Documentaries.... and Spiritual Discernment

So the other night we were watching 2 different documentaries on the History Channel, and based on some past programs, we knew to be wary of anything they had to say in relation to the Bible. These 2 were on the "Shroud of Tourin" and "The Garden of Eden." They were both pretty far fetched, but the one that was absolutely ridiculous with pretty much no biblical basis was the 2nd one. They were incorporating things from the k*ran and k*ballah "religions" but they weren't directly saying that in the film, they made it seem like it was all from the Bible. It was over the top ridiculous how untruthful the whole thing was. The only thing that might be true in the whole thing was were it might actually be located now. But the whole issue of documentaries got me really thinking. First I was really worried for people, especially new Christians, or Christians not biblically sound in their teaching, that could view something like this, and not knowing the difference, be sucked into these lies. Anything can become convincing enough if portrayed the right way (mine used to focus more on politics) Anything really can be used as propaganda, but if it fits with your viewpoint, it can be easy to get sucked into it. Whether it is politics, social issues, food, or church issues. There are so many sources out there that all have their "bias" no matter how slight, that gradually reshape our thought processes no matter if we are really thinking about it or not. It becomes an issue of discernment- telling the truth apart from the lies.

In the case of these documentaries, it was an issue of spiritual discernment. The only true basis for telling the lies apart from the truth is having a deep rooted factual knowledge of what the Bible says. From the Bible itself. Not from commentaries, documentaries, or authors, but the actual words of God. I studied the book of Genesis a few years ago in c.b.s. and it was amazing. These documentaries were shocking in a sense to see how fallen we are as a human race to believe these lies that have been told since the beginning of time. People warping the story of creation, and God's miracles. People giving credit to mythology and cultural stories over the true word of God in the Bible. God's word is true, and that is the only word that we should believing.

Spiritual discernment carries over into the secular Christian world as well, where things have veered off into the path of political correctness land. There is one televangelist in particular that focuses on "inner self and self-worth." The one and only time I heard a brief part of his message, I immediately recognized it as lies. He had taken a simple verse of scripture, but twisted it to mean something that scripture had not intended. It clearly says in the bible that it is a sin to add to or take away from God's word. People have also done this with current social issues. The bible clearly states what is sin. It should not be re-interpreted to say, well God really didn't mean it that way. The bible clearly states otherwise. God loves everyone, but doesn't love the sin.

In the issue of spiritual discernment it can also be tricky with religious books. The one that I felt adamantly opposed to reading a few years ago was "the shack." I have never felt more strongly against reading a certain book in my entire life. I wanted to burn it. It became an ongoing debate between myself and mil and sil about this book. So it eventually got thrown in the trash- never read it. Hardly any biblical truth, totally distorted. It would be like someone that read the 'DaVinci Code' and saying that they believed it as God's word. It's just not true. It just takes a little bit of truth, mixed with a lot of lies, to mess with people's hearts.

The best way to stay alert and aware is in reading God's word straight from the source- the Bible. Reading it, and asking God to reveal the truth of his word to us.

Sure the world or society may mock, laugh or condemn people who so passionately follow Christ in their faith, but what is so important to us in our life (fill in the blank) that it's worth losing our eternal souls over? See my old post:

http://thyoldefarmhouse.blogspot.com/2010/01/you-think-you-know-person.html that still weighs very heavily on my heart. Betrayal hurts regardless of who's involved.

Matt and Molly

Please pray for my friend, Molly, who just lost her husband yesterday morning after he suffered a stroke on Sunday. He was only 35 years old. They had been married almost 10 years, and have a daughter, Harper, who they adopted as a baby, as well as a daughter Waverly, who they adopted, but was taken back by her birth father 1 year ago, after they fought a 2 1/2 year long adoption battle to keep her. It was absolutely tragic. No one should have to lose a child. Their family was still grieving her loss, but trying to move ahead, and had updated their home study, in hopes to adopt a new baby soon. Then this happened unexpectedly.

Matt was an amazing guy, so sweet, and was friendly to everyone that he'd meet. He and his family used to go to my old church, HCC. My friend Molly, I met 6 years ago, when we were in Community Bible Study together in the new mom's group for a year. We'd stayed in touch, and I followed her blog for almost 3 years reading the adoption journey of her daughter Waverly. Crying my heart out, because no one should have to go through that much pain.

Now to lose her husband, is unimaginable the absolute pain and grief that must be coming over her. Her world has already been shaken to the core by losing her daughter, and now this. Pray for strength and courage for her, as she needs to be strong for her and Harper. Pray for Harper to understand what happened with her daddy.

Matt's memorial service is this afternoon at 4pm, and I'll be heading to Heartland to celebrate his life, and to be there as support for Molly.

My heart aches so badly for my friend. In the last few days, it has made me realize more than ever, that life really is too short. You never know which day might be your last. This last year or so, with my grandma passing away, and then my neighbor, and my friend Michelle from c.b.s, who was too young, was a lot to handle. In addition to grieving with friends over lost babies. My heart just aches. I try to live each day, like it could possibly be my last. Tell my kids and hubby that I love them each day, and spend that time together. Holding them closer, not wanting to let them go. Thinking of what kind of legacy am I leaving to my children. Not taking anything forgranted. Life is too short.

Please pray for Molly and Harper...