FOCUS

Endurance

“Your name, O Lord, ENDURES FOREVER, your renown, O Lord, through all generations. For the Lord will vindicate his people and have compassion on his servants.” Psalm 135:13&14

WORDS TO INSPIRE

By Linda Papillon

“What a caterpillar calls the end of the world, the Creator calls a butterfly.” (From A Path Through Suffering by Elisabeth Elliot).

My husband loves to roam among the book shelves of Goodwill and recently found a novel about a family in Colorado having to become refugees because of their offensive Christian beliefs--being right wing home schoolers, pro-life, attending a “fundamentalist” church, etc. This book was published in 1996 and what might have seemed far out 13 years ago, is actually becoming reality today. As I write this, the so-called “hate crimes” legislation has already passed the House and is in the Senate. Basically, this would make it legal to investigate, prosecute, and persecute anyone whose actions reflect their faith. Will our pastor husbands end up being arrested and hauled off to jail for reading a Bible passage that might offend certain minorities in America? Could this actually happen in the land of the free and the brave? How could we endure such hardship? It’s tempting to panic and give in to fear and isolation, maybe even stockpile food and ammunition to survive a little longer.

Life is a boot camp of sorts, learning endurance in various ways. There’s the physical kind like training for a marathon or 5K. Some of us have emotional trials like praying a prodigal child back into the faith or the ups and downs of caring for a loved one with cancer. But we all need to build up our strength in the spiritual disciplines of daily time with the Lord, memorizing His Word, and waiting on Him in prayer and meditation. God uses all of these ways to teach us to depend on His faithfulness.

Mark 11:22b simply states: “Have faith in God.” Hold on to His faithfulness. Christians who look forward to the future are Christians who have looked back at the faithfulness of God. Is there any doubt of God’s faithfulness? Read through Psalm 136 without skipping a word and you will read “His steadfast love endures forever” 26 times! It’s been so helpful for me to then journal what that means to me for even the routine things of the day. As we learn more of Who He is and what He’s done, we will have to humbly bow and worship the One who is the same yesterday and today and forever. (Hebrews 13:8)

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)

NEEDS OF THE REAL WORLD

GIVING GRACE

To be honest, there is only one relationship in my life where I struggle with harmony, and that is with our mentally-handicapped son. Many of his problems are not his fault. Because his birth-mother drank alcohol before he was born, his brain was permanently damaged. When we adopted him at one year of age, we knew he had “special needs,” but no diagnosis. I assumed that love, God’s Word, good training, discipline, and God’s healing would “fix it.” That is not the case. You have no idea how many times I have “died” to my hopes and dreams for Josh. I’ve had to learn to love and accept him JUST AS HE IS.
Josh is now 20, and the effects of fetal alcohol syndrome are very evident: ADHD, he’s impulsive, immature, has poor self-control, struggles academically and socially, and will probably never live independently. He doesn’t face an easy life as a vulnerable adult.
My biggest shock as a mother was realizing my own sin, critical spirit, and impatience. The greatest struggle that I have right now is that Josh doesn’t want his mother telling him what to do! I still correct him too much and praise him too little. Lyndon is much better in patience and understanding of Josh.
Here are a few thoughts I would share with parents of “special-needs” (and all!) children:

• Set priorities of the most important things you focus on. You can’t correct everything.
  
• Realize that some things will never change. Let them go and don’t make them an issue.
  
• Jesus never used shame to motivate anyone, and neither should we.
  
• There is no condemnation (to declare guilty, worthless, or unfit for use or service; conveying the idea of utter rejection, doom) in Jesus (Romans 8:1). Make sure to distinguish that you LOVE your children but hate their SIN.
• 
  Learn to laugh more. That eases the tension.
  
  Still growing in GRACE,
  Linda Korhonen

CHECK IT OUT

Daughters of the Faith Series

For your daughter in early teen years, consider the following book series: Daughters of the faith Series This collection of historical fiction tells the story or courageous women when they were still girls. It includes Courage to Run the account Harriet Tubman’s childhood. Events she experienced as a slave teach us to trust God to create the underground railroad . Another story The Tinkers Daughter tells of Mary Bunyan. Our favorite volume Shadow of His Hand, introduced us to aspiring ballerina Anita Dittman who survived the holocaust. Each young woman faced circumstances which required more strength than they had in themselves. They learned to depend on God. They found him faithful and claimed peace and joy, even as they experienced great personal loss.

Becoming a True woman—Discipleship Journal by Susan Hunt

Question? Who is teaching our teen and preteen girls what it means to be a Woman---the church or the culture? In a world where there are so many uncertainties, Becoming a True woman—Discipleship Journal by Susan Hunt will teach and train younger women how to become a True Woman. It is a curriculum that will help you to speak Biblically and boldly to the issue of womanhood. A curriculum is available for both teen and pre-teen girls. It can be for individual or group use. Check it out!

IN MY OPINION

In response to last blog's question: Which area of the country are you from?

100% of respondents stated they were born in the Midwest.

"In my Opinion" will be replaced by Helpful Hints for Home from now on.

HELPFUL HINTS FOR HOME

From Kristie Swenson

Are you sick of cooking the same old thing every month for supper? After only three years of marriage, I already found myself in the rut of repeating my menu plan. Then my mom tipped me off to a better way to meal plan that takes advantage of the weekly deals in the supermarket ad and provides new, good recipes.

1. Check out your local grocery ad from the newspaper or online and mark down the sale meat and/or vegetables your family likes.

2. Go online to www.allrecipes.com

3. At allrecipes.com, there is a search box where you can type in an ingredient(s). (I will often times type in the sale meat or vegetable to see what new recipe I can make with them.) The site will display all of the recipes that include that particular ingredient.

4. Print off the recipe(s) you would like to use.

5. Plan out your meals for the week and make a grocery list.

6. At the grocery store stick to your list or you may overbuy and overspend!

This website will give ingredients, directions, and the nutrition facts of each recipe, It also has ratings, reviews and recipe tweaking suggestions from other viewers. I have found this site to be very helpful. Other sites that I have found and liked are: www.cookinglight.com and www.rachaelray.com

IDEAS THAT WORK

By Mary Pollestad

Let me encourage each women’s group to always have one special event that women enjoy and one which they can invite their friends to come along. Every woman like to bring their friends to something just so they can be together. This also enables the Christian gal to bring her non Christian friend to a non threatening event in the church. This has really proven to be a wonderful time for outreach. Also, it helps the younger gals to have a special time with their Christian friends. In this busy world women don’t all have the time to get together. What could be a more wonderful way to get together than at the church around a Christ centered event. It proves to be a wonderful time for all! Away provide childcare for those single gals with children. The money issue of a sitter is not a stumbling block to sand in the way for the single gal. and don’t forget the older generation. They enjoy being there. It is a wonder time for them being around the younger gals. Hope this is can idea that you can possible use and that all can enjoy!

HERE'S WHAT'S COOKING!

Warm Nutty Caramel Brownies

Ingredients:
1 pkg (12 oz) semi-sweet chocolate morsels, divided
1 pkg (18-21 oz) brownie mix (plus ingredients to make cake-like brownies)
¾ cup packed brown sugar, divided
1 cup salted mixed nuts, divided
5 rolls (1.7 oz each) milk chocolate-covered chewy caramels, divided (40 pieces total)
Vanilla ice cream (optional)

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly brush Large Bar Pan with vegetable oil using basting brush. Chop 1 1/2 cups of the chocolate morsels using a chopper. In medium bowl, combine brownie mix, water, oil, eggs and 1/4 cup of the brown sugar; mix well. Fold in chopped chocolate; pour batter into bar pan, spreading evenly using spatula.

2. Chop nuts using food chopper. Combine half of the nuts and remaining 1/2 cup brown sugar; sprinkle evenly over brownie batter. Bake 20-22 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean.

3. Meanwhile, using utility unife, cut 16 caramels into quarters. Place remaining 1/2 cup chocolate morsels in Prep Bowl; microwave on HIGH 1 minute or until melted, stirring after each 20-second interval. Spoon melted chocolate into resealable plastic bag; set aside.

4. Remove bar pan from oven to Stackable Cooling Rack. Immediately press remaining 24 caramels evenly into brownie in four rows of six caramels each. Sprinkle quartered caramels and remaining nuts over brownies. Trim corner of chocolate-filled bag with Utility Knife; drizzle chocolate evenly over brownies. Cut into squares; serve warm using Mini-Serving Spatula. Serve with ice cream, if desired.

Yield: 24 servings

Nutrients per serving: Calories 300, Total Fat 16 g, Saturated Fat 4.5 g, Cholesterol 25 mg, Carbohydrate 38 g, Protein 3 g, Sodium 135 mg, Fiber 2 g

Recipe taken from Pampered Chef

Cheese Bacon Hamburger

Ingredients:

3 lbs lean ground beef
1 cup American cheese
1 cup bread crumbs
5 slices bacon sliced with kitchen scissors
3 small onions, finely chopped
Webber grill grinder as desired

1. Heat coals or gas grill for direct heat. Mix beef, onions, bread crumbs, seasoning, bacon, and cheese. Shape into 12 medium sized patties, about ¾ inch thick

2. Cover and grill patties 10-11 minutes turning once, until no longer pink in center and juice is clear.

3. Serve and enjoy

Kirk Rautio

TOGETHER THROUGH PRAYER

Each HEARTLINE will present you with a corporate prayer suggestion for AFLC Pastors' wives.

Lord, sometimes we are tempted to feel overwhelmed and beaten down by the circumstances of our day. We see so many issues in our government that have been deemed "OK" that go against your precepts. So many life issues such as embryonic stem cell research and abortion are now rationalized as ethical and progressive. Our economy has found many losing jobs, homes, and financial security. Help us to remember that you are sovereign, and greater than our circumstances. Our security is not in our government or our finances, but rather in claiming the promise that you Lord are in control. We pray you would work in the minds of our elected officials, remind them of your precepts. You Lord are the creator of life, and we pray that our country would once again protect all life as sacred. Keep our minds stayed on you, for in that you promise to bring us peace. Amen

GETTING TO KNOW YOU

Interview with

KAY RAMSBACHER

by Mary Pollestad

Kay is the mother of one daughter. Her husband serves Bethel Community in Culbertson, Montana and Faith Free in Brockton, Montana.

When I asked Kay what she felt her ministry was within the church she said she thought it was “Filling in the Gaps”. “As a pastor’s wife you don’t want to take over in the church you want the people to lead but when there is a need I try to fill the “gap” wherever I can when I am asked.” “Of course, she said, praying and encouraging my husband would be my first ministry calling.”

When I asked Kay about the word “Endurance” and what came to her mind she said with a lot of confidence, “It reminds me of I Peter 4:19 Commit yourself to the Savior continue doing what is good.” She said when the tough times come and the road ahead is rough don’t run and hide from it but continue in what is good.” Maybe you can’t give as much in one area but in the areas you can continue doing good for the Lord in that area.” She discussed with me that it is just simply keeping the faith at all times in the good and in the bad. She was reminded of the song “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” In that song it says to take everything to God in prayer. “That is what we must do too.” She said.

I said, “As we look at our world today and all that is going on what words of encouragement would you give to our ladies”? She said, “get involved with your community even on a small scale like the “Food Bank” and in that you will see how your little community is doing good and then the whole picture of our world doesn’t look so overwhelming.” “I guess, she said with a sigh, that helps us see that there is good going on.” “Whatever it is that you can do even on a small scale in your community will help you see how the Lord is working and that helps.” she said.

So to us gals as pastor’s wives Kay would encourage us to Commit to the Savior and continue doing what is good.

FOCUS:

HARMONIOUS RELATIONSHIPS

Psalm 133:1,36b "How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity! ...the Lord bestows His blessing, even life forevermore."

"due to the God-given uniqueness of each persons' ideas and personality, and especially the influence of the fallen nature, relationships can and do develop into discord even among Christians."

NEEDS OF THE REAL WORLD:

Different Yet Complementary
By Candice Johnson

Dealing with strife and discord among Christians has at times sent me into deep discouragement. Dealing with non-harmonious relationships in the church seems like it should not even be an issue. After all, the Scriptures instruct us to “love your neighbor as yourself” (Leviticus 19:18, Matthew 22:39). But the reality is, due to the God-given uniqueness of each persons’ ideas and personality, and especially the influence of the fallen nature, relationships can and do develop into discord even among Christians.

It seems that discord comes in relationships when we don’t like the way someone is doing something. That can lead to words being said, feelings being hurt, and sides being taken. Unfortunately, this does happen often among Christians. Part of the problem is our sinful nature and part of the problem is a misunderstanding of harmony.

The term harmony has its roots deep in the realm of music. Considering how harmony is accomplished in music can lead to a clearer understanding of how harmony can be accomplished in relationships.

One essential truth about harmony in music is that harmony is a mixture; a mixture of different elements working together to create a beautiful sound. Simply stated, harmony is achieved when two or more notes, located on different lines or different spaces, blend together to create a pleasing sound. The notes are different, yet complementary; separate, yet united. Thus we have a beautiful piece of music

One essential truth about harmony in relationships is that this harmony, too, is the result of different people working together toward a common purpose. Though a variety of individuals may be involved in different aspects of service, to be harmonious, their purpose needs to be the same. Among Christian, that common purpose needs to be exalting Christ.

When exalting Christ is the primary goal for life and service, then the various methods for achieving that goal take on less significance. To put it simply, does it matter if someone sings songs, or writes novels, or washes dishes or teaches Sunday school, or cleans restrooms, or sells Mary Kay, as long as it is done to exalt Christ? The Apostle Paul addresses the issue of disharmony in his letter to the Philippians 1:15-18 when he writes in chapter one: Some to be sure, are preaching Christ even from envy and strife, but some also from good will; the latter do it out of love,…the former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, rather than from pure motives, thinking to cause me Paul distress….What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed.

As pastors’ wives, we can’t just sit on the fringe when there’s disharmony in the church, but we also need to tread gently. We need to ask God to reveal to us the answers to a couple of very pointed questions:

1. Am I doing something to cause disharmony in the church? If so pray

for God’s guidance in how to correct that
2. Is my husband doing something to cause disharmony in the church/ If

so, pray that God would reveal this to him and God would work a

healing in the church.
3. Is the disharmony caused by fractions in the church? If so, pray that

God would reveal ways to restore harmony.

CHECK IT OUT:

Stepping Heavenward
by Rhoda Jore

“How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!
…for there the Lord bestows his blessing, even life forevermore.”
Psalm 133:1:3b

A condescending and critical sister-in-law… a grumpy, sickly father-in-law who disapproves of the way you live and questions your walk with God…it may be humanly possible to “live together in unity” with such people from afar, but how about when they live under the same roof as you and your husband and your small children?

Such is the dilemma of Katherine, a fictitious character in Mrs. E. Prentiss’ book, Stepping Heavenward. I’ve read this book a few times now and each time I’ve been amazed to see the transformation that God works in Katherine as she learns to love these difficult people in her life. It doesn’t come about easily. She goes through a dark season of resenting her husband and questioning God, but ultimately she is able to embrace His desire for her to live in unity with her “brothers”. She’s not content to just “grin and bear it”, pretending to accept their presence in her home but inwardly angry, but she chooses to “rejoice that He had seen fit to let them harass and embitter my domestic life”. Only the Holy Spirit can influence such a response. Following her choice, God bestowed his blessing on her by filling her with a generous, forgiving love for these two people.

I have experienced this life-giving blessing from God when I have chosen love and unity over hatred and discord. It is interesting how a conscious choice usually precedes actual feelings of love. That choice can only come when I am dependent on the help of the Holy Spirit to live in a God-honoring way with those whom I am in community.

IN MY OPINION:

In each HEARTLINE you will be presented with “a question”. The question will give you three to four answer options to choose from. The response answers will be tabulated and the percentages will then be given in the following HEARTLINE issue. And, then again, another question with answer options will be given and so on.

Question:

In what region of the country were you born?

a. North East
b. South East
c. Midwest
d. North West
e. South West

Please respond to this question by e-mailing ek4swenson@gmail.com. Thank you.

Due to loosing our former e-mail account last month, I don’t know who may have e-mailed a response to the last blog’s question. Up until loosing our account, the responses were that EASTER was the favorite holiday.

Prayer: Jesus, in your Word you tell us, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone (Rom. 12:18). Search my heart and my motives Lord: change me. Help me to live in such a way that promotes peace in my daily relationships. Amen.

HERE’S WHAT’S COOKING:

Curried Chicken Sandwich with Cranberries and Pine Nuts
(Runners World April 2009)

1 pound cooked cubed chicken breast
3 Tbsp dried cranberries
3 Tbsp toasted pine nuts
1 cup apple chopped
¼ cup mayo
¼ cup fat free sour cream
1 Tbsp honey mustard
1 Tbsp ground curry
Fresh spring greens
Whole wheat bread or pitas

Mix chicken, pine nuts, cranberries and apple. Then in another bowl, mix rest of ingredients until mixed thoroughly. Combine. Place chicken mix on bread or pita, top with greens. Enjoy!

Chai Latte
Mix the following together (I put mine in a jar and just shook it up).
15-16 oz non-dairy vanilla flavored creamer
1/2 c. powered sugar
1/2 c. unsweetened instant tea mix
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp cardamon
1 tsp ground cloves
Then, add to taste to milk

IDEAS THAT WORK: WHAT ABOUT WMF?

CREATING RELATIONSHIPS THAT

“FLY ON EAGLES WINGS?”
Cheryl Skordahl

Like the two wings of an eagle, the women in our churches need to work harmoniously so their relationships will soar!

How about taking a cue from the wife of our AFLC President, Faith Nelson? Asked to speak at the women’s banquet at a WMF Convention, she ended her talk by handing out an 81/2 X 11 sheet of white paper and asked everyone to write their name and address on it (you could add phone # and e-mail address). She proceeded to instruct the women on how to make a flying airplane out of the paper. Then, unexpectedly, she asked this normally reserved group of banquet women to stand up and fly their paper airplane into the air. Whosever airplane you caught, you were to write a note of encouragement and send it to that woman.

This is a great way to create more tender/fun-loving relationships between the women of your church. Why not try it at your next meeting? “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God and everyone that loves knows God.”

GETTING TO KNOW YOU:

An Interview With Laurel Johnson
By Mary Pollestad

This issue’s interview is going to be with Laurel Johnson who lives Northwest of Cambridge, MN. This interview is somewhat different from the others in that we will be talking to Laurel about insights and wisdom that she has received over the years in the ministry. Her husband is retired or maybe semi retired we might say as he serves wherever the Lord may lead him to fill the pulpit as needed. Wendell and Laurel have 4 grown sons and 1 grown daughter. Her insight comes from the years serving the Dalton Parish of 4 churches, Stacy, MN area of two churches and Spicer, MN area. When I asked Laurel what her ministry was in the church she said, “Well, that would be music.” “Also, Bible Studies with the ladies, and just being a part of what and who they are.” “Planning, praying, rejoicing and sometimes a little crying,” she said. I asked Laurel if she was going to give any advise to a pastor’s wife going into the ministry after seminary or to a pastor’s wife who is leaving a church that she and her husband have served for 8-12 years what would she advise? “Well,” she said as she thought. “Ease into things very gently and get a whole overview of the people.” “Get to know them all” she suggested. “Let’s see, always give compliments where compliments are due and encourage. “Watch out not to be too overbearing” she warned. “Most of all have a servant heart,” she said. The next question I asked Laurel was, “How does a pastor’s wife use the talents that God has given her if no one in the church recognizes them and asks her to use them?” “Well,” she said, “first of all, pray that God would open up someone’s heart to see the blessed gift that God has given you.” “Then too,” she said. “If you have become close to someone in the church you might say to them, ‘if there is an opportunity or need in this or that area I would be happy to help.’” I asked Laurel what she would suggest for all of us pastor’s wives to remember about the ministry with our husbands. “Well, you know it is a TEAM ministry,” She said. “Explain that,” I said to her. “It is supporting your husband 100%.” “Supporting what he is doing.” “If he asks you to help say yes.” “If you have young children and can’t go on visitations you can still be praying for him and give him Freedom in the Lord.” I asked her to explain Freedom in the Lord. “Well,” she said. “It is allowing him to do what the Lord wants him to do even if sometimes he makes a mistake.” “Mary, it is not being in charge of but being supportive of.” She reminded me that having a teachable spirit and a lot of flexibility is something that we as pastor’s wives should keep in mind all the time. “What about leaving a congregation? I asked. “Well there are a lot of positives when you leave a congregation,” she said. “You have the love and kindness of people that just overwhelms you.” “You have Bible Studies and prayer together and good memories and forever friends.” If Laurel was going to give all of us things to remember as pastor’s wives she would say this. “Remember that first you are the wife to your husband and second the mother of your children.” “Spend time with your husband and have a little fun.” She laughed. “Because things get too serious sometimes.” One thing that Laurel warned us all about is not to get bitter. If we get bitter, we crawl within ourselves to protect ourselves from getting hurt and then we won’t fulfill the radiant person that God wants us to be. Hopefully some of this you can take for your life as you serve as a TEAM with your husband in the ministry.

FOCUS

Forgiveness

Verse: Ephesians 1:7,8 "...redemption through His blood..."

The lavishness of the Lord is incredible. If you're like many Christians, perhaps you find His abundant forgiveness hard to accept? Do you knock yourself over and over again for something the Lord has already forgiven and forgotten? Did God really forgive me when I .... (you fill in the blank.)"

WORDS TO INSPIRE

"The Lord's Forgiveness - lavished on us!"
by Carolyn Steele

Ephesians 1: 7, 8: In Him we have redemption through His Blood, the forgiveness of out trespasses, according to the riches of His grace, which He lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight.

From these verses, we see an order in the Word’s promise that is exciting! First, we're redeemed on the cross of Calvary and our sins are forgiven. In God’s grace, He “lavishly” gives us this forgiveness of sin with the Father’s wisdom and insight. Of course, we cannot do this in our own strength. Then, what do we do when others or situations arise that lead to feeling hurt or treated unfairly? We are tempted to not remember Matthew 6, which states that we must forgive others as God forgives us and that the Lord will not forgive us if we don’t forgive others (verse15). I cannot be justified in my complaint (sin).


Dear Friends in Christ: The sin of not forgiving will grow and lead you away from your precious Jesus. It truly hurts our Savior and drives a wedge between God and you. Stop and think for you know this is not worth it! Jesus died for your sins and gave His all. Turn and repent quickly and don’t nurse and rehearse those bitter feelings. If you sincerely give it to Christ, He will be true to change your heart. However, what will happen if we are hurt again? This may happen with the folks that you often see and cannot avoid. This is where a daily surrender to Jesus must become a part of your innermost desire, as you grow closer to Him with the help of the Holy Spirit. Memorize Luke 6: 37: “Judge not, and you will not be judged: condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven.”

Only Jesus Christ can truly bring restoration and healing to your life through obedience to His Word. You may be thinking; I am not sure that I want to do this. Take it from me that putting off forgiveness only prolongs misery and sin. Christ did it for you, because His everlasting love is “incredible.”

CHECK IT OUT

A Pit Will Suck You In
by Michele Mobley

A pit will suck you in! This is true about a physical pit, but author and speaker, Beth Moore, in her book, Get out of that Pit is not speaking about a big hole in the earth. She is addressing the soul who believes she is stuck, believes she can’t stand up to the enemy, and believes she has lost her vision. Moore defines this state of being as a pit. Her book includes three ways a person gets into a pit and how to get out. This reader believes forgiveness is the bedrock of this work.

Some people are thrown into a pit. Moore writes, “The ways we can get thrown into a pit are as varied as the footprints planted in them” (Moore, p23). A terminal diagnosis, a gossip, an unfaithful spouse, a violent crime, and a shrinking financial portfolio send innocent bystanders into a “pit of innocence”.

One can also slip into a pit. Moore defines this pit as one of despair. Life is hard and the Christian soul is not immune, but is also not hopeless. Moore writes, “If we don’t put our hope in God, we can talk ourselves into a pit” (Moore, p55).

The third way one gets into a pit is by jumping in. Moore calls this pit-dweller a “pit-jumper”. The jump is intentional and is a mockery of God’s authority.

Finally, Moore gives the pit-dweller practical steps to get out. First, cry out to the all-powerful God. Second, confess sin. Confession deals with both sin and God’s authority. Confession is agreeing with God about whom He is and who you are in Christ. Following confession is consent. Moore believes this step to be black and white. Leave the pit.

Beth Moore in her book Get Out Of That Pit proclaims victorious and eternal truth and hope for pit-dwellers. This reader is convinced the heart of this book is forgiveness. Un-forgiveness keeps many a soul in bondage to the character of a pit. Forgiveness brings a soul into a victorious life defined by the character of the God of all hope!