The body's willing, but the mind won't cooperate. I have a bad case of writer's block going on--perhaps because my mind is preoccupied with a flurry of other things right now that are very pertinent.
Use this thread for open comments. Go ahead. Feel free to bring up any subject you like and discuss it amongst yourselves.
Love Ya,
God Bless!
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Saturday, January 26, 2008
S-E-X...
AH-HA! Got your attention, didn't I?
The GEMS class has a variety of topics that they want us to eventually cover in class. One is "the dangers of sex before marriage" (in their own words). I'm not at all bashful about tackling the subject, but I've a feeling it's going to be a loooong lesson. The Bible has a great deal to say about it, and as I got to writing the thing the pages just kept piling up. I reminded myself of the k.i.s.s. principle (keep it short, sweetheart). Yeah, right. I consider guiding these young ladies to be of primary importance and I don't take the assignment lightly. My primary objective is for them to get a "right view" of what God intended sex to be--not the cheapened, dirty stuff that the world has turned it into. Paris Hilton, Kim Kardashian, Li-Lo, Tila Tequila and all their other peeps, have no idea what really great sex really is because whatever they're doing is a cheap imitation...cheaper than a Prada handbag knock-off.
Hey, we're all grown women here, so let's be frank. SEX (between married people) IS NOT DIRTY! After all, God invented it. Not even the most passionate sex you've ever had with your husband just for the sake of it is dirty. Especially not that. I realize there are some beliefs that think it's only for making babies, but that's just not true. It is for a couple's fun (Prov. 5: 18-19). There's a whole book-long poem in the Bible dedicated to married sex called Song of Solomon. It's a graphic account of the happy couple's honeymoon. They were definitely having fun! We learn from this book that it's perfectly acceptable to lust after your own spouse. Married sex keeps us from outside sexual immorality, and we're not to withhold it from our husbands (nor them from us) unless there is some specific reason, and even then, not indefinitely (1 Cor. 7: 1-5). It's also for comfort. Isaac was comforted by the presence of his brand new bride, Rebekah, after his mother's death (Gen. 24: 66-67).
Like I said, I'm not bashful about it, but I take this subject very seriously in regard to discussing it with teenage girls. I think I've quoted these stats before, so forgive me if I've used them in a prior post. The average age for a first sexual encounter for any teen, Christian or not, is 14.9 years of age. Roughly 95% of all people, Christian or not, have admitted to having premarital sex. An article written September 23, 2007 by one of my favorite razor-tongued journalists, Doug Giles, gives some sobering stats as well. Eight to ten teens will contract a sexually transmitted disease within the year; herpes has escalated 500% in the last 20 years among white teens; one in five children over 12 years old tests positive for Type 2 herpes; and that sexually transmitted diseases are most commonly reported to occur with girls 15-19 years old. That comes out to 21,000 infected teens every 24 hours.
It used to be that all these kids had to worry about was getting pregnant with a baby themselves. It's much, much more serious than that now. It's playing Russian roulette with your life. STDs can lead to ruined reproductive organs for both sexes due to infections caused by many years of sexual activity with many partners. It can cause cervical cancer, infertility, and early death. Condoms are NOT the answer. People are putting too much faith in a thin layer of latex. I have an aunt who works at Birth Choice, an establishment that helps frightened, unwed mothers. She's told me horror stories and told me to tell these girls not to buy into the myth that condoms will keep their bodies free from pregnancy or disease. She sees the consequences daily. This should be self-evident if you've watched TV lately. Seen the Valtrex commercial? I'm glad that there's a drug to treat it, but we shouldn't even be having such a problem in the first place.
Adult women unite! Let's stop being bashful and teach these young ladies about the beautiful thing that sex is supposed to be. Hollywood and other media have a running start on ruining it for them, and we have to defeat their bad influence. I want to see them graduate high school first, then college. Next, I want a wedding invitation and a little way down the road further, a baby shower invitation. Let's teach them to order their lives by getting correct information into their brains. If we teach them the proper way, we can change the world for the better.
Love Ya,
God Bless!
The GEMS class has a variety of topics that they want us to eventually cover in class. One is "the dangers of sex before marriage" (in their own words). I'm not at all bashful about tackling the subject, but I've a feeling it's going to be a loooong lesson. The Bible has a great deal to say about it, and as I got to writing the thing the pages just kept piling up. I reminded myself of the k.i.s.s. principle (keep it short, sweetheart). Yeah, right. I consider guiding these young ladies to be of primary importance and I don't take the assignment lightly. My primary objective is for them to get a "right view" of what God intended sex to be--not the cheapened, dirty stuff that the world has turned it into. Paris Hilton, Kim Kardashian, Li-Lo, Tila Tequila and all their other peeps, have no idea what really great sex really is because whatever they're doing is a cheap imitation...cheaper than a Prada handbag knock-off.
Hey, we're all grown women here, so let's be frank. SEX (between married people) IS NOT DIRTY! After all, God invented it. Not even the most passionate sex you've ever had with your husband just for the sake of it is dirty. Especially not that. I realize there are some beliefs that think it's only for making babies, but that's just not true. It is for a couple's fun (Prov. 5: 18-19). There's a whole book-long poem in the Bible dedicated to married sex called Song of Solomon. It's a graphic account of the happy couple's honeymoon. They were definitely having fun! We learn from this book that it's perfectly acceptable to lust after your own spouse. Married sex keeps us from outside sexual immorality, and we're not to withhold it from our husbands (nor them from us) unless there is some specific reason, and even then, not indefinitely (1 Cor. 7: 1-5). It's also for comfort. Isaac was comforted by the presence of his brand new bride, Rebekah, after his mother's death (Gen. 24: 66-67).
Like I said, I'm not bashful about it, but I take this subject very seriously in regard to discussing it with teenage girls. I think I've quoted these stats before, so forgive me if I've used them in a prior post. The average age for a first sexual encounter for any teen, Christian or not, is 14.9 years of age. Roughly 95% of all people, Christian or not, have admitted to having premarital sex. An article written September 23, 2007 by one of my favorite razor-tongued journalists, Doug Giles, gives some sobering stats as well. Eight to ten teens will contract a sexually transmitted disease within the year; herpes has escalated 500% in the last 20 years among white teens; one in five children over 12 years old tests positive for Type 2 herpes; and that sexually transmitted diseases are most commonly reported to occur with girls 15-19 years old. That comes out to 21,000 infected teens every 24 hours.
It used to be that all these kids had to worry about was getting pregnant with a baby themselves. It's much, much more serious than that now. It's playing Russian roulette with your life. STDs can lead to ruined reproductive organs for both sexes due to infections caused by many years of sexual activity with many partners. It can cause cervical cancer, infertility, and early death. Condoms are NOT the answer. People are putting too much faith in a thin layer of latex. I have an aunt who works at Birth Choice, an establishment that helps frightened, unwed mothers. She's told me horror stories and told me to tell these girls not to buy into the myth that condoms will keep their bodies free from pregnancy or disease. She sees the consequences daily. This should be self-evident if you've watched TV lately. Seen the Valtrex commercial? I'm glad that there's a drug to treat it, but we shouldn't even be having such a problem in the first place.
Adult women unite! Let's stop being bashful and teach these young ladies about the beautiful thing that sex is supposed to be. Hollywood and other media have a running start on ruining it for them, and we have to defeat their bad influence. I want to see them graduate high school first, then college. Next, I want a wedding invitation and a little way down the road further, a baby shower invitation. Let's teach them to order their lives by getting correct information into their brains. If we teach them the proper way, we can change the world for the better.
Love Ya,
God Bless!
Out of the Darkness
I remember being afraid of the dark when I was little. I was completely convinced that there was a severe monster infestation in my bedroom. They lived in my closet, under the bed, and even in my toy box! Even as an adult, I can be frightened if I'm awakended at night by something making a noise in the darkness (Usually it's neighborhood cats). I don't often admit it though. I do have my great-grandma's enormous old flashlight, which can double as a billy club, and two or three firearms nearby just in case (Well, I don't expect God to do ALL the work). While I have to have the house completely dark in order to fall asleep, which is darness' good use, darkness itself is usually has negative connotations to it.
Even the Bible makes negative connotations about darkness. It's used in the figurative sense to describe those who do not know or turn their backs on God. It denotes being lost. Ever get lost in the dark when the electricity unexpectedly goes off and have to feel your way out of a room? Jeremiah 10:23 says it is not in man who walks to direct his own steps. God intended His manual, the Bible, to be our light source to help us out of the darkness of sin (Psa. 119:105; 2 Pet. 1: 3). 2 Pet. 1: 19 also says, " And we have the word of the prophets made more certain, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts." Jesus is that light as we read in John 1: 4-9. 2 Samuel 22: 29 says, "You are my lamp, O Lord; the Lord turns my darkness into light."
Darkness is a cover for those who want their misdeeds to stay hidden (Jno: 19-21; 2 Cor. 6: 14-15; Eph. 5: 8-14; 1 Pet. 2: 9; 1 Jno. 2: 9). God is light and will not associate Himself with darkness (1 Jno. 1: 5). God's purity wouldn't allow Him to look upon His own Son as Jesus hung there suffering because he took our sins upon himself (Matt. 27: 46). This brings me to another point: While I will never be sinlessly perfect, for no one is, I do not want to be willingly disobedient towards God and turn back towards the darkness--that is, the world. Why? For me it's not the threat of Hell so much as that I can't bear the thought of Him not hearing my prayers because of willful disobedience on my part. That's right. He will not even listen to a willingly sinful person's prayer as long as he or she remains in that state (Jno. 9: 31; Psa. 66:18). In fact, He considers it an abomination for such to pray to Him (Prov. 28:9). I can't imagine having my prayer privileges revoked by God. 1 Peter 4: 7 says, "The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear-minded and self-controlled so that you can pray." Imagine needing to petition Him so badly on your own or another's behalf and knowing that you are not in a state to even pray to Him. How tragic! Prayer is privilege and power--the greatest power we can access while on earth.
Keep the faith!
Love Ya,
God Bless!
Even the Bible makes negative connotations about darkness. It's used in the figurative sense to describe those who do not know or turn their backs on God. It denotes being lost. Ever get lost in the dark when the electricity unexpectedly goes off and have to feel your way out of a room? Jeremiah 10:23 says it is not in man who walks to direct his own steps. God intended His manual, the Bible, to be our light source to help us out of the darkness of sin (Psa. 119:105; 2 Pet. 1: 3). 2 Pet. 1: 19 also says, " And we have the word of the prophets made more certain, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts." Jesus is that light as we read in John 1: 4-9. 2 Samuel 22: 29 says, "You are my lamp, O Lord; the Lord turns my darkness into light."
Darkness is a cover for those who want their misdeeds to stay hidden (Jno: 19-21; 2 Cor. 6: 14-15; Eph. 5: 8-14; 1 Pet. 2: 9; 1 Jno. 2: 9). God is light and will not associate Himself with darkness (1 Jno. 1: 5). God's purity wouldn't allow Him to look upon His own Son as Jesus hung there suffering because he took our sins upon himself (Matt. 27: 46). This brings me to another point: While I will never be sinlessly perfect, for no one is, I do not want to be willingly disobedient towards God and turn back towards the darkness--that is, the world. Why? For me it's not the threat of Hell so much as that I can't bear the thought of Him not hearing my prayers because of willful disobedience on my part. That's right. He will not even listen to a willingly sinful person's prayer as long as he or she remains in that state (Jno. 9: 31; Psa. 66:18). In fact, He considers it an abomination for such to pray to Him (Prov. 28:9). I can't imagine having my prayer privileges revoked by God. 1 Peter 4: 7 says, "The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear-minded and self-controlled so that you can pray." Imagine needing to petition Him so badly on your own or another's behalf and knowing that you are not in a state to even pray to Him. How tragic! Prayer is privilege and power--the greatest power we can access while on earth.
Keep the faith!
Love Ya,
God Bless!
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Hey, GEMS Class Students...
Chicas, I've been interested in this program called "High School Confidential" that's supposed to be airing in March on the Women's Entertainment (WE) channel. Go to WEtv.com and check out their stories. I don't know what the end product or the purpose of this program are yet, but it might be good for generating topics for discussion.
Love Ya,
God Bless!
Love Ya,
God Bless!
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Guard Your Mind
"He answered, "Love the Lord Your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind...."" - Luk. 10:27
Guarding my thoughts is hard work! Personally for me, I've found controlling my mind as one of my most difficult tasks as a Christian. I think it is definitely more difficult for modern Christians because of all the stimuli from media sources like television and the internet. Those items, while revolutionary, can be used for good or evil like anything else. I used to think I could ignore or remain neutral to images I might see and not be affected by them. However, I now consider myself a "sensitive viewer." When I see that warning preceding a television program I take it seriously now, whereas in the past, I would watch it and I eventually became desensitized to it. When I finally realized that, it really troubled me and I started being more selective about my viewing. I also used to think I couldn't be swayed by others' ideaologies; but if I fail to bone up on my personal Bible study, I can be.
Reading is without a doubt my most favorite pastime. Personally, I like non-fiction. Novels just aren't my style, although sometimes I give in and read one if the author is really a talented wordsmith. I love anything written by C.S. Lewis. My most favorite fiction writer is the late Louis L'Amour who wrote historical/western sagas. I didn't read him for years because I thought his books were "dude stuff." I also enjoy most famous southern writers: Ernest Hemingway, Fannie Flagg, Samuel Clemens, Eudora Welty, Maya Angelou, and John Grisham, just to name a few. When I want to be scared I read Dean Koontz or Stephen King. When I want suspense, I read Tom Clancy. Not all fiction is innocent though. Some romance novels can be tastefully written, but most of them are purely pornographic. I jokingly call them "heavin' cleavage novels." I know I'm going on and on about reading material, but as a book lover, words carry great truck with me. When I read fiction I produce a movie in my mind that Hollywood is not talented enough to create.
What we choose to expose ourselves to can lead either to a strengthened state of mental wellness or weaken into mental illness. We can choose to fill our minds with wholesome, healthy thoughts and be strengthened by them (Phil. 4: 8; Col. 3: 2); or in the alternative, we can give in to the macabre and make ourselves mentally sick. I have at times made myself physically sick by giving heed to the dark cloud that enters my thoughts from time to time. 1 Thessalonians 5: 22 says we're to abstain from every appearance of evil. We need to recognize that Satan is trying to invade our minds and give us negative thoughts and fears, or perhaps angry, malicious ones. We need to meditate upon God's Word for the Lord searches our hearts and minds (Deut. 6: 5-7; Psa. 7: 9; Rev. 2: 23).
I consider myself a "glass half-full" person and try to accept every new day as an opportunity for a do-over and attempt to put the best face on it by daily by renewing my mind (Eph. 4: 23). Write and tell me how you focus your thoughts on God.
Love Ya,
God Bless!
Guarding my thoughts is hard work! Personally for me, I've found controlling my mind as one of my most difficult tasks as a Christian. I think it is definitely more difficult for modern Christians because of all the stimuli from media sources like television and the internet. Those items, while revolutionary, can be used for good or evil like anything else. I used to think I could ignore or remain neutral to images I might see and not be affected by them. However, I now consider myself a "sensitive viewer." When I see that warning preceding a television program I take it seriously now, whereas in the past, I would watch it and I eventually became desensitized to it. When I finally realized that, it really troubled me and I started being more selective about my viewing. I also used to think I couldn't be swayed by others' ideaologies; but if I fail to bone up on my personal Bible study, I can be.
Reading is without a doubt my most favorite pastime. Personally, I like non-fiction. Novels just aren't my style, although sometimes I give in and read one if the author is really a talented wordsmith. I love anything written by C.S. Lewis. My most favorite fiction writer is the late Louis L'Amour who wrote historical/western sagas. I didn't read him for years because I thought his books were "dude stuff." I also enjoy most famous southern writers: Ernest Hemingway, Fannie Flagg, Samuel Clemens, Eudora Welty, Maya Angelou, and John Grisham, just to name a few. When I want to be scared I read Dean Koontz or Stephen King. When I want suspense, I read Tom Clancy. Not all fiction is innocent though. Some romance novels can be tastefully written, but most of them are purely pornographic. I jokingly call them "heavin' cleavage novels." I know I'm going on and on about reading material, but as a book lover, words carry great truck with me. When I read fiction I produce a movie in my mind that Hollywood is not talented enough to create.
What we choose to expose ourselves to can lead either to a strengthened state of mental wellness or weaken into mental illness. We can choose to fill our minds with wholesome, healthy thoughts and be strengthened by them (Phil. 4: 8; Col. 3: 2); or in the alternative, we can give in to the macabre and make ourselves mentally sick. I have at times made myself physically sick by giving heed to the dark cloud that enters my thoughts from time to time. 1 Thessalonians 5: 22 says we're to abstain from every appearance of evil. We need to recognize that Satan is trying to invade our minds and give us negative thoughts and fears, or perhaps angry, malicious ones. We need to meditate upon God's Word for the Lord searches our hearts and minds (Deut. 6: 5-7; Psa. 7: 9; Rev. 2: 23).
I consider myself a "glass half-full" person and try to accept every new day as an opportunity for a do-over and attempt to put the best face on it by daily by renewing my mind (Eph. 4: 23). Write and tell me how you focus your thoughts on God.
Love Ya,
God Bless!
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Struggling With Temptation
Both Christians and non-Christians struggle with temptation. It may even be harder for the Christian because Satan is trying harder than ever to pull that person away from God (1 Pet. 5: 8). He doesn't have to work that hard for others because he already has them. All people are created with natural desires. It's how we control them that counts (Gal. 5: 17).
God doesn't tempt us. He allows us to be tempted. 1 Corinthians 10:13 tells us that He won't allow us to be tempted beyond what we're able to bear. Satan, however, is telling us it's okay to go ahead with what we want to do (Mt. 4: 3; 2 Cor. 11: 14-15; 1 Thess. 3: 5). If we resist Satan's pull, he will flee from us (Jas. 4: 7). Why does God allow us to go through these trials? Perhaps He is testing our faithfulness to Him by allowing us to be tempted. He certainly allowed Satan to put Job to the test and Job passed (Gen. 22: 12; Job 1: 6-12; 2: 3; 42: 7-17). He may even mean for us to learn from our trials and realize our shortcomings (Jas. 1: 2-4; 1 Pet. 4: 12-13; 2 Cor. 12: 7-10).
The truth of the matter is that we're tempted and lured away from God by our own choosing (Jas. 1: 14-15). People are not always tempted by the same things. Your weaknesses may not be the same as mine.
Ways to Overcome:
1. Seek a way out which God has promised us He will provide (Rom. 13: 14; 1 Cor. 10: 13);
2. Study God's Word regularly to strengthen yourself from the Devil's onslaught (2 Tim. 2: 15; Mt. 4: 1-11; Psa. 119: 11; Jas. 4: 7-8);
3. Avoid situations and individuals that would cause you to sin (1 Thess. 5: 22);
4. Draw strength from your Christian friends;
5. Accept personal responsibility when you've sinned and seek forgiveness;
6. Finally, realize that temptation is an ongoing part of human existence. As long as you wake up on this side of the soil, Satan will keep up his attacks.
Keep the faith, y'all!
Love Ya,
God Bless!
God doesn't tempt us. He allows us to be tempted. 1 Corinthians 10:13 tells us that He won't allow us to be tempted beyond what we're able to bear. Satan, however, is telling us it's okay to go ahead with what we want to do (Mt. 4: 3; 2 Cor. 11: 14-15; 1 Thess. 3: 5). If we resist Satan's pull, he will flee from us (Jas. 4: 7). Why does God allow us to go through these trials? Perhaps He is testing our faithfulness to Him by allowing us to be tempted. He certainly allowed Satan to put Job to the test and Job passed (Gen. 22: 12; Job 1: 6-12; 2: 3; 42: 7-17). He may even mean for us to learn from our trials and realize our shortcomings (Jas. 1: 2-4; 1 Pet. 4: 12-13; 2 Cor. 12: 7-10).
The truth of the matter is that we're tempted and lured away from God by our own choosing (Jas. 1: 14-15). People are not always tempted by the same things. Your weaknesses may not be the same as mine.
Ways to Overcome:
1. Seek a way out which God has promised us He will provide (Rom. 13: 14; 1 Cor. 10: 13);
2. Study God's Word regularly to strengthen yourself from the Devil's onslaught (2 Tim. 2: 15; Mt. 4: 1-11; Psa. 119: 11; Jas. 4: 7-8);
3. Avoid situations and individuals that would cause you to sin (1 Thess. 5: 22);
4. Draw strength from your Christian friends;
5. Accept personal responsibility when you've sinned and seek forgiveness;
6. Finally, realize that temptation is an ongoing part of human existence. As long as you wake up on this side of the soil, Satan will keep up his attacks.
Keep the faith, y'all!
Love Ya,
God Bless!
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
So Precious
If any of the girls who were in our first GEMS class this past Sunday night are reading this, please know that you made my night by coming to it, and I hope you continue to do so. You are so precious to me. Being there for you gives me purpose, and I love you all. Please invite friends from school and other area churches as well. I'd love to have them.
Love Ya,
God Bless!
Love Ya,
God Bless!
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Coping With Fear
All of my life I've dealt with various phobias: fear of heights, fear of deep water (and I can swim), fear of flying, fear of large bridges, fear of debilitating disease, fear of public speaking, and fear of embarrassment and failure. I feel I've missed out on lots of fun and adventure because of some of my phobias. I feel that other phobias have held me back both socially and professionally because I was too paralyzed by my fear to jump into the fray and participate like I really wanted to. It's taken me 41 years to realize that fear is a tool of Satan. Was I ever angry when I found that out! He's not going to hold me back any longer!
These fears I'm speaking of are not to be confused with "fear of the Lord," which doesn't mean terror. In that sense, fear means reverence. The only time you should feel afraid of the Lord is when you're not walking in the light with Him. That's irrational too, though, because God has graciously given us as Christians a second law of pardon whereby we can obtain forgiveness of our sins just for the asking and thereby "clean the slate" as it were, with Him.
God told Joshua not to be afraid, but to be strong and courageous; not to be discouraged, for He would be with Joshua wherever he went (Josh. 1: 9). God promises to be with His children too (Mt. 28: 20; Heb. 13: 5).
I am to fear no evil (Psa. 23: 4). I am to fear no person for the Lord is my light, salvation, and stronghold (Psa. 27: 1). He will strengthen, help, and uphold me (Isa. 41: 10). Like David, I will seek out the Lord to deliver me from my fear (Psa. 34: 4).
Paul said, "I can do everything through Him who gives me strength." (Phil. 4: 13 NIV). I remind myself of that passage often because it is concise and easy to remember and so true. Like Peter walking on toward Jesus on the water, if I look away from Him, I will sink. That's Satan's way of keeping me from achieving all God means me to accomplish. Also, if I hold back from serving God out of fear, I'm omitting doing what I know is right for His kingdom.
I've started to win the battle over some of my fears. It's taken lots of prayer and determination on my part. Lots of new experiences are scary at first, but actually being able to check that off my "conquered" list is a fantastic personal high.
Love Ya,
God Bless!
These fears I'm speaking of are not to be confused with "fear of the Lord," which doesn't mean terror. In that sense, fear means reverence. The only time you should feel afraid of the Lord is when you're not walking in the light with Him. That's irrational too, though, because God has graciously given us as Christians a second law of pardon whereby we can obtain forgiveness of our sins just for the asking and thereby "clean the slate" as it were, with Him.
God told Joshua not to be afraid, but to be strong and courageous; not to be discouraged, for He would be with Joshua wherever he went (Josh. 1: 9). God promises to be with His children too (Mt. 28: 20; Heb. 13: 5).
I am to fear no evil (Psa. 23: 4). I am to fear no person for the Lord is my light, salvation, and stronghold (Psa. 27: 1). He will strengthen, help, and uphold me (Isa. 41: 10). Like David, I will seek out the Lord to deliver me from my fear (Psa. 34: 4).
Paul said, "I can do everything through Him who gives me strength." (Phil. 4: 13 NIV). I remind myself of that passage often because it is concise and easy to remember and so true. Like Peter walking on toward Jesus on the water, if I look away from Him, I will sink. That's Satan's way of keeping me from achieving all God means me to accomplish. Also, if I hold back from serving God out of fear, I'm omitting doing what I know is right for His kingdom.
I've started to win the battle over some of my fears. It's taken lots of prayer and determination on my part. Lots of new experiences are scary at first, but actually being able to check that off my "conquered" list is a fantastic personal high.
Love Ya,
God Bless!
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Having the Assurance of Your Salvation
"If you died tonight, would your soul go to Heaven?" That was the question asked of me by a small group of ladies from a neighboring church who were out door-knocking. Unlike others, I actually invited them inside. There were four of them as I seem to recall. I asked them to make themselves comfortable and asked if they'd like a glass of tea. Their intentions were good and so were mine. However, when I answered their question, "Yes, if I were to die tonight, I would definitely go to Heaven," they said, "Well! There's nothing for us to do here!" They left abruptly, nearly tearing our storm door off the hinges. You'd have thought I sprouted horns and a tail. I thought their reaction was odd and quite frankly, it hurt my feelings a little bit that they took off that way. There is a backstory to all of this though:
We had only been married a couple or three years. I had led a very sheltered life prior to that; so when I got out on my own as a young adult, I naturally felt the call of the wild. I proceeded to enjoy myself in full-tilt boogie from about ages 19 to 22. I knew I was wrong to do the things I had done and associate with some of the people I did. It bothered my conscience, but I still did it anyway. Somewhere along the way I lost respect for myself. I woke up one morning and didn't like the young woman in the mirror. I told her so. I told her she disgusted me; that I wasn't raised to act the way I had been acting. I had been shoving God to the backburner constantly. Everything came before Him. I knew I was spiritually lost.
I walked down to a little Christian bookstore that was in Adobe Square, which could be seen from our duplex. I wanted to buy a Bible just like my granddaddy's. I found it, bought it, and walked back home. I decided that the gospels Matthew through John would be a good starting point for reading my new Bible. Eventually, I came to Luke 15, the story of the prodigal son. I had learned it as a child and knew it by rote; but I won't say I knew it by heart, because my heart had not yet been touched by it until this very moment. It broke my heart completely. God was not some big meanie out to spoil my fun or throw me in a lake of fire for my horrid behavior. He still loved me and wanted me back in spite of myself. See, the father in Luke 15 didn't stand upon the hill looking down upon son, arms crossed, glowering at him and saying, "Look at that sorry excuse for a son!" No, his heart was full of compassion and he ran to his son--the very son that had disrespected the gifts he had given him. He welcomed him back with open arms full of hugs and kisses. That's how God sees us too. We can come home anytime we want. Our Heavenly Father will always be there with arms open wide.
I still don't understand those ladies' reaction to my answer. I had been restored the week prior. It made me wonder if they really believed in the power of Jesus' blood to wash away not just the sins from our past, but those that we would unwittingly commit in the future as well (Rom. 5: 9-11; 8: 31-39). There is a "sin unto death." It is the one that we refuse to acknowledge and repent of--a persistent state of rebellion (1 Jno. 5: 16-17). As long as we do not allow sin to continually reign inside us, but rather, repent and get control of ourselves, we can be assured that we're in a saved condition (Rom. 6: 12-14). Christians are just humans and still sin, but not as long as we allow ourselves to be directed by the Holy Spirit (Rom. 8: 2-14). Forgiveness is always ours for the asking. God freely gives it (Neh. 9: 17; Psa. 130: 3-4; Eph. 1: 7-8; Col. 1: 14; 3: 13; 1 Jno. 1: 9-10).
Rest assured sisters, there are no perfect people, only redeemed people. The ones that think they are perfect are what I call d-e-l-u-s-i-o-n-a-l. If you've taken the prodigal's flight away from home, please come back. Your Father's worried about you and He's looking for you!
Love Ya,
God Bless!
We had only been married a couple or three years. I had led a very sheltered life prior to that; so when I got out on my own as a young adult, I naturally felt the call of the wild. I proceeded to enjoy myself in full-tilt boogie from about ages 19 to 22. I knew I was wrong to do the things I had done and associate with some of the people I did. It bothered my conscience, but I still did it anyway. Somewhere along the way I lost respect for myself. I woke up one morning and didn't like the young woman in the mirror. I told her so. I told her she disgusted me; that I wasn't raised to act the way I had been acting. I had been shoving God to the backburner constantly. Everything came before Him. I knew I was spiritually lost.
I walked down to a little Christian bookstore that was in Adobe Square, which could be seen from our duplex. I wanted to buy a Bible just like my granddaddy's. I found it, bought it, and walked back home. I decided that the gospels Matthew through John would be a good starting point for reading my new Bible. Eventually, I came to Luke 15, the story of the prodigal son. I had learned it as a child and knew it by rote; but I won't say I knew it by heart, because my heart had not yet been touched by it until this very moment. It broke my heart completely. God was not some big meanie out to spoil my fun or throw me in a lake of fire for my horrid behavior. He still loved me and wanted me back in spite of myself. See, the father in Luke 15 didn't stand upon the hill looking down upon son, arms crossed, glowering at him and saying, "Look at that sorry excuse for a son!" No, his heart was full of compassion and he ran to his son--the very son that had disrespected the gifts he had given him. He welcomed him back with open arms full of hugs and kisses. That's how God sees us too. We can come home anytime we want. Our Heavenly Father will always be there with arms open wide.
I still don't understand those ladies' reaction to my answer. I had been restored the week prior. It made me wonder if they really believed in the power of Jesus' blood to wash away not just the sins from our past, but those that we would unwittingly commit in the future as well (Rom. 5: 9-11; 8: 31-39). There is a "sin unto death." It is the one that we refuse to acknowledge and repent of--a persistent state of rebellion (1 Jno. 5: 16-17). As long as we do not allow sin to continually reign inside us, but rather, repent and get control of ourselves, we can be assured that we're in a saved condition (Rom. 6: 12-14). Christians are just humans and still sin, but not as long as we allow ourselves to be directed by the Holy Spirit (Rom. 8: 2-14). Forgiveness is always ours for the asking. God freely gives it (Neh. 9: 17; Psa. 130: 3-4; Eph. 1: 7-8; Col. 1: 14; 3: 13; 1 Jno. 1: 9-10).
Rest assured sisters, there are no perfect people, only redeemed people. The ones that think they are perfect are what I call d-e-l-u-s-i-o-n-a-l. If you've taken the prodigal's flight away from home, please come back. Your Father's worried about you and He's looking for you!
Love Ya,
God Bless!
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Things I've Done to Get Loved Ones to Repent and Return
I'm sorry I have no scriptural insights on this topic. It's just something that's made my heart heavy this past year and unfortunately, the beginning of this year, and I just want to get it off my chest.
We fall in love with friends and enjoy our fellowship with them, then later we see them falling away from the Lord. We try in our gentlest way to nudge them back, like a mother mare nudging her foal to get up, but to no avail. Here are some of the things I've tried:
1. I've tried to love and support them back into faithfulness. It's failed.
2. I've tried subtle hints and hypothetical discussions with them. It's failed.
3. I've gotten out of my comfort zone and overcome my own fears to invent new angles at trying to rescue them. So far, it's failing (but I've not given up yet).
4. I've never stopped praying for them, and I won't; but I fear that some people are so locked in Satan's clutches that they can no longer be touched by God's love or mine. Their conscience is so hardened that they can no longer feel the pain of conviction. They've become adulterated by people who continue to pull them away from God. Worshipping Him has becoming a boring inconvenience to them. I fear they are forevermore spiritually lost.
What now? I would be glad to try anything else if I could think of it. Suggestions, anyone?
Love Ya,
God Bless!
We fall in love with friends and enjoy our fellowship with them, then later we see them falling away from the Lord. We try in our gentlest way to nudge them back, like a mother mare nudging her foal to get up, but to no avail. Here are some of the things I've tried:
1. I've tried to love and support them back into faithfulness. It's failed.
2. I've tried subtle hints and hypothetical discussions with them. It's failed.
3. I've gotten out of my comfort zone and overcome my own fears to invent new angles at trying to rescue them. So far, it's failing (but I've not given up yet).
4. I've never stopped praying for them, and I won't; but I fear that some people are so locked in Satan's clutches that they can no longer be touched by God's love or mine. Their conscience is so hardened that they can no longer feel the pain of conviction. They've become adulterated by people who continue to pull them away from God. Worshipping Him has becoming a boring inconvenience to them. I fear they are forevermore spiritually lost.
What now? I would be glad to try anything else if I could think of it. Suggestions, anyone?
Love Ya,
God Bless!
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Friendships
"A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." (Prov. 18: 24 - NIV)
A real friends knows even your ugly side and loves you anyway (Prov. 17: 17). And, too, they have great blackmail material!
There are degrees of friendship:
Bad: people who are fun to be with, but only when times are good; "fair weather friends" who only want your around when they need something from you (like those of the prodigal son in Luke 15).
Good: school friends, teammates, church friends; people you share a common bond with, also known as "casual friends."
Better: same as above, but with whom you've formed a closer bond; also known as "good friends;" people who will reciprocate kindness in response to your own.
Best: those who are with us no matter what life sends our way; those who won't interfere with, but rather, encourage us in our Christian walk; someone who's willing to make sacrifices for your comfort.
So what is a true friend?
* someone you choose to spend time with;
* someone you have fun with (Prov. 27: 9);
* someone who's like family to you (Prov. 18: 24);
* someone who shares in your troubles--not just when things are going well (Rom.
12: 15);
* someone who acts as your personal cheerleader;
* someone who loves you in spite of yourself (Prov. 17: 17);
* someone who brings out your better qualities;
* someone who is as concerned for your soul as they are your person (Prov. 13: 20;
1 Cor. 15: 33).
I know these last two posts have worn this friends theme out, but it's just a track I happened to be on.
Love Ya,
God Bless!
A real friends knows even your ugly side and loves you anyway (Prov. 17: 17). And, too, they have great blackmail material!
There are degrees of friendship:
Bad: people who are fun to be with, but only when times are good; "fair weather friends" who only want your around when they need something from you (like those of the prodigal son in Luke 15).
Good: school friends, teammates, church friends; people you share a common bond with, also known as "casual friends."
Better: same as above, but with whom you've formed a closer bond; also known as "good friends;" people who will reciprocate kindness in response to your own.
Best: those who are with us no matter what life sends our way; those who won't interfere with, but rather, encourage us in our Christian walk; someone who's willing to make sacrifices for your comfort.
So what is a true friend?
* someone you choose to spend time with;
* someone you have fun with (Prov. 27: 9);
* someone who's like family to you (Prov. 18: 24);
* someone who shares in your troubles--not just when things are going well (Rom.
12: 15);
* someone who acts as your personal cheerleader;
* someone who loves you in spite of yourself (Prov. 17: 17);
* someone who brings out your better qualities;
* someone who is as concerned for your soul as they are your person (Prov. 13: 20;
1 Cor. 15: 33).
I know these last two posts have worn this friends theme out, but it's just a track I happened to be on.
Love Ya,
God Bless!
Peer Pressure
I was writing a lesson on peer pressure for the upcoming teenage girls' class, when it dawned on me that we never really "grow out of" peer pressure. Even as adults we still experience that pressure. We rename it, "keeping up with the Joneses." I do believe that young people experience more pain from it due to the tenderness of their age.
While we all want to be well thought of or even popular, this can drive us to do something wrong and compromise our principles in order to feel accepted. So why do we?
FEAR
We naturally experience anxiety when we choose to go against the majority when we know they are wrong. We fear embarrassment, loneliness, and being made to feel like an outcast. Jesus even told us in John 15: 19 that that would happen because Christians are not of this world.
The best way to conquer fear is to confront it head-on. Having faith in God can give you that strength. Any one of you, plus God, equals a majority. Don't back down!
See: Phil. 4: 13; Matt. 19: 26; Rom. 8: 31; Matt. 5: 10-12; Jno. 14: 1-3; and Matt. 8: 26.
INFLUENCE FROM SURROUNDING ENVIRONMENT
We often mirror what's happening around us--the behavior of other people in our daily environment. I've found that I am susceptible to this. They will influence us either towards good or evil. Consider the following:
1. Solomon, although the wisest man, was heavily influenced by his 700 wives and 300 concubines (sub-wives), who were pagan worshippers (1 Kin. 11: 3-4; Prov. 13: 20; 1 Cor. 15: 33).
2. Ahab's evil wife, Jezebel, caused him to sin and commit evil acts (1 Kin. 21: 25).
3. We often say, "One bad apple spoils the whole bunch." The Bible talks about yeast and bread in the same manner. The point is, it takes just one bad person to start a destructive chain reaction (Luk. 12: 1; 1 Cor. 5: 6-8; and Gal. 5: 7-9).
WE CAN BE LED ASTRAY BY FRIENDS AS WELL
Friends give us a comfortable sense of belonging. However, not all friends are true friends like spoken of in Proverbs 17: 17. Some so-called friends can lead us toward bad decisions and bad behavior that can eventually cause us to be spiritually lost. See Psa. 35: 11-16; 41: 9; 55: 12-14; Prov. 18:24; Matt. 26: 48-49.
CONCLUSION
It's a sad truth, but sometimes we must take stock of our friendships and see which ones to keep and which ones to let go. Usually the ones we should let go will leave on their own once they see you've committed yourself to serving the Lord. It will make you sad, of course, but it's for the best.
Love Ya,
God Bless!
While we all want to be well thought of or even popular, this can drive us to do something wrong and compromise our principles in order to feel accepted. So why do we?
FEAR
We naturally experience anxiety when we choose to go against the majority when we know they are wrong. We fear embarrassment, loneliness, and being made to feel like an outcast. Jesus even told us in John 15: 19 that that would happen because Christians are not of this world.
The best way to conquer fear is to confront it head-on. Having faith in God can give you that strength. Any one of you, plus God, equals a majority. Don't back down!
See: Phil. 4: 13; Matt. 19: 26; Rom. 8: 31; Matt. 5: 10-12; Jno. 14: 1-3; and Matt. 8: 26.
INFLUENCE FROM SURROUNDING ENVIRONMENT
We often mirror what's happening around us--the behavior of other people in our daily environment. I've found that I am susceptible to this. They will influence us either towards good or evil. Consider the following:
1. Solomon, although the wisest man, was heavily influenced by his 700 wives and 300 concubines (sub-wives), who were pagan worshippers (1 Kin. 11: 3-4; Prov. 13: 20; 1 Cor. 15: 33).
2. Ahab's evil wife, Jezebel, caused him to sin and commit evil acts (1 Kin. 21: 25).
3. We often say, "One bad apple spoils the whole bunch." The Bible talks about yeast and bread in the same manner. The point is, it takes just one bad person to start a destructive chain reaction (Luk. 12: 1; 1 Cor. 5: 6-8; and Gal. 5: 7-9).
WE CAN BE LED ASTRAY BY FRIENDS AS WELL
Friends give us a comfortable sense of belonging. However, not all friends are true friends like spoken of in Proverbs 17: 17. Some so-called friends can lead us toward bad decisions and bad behavior that can eventually cause us to be spiritually lost. See Psa. 35: 11-16; 41: 9; 55: 12-14; Prov. 18:24; Matt. 26: 48-49.
CONCLUSION
It's a sad truth, but sometimes we must take stock of our friendships and see which ones to keep and which ones to let go. Usually the ones we should let go will leave on their own once they see you've committed yourself to serving the Lord. It will make you sad, of course, but it's for the best.
Love Ya,
God Bless!
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
I hope everyone's enjoying sleeping in this morning. Take time to catch your breath before the new year starts in earnest. My thoughts on the new year are that I'm both excited and anxious over many things. But I do have hope that this year will be a better one.
Love Ya,
God Bless!
Love Ya,
God Bless!
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