I love you! I also love my cat…..Oh! and this shirt, I love this shirt! *starts thinking* and pizza, I love pizza……and the guy that delivers the pizza, I …..don’t love him. But, I do love when he puts extra sauce in the box.
Ah, love. The word love is a very versatile word. When you say you love your family, then later state how much you love your tuna fish sandwich; the question arises, what is love? Love seems to be a popular topic, and a rather commercialized topic at that. Whatever happened to true love? Or is that just for fairytales? Every life story starts with once upon a time, but what happens before the end will determine the ending. Today I would like to talk about what it takes to reach “happily ever after”, by going over the definition of love, then looking at love on the spiritual level and the physical level.
We begin with the definition of love. What is love? The dictionary defines love as “a strong, positive emotion of regard and affection;” By that definition I would say it could apply to your parents or your computer. When I think of love, I think of the ultimate definition of love- John 15:13 says: “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” Jesus Christ set the ultimate example and I would say you could define real love as someone you would die for. 1 Corinthians chapter thirteen gives us the characteristics of love. How love is patient, love is kind; love envieth not, love does not boast, is not proud, does not behave rudely, seeketh not it’s own, is not easily provoked, and love never fails.
This definition puts a new light on what love really is: a choice. Culture today teaches love is a feeling that cannot be helped, and that it is natural for people to fall in and out of love. This however is not the case. Divorce rates are so high, because people follow their emotions and love has become a selfish game of “me first!”
True love is self sacrificing and requires many moral traits, which brings me to my second point: the spiritual level of love.
You are never too young or too old to be hit with moral temptations, and media today promotes immorality with a positive light. Watching filthy movies or listening to unclean music will not only pollute your mind, but will slowly desensitize you to the point where you are not only immune to it, but you hunger for it. This is called lust. When your flesh out weighs your faith and you prefer worldly indulgences to eternal truths. Once corrupt, you will begin to despise pure things. That is why we must guard our heart. “Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.” 1Corinthians 10:12
My generation is going through the boyfriend/girlfriend phase of life, but even before we meet that special someone, we have a responsibility to remain pure. To do this we must set high standards and have solid convictions. Remaining pure on the emotional level is sometimes harder than the physical level, but just as important. Thinking unclean or ungodly thoughts is just as immoral as actually doing them. Matthew 5:28 says, “But I say unto you, that whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery in his heart.” You are the only person who can keep yourself pure, and we should be taking responsibility for our own actions and developing our own virtues. Your parents can give you restrictions, but only your convictions will stand in a moment of temptation, and the question then plays out, is it love or lust?
This brings me to my final point: the physical level of love.
When it comes to the two biggest decisions of your life, salvation and marriage, love is the foundation to both. God created marriage for one man and one woman for one lifetime. Matthew 19:6 reads, “Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let no man put asunder.” Divorce rates are higher than ever, and yet divorce is being practiced at a young age. The “dating game” of our society allows you to date around and break up, till you find that right person. Each break up is like a mini divorce and each time you have given a little bit of your heart away. Think about it like this; when you are married, do you want your spouse to be unfaithful and date other people? No, we call that cheating. Yet dating does the same thing, only before you are married. Putting the present situation into future light helps practice faithfulness. Part of remaining pure is saving ourselves for only one person. Proverbs 31:12 says, “She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.” The word all there implies she was remaining faithful to her husband, even before she knew him. While dating draws the focus of the relationship in the wrong direction, its alternative, courtship, sets the stage for a lasting marriage. A lot of young people don’t like the thought of courtship for one reason, the label that reads, “Warning: parental discernment is advised.”
In an independent generation, accountability is one thing heavily despised; yet the same people who yell for independence lack responsibility. With courtship the relationship is either encouraged or discouraged through parental guidance, which helps prevent temptation and heartbreak, while keeping the focus on the spiritual and not the physical. Courtship is designed with marriage in mind. “Everyone else is doing it” has become a lame excuse, especially for dating. Do you really want to be like everyone else? You see the glamour, but never the broken lives. Even if you think it is too late, because you have lost your purity, it is not true! It is never too late to ask for forgiveness and commit to saving yourself for one person. Girls, we must hold ourselves in a modest and graceful way.
“In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel.” 1Timothy 2:9
And men, treat women like ladies, with wholesome respect. When we apply these principles today, they will be strength to our marriage later on.
It starts now.
Once upon a time begins your tale, how will you chose to fill the pages? Like the stories, we all have dragons to slay or wicked to overcome, a fairytale ending is never easy. Are you willing to wait for yours? The choices you make today will affect you the rest of your life. Choose purity, choose to stand strong, do not settle, and do not compromise, for before the fairytale there was faithfulness. A faithfulness committed to one true love, only then comes happily ever after.

RE-GEN-ER-A-TION

[ri-jen-uh-rey-shuh n]

-noun

spiritual rebirth; religious revival.

 

I was reading Ephesians 5 this morning and I began thinking about recent conversations I had over heard. As Christians we are called to be set apart, yet we seem to gravitate  towards world things. Christians become defensive and try to justify certain actions, when really if there is nothing wrong with it, why does it need defending?

“The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.” Prov.28:1

A certain glee overtakes the countenance of the carnal Christian, when they can relate to the world about a movie or certain fashions. Borderline has become the new trend in our generation. Standing as close to the world as possible, with out actually being in the world. This is what the Bible refers to as lukewarm, neither here nor there. While we might think of ourselves as different, the world only sees outward appearance and actions, and they can not see a difference.

 

Romans 12:2

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

 

2 Corinthians 6:17

 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.

 

There should be a very distinct difference in our lives, compared to the world. In everything from our conversations to what we set before our minds, we should stand out like a light in a dark room.

 

Ephesians 5:3-5

But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.

 

Even making close friends with people that do not have the same standards or beliefs, you run the risk of becoming guilty by association. If you throw a clean white sock in the mud, does the mud become white? No, but the sock gets dirty. The same is true with who you befriend.

“Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.” 1Corinthians 15:33

To become close friends with someone of the world will influence you, and not the other way around. If someone fell down a cliff, you would not jump down to help them up, then you would both be stuck!

1Corinthians 10:12 Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.

Bring people up to your standards, don’t go down to theirs.

The same is true with entertainment. Worldly music and movies corrupt Christians. Even censored or filtered versions. If it needs to be filtered, does it need to be watched?

 

All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not. 1Corinthians 10:23

 

Even if you only watch or listen to the “clean” version, the world does not. So when you are associating one thing, they are remembering other stuff. Your name then becomes associated with the unclean version.

Ephesians 5:11-12 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.

America is about to go through some heavy changes, and more than ever our generation must be alert, ahead, and set apart. We are being hit with what I call the “aloof epidemic.”, and only those who “rise above” avoid infection. The definition of regeneration is religious revival. Re:generation is the revival of the next generation, ready to make a difference and being willing to impact our culture for the Lord. Don’t be afraid to stand bold and set high standards for yourself. You cannot make a difference unless you are different.

For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:
Ephesians 5:8

Remember that question people would ask you when you were young? "What do you want to be when you grow up?" Kids reply with something like doctor or a mermaid. Little did I know that question was prepping me for a bigger question, "What are your plans after college?" This seemingly innocent question is a loaded explosive to a Next Generation Daughter. First, it assumes you are going to college, and second it assumes a career will be the answer. College questions and future questions seem like harmless small talk to the questioner, but to whom the question is directed, it's a constant battle of fighting worldly beliefs. As gears grind to try and explain a spiritual conviction, girls become frustrated and worn down from guilt attacks and constant pressure. I have talked with many of you, so I know I am not the only one who struggles with this.

 

Well, for every question, there is an answer, right? So what is the answer? 1 Peter 3:15 says- "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:"

 

Before you answer "The Question", analyze the questioner. Who is asking? Are they asking to make small talk? Will they understand what I believe? Will they challenge my answer?

It's hard to have one generic answer, but there are some guidelines to follow.

 

1. Know what you believe and have a solid foundation. If the world sees you as weak prey, their questioning will be constant and draining. When answering people, know that sometime pleasing God means disapproval of others. Make sure they know you are deeply grounded in your convictions.

2. Pray about your answer. Ask the Lord to give you words to speak. "Then the LORD put forth his hand, and touched my mouth. And the LORD said unto me, Behold, I have put my words in thy mouth." (Jeremiah 1:9)

3. Develop your answer. When developing your answer, here is a good outline that will hopefully help-

I.                    Arrange your words in a way that gets straight to the point and don't leave room for them to add negative remarks.

II.                 What you believe is a spiritual conviction, give a spiritual answer. Hebrews 4:12 "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."

III.               Have a meek and gentle spirit. Your answer will mean nothing if your attitude is not sweet and feminine.

4. Avoid making close friends with people who will not support or who will try to corrupt your beliefs. "Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners." 1Corinthians 15:33


5. And when you have done everything, just stand firm and let God handle the rest.  Ephesians 6:13 "Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand."

When it comes to future plans, remember only God knows what will happen, so all we have to do is be faithful to His calling.

Sometimes not giving an answer is also an answer. Don't get shoved on the defensive. Joyfully share what you believe and tell them how and why you chose the lifestyle you have chosen. Don't be afraid to live a life above the line and never lower your standards. Sometimes people react negatively, putting you down trying to build themselves up. When they say you are missing out, they mean they can't follow your lifestyle, follow theirs instead. Convictions are not restrictions, they are road signs to keep us on the straight and narrow.

Your faithfulness is not in vain. We know the joy and blessings that have come from our decision to obey God and though it may feel like it sometimes, you are not alone in your choice for a feminine home life. :) 2 Thessalonians 3:13 "But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing."

Many of you have been asking me to write this blog for a few weeks now, but instead of the political endorsement, I felt the Lord calling me to write it a little different. No doubt we will be holding our breath Tuesday, as the polls close and the returns come in. This has been portrayed as the “biggest election ever!” Why? Because never before have the conservative Christians been told to get over it, and accept the “Maverick” trying to reach across the aisle. That’s code word for compromise by the way. Of course, given the other option, looks like we get to take one in the arm this election, knowing it won’t hurt as bad as Obama. Going thru my Bible, I was praying for verses that would bring encouragement to those down heartened about the election. I found some wonderful verses on righteous people and also some very interesting verses on evil and evil leadership. (I will start with the bad so we can end on a happy note.)

 Proverbs 24:24-25“He that saith unto the wicked, Thou are righteous; him shall the people curse, nations shall abhor him: But to them that rebuke him shall be delight, and a good blessing shall come upon them.”

How true it is, that our nation rewards evil and calls evil things good while all moral values are deemed bad. The picture for this blog is one I took at the store the other night, it made me laugh. The same magazine that discovered the seven hundred pound cat, finally found some “dirt” on Sarah Palin.-She may be governor, but her husband is boss!

Isaiah 5:20-21,23 “Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight! Which justify the wicked for reward, and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him!”

Abortion and gays are applauded and defended, but the ten commandments are removed from public places and you can pray in school…..just not to Jehovah God or Jesus.

Proverbs 30:12 “There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, and yet is not washed from their filthiness.”

Now take a look at this-Romans 16:17-18 “Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.”

How many simple people are being deceived this election? I think most of you know my political views, so instead of fueling your fear fire for Obama (though he is scary.) I have some verses to encourage you, no matter who wins.

Proverbs 26:25-27 “25When he speaketh fair, believe him not: for there are seven abominations in his heart. Whose hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness shall be shewed before the whole congregation. Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein: and he that rolleth a stone, it will return upon him.”

Proverbs 28:28 “When the wicked rise, men hide themselves: but when they perish, the righteous increase.”

There is judgment on evil. However, evil people are often used as judgment on disobedience and rebellion to God’s law. Here is something a lot of people seem to struggle with- Romans 13:1-2 “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.” Obama as president? Can you imagine him being commander and chief to our wonderful troops? We all know the social, moral, and global havoc he would cause, but so does our Lord. We can’t change it, so we need to remain faithful and obedient. 

Psalms 144:15 “Happy is that people, that is in such a case: yea, happy is that people, whose God is the LORD.”

Prayer is one thing we can do. Pray for your leaders, no matter how much we dislike them. They will be making decisions that affect us all, but God is still in control.

1Peter 3:12 “For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.”

2 Chronicles 16:9 “For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars.”

Knowing we have a God bigger than everything, why waste worry about things He will handle?

2 Chronicles 7:14-15 14 “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. Now mine eyes shall be open, and mine ears attent unto the prayer that is made in this place.”

It says if MY people, not the whole nation, not the unbelievers, just His people. Christians, if you have a love for America, this amazing country we are so blessed to live in, then don’t be overwhelmed by what seems like a hopeless situation. We don’t have to fight this battle alone. All we are required to do is be faithful, God will take care of the rest.

2Corinthians 4:8-9, 16-18 “We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.”

1John 4:4 “Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.”

Whoever takes office in January, their term is temporary, our God is eternal. We follow Him, keep His laws, and He will provide and protect His people. Don’t forget we are the next generation rising up. One day our morals and leadership might help revive our great nation. Until then -Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong. Let all your things be done with charity. (1Corinthians 16:13-14)

Don’t forget to vote Tuesday and God Bless America. :)

 
I have a nice big glass of ice water next to me, as I sit here and write. It’s filled to the brim and beads of condensation are forming around the base. I put the glass down to begin my writing and my nosy little kitten, Scout, jumps up to see what I am doing. Upon doing so, he knocks my glass over, spilling it everywhere. What spilled out of the glass when it was knocked over? Water. Why? Because that is what I filled the glass with! My question to you is, what comes out of you when you are shaken? When you get knocked down and storms come your way, what spills forth from you? Do you show patience and love, or do you have a biting temper? Like that glass of water, what we fill ourselves with is what we will showcase, when we are hit with struggles and hard times. If we fill ourselves with worldly things, when trials and temptations come, our attitude will be of worldly reactions. (Galatians 5:19-21) Tolerance levels grow higher and standards shrink lower. Mood swings, tempers, lack of discipline, lack of discernment, anxiety, hatefulness, all are symptoms that show what your heart is filled with. We should strive to fill ourselves daily with the Spirit, so we can bring forth the fruits of the Spirit: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23) We should spend time in the Word of God and knowing our Savior better, so when the hard times hit, we will be ready to use them for His glory. When filled with the Spirit, we won’t cave under pressures, we won’t give in to temptations, we can show self-control for God is in control. Galatians 5:16 says- “This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.”  Frustrations bring forth patience and our attitudes towards others radiate love, kindness, gentleness, and we have a peace and joy in our lives. Much like my glass of water, when we are shaken and knocked down, we need a refill. Daily refills are important, so you don’t get caught on empty. When we are low in our filling of the Spirit, it is easier to fill ourselves with the ungodly things and we are seen as weak prey to the enemy. (Galatians 5:17) Renew yourself in the Lord, and refresh your Spirit in the Holy Spirit. What will come out of you when you are shaken? I am going to go refill my water glass, then refill myself in the Word of God. :) Galatians 5:25 “If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.”