I thought I would get your attention with that title, but it’s a true statement! I am very defensive! That is… I am a defender of Jim particularly (and other family members, especially my kids); I am a defender of women; I am a defender of God!
I can completely relate to Sarah Palin when she said she was a “momma grizzly bear.” I think the instinct to defend our children is in most of us as Mothers. If it’s not, there’s something broken inside!
Defending those we love is an honorable character trait, don’t you think? Jesus is our defender and He is passionate about it!
Psalm 18:1-2 GNT
How I love you, Lord! You are my defender. The Lord is my protector; he is my strong fortress. My God is my protection, and with him I am safe. He protects me like a shield; he defends me and keeps me safe.
When you love someone, defending them comes as natural as breathing. At least it does for me! Wanting those I love to be safe from all harm is a basic instinct for which I make no apologies.
Now here is the greater truth: Jesus said in John 13:34-35 NIV: “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
This love that we are to have for one another should elicit a strong defense when required because we are family! But, all too often, we bite and devour one another instead of defending each other against the one common enemy we all have – the devil!
The hour is late, and the day well spent. It’s time to rally around every member of the family of God and learn to be a defender of one another. As we fight the battles of spiritual warfare, we will find ourselves ascending the Holy Hill of God’s wonderful presence (Ps 15:1) – in the company of our brothers and sisters in the Lord.
Your awesome Lori, you make me laugh girlfriend. Been there done that and God LOVES HIS sons and daughters. I tear up with Jim when he has confirmation on prophecy, I get it “totally” and praise God so do alot of other people. The new grandbaby is very special to me as she was born on my beautiful Christian mother’s birthday who is now with the Lord. Keep declaring the truth, we’re here in (hypocritical-HA!) Tulsa with you. God’s blessings! Friend in Christ Melaine
Hope that last comment went through. I love your spirit and pray I can defend my children like you do!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Llona J
When you said if you don’t defend those you love–something is broken inside–I just wept and cried!! I have tried to defend my children through the years and they don’t seem to want to be defended….two were sexually abused by strangers as teens. That caused them to turn to drugs and alcohol and it has resulted in divorces and much pain. I keep praying for them as they are grown now and it seems that’s all I can do.
Dear Lori, keep up the great work! We love all of you and I agree in prayer with you to keep Jim and Tammy (and the rest of you) safe and surrounded by love! Just remember this…if all were going smooth…you aren’t working God’s will. Satan hates God’s people and brings all Hell against you. We love you all! You are in our prayers!
Lori, I thank God for your ministry. I’m sorry you must constantly defend those you love. That takes away from the time you have to serve the Lord. But as a wife, mother and grandmother I know how the claws and teeth must be kept sharp.
I am sending praise and thank you your way because I have been blessed so much by the Bakker ministry. Because of the men and women you have introduced me to, I feel I have the upper hand on important information. Also, your products have blessed me and others with whom I have shared them. God bless you both in these trying times.
Amen Lori! Amen and Amen! To “defend” each other and those who are broke busted and disgusted… I think of the Woman caught in the act of adultery and the smug religious leaders brought her to the center of town to be stoned! Jesus alone came to “defend” her… He saw in her what God saw. Oh that we would put down and crush the glasses of judgement that so often we see through and put on the glasses of mercy and grace and see with the vision of what Jesus sees deeper than what shows on the surface.
It’s not always easy…. but if we do not defend that which is good and righteous … who will? My favorite line in your blog was: “This love that we are to have for one another should elicit a strong defense when required because we are family!” to which I shout HALLELUJAH! I LOVE THAT!
To give others the “wobble room” to walk and grow as the Holy Spirit gives each of us the same “wobble room” is to be the nature of God and the Character of God through us! He is our Great Defender and our High Tower… therefore we too become the defender of all that is GOOD through Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit!!
Love a California “Mama Grizzly” also! (ha ha)
Kathlene
That is what I love about you Lori. The way you defend Jim. He needs that after the way he has been put down, and he has suffered so much at the hands of God’s people. God sent you to stand with him and defend him till his dying day. I want you to write another book. Taking up where you left off with the other one. Love you and your family and the show.. In Christ
NitaRue