Monthly Archive: August 2008

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Overcoming Lust – Part Two

“How can a young person stay pure? By obeying your word, O LORD, and following its rules.” – Psalm 119:9

How can a young person resist the temptation of lust, sex, and violence? First, by growing up strong in God’s Word. Encourage your child to read God’s Word daily and hide it in your heart and the Holy Spirit will use it when you need it most. As an adult, set a personal example of this.

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Overcoming Lust – Part One

Jesus taught the people: “You have heard that it was said, `Do not commit adultery,’ but I say to you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” – Matthew 5:27-28

One of the things I just love about Jesus is that he was fearless when it came to tackling tough issues. Jesus never dodged the bullet or softened the truth. He just said it straight. And that’s exactly what he does in his Sermon on the Mount as he tackles issues of sexuality and fidelity. These are hard words, but words we need to hear in a sexually charged culture bent on doing what feels good and what is convenient, neither of which is a good measure of God’s best for us.

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God’s Good Gift of Sex

“Each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honorable” 1 Thessalonians 4:4

Sex is an incredible gift from God, a gift given for procreation and our enjoyment. But this wonderful gift is also incredibly powerful, so powerful that God in his infinite love for us has provided some instructions, some boundaries around the gift because he knew that being selfish people we would be tempted to use this gift for our own selfish purposes. He knew that on our own we would use the gift of sex for destructive and harmful purposes – purposes that the gift-giver never intended.

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The Faith of a Child

The father, a well digger,
Strong was he,
And as loving and kind
As a father could be.

And Mary his daughter,
Just five years old,
Was very much dearer
Than millions in gold.

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Grace Filled Prayer

“Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:44-45

Is there someone in your life that has done you wrong? Are you still stewing about it? Do yourself a favor. Take a walk and honestly pray for that person. Trust in God’s grace, not your own bitter feelings. You’ll be blessed by this spiritual journey of grace-filled prayer.

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Love-Driven Behavior

Our behavior should never be determined by the behavior of others (real, expected, or imagined). Our behavior should be based solely on the amazing love of God in Jesus Christ. Just as Jesus lived, accepted people, forgave people, died on the cross for us all, – not because he would receive anything from us for it, – we, too, should act only from and in the power of the love of Jesus.