"For Such a Time as This" Part II

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong, vigorous and very courageous; be not afraid, neither be dismayed; for the LORD you GOD is with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9 Amplified

Dear Friends,

A couple of weeks ago, I shared with you a letter from my heart about my opinion concerning Sarah Palin as our Vice Presidential nominee. Ya'll's response to that letter was much and so encouraging-thank you. Evidently I'm not the only one who was thinking along those lines. I didn't plan to write a second part to "For Such a Time as This," but this morning, as I was spending time in the WORD, GOD started bringing some thoughts together along the same line. Like last time, I am sharing with you from my heart.

Earlier this week as I was laying in bed reading a biography about Sarah Palin, I came to a chapter entitled "For Such a Time as This." If you haven't read her biography yet, entitled Sarah: How a Hockey Mom Turned Alaska's Political Establishment Upside Down," I sure would encourage you to get one-we got ours at "Books-A-Million." It is very inspiring, and you can certainly see the hand of GOD throughout her life in it's pages.
As I read along last night, I was so blessed reading what GOD did to help her win the "grassroots" campaign for governor in the face of what seemed to be insurmountable odds at times. Isn't that where GOD loves to show HIMself strong in our insurmountable odds? In the book, it shares "the campaign was so frugal that volunteers built "Palin for Governor" signs using dismantled wooden crates used for shipping snowmobiles." Kris Kerry, who became Sarah's campaign manager shared," While other candidates were sending out glossy flyers, we sent out stuff that I made at home on my computer and printer." GOD raised up volunteers from all walks of life-hunting guides, teachers, dog mushers, restaurant workers, retirees to help tirelessly with the campaign. It goes on to say that "many had never been involved in a campaign and others were so weary of and cynical about politics that they'd dropped out -until they met Sarah. Most relished taking on a deeply entrenched good-old-boy network. Sarah was not wealthy. Her husband was a working man. Nor was she politically connected. Her father was a teacher, her mother a school secretary." To me her story is a picture of GOD's sovereignty and power, and HIS plans being accomplished in man's weakness, using the "foolish things of the world, to shame the wise."

There is another battle against a network that is being fought right here under our very noses for those of us who live in North Alabama. The man who is running for Congress is Wayne Parker and he is an insurance salesman. The Parker's aren't wealthy either. He is running against a formidable opponent who is described as a "powerful individual," who uses "intimidation to those who cross him"-Dale Jackson, www.wvnn.com . His opponent has many connections in the medical community, he is a licensed physician though he hasn't practiced in many years, is a State Senator, and has many business ties...and there is certainly is a powerful network there. I don't know if you call it a "good-old -boy" network that his opponent is tied to, it seems to me to be downright evil from what I'm learning. I believe that GOD has raised Wayne to represent our area "for such a time as this" and come against the corruption that his opponent was involved in as an oncologist (cancer doctor) back in the 1980's. Earlier this week documents of this man and his partners were released to the media that reveal some appalling discoveries. The documents shared the findings conducted by two highly respected physicians who wrote a book on the protocol for administering radiation in cancer treatment. As a result of this peer review this the hospital where he saw patients sought to revoke his medical licenses. One of the local radio shows is revealing these atrocities this man did as he treated untold numbers of patients in our area. Some of the findings these doctors have shared said that "he prolonged the treatment of these patients" to ensure that they would have to keep making return visits. In simple laymen terms, he over radiated his patients to get more money. I don't know if you've thought about what too much radiation does to folks but it burns them...really badly. The document states that "his treatment was designed to insure reoccurrence." These patients were treated so they would have to keep coming back and the physician would keep the money rolling in.



Now some of you may be thinking, this is just mud slinging- what has this got to do with a Congressional Race for Congress? It has everything to do with integrity, honesty, and justice. I believe this is bigger than a congressional race, just as Sarah Palin's fight against corruption was bigger than cleaning house in the Republican party in Alaska. In our time of GOD's grace and mercy, sometimes we forget about HIS justice...that there will be a day of judgment for all that we have done in the darkness-"We must all appear before the judgment seat of CHRIST, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil, 2 Cor. 5:10- Romans 2:16 says that "GOD judges the secrets of men by CHRIST JESUS." I Corinthians 4:5 shares,"Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the LORD comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart." "And they say, "How can GOD know: Is there knowledge in the Most High?"-Psalm 73:11."These things you have done, and I have been silent; you thought that I was one like yourself. But now I rebuke you and lay the charge before you,"Psalm 50:21. Luke 12: 2 shares," Nothing is covered up that will that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known."
These verses remind me and convict me, that things I think I may be getting away with are not hidden from GOD's sight, though it may seem so for a season that we get away with our sin. There will be a day of judgment. Thankfully, for all who are in CHRIST JESUS and have been cleansed by the HIS blood, our sins are forgiven. But that doesn't mean that my sin will not find me out..."behold, ye have sinned against the Lord: and be sure your sin will find you out." Numbers 32:23.



GALATIANS 6:7
Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for
whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.

JOB 34:21-22
For His eyes are on the ways of man, and He sees all his steps.

There is no darkness nor shadow of death where the workers of
iniquity may hide themselves.

ECCLESIASTES 12:14
For God will bring every work into judgment, including
every secret thing, whether good or evil.

PROVERBS 28:13
He who covers his sins will not prosper, but whoever
confesses and forsakes them will have mercy.



It can be very scary and intimidating to go up against a powerful foe, even when GOD is using you to carry out HIS plan... just ask Elijah, Moses, and David. GOD commands us in HIS word over and over, "Be strong and courageous." In Isaiah 41:9-13 we read, "You are My servant, I have chosen you and have not cast you away. Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed for I am your GOD. Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. Behold, all those who were incensed against you shall be ashamed and disgraced; They shall be as nothing, And those who strive with you shall perish. You shall seek them and not find them-Those who contended with you. Those who war against you. Shall be as nothing As a nonexistent thing. For I, the LORD your GOD will hold your right hand, Saying to you, "Fear not, I will help you."

This week in my personal Bible study I have been reading a passage over and over in Isaiah 37 of GOD's judgment on a very powerful, huge, and extremely evil Assyrian army. If you've ever studied the Assyrians you know that they tortured and mutilated those they took in captivity, cutting their fingers and toes off, and doing untold evil. Some of the Assyrians came to taunt the Israelites and intimidated them by telling how they had defeated all these other nations who had cried out to their gods, and they were going to destroy the Israelites. And it was true,GOD had used the Assyrians to bring judgment on these other nations who worshipped false gods...that's what made it so intimidating and scary. The Israelites had seen and heard of the destruction the Assyrian army had done...but the Assyrians had not come against the living GOD, and they were messing with...not Texas:), but with the "apple of HIS eye," ...the Israelites. Through Isaiah the prophet, GOD spoke to King Hezekiah's (King of Israel) servants and he told them: "Thus says the LORD: "Do not be afraid of the words which you have heard, with which the servants of the king of Assyria have blasphemed ME. Surely I will send a spirit upon him, and he shall hear a rumor and return to his own land; and I will cause him to fall by the sword in his own land." Isaiah 37:6-7....and that's what GOD did...in Chapter 37:36 it says, "Then the angel of the LORD went out, and killed in the camp of the Assyrians one hundred and eighty-five thousand; and when people arose early in the morning, there were corpses-all dead." ...GOD did it then, and the same GOD that brought judgment to the Assyrians and protected the "apple of HIS eye," the Israelites, will deliver and protect HIS children today..."JESUS CHRIST is the same yesterday today and forever," Hebrews 13.8.

I believe that GOD has raised up the Sarah Palin's and the Wayne Parker's "for such a time as this," that HIS power might be shown through their lives, and to bring about justice where corruption has been sown. And HE has not just raised them up, HE has raised you and me up to fight in this battle on earth for the soul's of men and women, for the weak, and those unable to defend themselves, like children being killed in their mother's wombs. Yes, there may be long years that evil is covered up and we think that nothing is going to happen. But GOD's word is true and one way or another HE is going to "expose the evil deeds that were done in the darkness." Just like GOD fought for HIS children then and delivered them from an opponent stronger than them, HE continues to do that today. HE delights in showing HIMself strong in our weakness. I believe GOD is using these servants of HIS to bring about justice and to expose evil. GOD seems to be using this campaign to do that very thing... to bring about justice. I want to ask you my brothers and sisters to please pray for the Parker family as they "Lift Up the Cross," where CHRIST has called them to serve. Please pray that the Truth would be revealed in all that is going on, that GOD would give courage to other physicians, former patients and others who know about these atrocities to come forward and speak out about what they know.

I
Where are the Caleb's and the Joshua's and the Queen Ester's in our day...men and women who are bold enough to speak against evil, and to stand in the gap for those who are to weak too stand up for themselves? I believe with all my heart that Wayne Parker and Sarah Palin are among those who are strong and courageous in CHRIST, and the kind of leaders who stand up for the weak, and lead by serving, by laying down their own lives, "willing to endure the scars," not for dishonest gain or to build their egos, but because GOD has raised them up "for such a time as this," to carry out HIS plans and purposes.

The Crist family (www.cristfamilymusic.com), whom GOD has blessed with beautiful harmony and a love for HIS people, sings a beautiful song called "Lift Up the Cross." As I listened to this powerful song over and over this week, I am reminded that GOD calls us to "Lift Up the Cross" in whatever walk of life HE has called us- whether it be in the midst of a fierce battle for Congress, a homemaker, student, vice -presidential candidate, a physician, a pastor, plumber, a restaurant worker- wherever HE leads our paths, we are called to "Lift Up the Cross." Only by abiding in CHRIST can we do that when the battle rages and our hearts are tempted to give way to fear. HE lifted up the cross for you and me until HE died, and then was resurrected 3 days later. May we ask the LORD to give us the wisdom and courage to stand in the place HE has asked you and me to "Lift Up the Cross," for HIM.

With all HIS love,
mitzi


"Lift up the Cross"by Rebecca J. Peck

Lift up the cross carry the light of the gospel
Always proclaim GOD's Holy unchangeable WORD
Weep for the lost pray they will heed to the SPIRIT's call
Preach to all men until every ear had heard

Lift up the cross share the good news of salvation
Multitudes long to know there is hope for their souls
Give of your best fervently seeking the kingdom
Over all else know CHRIST and make HIM known

Lift up the cross high above the clouds of deception
Doubt and confusion
Tell the world GOD so loved HE gave us HIS Son, HE gave us HIS Son

Lift up the cross high above the clouds of deception
Doubt and confusion
Tell the world GOD so loved HE gave us HIS Son, HE gave us HIS Son.

Lift up the cross scorners and skeptics are watching
Don't be afraid there's power in JESUS' name
Stand for the faith having no need for apology
Speak forth the truth boldly and unashamed

Lift up the cross there is no greater honor
Than to obey the call no matter the cost
Lay down your life fully devoted to serve the LORD
Live all the rest of your days to lift up the cross

I do not have the freedom to share all that I am learning concerning this issue... it is much worse than I have shared above. But I do want to share the Parker's heart with you and their prayer for their family throughout this campaign has been "Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ." Philippians 1:27 . I had the privilege recently of hearing Wayne's wife, Lisa, pray for these former patients and for their opponent's heart who treated them. Her heart was absolutely broken as she sobbed deeply over the pain and injury of these innocent patients and their family members who had put their hope and trust in this doctor... they have met some of them as they campaign across this valley. You see, Lisa's first husband died of cancer many years ago when their child was but an infant. She has walked this road of pain and her heart is compassionate towards them. She knows the desperation one feels in this situation and how you put so much trust in your physician to do what is best for yourself or your loved ones. I asked Lisa if I could share this with you so you could see inside their heart as I had the privilege of doing. As Wayne shared on a radio show, "to not have made this information public would have been morally wrong." This is the kind of people that Wayne and Lisa are...they love CHRIST, love their four precious kids, and love the people HE has called them to serve. I am asking you to vote for them, contribute financially to this campaign that GOD has called them to, to put up a yard sign, to volunteer at the headquarters,(www.wayneparker08.com), to encourage them, and especially pray for Wayne and Lisa and their dear family. It is a war, spiritual warfare, and they are on the frontlines, as they are fighting to serve the LORD, and to serve us. To find themselves in this position is not where they expected to be walking. It is very uncomfortable at times, but as they have followed the call of GOD, this is where the battle has led. May we be faithful in our love and support of them as HE has called them out to "Lift up the Cross" for "such a time as this."