Why the Extinction of the Black Rhino Matters

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Yesterday, I found out that the Western Black Rhino was declared extinct. That breaks my heart.

Here’s the thing. The rhinoceros wasn’t declared extinct because of natural causes. It has gone extinct because of greed. Poaching. People got so obsessed with money that they killed them off.

I don’t want to be misunderstood in this post. I understand that as the church, our first priority should be people. I understand that our main goal is leading people to Christ. I would never, ever, put anything else above that.

Greed is the sin at the heart of most extinctions. Plain and simple. That is the main thing I want to discuss in this article. 

In the United States, the idea of the American Dream has permeated everything we do. We are obsessed with having it all. We are obsessed with our homes being prettier than the next. We have to have the absolute best of everything. We are wasteful. 

Our nation is greedy. Plain and simple. We have too long ignored this sin. We obsess over that next big thing we want to buy. We give as little as possible. We fill our houses with stuff we don’t need. In reality, that money could have gone towards something better.

I am not saying there is anything  wrong with having these things. Yet, we need to consider our true intent. Is there any way to use those things to God’s glory?  Will this item just get lost in the piles of junk we don’t ever use? Am I really, truly going to use this? If the answer is no, yes, and no, we should try and reconsider. 

I think of the parable of the talents in Matthew 24:18-30. The wicked servants buried or didn’t do anything with their talents.  Same thing with us. What are we doing with God’s blessings? Burying them and keeping them to ourselves? Or are we sharing them with the world? Compared to the rest of the world, we've been blessed with great material wealth. 

How do the rhinoceros, bees, butterflies and other endangered animals tie into this?

Read this verse in Genesis chapter one:

“And God blessed them. And God said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.’ And God said, ‘Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the face of the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit…” (Genesis 1:28-29, emp. added.)

Notice something. He gave us every plant. He put all the animals under our rule and care. Wouldn’t you say that this earth is a gift to us from God?

What if you gave someone a gift? A handmade one? You picked out everything to be perfect for them. You worked hard on it. How would you feel to find out that person tosses that item around carelessly? They walk all over it. They are rough with it. They break it and don’t seem to care.

God gave this earth as a gift for us to use. Everything on this earth is at our disposal for our needs, and even our wants. However, many use it selfishly.


In the case of the rhinoceros, people’s hearts became ravaged with greed. They hunted without any regard for what might happen. People forget that once you destroy an entire animal population, the reason you did goes with it.

We can't be that bad, right? I mean, hey, it’s not like I’m an extortioner. It’s not like I am blackmailing anyone. And I definitely am not a poacher. So, I must be okay right?

Greed takes many forms. The rich young ruler was greedy (Matthew 19:16-22.). He had many possessions. But he wasn’t willing to give it up for Jesus. He had so much and gave so little. We don’t want to admit it or want to face it--

--but the rich young ruler is us. 

We believe with all our hearts that we are good people. We have so much, and give so little.

This sin has recently come to focus in my life. And I think it is a problem for most people in our western society. But I don’t want to be one of them. I don’t want an obsession with stuff. I want to be a good steward. As with the case of the rich young ruler, we HAVE to want God more than anything else.

This is why the rhino extinction matters. We are to be good stewards of God’s blessings. Animals are one of those blessings. What is our response to God's blessings? We abuse and waste every good and perfect thing He gives us. That is one of the ways sin works.

I am not saying we have to run around with picket signs. I am not saying we have to go around shouting, “SAVE THE ELEPHANT!” or, “SAVE THE BEES!”

 I am saying that to change these things, we have to choose God over money, stuff, and  selfishness. We must teach others to do the same. When we decide to be good stewards and overcome greed, these things can change. 

Are You Ready for the Most Unexpected Event in the World?

A few early mornings ago, I was asleep; like every other person in the house. Well, not every person. It was about 3:40 in the morning. Ear-piercing screams began to rattle through my door. I jolt awake and realize it is my little sisters screaming their heads off. The first thought in my mind was that someone had broken in and was terrorizing my sisters.

I rushed out of my room, ready to fight whatever demented person had wandered in. Then, I see three little girls come rushing out of one of their bedrooms. They were panicking and screaming. In my sleepy stupor, I found it odd that they were  dressed in their Sunday dresses. The youngest girl also had eyeliner on. Between the screams and repeated words of “We’re dead we’re dead we're dead…..”  and “WE’RE GOING TO DIE!”,  I caught that there was flooding going on in one of the bathrooms.

Sure enough, one of the sinks was lying on the ground, completely detached from the wall. Water was squirting and spraying everywhere like a banged up artery. To make matters worse, the basement was flooding. The basement ceiling tiles were scattered everywhere.

Well, if you’re going to make a mess that early in the morning, might as well go big or go home. (Or, er, go somewhere else because we were already at home!)

The girls also described how none of them could get back to sleep. So, they decided to get ready for school…at 3:00 in the morning. Which is why they were up playing dress up at unholy hours of the morning.

I am not sure I have ever experienced such craziness early in the morning.

This brings me to the point of this article. Life is about the unexpected. As prepared as we think we are (or convince ourselves we are) life happens. There are many things in life that we can’t control. (Such as little munchkins getting up early and making a mess.)

The biggest thing we can’t control is God. He lives outside our realm of understanding and human ideas. He knows everything that is going to happen, and when. He knows when we are going to do this or that. He knows when we will die.

Moreover, He knows the day the world will end.

God says that day will come as a “thief in the night”. (1 Thess. 5:2) When it comes to being prepared, His return is the one thing we CAN be ready for. It takes faith. It also takes submission. It is to allow God to rule every single part of your life. When Jesus finally comes back, be honest with yourself. Will you be ready? Can you be confident that when you stand before God you are filled with Him? Overflowing with Him?

We can never do enough to earn our salvation. However, we accept His grace by obeying Him, and allowing Him to rule our lives. When we truly want God in our life, it will show. It will show because we will sin less. We will sin less because we want more of God than we do of ourselves. We will want to know what God wants from us, so we study His word hungrily. We will love others. Speak more kindly to them. We will be more willing to help others than to walk by them without a second glance. We will declare God’s name. We will boast of God’s great love. 

There is a Great Day coming. A day when the Church and those who aren’t in the Church will be separated. A day that is full of sorrow and terror. There is a day coming that is glad and joyful. There is a day coming that those who deny God will be humbled. There is a day coming that those who love Him and are looking for Him will want to run and embrace their Savior. There will be relief. There will be pain. There will be the Lost, and there will be the saved. There is no in-between. 

Don't be taken unaware by His return. Repent, put on the Lord in baptism, and live for Him from this day forward. Things like flooding in your home can take you by surprise. Don't let Jesus' return take you by surprise.

It's the Little Things....

I am sure a lot of us feel this way sometimes. I recently began to wonder if I was doing enough for God.  I began to pray for more opportunities. Of course, I was thinking big scale-like mission trips.

So I prayed about it. I asked Him to help me not forsake opportunities to give, to love, to share. I wanted to do all the big things. Not out of pride, but because I really, really want God to use me to my full capacity. I want to serve Him and honor Him.

However, the more I looked at my life, the more I realized that I am in no place to do the “big things” yet. I began feeling bad about it. My circumstances at the moment prevent me from doing those things right now.

Then it began to occur to me...maybe I just need to stop worrying about what I can’t do for now. What if I just need to look at the opportunities around me?

I think about my little sisters at the children’s home. These little girls have been neglected, abused, and who knows what else.  I love them so much. What if right now, God wants me to minister to and love the little girls at the home?

I had a conversation with my Aunt tonight about my concerns about whether I was doing enough. She reminded me the impact of the “little things”. She talked about how she has seen God work, from her simply being kind or being there for someone. We need to work with what we have. We can bear much fruit by serving with our whole heart. Having a willing, servant’s heart is the key. Keeping eyes open for opportunities around us is also key.

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.”-Colossians 3:23

When we fully submit to God, we say, “I am available for You to use me in anyway. Anything You want me to do, I will do it.”

Sometimes, the Lord needs you where you already are.  It can be difficult when you want to do the big things. I continue to pray that someday I will be able to serve in a mission field. However, God is showing me right now that there are a group of girls who need my love and example.

My foster sisters have come to mean the world to me. They need that unconditional love and support. They need to see God.  I must show that love to them. It could happen one day they give their lives to Christ. Then they can tell the world what God has done for them. It would have started with the fact that we loved them.

Believe it or not, loving those around us and giving them the gospel is a great place to start. Even if something seems little, it can lead to big things.

If you are in the same spot as me, remember- you don’t have to be doing the “big things” now. Pray about it. If you have that big of a heart for missions, or anything else, God will offer the opportunity when the time is right. Just maybe not right now. Patience is a virtue.

Reflections on 2015

2015 was a year of new experiences. It was year of some good times. It was a year of difficulties and lessons learned. 

2015 was one of those years that helped to mold and define me more as a person.

2015 showed me these things:

1. There is a lot of hate, pride, murders, and materialism in this world, but....

There were many times this year that I felt as if I were losing my faith in humanity. I would see all the things people would say or do to their fellow man. 

I also saw many of my Brothers and Sisters come together pray for a young man with cancer. They prayed for the family, friends, of a woman who had been murdered. They prayed for a little boy under that woman's care who had been kidnapped. Who, thank the Lord, was found safe. 

 I saw people pray for a family who lost their child too soon. I  saw people "paying it forward". I saw a photographer giving people's stories to the world. They helped us become more empathetic and understanding. I saw the generosity of our community to my foster sisters on Christmas. Many came together to pray and help a  world  in turmoil.

I have  to remember that the best thing I can do is pray. Pray for the people being hurt. Pray for those doing the hurting. 

Change starts with me. I need to take the opportunities to do good and speak up about the Gospel. I need to take these opportunities and not look the other way.

In 2016, one of my resolutions is to reach out and do good at every opportunity. If I want to love as Christ loved, I must to be willing to humble myself. I must become a servant.

2.     Perfection is Impossible. 

In the Jan-May semester this year, my grades were less than desirable. After the semester was over, I felt horrible. I began to doubt myself again because college has been difficult for me. I was determined to do well, and was heartbroken to hear my final grades for that semester. 

My family and friends reminded me that it was going to be OKAY. They reminded me that my grades don't define me. Sure, I messed up. But I learned what I can and can't do as a college student. As a result, my grades this past semester were ten times better. 

The only thing I can do is my best, and to keep strive to push the boundaries of what I think is my best.

In 2016, I want to stop being afraid of mistakes and embrace them. I want to use them to be better than I am now. 

3. Life is so Fragile.

So many things, including my Grandfather's passing, made me take a hard look at how I was spending my time. How much good are we doing for the world? Are we spreading the Gospel? Are we allowing fear to hold us back? What is holding us back from spending more time in prayer or in God's word? I want to stop looking for excuses why I don't have time or can't do these things. 

In 2016, let's do more good for the world. Let's love more instead of talking bad about others. Let's study God's word more and pray more. 

4. I Want Christ, not our society's Americanized version of Him.

Materialism. Obsession with politics and parties. Comfort. I want to have those removed in my daily walk with Christ. I want to look at scripture and actually see what He says without them. I want no part of this cheapened "Christianity".

In 2016,  I just want to live the way God intended-my eyes on Him. I want my first thought to be to serve Him when I wake up. I want His word to guide my steps. Not our society's mindset.

5. I Don't Want to Be Held Back by Regrets and Anger

I am sure all of us have regrets we can't seem to break away from,  and memories we can't erase.

In 2016, I don't want my focus to be on the past. I don't want it to be on everything I have done wrong. I want to keep moving forward and let these regrets go.

This year, and the past few years have taught me some difficult lessons.  I have survived another year. Lord willing, I will have another. Each year, each month, and each day is our opportunity to do good. This time is God's gift to us. Are we using it wisely? Are we really giving Him our all? 

Tonight I will bring in the New Year singing with my brothers and sisters in Christ. That is how I want to end every year, and start every year. God brought us through it, and He will be with us through another one.

May God bless you in the New Year. I also pray that you will seek Him with all your heart!

Have we Lost the True Meaning of Modesty?

What is modesty really about?

It is an important question that needs answering.  I believe that the main purpose of modesty is being pushed to the back burner. Nearly every lesson I have heard  uses this as the main argument for modest dress: “Women, if you don't dress modestly, you will make men lust!”  

First, let me emphasize that I believe in modesty. I believe it is important. However, we have made lust the forefront of the issue. Which, it actually isn't.

I do not claim to fully understand how my brothers struggle. I am also not denying that modesty helps them out some with this sin. 

Which leads me to this: the main reasons for modesty are not because of lust.

So, the big question is this: What does the bible say about it?

“…likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, but with what is proper for women who profess godliness—with good works.” (1st Timothy 2:9-10.) (emp. added.)

 “Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear—but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious.” (1st Peter 3:4-5.) (emp. added)

In 1st Timothy it says for clothing to be “respectable”. It is to have “modesty” and “self-control”. The Greek word for “respectable” in this verse is the word Kosmios. This word means “Orderly and virtuous”.  

I looked up definitions for “modesty” and “self-control” as well. These words are saying that our clothing doesn't need to be super flashy. Clothing can be immodest by either wearing too little, or even too much. 

God expects us to dress in a tasteful way. A way that makes sense with how you are trying to live. Modesty allows our works and hearts to speak louder than our dress and appearance. That is the biggest reason behind modesty based on scripture. 

Here is why lust is only a small part of the equation.  Even if pants aren’t tight, you can still see the shape of a woman’s legs or behind. Skirts can reveal the outline of a woman’s hips. Some skirts reveal calves. Lots of men find legs sexy, even if women are covered to the knee. Some women are so blessed up top, that no amount of coverage can make their breasts non-existent. Often times, the female form itself is just enough, no matter how well-covered. Some women have very curvy figures that are difficult to hide.  Hey, some men even find modest dress sexy. 

It is impossible for women to figure out every little thing that could make a man lust.  It varies greatly from man to man. I don't think God intended for women to bear that heavy of a burden.

Modest dress is only an aid-not the answer-to lust. That is a whole other topic in itself. We need to remember the MAIN reasons for dressing modestly: 

1. Allowing our focus to be on developing our virtue and relationship with God over appearance. 

2. To allow our works and our hearts to speak louder than our outfit.

We must be careful how we tread with this issue. Too many girls have been given the idea that their bodies are bad.When we make this issue mostly about lust, many girls begin to see their bodies as something to be ashamed of. If we aren't careful, can give them the false impression of why God wants us to be modest in the first place. 

To conclude, if you can keep those standards in mind, it should make it easier to know what God has in mind for dress. 

God's Side? Or America's Side?

Patriotism has been rooted in our nation since it began. Citizens of the U.S. from day one have had a great amount of pride in our nation.

People often try to merge ideas of American Patriotism, or  man-made principles with scripture. When you really think about it, some of these ideas don't actually jive with scripture at all.

Before I get into the heavy stuff, I want to clarify a few things. I am not saying that there is anything wrong with a healthy love for your country. Nor am I saying that there is necessarily a problem with saying you are proud to be an American. Nor am I saying that we should never be involved with politics in some way.

I want you to consider these next few questions with an open mind.

1. Are we quicker to think of ourselves as American citizens before being members of the Lord's body?

"But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession. As a result, you can show others the excellencies of Him who called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light." (1 Pet. 2:9.)

"And in the days of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that shall never be destroyed, nor shall the kingdom be left to another people. It shall break in pieces all these kingdoms and bring them to an end, and it shall stand forever," (Daniel 2:44)

We were chosen by God to be a part of something greater than a worldly government or kingdom. We are a spiritual nation, and each one of us is spiritual royalty! The truth is, until Jesus returns, all nations will fall eventually. We aren't going to last forever. Our nation as well as others were formed by men. God Himself created the Church, His kingdom. This means His kingdom will endure forever! 

2. Are we quicker to defend the constitution and nation before the Bible and God?

"For the word of God is living and active, and sharper than any two edged sword, it pierces even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12.)

"See that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ." (Colossians 2:8.)

3. Do we obsess over trying to prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that God is on our side in regard to politics?

How can we possibly gauge that? The truth is, the two biggest political parties hold beliefs that are not in line with biblical principles. The bible says nothing on political-economic issues, except on one issue. We are to pay taxes and be respectful to our governing authorities. This will be explained further on in the article.

Abraham Lincoln famously once said, "Sir, my concern is not whether God is on our side. My concern is to be on God's side, for God is always right."

4. Do you spend more time bashing our enemies or political leaders than you do praying for them?

"First of all then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way." (1 Timothy 2:2)

(This includes celebrities...and yes, even our President and Congress.)

5.  Do you spend most of your time debating politics, or telling others about the good news of Christ?

This is pretty self-explanatory. Why wouldn't our first thought be to evangelize?  American politics isn't the Good News. Actually, it is pretty much the opposite.

"And He said to them, 'Go into all the world and proclaim the Gospel to the whole creation.'" (Mark 16:15)

6. Do we rely too much on the government to help the poor and needy? Or do we get our hands dirty to help these people? On the other hand, do we fight for less government involvement? As a result, do we do little to nothing to help the poor?

"Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world." (James 1:27.)

"Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."(Luke 12:33-34)

“Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink,  I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.’  Then they also will answer, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to you?’ Then he will answer them, saying, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.’ And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.” (Matthew 25:41-46)

The past few years, I have been rethinking a lot of things about politics and my role as a citizen of the United States. I am still avidly Pro-life, and stand for traditional marriage.  Those are things that God has been clear on. Where God stands, is where I stand. The rest are just opinions. Whether you agree, everything else pales in comparison to our duty as Christians. 

Our job as Christians is to be about God's business, plain and simple. Our first thought when we get up should be how we can serve God that day.

Here is what I know the bible says about politics:

When asked by the Pharisees whether it was right to pay taxes to Caesar, Jesus said, "Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's and render to God the things that are God's." (Matt. 22:21)

Money came from the government. Therefore, the money goes to the government. We are to pay our taxes and to be obedient to the government (unless they tell us to do something against God's word).  (Romans 13:7.)

1 Peter 2: 13-15 says: "Be subject to the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and praise those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people."

Romans 13:5 says: "Therefore one must be in subjection to the authorities, not because of possible punishment from God, but also for the sake of conscience."

God never gives us an exception to the rule. God means what He says.  In everything else we are to respect the government, and be good, law-abiding citizens. Also, if we have opportunity, we should try to influence the government peacefully and respectfully. 

 I want to serve God. I want to be what he needs me to be.  I want to read scripture in the way He intended me to, without the pollution of worldly ideas.

I love our nation, but in the end, my true citizenship is in heaven.

Time, Precious Time.

Losing a loved one is one of those things that everyone reacts to differently. Each one of us experiences it and grieves differently.

My sister and I came home last Friday evening. We knew that this would most likely be my Grandpa's last weekend alive. When we came, he was unresponsive.  On Sunday, at around 11:20 a.m., my Grandpa, Dalton Mansel, lost his battle to cancer and went to be with God.

We spent most of the weekend at his bedside. We talked and reminisced with family. We cried and laughed. We held his hand. We gave him morphine and other medications to keep him comfortable. Saturday night, my sister and I sang hymns to him, such as “Farther Along” and “Amazing Grace”. I don’t know if he could hear them, but I know that if he did happen to hear them, he would have loved it. I know he enjoyed listening to us sing in church whenever we came for a visit.

The moment he passed Sunday morning was a surreal one. I had woken up at around 9:00 a.m., and had had eaten breakfast and talked some with my Aunt Gail. That morning was a blur up until the moment he passed. We kept constant vigil, as his breathing became more shallow. Then, I saw it. He breathed his last. It has been difficult for me to process this moment. It has left me with all kinds of emotions I didn’t, and still don't entirely know what to do with.

It was humbling. Oh, how feeble we are. Oh, how quickly something like a tumor can take the breath from our lips. We try not to think that one day we are going to die. Especially as young people, we don’t want to think about it.  You get a different perspective when you are there with a loved one until the moment they pass.

My Grandpa and my Grandma (who died five years earlier) got it. They knew that life is temporary, and what it’s really about. It’s about God. My Grandpa was a minister for some years, and helped to spread God’s word. Later, he was an elder, and taught bible classes. My Grandma Carolyn served and gave her all in everything that she did.  My other Grandfather, Russell Butcher, loved God with all his heart. He was so loving and kind, and spread that love to everyone he came in contact with. I can never repay them for the love they showed me, and the example they set.

What are we doing with the precious time that God has given to us? Our lives are so short. It’s been said before, I will say it again: we can die anytime. Anywhere. Jesus could come back at any moment. Are we ready for the moment our heart stops or when we hear that trumpet blast? We don’t know when either of these things will occur. We must be ready.

How much time do we spend complaining, when we could be on our knees in prayer or doing something to change it? How often do we walk past someone who needs help and could use a little love? How often do we say, “I’ll pray later.” Or, “I’ll read my bible later.” And it never gets done? Why are we so negligent when it comes to things that actually matter? These things matter so much more.

The bible says, “…yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.” (James 4:14.)

It also says, “Heaven and Earth shall pass away, but my words shall never pass away. But concerning that day and hour, no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the son, but the Father only.” (Matt. 24:35-36.)

If there is anything that I have been reminded of the past few weeks, it’s this: Life is short, and uncertain. What are we doing with our time? I want to be a hard worker for the Lord until the end. What about you? Will you give Him your all?