So ~ how do we go about becoming God's Mrs. Right?
God loves us ~ so much that He sent His son to die for us.
It takes US falling in love with HIM!
How do we do that? This chapter goes through six levels of our relationship with God ~ the ultimate being the bride/groom relationship. As we go along in our relationship with God and draw closer to Him, He draws closer to us. That's what He has wanted all along!
Matthew 6:33 tells us to seek first God's kingdom and His righteousness and all these things will be given to you.
Psalm 37:4 tells us to delight ourselves in the Lord and He will give us the desires of our hearts.
Just as a girlfriend may sit by the phone waiting for that boyfriend to call, God is waiting on us to call out to Him ~ to fall in love with Him ~ to be consumed with Him .... He wants to be your first love.
Here comes the tough part ~
* have you really invested time in getting to know God on a deeper level?
* do you read the Bible and dig in to find out what it's really saying?
* have you given God a chance to show you His love or are you focusing on young men ... fantasies & dreams ... chat rooms?
* have you chosen to focus on God when you feel lonely ... praying, listening to worship music or reading His Word?
* are there things done in private when you hope God isn't watching or you choose to ignore His presence?
* do you believe that God can satisfy all your needs?
Are you willing to set aside everything, everyone and yourself and become totally dependant on God?
We can't let guilt from past relationships or past mistakes keep us from God. He is waiting there to forgive and help us learn His paths. Remember God created you. He knows your inmost parts ~ your inmost thoughts and desires. Who better to help you?
Matthew 7: 7 - 8 tells us to ask God and seek God ~ to knock and He will open the door to us. The door of a greater love relationship with Him!
Saturday, February 19, 2011
CH 24: Becoming Mrs. Right
No matter where you are in your teenage or young adult years, this chapter is worthwhile reading! Becoming Mrs. Right may not be a job you are applying for next week, but these characteristics can also relate to becoming a Godly young woman ... one that God can use!
Having a personal relationship with Christ should be our first priority. This makes us beautiful on the inside! This requires digging in to God's Word, spending time with Him and getting to know Him better.
Taking care of yourself on the outside is also important. As a Christian, our body is God's temple. Keeping ourselves clean and neatly dressed goes a long way in our testimony. This isn't about drawing attention to our bodies .... remember guys are stimulated by what they see ~ and our goal shouldn't be to cause them to be tempted.
Nobody likes to be around someone who grumbles and complains all the time .... thinking "if I just found Mr. Right, all my problems would go away and I'd be happy" is NOT true! If our focus is on Christ and what He desires to do in our lives, we can be content right where He has us. One of the Fruits of the Spirit is Joy!
Another part of becoming Mrs. Right is being able to exercise self-control. We demonstrate this first by being fully devoted to Christ. If we can't do this, we are going to really struggle with being devoted to a husband some day. Are you exercising self-control around guy friends now? Your future husband may be watching!
The next point talks about being wise with money and planning wisely. Financial stress is one of the BIGGEST causes of tension within a marriage. You can go a long way towards becoming Mrs. Right by learning now how to handle money wisely. Proverbs 14:1 says "The wise woman builds her house, but the foolish pulls it down with her hands." While you may not be physically hammering nails and wood together to build your house, you can tear it down by foolish spending.
How is your relationship with your parents? your siblings? God put us in families to teach us how to work with others. Each person in a family has a different personality. How do you handle those day to day differences? Practicing getting along, admitting when you are wrong, forgiving and serving are all important characteristics of Mrs. Right.
Will you make a good mother? One of God's first commands to Adam and Eve was to be fruitful and multiply. Children are a natural product of marriage. How can you prepare now to become a good mother?
What do you feel God's plan for your life is? When Mr. Right comes along, your life plans need to mesh together. He needs your full support to become the man God intends for him to be. If he is truly the Mr. Right that God has for you, you will be able to whole heartedly be his biggest cheerleader! This doesn't necessarily mean that you have no other purpose in life ~ however ~ your purpose and his will complement each other. What kind of training or learning can you get now that may help your future?
First and foremost right now, you need to work on becoming God's Mrs. Right. The Bible refers to Christians many times as the bride of Christ. God wants to use you ~ He has a plan for your life. Partnering with God will be your greatest reward and the only way you will feel truly fulfilled in life.
Having a personal relationship with Christ should be our first priority. This makes us beautiful on the inside! This requires digging in to God's Word, spending time with Him and getting to know Him better.
Taking care of yourself on the outside is also important. As a Christian, our body is God's temple. Keeping ourselves clean and neatly dressed goes a long way in our testimony. This isn't about drawing attention to our bodies .... remember guys are stimulated by what they see ~ and our goal shouldn't be to cause them to be tempted.
Nobody likes to be around someone who grumbles and complains all the time .... thinking "if I just found Mr. Right, all my problems would go away and I'd be happy" is NOT true! If our focus is on Christ and what He desires to do in our lives, we can be content right where He has us. One of the Fruits of the Spirit is Joy!
Another part of becoming Mrs. Right is being able to exercise self-control. We demonstrate this first by being fully devoted to Christ. If we can't do this, we are going to really struggle with being devoted to a husband some day. Are you exercising self-control around guy friends now? Your future husband may be watching!
The next point talks about being wise with money and planning wisely. Financial stress is one of the BIGGEST causes of tension within a marriage. You can go a long way towards becoming Mrs. Right by learning now how to handle money wisely. Proverbs 14:1 says "The wise woman builds her house, but the foolish pulls it down with her hands." While you may not be physically hammering nails and wood together to build your house, you can tear it down by foolish spending.
How is your relationship with your parents? your siblings? God put us in families to teach us how to work with others. Each person in a family has a different personality. How do you handle those day to day differences? Practicing getting along, admitting when you are wrong, forgiving and serving are all important characteristics of Mrs. Right.
Will you make a good mother? One of God's first commands to Adam and Eve was to be fruitful and multiply. Children are a natural product of marriage. How can you prepare now to become a good mother?
What do you feel God's plan for your life is? When Mr. Right comes along, your life plans need to mesh together. He needs your full support to become the man God intends for him to be. If he is truly the Mr. Right that God has for you, you will be able to whole heartedly be his biggest cheerleader! This doesn't necessarily mean that you have no other purpose in life ~ however ~ your purpose and his will complement each other. What kind of training or learning can you get now that may help your future?
First and foremost right now, you need to work on becoming God's Mrs. Right. The Bible refers to Christians many times as the bride of Christ. God wants to use you ~ He has a plan for your life. Partnering with God will be your greatest reward and the only way you will feel truly fulfilled in life.
CH 23: When the Time is Right for Mr. Right
This chapter makes many important points .... however, for where most of you are at in your lives, Chapter 24 & Chapter 25 hold more vital information.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
CH 22: "but we're in love!"
We talked a few chapters back about integrity and being women of sexual integrity. We are called by God to maintain that sexual integrity all through life, whether single or married, young or old. So, that said, does being "in love" change that you are called by God to demonstrate sexual integrity? No.
When we start talking about boyfriend / girlfriend relationships, my wholehearted first advice is take a step back and seek wise counsel. If you've never read "I Kissed Dating Goodbye" by Joshua Harris, I'd highly recommend it. Dating and boyfriend / girlfriend relationships in America today are encouraging "throw away" relationships .... think of someone who test drives a car off a car lot ~ you know "try before you buy" ~ relationships have become the same way. Many times dating relationships are looked at as a try before you buy (marry) situation. Each time we try out someone in a more serious relationship, we are giving them a part of ourselves {emotionally and sometimes physically}. I mentioned this in an earlier post in the example of getting to the marriage altar and a whole line of girls are on your future husband's other side.
Something else to consider in a dating or boyfriend / girlfriend relationship is what is the purpose in considering yourselves dating? Is it for social status ~ so you can tell all your friends you have a boyfriend? Is it for your self esteem ~ so you feel desirable to someone?
Well ~ we'll get into this more in coming chapters. But for now, you need to consider why getting into a more serious relationship is necessary.
The number line on page 193 makes an excellent point ~ take a minute and look at the timeline and get the big picture. I hope you'll see that it is worth the wait to enter your marriage pure .... without the baggage of past relationships and compromise.
When we start talking about boyfriend / girlfriend relationships, my wholehearted first advice is take a step back and seek wise counsel. If you've never read "I Kissed Dating Goodbye" by Joshua Harris, I'd highly recommend it. Dating and boyfriend / girlfriend relationships in America today are encouraging "throw away" relationships .... think of someone who test drives a car off a car lot ~ you know "try before you buy" ~ relationships have become the same way. Many times dating relationships are looked at as a try before you buy (marry) situation. Each time we try out someone in a more serious relationship, we are giving them a part of ourselves {emotionally and sometimes physically}. I mentioned this in an earlier post in the example of getting to the marriage altar and a whole line of girls are on your future husband's other side.
Something else to consider in a dating or boyfriend / girlfriend relationship is what is the purpose in considering yourselves dating? Is it for social status ~ so you can tell all your friends you have a boyfriend? Is it for your self esteem ~ so you feel desirable to someone?
Well ~ we'll get into this more in coming chapters. But for now, you need to consider why getting into a more serious relationship is necessary.
The number line on page 193 makes an excellent point ~ take a minute and look at the timeline and get the big picture. I hope you'll see that it is worth the wait to enter your marriage pure .... without the baggage of past relationships and compromise.
CH 21: Sex Without Strings
So, after all you've read so far in the book, do you really think there is such a thing as sex without strings?
I'd say a definate NO. God didn't intend it that way. He intended it to be a very intimate time with your spouse and involving your emotions as well as your body.
When you have sex outside of marriage, you are involving your emotions and body ~ while trying NOT to involve your emotions. We weren't created that way.
Romans 1:24-27 talks a little about how God feels about casual sexual relationships. Yes, God could have stopped them .... but remember He wants us to make good choices because we want to ~ they in turn had to live with the consequences of their choices.
Take a look at 1 Thessalonians 4: 3 - 8 ... it talks about how we are to control our bodies in a way that is holy and honorable ~ and when we reject this instruction, we reject God. Those are some pretty strong words!
So, how do we handle being friends with guys?? Is it possible?? It is with some clear boundaries. Page 186-187 talk about this further ..... "Friends care about protecting each other's mind, heart, body and soul and will make sacrifices to avoid causing each other to stumble and fall into compromising situations." How are you looking at him? How are you touching him? How are you acting in front of him to get his attention? How are you dressing to get his attention?
Spend some time considering 1 Corinthians 6: 18 - 20 ~ especially the end .... You are not your own; you were bought at a price {Jesus blood}. Therefore honor God with your body.
I'd say a definate NO. God didn't intend it that way. He intended it to be a very intimate time with your spouse and involving your emotions as well as your body.
When you have sex outside of marriage, you are involving your emotions and body ~ while trying NOT to involve your emotions. We weren't created that way.
Romans 1:24-27 talks a little about how God feels about casual sexual relationships. Yes, God could have stopped them .... but remember He wants us to make good choices because we want to ~ they in turn had to live with the consequences of their choices.
Take a look at 1 Thessalonians 4: 3 - 8 ... it talks about how we are to control our bodies in a way that is holy and honorable ~ and when we reject this instruction, we reject God. Those are some pretty strong words!
So, how do we handle being friends with guys?? Is it possible?? It is with some clear boundaries. Page 186-187 talk about this further ..... "Friends care about protecting each other's mind, heart, body and soul and will make sacrifices to avoid causing each other to stumble and fall into compromising situations." How are you looking at him? How are you touching him? How are you acting in front of him to get his attention? How are you dressing to get his attention?
Spend some time considering 1 Corinthians 6: 18 - 20 ~ especially the end .... You are not your own; you were bought at a price {Jesus blood}. Therefore honor God with your body.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
CH 20: "Technical" virginity
So what do you think virginity means?
Does it only mean actually having sexual intercourse? What about masturbation or oral sex?
Abstinence is the act or practice of refraining from indulging an appetite or desire, especially for alcoholic drink or sexual intercourse. OH ~ another thing that has to do with our self-control .... a choice!
Sex starts in our minds long before our bodies are involved. We can be lusting after someone and thinking inappropriate thoughts without ever touching them or taking our clothes off. If we are going to take the approach that it's only "sexual" if we are having sex, that would make our impure thoughts okay. God says that's not His way ~ we are told to keep our minds pure .... we covered that way back in the beginning of the book when we talked about our sexual integrity.
Many times when we are using the word "technical" we are trying to justify ourselves ~ to make something okay that really isn't .... or to make something not seem so bad. that wasn't "technically" a lie .... or I didn't "technically" cheat ....
So ~ is we apply that to our virginity, how do we determine if we are "technically" still a virgin?
As Christians, we should always be looking for God's best. What was His plan for our sexuality? His plan was that our sexuality be used in marriage. The book defines a sexually abstinent lifestyle as refraining from any type of genital contact or any other activity which serves to arouse you (or him) sexually. This can range from your thoughts to the way you act, dress or talk to touching yourself or someone else physically.
Remember how much God loves us? He created us just the way we are and has a plan for our lives. So, without a doubt, He also cares about our sexual lives. WHY?
1. to keep us in good physical health ~ including the ability to have children
2. to keep us in good mental health ~ thinking clearly and using good judgment
3. to keep us in good emotional health ~ not guilty from past bad choices
4. to keep us in good spiritual health ~ free to enter His presence and draw close to Him
5. to keep us in good relational health ~ when you have a sexual relationship with someone, it is meant to be intimate and very personal ..... if it's not treated special but given away freely to anyone and everyone {which goes against God's way} then bonding with your husband someday may be very difficult
Does it only mean actually having sexual intercourse? What about masturbation or oral sex?
Abstinence is the act or practice of refraining from indulging an appetite or desire, especially for alcoholic drink or sexual intercourse. OH ~ another thing that has to do with our self-control .... a choice!
Sex starts in our minds long before our bodies are involved. We can be lusting after someone and thinking inappropriate thoughts without ever touching them or taking our clothes off. If we are going to take the approach that it's only "sexual" if we are having sex, that would make our impure thoughts okay. God says that's not His way ~ we are told to keep our minds pure .... we covered that way back in the beginning of the book when we talked about our sexual integrity.
Many times when we are using the word "technical" we are trying to justify ourselves ~ to make something okay that really isn't .... or to make something not seem so bad. that wasn't "technically" a lie .... or I didn't "technically" cheat ....
So ~ is we apply that to our virginity, how do we determine if we are "technically" still a virgin?
As Christians, we should always be looking for God's best. What was His plan for our sexuality? His plan was that our sexuality be used in marriage. The book defines a sexually abstinent lifestyle as refraining from any type of genital contact or any other activity which serves to arouse you (or him) sexually. This can range from your thoughts to the way you act, dress or talk to touching yourself or someone else physically.
Remember how much God loves us? He created us just the way we are and has a plan for our lives. So, without a doubt, He also cares about our sexual lives. WHY?
1. to keep us in good physical health ~ including the ability to have children
2. to keep us in good mental health ~ thinking clearly and using good judgment
3. to keep us in good emotional health ~ not guilty from past bad choices
4. to keep us in good spiritual health ~ free to enter His presence and draw close to Him
5. to keep us in good relational health ~ when you have a sexual relationship with someone, it is meant to be intimate and very personal ..... if it's not treated special but given away freely to anyone and everyone {which goes against God's way} then bonding with your husband someday may be very difficult
There is no greater joy than to live our lives God's way!
CH 19: Winning the Physical Battle
This chapter starts with Romans 6: 12-13 ..... let's take those verses apart a bit!
Verse 12 says:
Therefore, do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts.
Reign means to rule over like a king reigns over his kingdom.
Mortal body is talking about your flesh and bones ~ what makes up your human body.
Verse 13 says:
And do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead and your members as instruments of rightousness to God.
Present (not present like a Christmas present, but present like you present a speech) is talking about a decision you make ~ a choice to do one thing or another.
Members is refering to your physical body parts.
Does that help? It's saying make a choice to keep your body under control and present it to God as an instrument of righteousness.
So ~ what's the big deal? Does God really care if you keep yourself pure? Yes, He does. Remember He created us male and female and He created marriage and He created sex. He created it all ~ but He also gave us guidelines on how they should work. Page 164 and 165 list just a few of the verses explaining how God feels about these things.
Page 165 and 166 give a pretty detailed rundown of how God created our bodies and how it all works together, including a picture on page 167. {If any of this doesn't make sense, talk to your Mom or me!} It's important to understand how we are created because it goes along with the rest of the chapter.
A good part of the rest of the chapter spends time talking about just a few of the different sexually transmitted diseases. Now ~ you can read all that and say oh that will never happen to me. REALLY? How can you be so sure? I bet that's what everyone who already has an STD used to think too! You also have to consider if it's worth the risk. Page 169 compares the risk to playing Russian roulette ....
Just as the last chapters have talked about keeping yourself pure for the good of your future spouse, this chapter talks about waiting for the good of your future children. Is it worth risking them as well?
Verse 12 says:
Therefore, do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts.
Reign means to rule over like a king reigns over his kingdom.
Mortal body is talking about your flesh and bones ~ what makes up your human body.
Verse 13 says:
And do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead and your members as instruments of rightousness to God.
Present (not present like a Christmas present, but present like you present a speech) is talking about a decision you make ~ a choice to do one thing or another.
Members is refering to your physical body parts.
Does that help? It's saying make a choice to keep your body under control and present it to God as an instrument of righteousness.
Much of this book has been about making choices!
So ~ what's the big deal? Does God really care if you keep yourself pure? Yes, He does. Remember He created us male and female and He created marriage and He created sex. He created it all ~ but He also gave us guidelines on how they should work. Page 164 and 165 list just a few of the verses explaining how God feels about these things.
Page 165 and 166 give a pretty detailed rundown of how God created our bodies and how it all works together, including a picture on page 167. {If any of this doesn't make sense, talk to your Mom or me!} It's important to understand how we are created because it goes along with the rest of the chapter.
A good part of the rest of the chapter spends time talking about just a few of the different sexually transmitted diseases. Now ~ you can read all that and say oh that will never happen to me. REALLY? How can you be so sure? I bet that's what everyone who already has an STD used to think too! You also have to consider if it's worth the risk. Page 169 compares the risk to playing Russian roulette ....
Just as the last chapters have talked about keeping yourself pure for the good of your future spouse, this chapter talks about waiting for the good of your future children. Is it worth risking them as well?
Children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior, so are teh children of one's youth. Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them. Psalm 127:3-5
Sunday, January 2, 2011
CH 18: Knowing Where To Stop!
The best plan is always God's plan. God's plan is His word, which instructs us to love Him with our whole heart, soul and mind. If we are following God's plan, we aren't going to be getting into this red light area of addictions and affairs. Page 156 gives some good questions to ask yourself about your relationships.
God can meet all your needs ~ do you believe that? He created you. He alone knows exactly what you need!
God can meet all your needs ~ do you believe that? He created you. He alone knows exactly what you need!
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Mathew 5 : 8
CH 17: Proceeding With Caution
“Anna’s Story” taken from I Kissed Dating Goodbye
by Joshua Harris
It was finally here- Anna’s wedding day, the day she had dreamed about and planned for months. The small, picturesque church was crowded with friends and family. Sunlight poured through the stained-glass windows, and the gentle music of a stringed quartet filled the air. Anna walked down the aisle toward David. Joy surged within her. This was the moment for which she had waited so long. He gently took her hand, and they turned toward the altar.
But as the minister began to lead Anna and David through their vows, the unthinkable happened. A girl stood up in the middle of the congregation, walked quietly to the altar, and took David’s other hand. Another girl approached and stood next to the first, followed by another. Soon, a chain of six girls stood by him as he repeated his vows to Anna.
Anna felt her lip beginning to quiver as tears welled up in her eyes. “Is this some kind of joke?” she whispered to David. “I’m…I’m sorry, Anna,” he said, staring at the floor.
“Who are these girls, David? What is going on?” she gasped.
“They’re girls from my past,” he answered sadly. “Anna, they don’t mean anything to me now…but I’ve given part of my heart to each of them.”
“I thought your heart was mine,” she said.
“It is, it is,” he pleaded. “Everything that’s left is yours.”
Ladies, are you going to be satisfied with what's left? Do you want your future husband to have to settle for what's left? Everytime your emotions get involved and there is an emotional attachment to a guy, that's a part of you taken away from your future husband.
CH 16: Good To Go!
This chapter starts talking about the traffic light pictured on page 139 and the stages of emotional connection. They say the first stage of emotional connection is attention, which then moves on to attraction.
I'd like to start this chapters blog post with a word of caution. As I read through this chapter several times, I couldn't help feeling that the most important part is at the end of the chapter! Step back to Chapter 12 with me for a moment .....
I'd like to start this chapters blog post with a word of caution. As I read through this chapter several times, I couldn't help feeling that the most important part is at the end of the chapter! Step back to Chapter 12 with me for a moment .....
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. Matthew 22: 37 - 38
So ~ according to that verse, our first emotional connection of attention should be directed at who? God. Our second stage of emotional connection of attraction should be directed at who? God.
Did God create us with emotions? Sure He did. We have to make a choice what we are going to do with them. It would be easy at this point to say ~ well, God created me with these emotions so I can just go with them wherever they take me. The beginning of this chapter would have me believe that I can notice a cute guy {no matter who he is ~ even someone else's husband} and it's okay ~ no different than admiring a fine art painting at the art museum. Hmmmmm ..... personally I don't think so. That's a slippery slope because if I'm admiring him enough to know he's cute, what else am I doing .... how far is my mind going to be allowed to go in that admiration ~~ remember ladies, we are supposed to be bouncing our thoughts. The longer I allow myself to entertain those thoughts, the harder it is to stop.
Yes, the desire for love, attention, affection and relational connection is part of the human condition (pg 142), but that desire needs to be directed to God first.
Now, I can hear some of you saying .... Ms. Becky ~ if I don't pay ANY attention to the guys around me, how will I EVER find a husband?? Trust me on this one ~ if God has a husband for you, you won't be able to NOT find him. If your focus is on God first, you're going to be in tune with His path for your life which puts you and that husband He has for you on an unstoppable collision course. THAT is a collision you don't want to miss!
“The Buried Box” taken from Boy Meets Girl
by Joshua Harris
This spot will do, Rich thought sadly. He peered over his shoulder into the darkness to make sure no one was watching, then raised his shovel and drove it into the earth.
Clang! The sound of steel hitting rock rang out in the stillness of the night. He dropped to the ground. He was worried his ex-girlfriend's father might hear him. What kind of explanation could he give for digging a hole in their front yard at 3 a.m.? After 2 hours, he wiped a tear from his eye and walked away.
Four years before digging this hole, Rich had met Christy at church. They were fourteen and immature .... well, Rich was. It wasn't until their senior year in high school that Christy would fall in love with Rich. Their relationship grew as they daily wrote lettesr to each other, pouring out their hearts. Over time, their pure love began to turn into a romantic relationship not focused on God. They came to a point when they realized that their relationship was not headed in the right direction and they needed to return to being friends again.
This seemed to work at first, but whenever Christy would open her box of letters she had saved from Rich, she found herself jumping back into a relationship with Rich that she knew wasn't right. Looking out for Christy, Rich took her box of letters. he told her that he wanted to make sure they could focus on being friends again.
It was that box that Rich secretively buried in her front yard. He hoped that one day the box would be opened again, but he trusted that wherever God lead them would be best. What he knew for sure was that God wanted them to take time and begin over as friends.
Well, Rich and Christy went away to different colleges. From time to time they would talk, but their busy schedules kept them apart. Eventually, they would begin to talk again. This time, they were friends. Although they had a deep love for each other, they weren't jumping into a physical, romantic relationship.
After a year of friendship, they felt they were ready to seriously date again. They spent Christmas of their senior year at Christy's house. The final gift was an unusual one from Rich to Christy. As she opened the gift she saw it was a baby tree. "Why don't you plant it in the front yard?", her father said. Rich and Christy's family went out into the front yard and Christy began to dig a small hole for her tree.
Clank! Christy hit something while digging. As she dug further, she noticed the box that once held all her love letters. With excitement, knowing what was in the box, she opened it quickly. As she opened the first letter, she realized it wasn't a letter she had ever read before.
You see, Rich knew that if those letters were ever dug up again, it would be because they had done their relationship the right way - a way pleasing to God. Knowing that, before he buried the box, he placed a new letter on the top .... one that read, "Will You Marry Me?"
Saturday, January 1, 2011
CH 15: Winning the Emotional Battle
This chapter starts out making an excellent point! The stereotype is that those of the male gender are the only ones who have trouble with purity .... unfortunately there isn't any truth in that statement. Both males & females are in this battle. As the book has so well pointed out, the battle is just different.
God made us to be emotionally stimulated ~ which means we must closely guard our heart. Failing to guard our hearts puts our body at much greater risk of falling to temptation.
Wellspring just means source .... the heart is the source of life. God created us so that our heart is central to all that we are physically, spiritually and emotionally.
It's easy to say "oh I'd NEVER do ________ physically" .... but how about emotionally becoming attached? Our hearts & emotions are funny things ~ they can get away from us quickly if we aren't on guard.
Spend some time studying the traffic light graphic on page 139 and the different stages of emotional connection!
God made us to be emotionally stimulated ~ which means we must closely guard our heart. Failing to guard our hearts puts our body at much greater risk of falling to temptation.
Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. Proverbs 4:23
It's easy to say "oh I'd NEVER do ________ physically" .... but how about emotionally becoming attached? Our hearts & emotions are funny things ~ they can get away from us quickly if we aren't on guard.
Spend some time studying the traffic light graphic on page 139 and the different stages of emotional connection!
Thursday, December 16, 2010
CH 14: Mastering the Media
Know how they cook lobsters? Same way as the frog at the beginning of this chapter .... slowly. The water is heated slowly and the frog doesn't even realize until it is too late that it's over.
We, as a culture, have become the same way. It's called becoming desensitized. Sense has to do with our five senses .... so when we are "de" sensitized, it means we become unable to feel danger. Our danger isn't boiling water, but the media. Can you imagine your great-grandmother's shock if she'd see what's on TV or on the radio today? Go back further than that ~ say 200 years ago. How far has this world come in what's "socially acceptable" and no big deal. Pages 124 - 128 in the book talk more about TV, magazine and music media today.
Don't think any of this could affect you .... read the 3 stories starting on page 129 again. Bet these three young women didn't set out to sin.
SO WHAT CAN YOU DO ABOUT IT?
* think about the types of media you enjoy ... make a list of the magazines, books, movies, tv shows, favorite music, web sites, etc.
*ask yourself:
~ would I be embarrased if my Christian friends, pastor ...or Ms. Becky ... knew I was listening to or watching this? Do I have to keep it a secret?
~ Does this glamorize things that go against what God says?
~ Do these things leave me feeling depressed or looking for unhealthy relationships?
* Pray about it! Ask:
~ what would Jesus do?
~ what would Jesus spend His time watching?
~ what would Jesus listen to?
~ what would Jesus spend time reading?
Remember, if you fill your mind with mages of sexually compromising comments and situations, you will become desensitized to similar scenarios in your own life. If you guard your mind from these messages, you'll also be guarding your heart and life as well.
Castings Crowns has a song called Slow Fade .... here's the lyrics to give some thought to!
SO ~ will YOU take the 30 day challenge? Are you ready to re-sensitize yourself to the inappropriate things of this world? Want to get some of that garbage out?
How about spending the next 30 days enjoying only media and entertainment that doesn't go against what God says.
If you're up for this challenge, let me know so I can be praying for you!
We, as a culture, have become the same way. It's called becoming desensitized. Sense has to do with our five senses .... so when we are "de" sensitized, it means we become unable to feel danger. Our danger isn't boiling water, but the media. Can you imagine your great-grandmother's shock if she'd see what's on TV or on the radio today? Go back further than that ~ say 200 years ago. How far has this world come in what's "socially acceptable" and no big deal. Pages 124 - 128 in the book talk more about TV, magazine and music media today.
Don't think any of this could affect you .... read the 3 stories starting on page 129 again. Bet these three young women didn't set out to sin.
SO WHAT CAN YOU DO ABOUT IT?
* think about the types of media you enjoy ... make a list of the magazines, books, movies, tv shows, favorite music, web sites, etc.
*ask yourself:
~ would I be embarrased if my Christian friends, pastor ...or Ms. Becky ... knew I was listening to or watching this? Do I have to keep it a secret?
~ Does this glamorize things that go against what God says?
~ Do these things leave me feeling depressed or looking for unhealthy relationships?
* Pray about it! Ask:
~ what would Jesus do?
~ what would Jesus spend His time watching?
~ what would Jesus listen to?
~ what would Jesus spend time reading?
Remember, if you fill your mind with mages of sexually compromising comments and situations, you will become desensitized to similar scenarios in your own life. If you guard your mind from these messages, you'll also be guarding your heart and life as well.
Castings Crowns has a song called Slow Fade .... here's the lyrics to give some thought to!
"Slow Fade"
Be careful little eyes what you see
It's the second glance that ties your hands as darkness pulls the strings
Be careful little feet where you go
For it's the little feet behind you that are sure to follow
It's a slow fade when you give yourself away
It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day
It's a slow fade, it's a slow fade
Be careful little ears what you hear
When flattery leads to compromise, the end is always near
Be careful little lips what you say
For empty words and promises lead broken hearts astray
It's a slow fade when you give yourself away
It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day
The journey from your mind to your hands
Is shorter than you're thinking
Be careful if you think you stand
You just might be sinking
It's a slow fade when you give yourself away
It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day
Daddies never crumble in a day
Families never crumble in a day
Oh be careful little eyes what see
Oh be careful little eyes what you see
For the Father up above is looking down in love
Oh be careful little eyes what you see
Be careful little eyes what you see
It's the second glance that ties your hands as darkness pulls the strings
Be careful little feet where you go
For it's the little feet behind you that are sure to follow
It's a slow fade when you give yourself away
It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day
It's a slow fade, it's a slow fade
Be careful little ears what you hear
When flattery leads to compromise, the end is always near
Be careful little lips what you say
For empty words and promises lead broken hearts astray
It's a slow fade when you give yourself away
It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day
The journey from your mind to your hands
Is shorter than you're thinking
Be careful if you think you stand
You just might be sinking
It's a slow fade when you give yourself away
It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day
Daddies never crumble in a day
Families never crumble in a day
Oh be careful little eyes what see
Oh be careful little eyes what you see
For the Father up above is looking down in love
Oh be careful little eyes what you see
SO ~ will YOU take the 30 day challenge? Are you ready to re-sensitize yourself to the inappropriate things of this world? Want to get some of that garbage out?
How about spending the next 30 days enjoying only media and entertainment that doesn't go against what God says.
If you're up for this challenge, let me know so I can be praying for you!
CH 13: A Healthy Starvation Diet
This chapter was exciting to me ~ know why?
Because it shows that no matter where you've been or what you've been doing or what you've been looking at ~ there is HOPE. The HOPE is JESUS! Is it going to be easy? No. But do you have to do it alone? No. God is there to help you .... and so am I! Find an accountability partner to help keep you on track. We are supposed to be helping each other as fellow believers.
As Christians, we all have battling forces inside us .... God's Holy Spirit and our flesh. There shouldn't be any doubt which is stronger. However, it's a battle because it takes us letting God have control. Which side are we feeding? Are we feeding our flesh with wrong thoughts and inappropriate viewing habits? Or are we feeding our relationship with God and allowing His Holy Spirit to have more and more of our lives?
Ever heard the term GARBAGE IN GARBAGE OUT? Remember when you are putting the garbage of this world into your mind, that is what is going to come out {rememeber the actor rehearsing??}. This becomes a vicious cycle because you have to keep feeding the garbage in .... see our human nature wants more and more.
So ~ this is where the "Starvation Diet" comes in. It takes you making a choice to not watch those things any longer or not entertain those inappropriate thoughts further. You have to make conscious changes to your life to move away from the GARBAGE of this world. The more you move away from these things, the more they lose their power over you.
Because it shows that no matter where you've been or what you've been doing or what you've been looking at ~ there is HOPE. The HOPE is JESUS! Is it going to be easy? No. But do you have to do it alone? No. God is there to help you .... and so am I! Find an accountability partner to help keep you on track. We are supposed to be helping each other as fellow believers.
As Christians, we all have battling forces inside us .... God's Holy Spirit and our flesh. There shouldn't be any doubt which is stronger. However, it's a battle because it takes us letting God have control. Which side are we feeding? Are we feeding our flesh with wrong thoughts and inappropriate viewing habits? Or are we feeding our relationship with God and allowing His Holy Spirit to have more and more of our lives?
Ever heard the term GARBAGE IN GARBAGE OUT? Remember when you are putting the garbage of this world into your mind, that is what is going to come out {rememeber the actor rehearsing??}. This becomes a vicious cycle because you have to keep feeding the garbage in .... see our human nature wants more and more.
So ~ this is where the "Starvation Diet" comes in. It takes you making a choice to not watch those things any longer or not entertain those inappropriate thoughts further. You have to make conscious changes to your life to move away from the GARBAGE of this world. The more you move away from these things, the more they lose their power over you.
CH 12: Winning the Mental Battle
"How would you feel if every guy you encountered had the ability to read your mind,
just by being in your presence?"
As Christians, we can take this a step further by remembering that God knows all our thoughts! What's in your heart and mind that God already knows about .... even if no one else does?
"Test me, O Lord, and try me, examine my heart and my mind"
Psalm 26:2
It's important to remember that EVERYONE ~ regardless of our past ~ is in this battle. We are ALL sinners, saved by God' grace. Life brings temptation ~ it's part of being human.
SO ~ does that mean we say OH WELL since everyone has these thoughts it's no big deal .... or
OH WELL what's the big deal if I think about that?
To answer that, the book gives us three questions to consider about our thought life:
* What effect do our thoughts have on our battle for integrity?
Thinking equals rehearsing .... I like the example the book gives about this as an actor rehearsing for a play. When you entertain thoughts that are not appropriate, it is like rehearsing what you would do or say in a situation.
* How can we guard our mind against things that cause us to sin?
Remember in an earlier chapter where we talked about how a young man guarding his integrity will bounce his eyes .... he can't always help catching something in his line of vision that is inappropriate ~ but he has a choice to make ~~ will he continue to look or look again OR will he look away.
We have that same choice to make with our minds. Tempting thoughts can fly into our heads as fast as something can pop in front of our eyes that's inappropriate. So ~ we have a choice to make with that thought. Do we entertain that thought and let it continue OR do we bounce it out of our brain and fill that spot with something appropriate? This takes practice .... the same as it does with our eyes.
* What does the Bible say we should fill our mind with and IS THAT REALLY POSSIBLE??
Yes it is possible ~ Matthew 22:37 - 38 says "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your MIND." This is the first and greatest commandment.
Phillipians 4:8 says Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable ~ if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think about such things.
Our focus should be on God, He wants to help us!
Thursday, December 2, 2010
CH 11: To Flirt Or Not To Flirt
Here is the definition I found online:
flirt: playful behavior intended to arouse sexual interest; It can consist of conversation, body language, or brief physical contact.
Think about that Krispie Kreme again .... now if that is dangling out there in front of us, we will first look at it ~ and then [for those of us who like Krispie Kremes] we will react by reaching out to touch it.
So ~ if we are going to carry that principle over to us, our bodies and guys, what does that look like? First [being visual], they are going to look at what we have dangling out there for all to see .... and then they may react by reaching out and touching.
NOW ~ if you're the one dangling things out there, that may not be the reaction you wanted. Perhaps you just wanted them to look ~ or perhaps you even wanted them to wish they could touch .... but CERTAINLY NOT to actually touch you. What you have to understand is that isn't how God created them. The three young ladies on page 97 & 98 found this out the hard way.
A lot of flirting starts with our tongue. The Bible talks a lot about this very small part of our body. It compares our tongue to a rudder on a ship {you know, the part that steers the WHOLE boat}. Read James 3:3-6 ~ the tongue is able to corrupt the whole person.
Remember back in Chapter 3 we talked about building lives of sexual integrity and living a life of balance. Integrity = what you are when no one else is looking. The table legs of our lives were mental, physical, emotional and spiritual. [pg. 26] Are your thoughts right? Are you dressing modestly and acting like a young women of integrity ~ not flirting or leading a young man on? Is your focus on God and what His Word says?
She who loves a pure heart and whose speech is gracious
will have the King for her friend. Proverbs 22:11
Don't miss God's promises to you at the top of page 103. God created you and loves you so much ~ He will meet all your needs!
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of
my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord,
my Rock and my Redeemer.
Psalm 19:14
CH 10: Dressing To Impress
"Whether you intend to or not, the way you dress ~ modestly covering the most visually stimulating parts of your body or immodestly revealing as much of your body as you can get away with ~ sends others a message." pg. 89
LADIES .... what message are you sending?
Let's reflect back to Myth #1 in Chapter 4: How I dress is my business. It shouldn't be a concern for God or guys.
Luke 17:1-2 had some pretty strong words to say about that ....
Jesus said to His disciples: "Things that cause people to sin are bound to come,
but woe to that person through whom they come. It would be better for {her}
to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around {her} neck
than for {her} to cause {another} to sin."
Okay ~ so does the Bible have a list somewhere that says you SHOULD wear X X and X and you DEFINATELY SHOULDN'T wear Y Y and Y?? no.
Okay ~ so how do we know what's okay and what's not??
How about Matthew 22:39 .... "Love your neighbor as yourself."
Yeah ..... I can hear you all saying
Hmmmm .... Ms. Becky I'm not seeing anything in
that verse that addresses the X or Y in my closet.
Take a minute and read back over the scenario at the bottom of page 92 and top of 93. Now we can all read that and clearly see that the girl dangling those Krispy Kremes out in front of her friend who is trying to lose weight is being completely selfish.
{this is not an attack on Krispy Kremes .... you can dangle one in front of me anytime!}
Okay. But now let's apply that principle or standard to the young men around us. We know they are stimulated by what they see. So ~ is it being loving or selfish to them when we dangle body parts and as much skin as possible out in front of them?
As you get dressed each day, look at yourself honestly ~ ask God to give you wisdom. Try to honestly evaluate if what you are wearing is going to cause someone to stumble. {I want to insert a little side note here .... standing stick straight and looking in the mirror is one thing ~ but let's say you are going to Youth .... are you going to stand stick straight the whole time you are there?? Probably not. You are going to be bending, running around, sitting on the floor, etc ~ so you have to honestly evaluate what you are wearing also based on what you are going to do. Bend over in front of the mirror .... reach above your head ~ try to mimic what you are going to be doing and see if your movement causes things to hang out that shouldn't.}
The lists on pages 94, 95 and 96 are an excellent place to start evaluating those X's and Y's in your closet. Still not sure? Ask your Mom & Dad [remember Dad's were young men once too] ~ ask a Godly friend or older woman. Above all PRAY! Remember how much God cares about you?? He also cares about your wardrobe. This isn't about going out and buying a new wardrobe ~ PRAY for creativity to mix and match what you have .... maybe you can layer two shirts ... or maybe you can put a few stitches in that slit. You do your part to try and honor God with your dress and I have NO doubt that He will provide what you need. A few years ago when God started showing me things about the way I was dressing, I started praying ~ He more than provided.
CH 9: Pursuing Power
A visit to the grocery store checkout isle is all that's needed to read some of the same headlines mentioned at the beginning of this chapter. You can't miss them ~ these magazines claim to have all the answers for how to be your best and get the guy you want. But do they really? Their answers seem to be all about ME ME ME .... is that God's way? I hope you can answer a resounding NO from what you've been reading in our Battle book.
As I read back over this chapter this morning, I couldn't help but reflect back to Youth last evening and what we have been talking about in Genesis 3. This chapter is called Pursuing Power ~ isn't that exactly what Eve was pursuing in the garden talking to the serpeant?? God had been providing for ALL her needs through Adam .... but she saw a way to have more power ~ and have it on her own!
Reflect back with me a moment to Chapter 2 ~ specifically the chart on page 21. Remember this chapter talked about how males & females were created differently {yes, more than just physically}. We were created by God that way. We've touched on this a bit on Wednesday nights as well ~ the serpeant VERY clearly understood the differences between Adam & Eve .... which is exactly why he got Eve's attention. He knew how to draw her in emotionally. He also knew she had some "power" over Adam. According to this chart, guys are stimulated by what they see ... yeah I know we've covered that. But let's tie that in to this chapter. How does this give US as females power?? It gives us power to use our bodies to get what we want or need {or perhaps more accurately what we THINK we want or need}.
Unfortunately, this is another area that the world around us has twisted up pretty badly. The media, including TV, books, movies, music / music videos, portrays "powerful" women ~ getting whatever they want, walking over men, able to do and handle any situation a man can, having sexual relationships with whoever whenever it suits them and tossing them aside. How does that weigh in against God's truth?
Why do women feel the need to have power over a man? Again .... go back to the Garden with Adam & Eve. Eve wasn't content to have Adam to supply & meet her needs. She wanted more. The first and second paragraph on page 85 express this well. So many of the girls / women I see trying to use this "power" to get a guys attention are really just trying to feel loved ..... trying to get this love from the world is an empty pursuit, as many of the stories in this chapter relay. Our first love has to be God. He is the only one who can completely satisfy our need for love. When we are seeking Him first, the balance in our other relationships can be restored.
If you find yourself using this "power" in a wrong or inappropriate way, take some time to consider why. Are you trying to feel loved or improve your self-worth? God loves you so much He sent His Son to die for you. That's some pretty powerful love .... more powerful than any man on this earth is capable of giving.
Another thing to consider is what type of man are you attracting with your "power" .... someone who loves God with his whole heart? Consider the quote from Neil on page 87. It's true ~ even of some of the young men within our own Youth Group!
As I read back over this chapter this morning, I couldn't help but reflect back to Youth last evening and what we have been talking about in Genesis 3. This chapter is called Pursuing Power ~ isn't that exactly what Eve was pursuing in the garden talking to the serpeant?? God had been providing for ALL her needs through Adam .... but she saw a way to have more power ~ and have it on her own!
Reflect back with me a moment to Chapter 2 ~ specifically the chart on page 21. Remember this chapter talked about how males & females were created differently {yes, more than just physically}. We were created by God that way. We've touched on this a bit on Wednesday nights as well ~ the serpeant VERY clearly understood the differences between Adam & Eve .... which is exactly why he got Eve's attention. He knew how to draw her in emotionally. He also knew she had some "power" over Adam. According to this chart, guys are stimulated by what they see ... yeah I know we've covered that. But let's tie that in to this chapter. How does this give US as females power?? It gives us power to use our bodies to get what we want or need {or perhaps more accurately what we THINK we want or need}.
Unfortunately, this is another area that the world around us has twisted up pretty badly. The media, including TV, books, movies, music / music videos, portrays "powerful" women ~ getting whatever they want, walking over men, able to do and handle any situation a man can, having sexual relationships with whoever whenever it suits them and tossing them aside. How does that weigh in against God's truth?
Why do women feel the need to have power over a man? Again .... go back to the Garden with Adam & Eve. Eve wasn't content to have Adam to supply & meet her needs. She wanted more. The first and second paragraph on page 85 express this well. So many of the girls / women I see trying to use this "power" to get a guys attention are really just trying to feel loved ..... trying to get this love from the world is an empty pursuit, as many of the stories in this chapter relay. Our first love has to be God. He is the only one who can completely satisfy our need for love. When we are seeking Him first, the balance in our other relationships can be restored.
If you find yourself using this "power" in a wrong or inappropriate way, take some time to consider why. Are you trying to feel loved or improve your self-worth? God loves you so much He sent His Son to die for you. That's some pretty powerful love .... more powerful than any man on this earth is capable of giving.
Another thing to consider is what type of man are you attracting with your "power" .... someone who loves God with his whole heart? Consider the quote from Neil on page 87. It's true ~ even of some of the young men within our own Youth Group!
Monday, November 15, 2010
CH 8: Breaking the Cycle of Abuse
I want to start off talking about this chapter by saying that I know this is going to be a difficult chapter for a few of you. As I've read over this chapter several times and prayed about what to type, I've been praying for you. My prayer is that God would help you see His truth and bring His healing touch to your heart and life.
Remember you are not alone in this battle!
The statistics on page 71 made me so sad. Let it also serve as a reminder that there are many hurting young women out there. Even if you've never been affected by abuse personally, take some time to read this chapter. You never know who God may bring across your path that may be hurting and need encouragement.
It's important to note that abuse comes in many forms ~ physical, verbal and sexual .... and that it can come from a variety of relationships ~ strangers, boyfriends, employers, coworkers, friends and family. The stories that are related in this chapter are all slightly different, but I think it's important to note that each of these girls spiraled down in their self-esteem and behavior.
Seven Things You Need To Know About Abuse
(pg 74-76)
* Tell Someone .... and if the person you tell doesn't believe you, tell someone else. This is a huge first step in starting the healing process.
* Don't tolerate someone's abuse ~ verbal, physical or sexual. This goes back to the FACT (a.k.a. TRUTH OF GOD'S WORD) that God created you.
* Don't believe that you did something to deserve the abuse. No one deserves to be abused.
* It's not okay to be angry at everyone or try to punish others for what happened.
* Rape and promiscuity are different things. Rape or sexual abuse are not something you willing did. Promiscuity is when you choose to engage in sexual behavior.
* Set a goal to forgive your abuser. Trust me, I know this isn't easy. When you are hanging on to anger, hurt & resentment toward someone, that turns to bitterness ~ which eats you up inside. That bitterness isn't hurting the other person, it's hurting you and your ability to move on and allow God's healing hand to come. Forgiveness isn't about the abuser apologizing ~ it's about you making a choice to forgive. This is beyond our human ability and only through God ~ giving all that hurt and anger to Him.
* While you may never forget what happened, God can show you how to move beyond it. There may come a time in the future where you can share your story and give someone else who is hurting hope and encouragement.
I love the way the chapter ends .... God has great things in store for you as you seek to discover the true purpose for which you were created ~ a divine purpose, indeed!
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you,
plans to give you a hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
CH 7: Doing A Reality Check
This chapter brings up a very big topic for this day and age. The internet wasn't around when I was a teen, so this wasn't something that I had to battle then ~ but it could be huge for you.
A read through the chapter gives some very explicit examples of what can happen ..... you may say "that would never happen to me" ~ but I bet you could ask any of the girls mentioned and they'd have said the same thing. You see when our hearts and emotions get involved, we get in over our heads fast ~ it becomes hard to think straight and recognize right and wrong.
This is where accountability becomes important ~ is there stuff on your computer you wouldn't want your parents to see? Do you have an email account or instant messenger name that no one else knows about? Would you be embarrased if your family and friends saw pictures you posted online of yourself or were privy to conversations you were having?
The internet is a place where you can make a "new" real .... a place where you can make up a different name and be someone else ~ perhaps someone you think is more exciting or someone you think you should look like. This is where you have to stop and realize that it's not real. Chances are that person you are talking to could be making up a name and pretending to be someone else too. So what would you have to base any kind of REAL relationship off of? You're fake and he's fake.
Make sure you take some time to look over the chart on page 63!
We've just been talking about the fact that God made you who you are ~ you don't have to pretend anything. Even if you do, remember He still knows the truth about you! He knew you before you were born.
A read through the chapter gives some very explicit examples of what can happen ..... you may say "that would never happen to me" ~ but I bet you could ask any of the girls mentioned and they'd have said the same thing. You see when our hearts and emotions get involved, we get in over our heads fast ~ it becomes hard to think straight and recognize right and wrong.
This is where accountability becomes important ~ is there stuff on your computer you wouldn't want your parents to see? Do you have an email account or instant messenger name that no one else knows about? Would you be embarrased if your family and friends saw pictures you posted online of yourself or were privy to conversations you were having?
The internet is a place where you can make a "new" real .... a place where you can make up a different name and be someone else ~ perhaps someone you think is more exciting or someone you think you should look like. This is where you have to stop and realize that it's not real. Chances are that person you are talking to could be making up a name and pretending to be someone else too. So what would you have to base any kind of REAL relationship off of? You're fake and he's fake.
Make sure you take some time to look over the chart on page 63!
We've just been talking about the fact that God made you who you are ~ you don't have to pretend anything. Even if you do, remember He still knows the truth about you! He knew you before you were born.
Sunday, November 14, 2010
CH 6: Making Friends With The Mirror
This chapter ends with Psalm 139:13-16, but I'm going to put it first ....
For you created my inmost being;
You knit me together in my mother's womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,
your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained for me
were written in your book
before one of them came to be.
Do you believe this? Do you truly believe that God created you just as you are? Do you believe that He knew you before you were even in your mothers' womb?
If you answered yes to these questions, it should reflect in your attitude when you look in the mirror. Yes, we may all say well I wish this or I wish that about ourselves. But as a believer, we should be content deep down that God created us just as we are.
Awhile back we talked about different myths and I think one we could add to their list is the myth that you have to look like Barbie to be important or have a man love you. My answer to that myth is above ~ God created me, so I am important to Him .... and He has a plan for my life, so if I'm to be married, He'll make sure that man and I cross paths in His timing.
Okay ~ back to the mirror. This chapter brings out an important point that it's not just about NOT liking ourselves, but the opposite is liking ourselves too much {called vanity}. Consider this:
Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting,
but a woman who fears {respects and serves} the Lord is to be praised.
Proverbs 31:30
Page 57 makes some good points about taking care of ourselves. It's not vain to eat healthy and exercise .... keep your hair brushed .... wash your face .... smell clean .... unless that becomes your complete focus ~ then you are doing it for yourself and not God. Our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit ~ God created us and we are to take care of it by keeping it healthy.
Take some time to consider the bottom of page 59 .... female Bible characters, historical figures or special ladies in your own life who impress you the most. Why are they special? What did they contribute to society or your life? Why do you admire them ~ because of how they look or the beauty of their actions / investment in other's lives? {feel free to comment if you'd like to share!}
NOW ~ how about YOU? What do you want to be remembered for ... your appearance or your passion for God .... to serve Him and others? My challenge to you is to have a beauty that radiates from the inside!
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