living Coram Deo, before the face of God, is so much more meaningful to me right now.

As you reflect on Piper’s words, I ask you to consider your own life. Are you investing it in the Kingdom? Are you giving yourself to others? Do you have a passion for the Word and a real concern for the lost?

Or are you just interested in entertainment.

I’ll be back – but it may be a while. It’s summer time and I have little ones to play with and a couple of books to read!

The Central Illinois Right to Life board of directors is committed to a peaceful end of the practice of abortion. We are dedicated to accomplishing this goal through fervent prayer, lawful civic actions, and supporting pro-life legislative efforts in Illinois and in Washington, D.C. While CIRTL opposes what George Tiller stood for as a doctor specializing in the performance of late-term abortions, we also vehemently oppose the un-Christian and illegal actions that brought about his death. The pro-life position is one of life and light, not death and darkness.

We pray for comfort for George Tiller’s family and friends as they deal with this tragedy, just as we pray for an end to all abortions.
The Central Illinois Right to Life board of directors

Cartoon history, that is. A vintage video from 1948. Oh, how we soon forget our roots…

Share this one far and wide.

I am thinking of my father today. My father dropped out of Stanford University to join the Marines and serve in the Korean War. He rose to the rank of sergeant, and was responsible for repairing communication lines that were cut by the enemy troops. He rarely discussed the war, but I remember as a young boy hearing him crying our orders to unseen soldiers in his dreams. My mother told me of his actions on behalf of his country. As his platoon went out into danger to repair lines, they were often met with bullets from enemy snipers. Some of his friends died around him. Once, his best friend fell beside him with a bullet to his leg. My father carried his friend back to safety. His friend would lose the injured leg. It was a painful time of sacrifice across frozen and bloodied soil far from home.

I am thankful for his service. I am thankful for the service of so many others in America’s past. Securing our freedoms cost much. I pray we understand that maintaining them requires additional sacrifice.

Lyrics…
For I’ll never see you again
And I’ll never please you again
Live on, live on
Live on beloved one
Live on my warrior son

Born of the Isles
Somerled child
Fearless and brave
From birth to the grave
Clan Donald, Clan Donald
Live on beloved one
Live on my warrior son