Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Guest Post by Miss Melanie
This is the guest post I wrote about the other day. It is written by Melanie, a young lady striving to serve the Lord with her whole heart. She has a passion for serving the Jesus and others. Through her words and conduct it is easy to see that she loves her Savior and endeavors to love Him more. Here is her wonderful post:
“Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain…”
What a different message our culture preaches to us! With the “standards” of Hollywood, no wonder purity has slowly faded into the background of our modern day lives. It seems as if it is an “old-fashioned” word…or something that few people can claim as their own.
It is so important to remain pure, both physically and emotionally. But it’s not as if remaining pure is a cold “command” the Lord gives us. Rather, purity is an invitation into the heart of our Heavenly King, where He asks us to love Him with our whole hearts and give Him everything (Luke 9:23).
Question 1: Why do you believe it is important to remain pure emotionally as well as physically?
Physical purity often seems to be an easy thing for people to understand. In our culture’s thought processes, a person refrains from sex --and there you have it -- they are pure. But physical purity isn’t just refusing to “cross the ultimate line.” Christ says: “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth” (Revelation 3:15-16). Why do people dabble in sin and think that is okay, as long as they don’t actually have sex? Christ says to “flee youthful lusts” ( 2 Timothy 2:22). People are not cultivating a heart that runs from sin when instead of fleeing, they “stand in the way of sinners” or “sit in the seat of scoffers” (Psalm 1). They are not actively running from sin, but rather seeing just how close to the line they can get --whether that is through “making out” etc. Christ commands us: “For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s” (1 Corinthians 6:20).
Emotional purity seems to be something that many people in today’s world do not grasp or understand, but it is just as important as physical purity. Our beloved Savior said: “But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart” (Matthew 5:28). When we let our minds wander --even if we are not “lusting” after someone--we are failing in one very important area. It is our duty as children of the King to be dwelling on whatever is “…true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things” (Philippians 4:8). Our hearts are to be “set on heaven” --looking to the things eternal. When we allow our minds to be consumed by thoughts of someone here on earth instead of dwelling on our Heavenly Father and serving Him, that person becomes an idol in our lives. We are dethroning our King, and letting something creep into the place that He ought to hold in our hearts.
Question 2: What does remaining emotionally pure mean to you?
To me, emotional purity means the following:
“If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God”
(Colossians 3:1-3).
It means keeping my mind focused on my Savior in this season of singleness, and also doing the same when I am married. Consider these verses:
“There is a difference between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman cares about the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit. But she who is married cares about the things of the world—how she may please her husband”
(1 Corinthians 7:34).
If I fail to learn to look to the Lord as my everything now, then when I do fall in love, that man will begin to take Christ’s place in my heart. Christ needs my absolute allegiance, both in married life and single life. Something else I know is that my earthly lover will be a sinner, and he will not always be able to give me everything I need. Therefore, if I have not learned to look to Christ as my all, then when my earthly husband fails me I will become bitter and resentful. It is not fair for me to place the burden of perfection on my husband.
One last thing. If I am not cultivating a heart that is emotionally pure now as a single young woman, what prevents me from impurity emotionally when I am married? Now is the time to begin cultivating purity within my heart so that it will always be loyal to my Heavenly King, and earthly husband.
Question 3: What are some specific things you do to guard your heart and not awaken love before it's time?
One thing that always sobers me when I am interacting with other young men is the thought of “What would their wives think if they were watching right now? Would they feel honored, and if they were someday given the chance, would they thank me for spurring their future husbands on towards a deeper relationship with Christ?”
Second, and even more convicting, for me, is considering what my future husband would think if he could observe what I say, how I act, and what my thoughts are as I interact with the young men in my life. Would he feel cherished, adored, honored, and respected?
But what challenges my heart the most is the thought of “is my Savior pleased with me right now?” Ask yourself this as you interact with young men in your life. My goal is to be “conformed to the likeness of Christ.” Is my spirit one of servant hood, or selfishness? Am I seeking to spur them on to glorifying Christ, or am I desiring that attention and glory for myself?
I often find that if we keep the Lord at the center of all our conversations, the fellowship I have with the young men I know can be so encouraging, and educational. That does not mean you have to be talking about, say, “theology” the whole time, but if Christ is reigning in your conversation, then He will be glorified and you will be honoring that friend in the meantime.
My goal in life is to point others to the heart of our Savior and encourage them in pursuing Him. Therefore, when I am interacting with young men, it is my ultimate desire to draw them closer to the Lord. I never desire to make them notice me, but rather Him! Our goal should be to serve them, not to make ourselves feel “liked.”
Question 4: If you could give girls one piece of advice or encouragement what would it be?
I don’t even have to think twice. :)
It would be to pursue Christ as your First Love. As young women, we do desire to be loved and cherished. There is no better place to find that fulfillment but in your Savior’s arms, until the time comes for you to fall in love with the man He has ordained for you. And even in marriage, Christ must hold the first place in your heart.
His arms are opened wide, awaiting for You to come home. He is waiting…yearning…to offer you the romance of a lifetime….with Himself, and with Your future spouse. Surrender your heart to Him and learn to know Him as your First Love, and you will find all the fulfillment you could have ever wished for. And with Him, dreams --the dreams He has for you and is willing to make your own heart‘s desire-- really do come true.
For…
“Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” (Proverbs 31:30)
What a different message our culture preaches to us! With the “standards” of Hollywood, no wonder purity has slowly faded into the background of our modern day lives. It seems as if it is an “old-fashioned” word…or something that few people can claim as their own.
It is so important to remain pure, both physically and emotionally. But it’s not as if remaining pure is a cold “command” the Lord gives us. Rather, purity is an invitation into the heart of our Heavenly King, where He asks us to love Him with our whole hearts and give Him everything (Luke 9:23).
Question 1: Why do you believe it is important to remain pure emotionally as well as physically?
Physical purity often seems to be an easy thing for people to understand. In our culture’s thought processes, a person refrains from sex --and there you have it -- they are pure. But physical purity isn’t just refusing to “cross the ultimate line.” Christ says: “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth” (Revelation 3:15-16). Why do people dabble in sin and think that is okay, as long as they don’t actually have sex? Christ says to “flee youthful lusts” ( 2 Timothy 2:22). People are not cultivating a heart that runs from sin when instead of fleeing, they “stand in the way of sinners” or “sit in the seat of scoffers” (Psalm 1). They are not actively running from sin, but rather seeing just how close to the line they can get --whether that is through “making out” etc. Christ commands us: “For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s” (1 Corinthians 6:20).
Emotional purity seems to be something that many people in today’s world do not grasp or understand, but it is just as important as physical purity. Our beloved Savior said: “But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart” (Matthew 5:28). When we let our minds wander --even if we are not “lusting” after someone--we are failing in one very important area. It is our duty as children of the King to be dwelling on whatever is “…true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things” (Philippians 4:8). Our hearts are to be “set on heaven” --looking to the things eternal. When we allow our minds to be consumed by thoughts of someone here on earth instead of dwelling on our Heavenly Father and serving Him, that person becomes an idol in our lives. We are dethroning our King, and letting something creep into the place that He ought to hold in our hearts.
Question 2: What does remaining emotionally pure mean to you?
To me, emotional purity means the following:
“If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God”
(Colossians 3:1-3).
It means keeping my mind focused on my Savior in this season of singleness, and also doing the same when I am married. Consider these verses:
“There is a difference between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman cares about the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit. But she who is married cares about the things of the world—how she may please her husband”
(1 Corinthians 7:34).
If I fail to learn to look to the Lord as my everything now, then when I do fall in love, that man will begin to take Christ’s place in my heart. Christ needs my absolute allegiance, both in married life and single life. Something else I know is that my earthly lover will be a sinner, and he will not always be able to give me everything I need. Therefore, if I have not learned to look to Christ as my all, then when my earthly husband fails me I will become bitter and resentful. It is not fair for me to place the burden of perfection on my husband.
One last thing. If I am not cultivating a heart that is emotionally pure now as a single young woman, what prevents me from impurity emotionally when I am married? Now is the time to begin cultivating purity within my heart so that it will always be loyal to my Heavenly King, and earthly husband.
Question 3: What are some specific things you do to guard your heart and not awaken love before it's time?
One thing that always sobers me when I am interacting with other young men is the thought of “What would their wives think if they were watching right now? Would they feel honored, and if they were someday given the chance, would they thank me for spurring their future husbands on towards a deeper relationship with Christ?”
Second, and even more convicting, for me, is considering what my future husband would think if he could observe what I say, how I act, and what my thoughts are as I interact with the young men in my life. Would he feel cherished, adored, honored, and respected?
But what challenges my heart the most is the thought of “is my Savior pleased with me right now?” Ask yourself this as you interact with young men in your life. My goal is to be “conformed to the likeness of Christ.” Is my spirit one of servant hood, or selfishness? Am I seeking to spur them on to glorifying Christ, or am I desiring that attention and glory for myself?
I often find that if we keep the Lord at the center of all our conversations, the fellowship I have with the young men I know can be so encouraging, and educational. That does not mean you have to be talking about, say, “theology” the whole time, but if Christ is reigning in your conversation, then He will be glorified and you will be honoring that friend in the meantime.
My goal in life is to point others to the heart of our Savior and encourage them in pursuing Him. Therefore, when I am interacting with young men, it is my ultimate desire to draw them closer to the Lord. I never desire to make them notice me, but rather Him! Our goal should be to serve them, not to make ourselves feel “liked.”
Question 4: If you could give girls one piece of advice or encouragement what would it be?
I don’t even have to think twice. :)
It would be to pursue Christ as your First Love. As young women, we do desire to be loved and cherished. There is no better place to find that fulfillment but in your Savior’s arms, until the time comes for you to fall in love with the man He has ordained for you. And even in marriage, Christ must hold the first place in your heart.
His arms are opened wide, awaiting for You to come home. He is waiting…yearning…to offer you the romance of a lifetime….with Himself, and with Your future spouse. Surrender your heart to Him and learn to know Him as your First Love, and you will find all the fulfillment you could have ever wished for. And with Him, dreams --the dreams He has for you and is willing to make your own heart‘s desire-- really do come true.
For…
“Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” (Proverbs 31:30)
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Job 38
Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said:
“Who is this who darkens counsel
By words without knowledge?
Now prepare yourself like a man;
I will question you, and you shall answer Me.
“Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth?
Tell Me, if you have understanding.
Who determined its measurements?
Surely you know!
Or who stretched the line upon it?
To what were its foundations fastened?
Or who laid its cornerstone,
When the morning stars sang together,
And all the sons of God shouted for joy?
“Or who shut in the sea with doors,
When it burst forth and issued from the womb;
When I made the clouds its garment,
And thick darkness its swaddling band;
When I fixed My limit for it,
And set bars and doors;
When I said,
‘This far you may come, but no farther,
And here your proud waves must stop!’
“Have you commanded the morning since your days began,
And caused the dawn to know its place,
That it might take hold of the ends of the earth,
And the wicked be shaken out of it?
It takes on form like clay under a seal,
And stands out like a garment.
From the wicked their light is withheld,
And the upraised arm is broken.
Have you entered the springs of the sea?
Or have you walked in search of the depths?
Have the gates of death been revealed to you?
Or have you seen the doors of the shadow of death?
Have you comprehended the breadth of the earth?
Tell Me, if you know all this.
“ Where is the way to the dwelling of light?
And darkness, where is its place,
That you may take it to its territory,
That you may know the paths to its home?
Do you know it, because you were born then,
Or because the number of your days is great?
“Have you entered the treasury of snow,
Or have you seen the treasury of hail,
Which I have reserved for the time of trouble,
For the day of battle and war?
By what way is light diffused,
Or the east wind scattered over the earth?
“Who has divided a channel for the overflowing water,
Or a path for the thunderbolt,
To cause it to rain on a land where there is no one,
A wilderness in which there is no man;
To satisfy the desolate waste,
And cause to spring forth the growth of tender grass?
Has the rain a father?
Or who has begotten the drops of dew?
From whose womb comes the ice?
And the frost of heaven, who gives it birth?
The waters harden like stone,
And the surface of the deep is frozen.
“Can you bind the cluster of the Pleiades,
Or loose the belt of Orion?
Can you bring out the Constellations in its season?
Or can you guide the Great Bear with its cubs?
Do you know the ordinances of the heavens?
Can you set their dominion over the earth?
“Can you lift up your voice to the clouds,
That an abundance of water may cover you?
Can you send out lightnings, that they may go,
And say to you, ‘Here we are!’?
Who has put wisdom in the mind?
Or who has given understanding to the heart?
Who can number the clouds by wisdom?
Or who can pour out the bottles of heaven,
When the dust hardens in clumps,
And the clods cling together?
“Can you hunt the prey for the lion,
Or satisfy the appetite of the young lions,
When they crouch in their dens,
Or lurk in their lairs to lie in wait?
Who provides food for the raven,
When its young ones cry to God,
And wander about for lack of food?
“Who is this who darkens counsel
By words without knowledge?
Now prepare yourself like a man;
I will question you, and you shall answer Me.
“Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth?
Tell Me, if you have understanding.
Who determined its measurements?
Surely you know!
Or who stretched the line upon it?
To what were its foundations fastened?
Or who laid its cornerstone,
When the morning stars sang together,
And all the sons of God shouted for joy?
“Or who shut in the sea with doors,
When it burst forth and issued from the womb;
When I made the clouds its garment,
And thick darkness its swaddling band;
When I fixed My limit for it,
And set bars and doors;
When I said,
‘This far you may come, but no farther,
And here your proud waves must stop!’
“Have you commanded the morning since your days began,
And caused the dawn to know its place,
That it might take hold of the ends of the earth,
And the wicked be shaken out of it?
It takes on form like clay under a seal,
And stands out like a garment.
From the wicked their light is withheld,
And the upraised arm is broken.
Have you entered the springs of the sea?
Or have you walked in search of the depths?
Have the gates of death been revealed to you?
Or have you seen the doors of the shadow of death?
Have you comprehended the breadth of the earth?
Tell Me, if you know all this.
“ Where is the way to the dwelling of light?
And darkness, where is its place,
That you may take it to its territory,
That you may know the paths to its home?
Do you know it, because you were born then,
Or because the number of your days is great?
“Have you entered the treasury of snow,
Or have you seen the treasury of hail,
Which I have reserved for the time of trouble,
For the day of battle and war?
By what way is light diffused,
Or the east wind scattered over the earth?
“Who has divided a channel for the overflowing water,
Or a path for the thunderbolt,
To cause it to rain on a land where there is no one,
A wilderness in which there is no man;
To satisfy the desolate waste,
And cause to spring forth the growth of tender grass?
Has the rain a father?
Or who has begotten the drops of dew?
From whose womb comes the ice?
And the frost of heaven, who gives it birth?
The waters harden like stone,
And the surface of the deep is frozen.
“Can you bind the cluster of the Pleiades,
Or loose the belt of Orion?
Can you bring out the Constellations in its season?
Or can you guide the Great Bear with its cubs?
Do you know the ordinances of the heavens?
Can you set their dominion over the earth?
“Can you lift up your voice to the clouds,
That an abundance of water may cover you?
Can you send out lightnings, that they may go,
And say to you, ‘Here we are!’?
Who has put wisdom in the mind?
Or who has given understanding to the heart?
Who can number the clouds by wisdom?
Or who can pour out the bottles of heaven,
When the dust hardens in clumps,
And the clods cling together?
“Can you hunt the prey for the lion,
Or satisfy the appetite of the young lions,
When they crouch in their dens,
Or lurk in their lairs to lie in wait?
Who provides food for the raven,
When its young ones cry to God,
And wander about for lack of food?
P.S. I am excited to announce that the next post you will all get to read is a guest post on my blog. I'll introduce you to the author tomorrow!
Thursday, August 11, 2011
A Beautiful Song
I wasn't originally going to post this. But the post I had been working on was deleted. I don't mind though, because this song is better than what I was writing.
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Lean Not On Your Own Understanding (pt2)
I have way too much I could put in this post. So, instead of putting it all together to make a nice sensible orderly post, I will leave it as a hodge-podge post of quotes, lyrics, and verses that all have one theme. Sorry. =/
"Far beyond my deepest heart’s desire
Far beyond what I could ever dream
Far beyond my fairy tale imaginations
Is your perfect plan for me
There’s no limit to romance in all it's beauty
When the Author of love shapes my destiny
Far beyond the most that I could long for
I will find the dreams You have dreamed for me
I could search forever
I could look for true love everywhere
If all my dreams were answered
They still could not compare
To the beauty of Your ways
And all Your plans for my life
'Cause You’ve been scripting out a story for me
Before the very foundations of time" [Lyrics taken from "Far Beyond" by Eric and Leslie Ludy]
Having faith that God, the One Who created the desire of love between a man and a woman, can write you a love story exceeding anything you could ever write, makes it much easier to wait faithfully and patiently.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” –Philippians 4:6
"If your future spouse could see you now, as you interact with members of the opposite sex, how would they feel? Would they feel hurt and jealous, or adored and special?” -Eric and Leslie Ludy
Hebrews 13:5, Jeremiah 29:11, Proverbs 3:5-6, Romans 12:2, Isaiah 40:31, Hebrews 12:2, Proverbs 4:23, James 1:14-15, Romans 13:1, Proverbs 16:2, Titus 2:11-12, Matthew 5:27-28, Psalm 51:10, Matthew 5:8, 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5, 2 Timothy 2:22, Titus 2:4-5, Ephesians 5:3, Galatians 5:19-21
“ Anything that “hints” at sex outside of marriage is wrong. Ephesians 5:3 (NIV) defines God’s standard of purity: ‘ But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality.’ This certainly includes actually having sex. But the sexual sin forbidden here is broader than that. There should not be even a hint of sex outside the marriage bed. You don’t have to have physical contact with a guy to “hint” at sexual sin. Jesus extended the definition of sexual sin to include looking at someone and lusting after them (Matthew 5:28).
You “hint” at sex when you wear a low cut tank top showing off your cleavage.
You “hint” at sex when you text-message something flirtatious to a guy-friend.
You “hint” at sex when you hang around the Abercrombie poster in the mall, glancing a few too many times.
You “hint” at sex when you expose yourself to songs, television shows, and movies that use sexual humor and language (The very next verse says, ‘ Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place”—Ephesians 5:4.)
According to Jesus, these areas of mental impurity count. They rob you of virtue. But sexual sin in the mind isn't the only area where Christian young women are struggling. Our hearts break as we hear of young women engaged in practices ranging from sexual touching to masturbation to oral sex, all the while rationalizing that these acts are not sexual sin.
They are." (Lies Young Women Believe, 91-92)
God's standard is so much higher. Any thing(s) that hint at impurity in your heart and your life need to die. Save your self for the one the Lord has planned for you, respect and love them even when you do not know who they are. Solomon warns more than once, "Do not stir up nor awaken love until it pleases."
Cloud Nine by According to John:
"She got the boy
He got the girl
She was on cloud nine
He was up on top of the world
Puppy love
They would lasso the moon together
But he found another girl
When she had their boy
Anything for love
He said she was the only one
Nothing old - and nothing new
Now she’s alone with baby blue
Listen what she had to say
It’s not what I thought it would be
Not s’posed to happen to me
Wish I could go back in time
I am Just sixteen
Not how I thought it would be
Here on cloud nine
Verse2
There is a boy
There is a girl
In God’s perfect time
Out there somewhere in the world
Just for you
You will lasso the moon - together
So will you trust the One
Who made the world
He invented love
And made the one you’re dreaming of
But for now - and until then
Trust and wait on Him
Listen what they had to say
Just you wait and see
Just you wait and see
It’s not what you think it will be
You don’t have to be the one to say
It’s not what I thought it would be
Not s’posed to happen to me
Wish I could go back in time
I am Just sixteen
Not how I thought it would be
Here on cloud nine"
When you chose to wait for God's best doesn't make it always fun and staying pure isn't always easy. Your faith will be tested. You may often feel that you walk alone. When you decided to take the narrow path, you should've known that Jesus warns us that difficulties, persecution, hardship, and tears would be part of this life! But let me tell you with all honesty: that which comes through much struggle and that which you wait for the longest, becomes an even greater treasure and sweeter prize to win.
"... waiting doesn't mean just sitting around wondering when something is going to happen. Neither does it mean postponing marriage. Rather, it means serving the Lord faithfully right now wherever He has put you. If God keeps you single, He has work for you to do." — Sarah Mally [Before You Meet Prince Charming: A Guide to Radiant Purity]
"Far beyond my deepest heart’s desire
Far beyond what I could ever dream
Far beyond my fairy tale imaginations
Is your perfect plan for me
There’s no limit to romance in all it's beauty
When the Author of love shapes my destiny
Far beyond the most that I could long for
I will find the dreams You have dreamed for me
I could search forever
I could look for true love everywhere
If all my dreams were answered
They still could not compare
To the beauty of Your ways
And all Your plans for my life
'Cause You’ve been scripting out a story for me
Before the very foundations of time" [Lyrics taken from "Far Beyond" by Eric and Leslie Ludy]
Having faith that God, the One Who created the desire of love between a man and a woman, can write you a love story exceeding anything you could ever write, makes it much easier to wait faithfully and patiently.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” –Philippians 4:6
"If your future spouse could see you now, as you interact with members of the opposite sex, how would they feel? Would they feel hurt and jealous, or adored and special?” -Eric and Leslie Ludy
Hebrews 13:5, Jeremiah 29:11, Proverbs 3:5-6, Romans 12:2, Isaiah 40:31, Hebrews 12:2, Proverbs 4:23, James 1:14-15, Romans 13:1, Proverbs 16:2, Titus 2:11-12, Matthew 5:27-28, Psalm 51:10, Matthew 5:8, 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5, 2 Timothy 2:22, Titus 2:4-5, Ephesians 5:3, Galatians 5:19-21
“ Anything that “hints” at sex outside of marriage is wrong. Ephesians 5:3 (NIV) defines God’s standard of purity: ‘ But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality.’ This certainly includes actually having sex. But the sexual sin forbidden here is broader than that. There should not be even a hint of sex outside the marriage bed. You don’t have to have physical contact with a guy to “hint” at sexual sin. Jesus extended the definition of sexual sin to include looking at someone and lusting after them (Matthew 5:28).
You “hint” at sex when you wear a low cut tank top showing off your cleavage.
You “hint” at sex when you text-message something flirtatious to a guy-friend.
You “hint” at sex when you hang around the Abercrombie poster in the mall, glancing a few too many times.
You “hint” at sex when you expose yourself to songs, television shows, and movies that use sexual humor and language (The very next verse says, ‘ Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place”—Ephesians 5:4.)
According to Jesus, these areas of mental impurity count. They rob you of virtue. But sexual sin in the mind isn't the only area where Christian young women are struggling. Our hearts break as we hear of young women engaged in practices ranging from sexual touching to masturbation to oral sex, all the while rationalizing that these acts are not sexual sin.
They are." (Lies Young Women Believe, 91-92)
God's standard is so much higher. Any thing(s) that hint at impurity in your heart and your life need to die. Save your self for the one the Lord has planned for you, respect and love them even when you do not know who they are. Solomon warns more than once, "Do not stir up nor awaken love until it pleases."
Cloud Nine by According to John:
"She got the boy
He got the girl
She was on cloud nine
He was up on top of the world
Puppy love
They would lasso the moon together
But he found another girl
When she had their boy
Anything for love
He said she was the only one
Nothing old - and nothing new
Now she’s alone with baby blue
Listen what she had to say
It’s not what I thought it would be
Not s’posed to happen to me
Wish I could go back in time
I am Just sixteen
Not how I thought it would be
Here on cloud nine
Verse2
There is a boy
There is a girl
In God’s perfect time
Out there somewhere in the world
Just for you
You will lasso the moon - together
So will you trust the One
Who made the world
He invented love
And made the one you’re dreaming of
But for now - and until then
Trust and wait on Him
Listen what they had to say
Just you wait and see
Just you wait and see
It’s not what you think it will be
You don’t have to be the one to say
It’s not what I thought it would be
Not s’posed to happen to me
Wish I could go back in time
I am Just sixteen
Not how I thought it would be
Here on cloud nine"
When you chose to wait for God's best doesn't make it always fun and staying pure isn't always easy. Your faith will be tested. You may often feel that you walk alone. When you decided to take the narrow path, you should've known that Jesus warns us that difficulties, persecution, hardship, and tears would be part of this life! But let me tell you with all honesty: that which comes through much struggle and that which you wait for the longest, becomes an even greater treasure and sweeter prize to win.
"... waiting doesn't mean just sitting around wondering when something is going to happen. Neither does it mean postponing marriage. Rather, it means serving the Lord faithfully right now wherever He has put you. If God keeps you single, He has work for you to do." — Sarah Mally [Before You Meet Prince Charming: A Guide to Radiant Purity]
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Lean Not On Your Own Understanding (pt1)
I was visiting my grandparents the other day when a commercial played on their TV. It was for a Christian online dating site. The add said, "Sometimes we wait for God to move, when He's saying 'It's your time to act.'"
"Ha!" my grandad said. "I think it's always safe wait for God! That is so dumb! ...Wasn't that that Abraham's problem? He thought he knew what was best for him and took things into his own hands rather than waiting for God."
He left me thinking of the many times the Bible says to wait. We are shown, through the lives of many throughout the Bible, what the consequences are for not waiting on the Lord, and what a reward there is when they do wait for Him.
Psalm 62:5 says, "My soul, wait silently for God alone, for my expectation is from Him." (emphasise mine)
How many times we search for joy, love, and pleasure from people (and things). We think 'If I just had a boyfriend who loves me, then I will be happy'. Sure, that may satisfy you for a while, but for how long? We cannot find everlasting joy in any relationship, except in a relationship with our perfect Christ! And until we learn to find the love, security, and intimacy that you long in God alone, you will never be satisfied.
"We say, then, to anyone who is under trial, give Him time to steep the soul in His eternal truth. Go into the open air, look up into the depths of the sky, or out upon the wideness of the sea, or on the strength of the hills that is His also; or, if bound in the body, go forth in the spirit; spirit is not bound. Give Him time and, as surely as dawn follows night, there will break upon the heart a sense of certainty that cannot be shaken." -Amy Carmichael
Look at the world, behold the splendor of God's creation! Even in it's fallen sinful state it is showing the might of our God and screaming of His awesome power. Give Him time to steep the soul in His eternal truth, the Bible. After having faithfully done so you will know that He is in control!
Be a faithful Christian, one who waits silently for God alone, and whose expectation is from the Lord!
And when I speak of the faithful Christian, I picture to myself one who has truly brought their whole unto God, by a true confiding faith in Jesus Christ as their All. One who has presented themselves entirely surrendered, transformed, a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God; someone who not only knows, but acts upon the fact that they owe everything to the blood that was shed for them on Calvary, and who is now fully absorbed with the redeeming mercies of the Lord. They are joyful- joyful, because they have an intimate relationship with their Saviour and Lord.
They know that they have One who knows them like no other, and whatever worries there may be, they know that the Lord reigns, and is superintending all for good; they are not overcome with fear. Yes, they may have great misfortunes, but they know that it is guided by a Father who pities their distresses and loves them with an everlasting love. They have a Friend mightier than the powers of evil, therefore they can sings in spite of their trouble—"The Lord is my strength and my shield, my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped: therefore my heart dances for joy, and in my song will I praise Him!" God's joyous light that shines on them, relieving them of their riddles, filling them with wisdom, giving them food for delightful meditation and living water for their thirsty soul, comforting their heart, and kindling radiance along all their way! That is what I mean when I speak of a faithful Christian!
We are not an alone, we have a righteous, almighty, and loving Saviour, Who sees all, and provides for all, and takes care of all! We can see by the love shown to us daily, and the love shown for us on Calvary, that He is the Only One who can love us so. And as we become more like that faithful Christian, we will soon be able to say with the psalmist, “And now, Lord, what do I wait for? My hope is in You." (Psalm 39:7)
He has told us that those who seek the LORD shall not lack any good thing (Psalm 34:10), and that He is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think (Ephesians 3:20), let us have faith and trust in His promises!
"If it is God's will for us to be married, then He will not leave us single for even one day longer than He knows is best, right, and perfect." -Sara Mally
I can not tell you of how much greater it is to choose God's best above our best, and not just in the area of a spouse, but in every area! We need only to have faith in Who He Is, and He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. (Heb 11:6) Seek the Lord, through prayer and His word. Wait on Him. (Ps. 19:14)
"Ha!" my grandad said. "I think it's always safe wait for God! That is so dumb! ...Wasn't that that Abraham's problem? He thought he knew what was best for him and took things into his own hands rather than waiting for God."
He left me thinking of the many times the Bible says to wait. We are shown, through the lives of many throughout the Bible, what the consequences are for not waiting on the Lord, and what a reward there is when they do wait for Him.
Psalm 62:5 says, "My soul, wait silently for God alone, for my expectation is from Him." (emphasise mine)
How many times we search for joy, love, and pleasure from people (and things). We think 'If I just had a boyfriend who loves me, then I will be happy'. Sure, that may satisfy you for a while, but for how long? We cannot find everlasting joy in any relationship, except in a relationship with our perfect Christ! And until we learn to find the love, security, and intimacy that you long in God alone, you will never be satisfied.
"We say, then, to anyone who is under trial, give Him time to steep the soul in His eternal truth. Go into the open air, look up into the depths of the sky, or out upon the wideness of the sea, or on the strength of the hills that is His also; or, if bound in the body, go forth in the spirit; spirit is not bound. Give Him time and, as surely as dawn follows night, there will break upon the heart a sense of certainty that cannot be shaken." -Amy Carmichael
Look at the world, behold the splendor of God's creation! Even in it's fallen sinful state it is showing the might of our God and screaming of His awesome power. Give Him time to steep the soul in His eternal truth, the Bible. After having faithfully done so you will know that He is in control!
Be a faithful Christian, one who waits silently for God alone, and whose expectation is from the Lord!
And when I speak of the faithful Christian, I picture to myself one who has truly brought their whole unto God, by a true confiding faith in Jesus Christ as their All. One who has presented themselves entirely surrendered, transformed, a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God; someone who not only knows, but acts upon the fact that they owe everything to the blood that was shed for them on Calvary, and who is now fully absorbed with the redeeming mercies of the Lord. They are joyful- joyful, because they have an intimate relationship with their Saviour and Lord.
They know that they have One who knows them like no other, and whatever worries there may be, they know that the Lord reigns, and is superintending all for good; they are not overcome with fear. Yes, they may have great misfortunes, but they know that it is guided by a Father who pities their distresses and loves them with an everlasting love. They have a Friend mightier than the powers of evil, therefore they can sings in spite of their trouble—"The Lord is my strength and my shield, my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped: therefore my heart dances for joy, and in my song will I praise Him!" God's joyous light that shines on them, relieving them of their riddles, filling them with wisdom, giving them food for delightful meditation and living water for their thirsty soul, comforting their heart, and kindling radiance along all their way! That is what I mean when I speak of a faithful Christian!
We are not an alone, we have a righteous, almighty, and loving Saviour, Who sees all, and provides for all, and takes care of all! We can see by the love shown to us daily, and the love shown for us on Calvary, that He is the Only One who can love us so. And as we become more like that faithful Christian, we will soon be able to say with the psalmist, “And now, Lord, what do I wait for? My hope is in You." (Psalm 39:7)
He has told us that those who seek the LORD shall not lack any good thing (Psalm 34:10), and that He is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think (Ephesians 3:20), let us have faith and trust in His promises!
"If it is God's will for us to be married, then He will not leave us single for even one day longer than He knows is best, right, and perfect." -Sara Mally
I can not tell you of how much greater it is to choose God's best above our best, and not just in the area of a spouse, but in every area! We need only to have faith in Who He Is, and He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. (Heb 11:6) Seek the Lord, through prayer and His word. Wait on Him. (Ps. 19:14)
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