When i came upon this information i was appalled, and wanted to throw up. I cant believe i didnt know what i was putting into my child.
Now that i know this , i cant not support the fact that these shots fund abortions, and will have to go another route with my kids. Not only will i not support this, i dont now want to put dead children in my babies! And i hope after you read this you will make the same decision i am on not supporting it. If enough people go against this then they will have to find another route.
THIS IS NOT A JOKE SO PLEASE CHECK THESE LINKS OUT.
http://www.know-vaccines.org/exemp-hidtruth.html
http://all.org/article.php?id=12718
http://www.cogforlife.org/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1hpUWHKMToc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gHOIFGNJkN0&feature=related
Monday, June 7, 2010
Thursday, June 3, 2010
When did obedience become legalism?
Great article that I recently read about that tallks about how willingly obeying God's word has been described by some as legalism. OPEN THE EYES OF OUR HEARTS LORD!!! We are living in a "tolerance" & "politically correct" church age where almost anything goes. I mean God's grace covers all. I do it now & repent later, right? Let's not cheapen the grace of God!
When did Obedience Become Legalism?
We seem to be living in a time in the present Christian era where people seem to feel that all that matters in Christianity is love and God’s grace, that obedience is simply legalism, and that people do not have to obey Bible commands for salvation (except, of course, for the command to believe in Jesus as the Savior).
Grace is made cheap. Live as you like, call yourself a Christian, and God’s grace will cover you. It is said it is what is in the heart (generally defined as the emotions) that counts. Feelings and emotions are defined as love for God. God’s grace will cover a life of sin just so a man believes in God in some abstract sense. I might add if you doubt this just attend a few funerals and see if you can learn of any deceased who are not already in heaven based on the conversations you hear and the preaching and that no matter what kind of life the man lived.
People talk about love for God all the time. It is in their heart (their emotions). Yet, quote a passage to them like 1 John 5:2-3, “By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep his commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome” (NKJV) and you immediately have problems for that is not what they want to hear. It is not how they want love defined. The preference is for emotions rather than obedience.
In 1 Cor. 13 we have Paul discussing love in verses 4-8. In verse 6 of that chapter he says love “does not rejoice in iniquity but rejoices in the truth.” (NKJV) Iniquity is the opposite of obedience. One can no more join love with iniquity than he can a lamb with a lion. But, we have come to believe God’s grace covers everything and obedience is not necessary. We now accept iniquity because we are no longer willing to accept the Bible as the standard of authority for what is right versus what is wrong. We often still claim for ourselves the mantle of Christianity but must twist the scriptures (2 Peter 3:16) to suit modern conceptions of what is acceptable conduct and behavior.
To condemn sin as did John the Baptist, Paul, and Jesus is today seen to be unloving, intolerant, and judgmental and thus unchristian in the minds of many. Yet, in the New Testament Paul, by the Holy Spirit, commanded Timothy to reprove and rebuke (2 Tim. 4:2 NAS) and not go along with or to hold his silence in the presence of men sinning. Titus was told not only to rebuke but to do so sharply (Titus 2:13, see also Titus 2:15). The Ephesians were told, thus meaning it is applicable to us as well, to “take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.” (Eph. 5:11 ESV) But, today that is seen as sticking your nose in where it does not belong and we are no longer to call anything short of murder, rape, or robbery sin and some even object to that at times. The case of Roman Polanski’s rape of a 13 year old girl and the outcry now heard against bringing him to justice is an apt example.
Yes, obedience to Bible standards of conduct (commands) is now seen as legalism. Sin is renamed and given polite names or, as is often the case, simply dropped off the radar screen altogether. Fornication is an example of a sin that has dropped off the radar screen and out of sight. Hardly anyone takes it to be a sin today. It is commonly expected that just about every young person is going to engage in it and certainly every unmarried adult. It is just taken for granted as being a normal part of society and not a serious sin at all. What happened to the Bible?
Other sins we rename or perhaps a better way of saying it is that we recategorize it. Homosexuality is gradually being moved out of the category of iniquity. We now call it a committed and loving relationship. To any who object we speak of intolerance and hate. We call it a civil right and will work to doom’s day to make it a matter of law and who can say but what objectors will eventually be subject to hate speech legislation.
The religiously liberal Christians (if there is such a thing) say God loves all men (true) so we say we can rejoice in Christian fellowship with those actively practicing homosexuality – no repentance required. Of course in doing so we destroy the Bible as written but the national desire today is to either abandon the Bible altogether as a standard of conduct, to say nothing of authority, and to write our own Bible.
The way we do that is by making the Bible we have mean anything we want it to mean and abandon all rational exegesis. We simply say it does not mean what it says. It means what we say it means and of course all our conclusions are based on real love, love the way we, not God, define it. We are perverting the faith and making up our own religion as did the Jews of Jesus’ day. They were “seeking to establish their own righteousness” (Rom. 10:3 NKJV) and we seem to be doing the same thing.
Jesus said, “But why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do the things which I say?” (Luke 6:46 NKJV) Does anyone have an answer? Love means obedience and obedience, despite the cry to the contrary, is not legalism.
Did you ever give it thought that if obedience is legalism that Jesus was the biggest legalist of all time? He kept every commandment, never sinned once. He said, “I always do those things that please him.” (John 8:29 NKJV) He was obedient to death (Phil. 2:8). He was the only one that ever kept the law of God perfectly, obedient in every detail.
Jesus never condemned the Pharisees for keeping the law, not once. He condemned them for hypocrisy, for not keeping the law, for making commandments and adding them to God’s word and making them of equal force with God’s word binding them on men. We often today say they were legalists and I do not object to that designation of them but I add this for clarification – their legalism was not for God’s law but for the law they had made and added to his.
Jesus said, “Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.” (Matt. 5:19 NKJV)
Where, oh where, have people come up with this modern day idea that Jesus just does not care about obedience anymore? Put another way, or phrased another way, what has happened to sin? When did it go out of existence? But, that is where we are at today and it is an idea that is fairly prevalent among a significant number of people who consider themselves to be Christians.
I give people credit in a place where perhaps some others would not. Some would say we have come to this place because people today are just ignorant of God’s word. Well, there is truth in that for sure but why is it so? Is there a shortage of Bibles? No, that is not it. There is a lack of will to read them - that is for sure. And there is a lack of a will to believe them and obey them. Peter said there was such a thing as people who are “willingly…ignorant” (2 Peter 3:5 KJV). If we will not read and study how can we keep from falling into the category of those who are willingly ignorant?
But, as I said, I am more inclined to give people credit in the knowledge department than some others believing that for the most part people do know right from wrong. I believe the cry “legalism” against the teaching of obedience is in reality a smoke screen to cover up and make an excuse for a life lived for self, a this worldly life. It is my life and I want to live it the way I want to. The claim of saved solely by love and God’s grace provides the cover one needs for such a life to legitimize it before the public.
We all have a tendency to try and hide the wrong we know we are doing and one of the best (?) ways of doing that is to legitimize it – get everyone else to think what we are doing is not wrong. Hey, everybody else is doing it – right? How can it be wrong then? The Pharisees of Jesus’ time were full of sin and yet to the general public they appeared to be righteous. “Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to men.” (Matt. 23:28 NKJV) They had gotten the people of their day to swallow their religion with all the additions and manmade commandments they had made.
The standard for a righteous man has been so lowered over the years that in the public’s eyes today even if you have not worshipped the Lord in a regular assembly of the saints for the past 20 years you are still headed straight to heaven.
If you had opportunity to get a hold of an old church roll book from say 100 years ago you would probably be shocked as you would see notations made in the margins of people being withdrawn from as per 2 Thess. 3:6, “But we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly and not according to the tradition which he received from us.” (NKJV)
Since we today have decided what love is and have taken it out of God’s hands it is no longer considered to be an act of love to withdraw from sinners who will not repent even though the purpose was “that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.” (1 Cor. 5:5 NKJV) That is about as noble and as loving a reason as one could have and yet today if we were to practice discipline in the church by withdrawing fellowship from those living in sin and who will not repent it would be considered unloving and unchristian even though an inspired apostle commanded it. It would be considered legalism gone wild. Have we made our own religion as did the Pharisees and scribes and lawyers of Jesus’ day?
One act of disobedience that is prevalent everywhere today is adulterous marriages and many congregations have people involved in such marriages but who are considered by the membership to be faithful. What have we come to? Listen carefully to Paul.
“Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. Because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience, in which you once walked when you lived in them.” (Col. 3:5-7 NKJV)
I want to point out two things. (1) The word translated “fornication” in verse 5 includes adultery. It is a broad term that has reference to more than one sexual sin or activity. It is easy enough to check out for yourself online if you do not trust me. (2) Verse 7 teaches one can live in these sins thus adultery is not just a onetime act as some few teach. As long as you remain in the adulterous marriage just that long you continue to live in adultery.
What is adultery? “Whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery; and whoever marries her who is divorced commits adultery.” (Matt. 19:9 NKJV) The phrase “sexual immorality” is in the older translations the word “fornication.” (KJV, ASV of 1901)
Does God not forgive? Certainly he does but only on the condition that one quit the sin in repentance. If we continue to live in an adulterous marriage we continue the sin. Remember, Col. 3:5-7 teaches one can live in this sin. Besides, why did John the Baptist lose his head if it was okay for Herod to continue to live with Herodias, why did he preach it was not okay?
But, this is another example of how we take a sin out of the category of iniquity today and recategorize it. God is love and “we get to define love” not him. Leaving adulterous couples alone even in the church is now the loving thing to do. To talk to them about the need for repentance is now seen as sinful, judgmental. We have flip flopped everything and come up with a manmade religion.
It is getting very hard to be a preacher today unless you do not mind going along with the crowd. The trouble is the crowd is heading to a hot, hot spot and the preacher will be going with them if he goes along with it all and if there are any such things as degrees of punishment in hell (I believe the bible teaches there is) there may be an especially warm spot awaiting him. He is to preach the truth and support it, not go along with the crowd.
My whole point in this article is how we have come to the point in faith where the faith we have is no longer associated with obedience and obedience is now seen as legalism. The truth is disobedience is sin. Obedience is faithfulness. There are far worse things that can happen to a man than to be called a legalist by one who does not want to obey.
“And having been perfected (Jesus-DS), he became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey him.” (Heb. 5:9 NKJV)
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of my Father in heaven.” (Matt. 7:21 NKJV) Do you want to be like Jesus? If so start condemning sin and be obedient. You will not be working your way to heaven in doing so. You will simply be an obedient Christian, not a disobedient one. Of the two whom do you think will receive God’s grace in the last day?
~ Denny Smith
http://www.dennysmith.net/When%20did%20Obedience%20Become%20Legalism.htm
When did Obedience Become Legalism?
We seem to be living in a time in the present Christian era where people seem to feel that all that matters in Christianity is love and God’s grace, that obedience is simply legalism, and that people do not have to obey Bible commands for salvation (except, of course, for the command to believe in Jesus as the Savior).
Grace is made cheap. Live as you like, call yourself a Christian, and God’s grace will cover you. It is said it is what is in the heart (generally defined as the emotions) that counts. Feelings and emotions are defined as love for God. God’s grace will cover a life of sin just so a man believes in God in some abstract sense. I might add if you doubt this just attend a few funerals and see if you can learn of any deceased who are not already in heaven based on the conversations you hear and the preaching and that no matter what kind of life the man lived.
People talk about love for God all the time. It is in their heart (their emotions). Yet, quote a passage to them like 1 John 5:2-3, “By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep his commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome” (NKJV) and you immediately have problems for that is not what they want to hear. It is not how they want love defined. The preference is for emotions rather than obedience.
In 1 Cor. 13 we have Paul discussing love in verses 4-8. In verse 6 of that chapter he says love “does not rejoice in iniquity but rejoices in the truth.” (NKJV) Iniquity is the opposite of obedience. One can no more join love with iniquity than he can a lamb with a lion. But, we have come to believe God’s grace covers everything and obedience is not necessary. We now accept iniquity because we are no longer willing to accept the Bible as the standard of authority for what is right versus what is wrong. We often still claim for ourselves the mantle of Christianity but must twist the scriptures (2 Peter 3:16) to suit modern conceptions of what is acceptable conduct and behavior.
To condemn sin as did John the Baptist, Paul, and Jesus is today seen to be unloving, intolerant, and judgmental and thus unchristian in the minds of many. Yet, in the New Testament Paul, by the Holy Spirit, commanded Timothy to reprove and rebuke (2 Tim. 4:2 NAS) and not go along with or to hold his silence in the presence of men sinning. Titus was told not only to rebuke but to do so sharply (Titus 2:13, see also Titus 2:15). The Ephesians were told, thus meaning it is applicable to us as well, to “take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.” (Eph. 5:11 ESV) But, today that is seen as sticking your nose in where it does not belong and we are no longer to call anything short of murder, rape, or robbery sin and some even object to that at times. The case of Roman Polanski’s rape of a 13 year old girl and the outcry now heard against bringing him to justice is an apt example.
Yes, obedience to Bible standards of conduct (commands) is now seen as legalism. Sin is renamed and given polite names or, as is often the case, simply dropped off the radar screen altogether. Fornication is an example of a sin that has dropped off the radar screen and out of sight. Hardly anyone takes it to be a sin today. It is commonly expected that just about every young person is going to engage in it and certainly every unmarried adult. It is just taken for granted as being a normal part of society and not a serious sin at all. What happened to the Bible?
Other sins we rename or perhaps a better way of saying it is that we recategorize it. Homosexuality is gradually being moved out of the category of iniquity. We now call it a committed and loving relationship. To any who object we speak of intolerance and hate. We call it a civil right and will work to doom’s day to make it a matter of law and who can say but what objectors will eventually be subject to hate speech legislation.
The religiously liberal Christians (if there is such a thing) say God loves all men (true) so we say we can rejoice in Christian fellowship with those actively practicing homosexuality – no repentance required. Of course in doing so we destroy the Bible as written but the national desire today is to either abandon the Bible altogether as a standard of conduct, to say nothing of authority, and to write our own Bible.
The way we do that is by making the Bible we have mean anything we want it to mean and abandon all rational exegesis. We simply say it does not mean what it says. It means what we say it means and of course all our conclusions are based on real love, love the way we, not God, define it. We are perverting the faith and making up our own religion as did the Jews of Jesus’ day. They were “seeking to establish their own righteousness” (Rom. 10:3 NKJV) and we seem to be doing the same thing.
Jesus said, “But why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do the things which I say?” (Luke 6:46 NKJV) Does anyone have an answer? Love means obedience and obedience, despite the cry to the contrary, is not legalism.
Did you ever give it thought that if obedience is legalism that Jesus was the biggest legalist of all time? He kept every commandment, never sinned once. He said, “I always do those things that please him.” (John 8:29 NKJV) He was obedient to death (Phil. 2:8). He was the only one that ever kept the law of God perfectly, obedient in every detail.
Jesus never condemned the Pharisees for keeping the law, not once. He condemned them for hypocrisy, for not keeping the law, for making commandments and adding them to God’s word and making them of equal force with God’s word binding them on men. We often today say they were legalists and I do not object to that designation of them but I add this for clarification – their legalism was not for God’s law but for the law they had made and added to his.
Jesus said, “Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.” (Matt. 5:19 NKJV)
Where, oh where, have people come up with this modern day idea that Jesus just does not care about obedience anymore? Put another way, or phrased another way, what has happened to sin? When did it go out of existence? But, that is where we are at today and it is an idea that is fairly prevalent among a significant number of people who consider themselves to be Christians.
I give people credit in a place where perhaps some others would not. Some would say we have come to this place because people today are just ignorant of God’s word. Well, there is truth in that for sure but why is it so? Is there a shortage of Bibles? No, that is not it. There is a lack of will to read them - that is for sure. And there is a lack of a will to believe them and obey them. Peter said there was such a thing as people who are “willingly…ignorant” (2 Peter 3:5 KJV). If we will not read and study how can we keep from falling into the category of those who are willingly ignorant?
But, as I said, I am more inclined to give people credit in the knowledge department than some others believing that for the most part people do know right from wrong. I believe the cry “legalism” against the teaching of obedience is in reality a smoke screen to cover up and make an excuse for a life lived for self, a this worldly life. It is my life and I want to live it the way I want to. The claim of saved solely by love and God’s grace provides the cover one needs for such a life to legitimize it before the public.
We all have a tendency to try and hide the wrong we know we are doing and one of the best (?) ways of doing that is to legitimize it – get everyone else to think what we are doing is not wrong. Hey, everybody else is doing it – right? How can it be wrong then? The Pharisees of Jesus’ time were full of sin and yet to the general public they appeared to be righteous. “Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to men.” (Matt. 23:28 NKJV) They had gotten the people of their day to swallow their religion with all the additions and manmade commandments they had made.
The standard for a righteous man has been so lowered over the years that in the public’s eyes today even if you have not worshipped the Lord in a regular assembly of the saints for the past 20 years you are still headed straight to heaven.
If you had opportunity to get a hold of an old church roll book from say 100 years ago you would probably be shocked as you would see notations made in the margins of people being withdrawn from as per 2 Thess. 3:6, “But we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly and not according to the tradition which he received from us.” (NKJV)
Since we today have decided what love is and have taken it out of God’s hands it is no longer considered to be an act of love to withdraw from sinners who will not repent even though the purpose was “that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.” (1 Cor. 5:5 NKJV) That is about as noble and as loving a reason as one could have and yet today if we were to practice discipline in the church by withdrawing fellowship from those living in sin and who will not repent it would be considered unloving and unchristian even though an inspired apostle commanded it. It would be considered legalism gone wild. Have we made our own religion as did the Pharisees and scribes and lawyers of Jesus’ day?
One act of disobedience that is prevalent everywhere today is adulterous marriages and many congregations have people involved in such marriages but who are considered by the membership to be faithful. What have we come to? Listen carefully to Paul.
“Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. Because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience, in which you once walked when you lived in them.” (Col. 3:5-7 NKJV)
I want to point out two things. (1) The word translated “fornication” in verse 5 includes adultery. It is a broad term that has reference to more than one sexual sin or activity. It is easy enough to check out for yourself online if you do not trust me. (2) Verse 7 teaches one can live in these sins thus adultery is not just a onetime act as some few teach. As long as you remain in the adulterous marriage just that long you continue to live in adultery.
What is adultery? “Whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery; and whoever marries her who is divorced commits adultery.” (Matt. 19:9 NKJV) The phrase “sexual immorality” is in the older translations the word “fornication.” (KJV, ASV of 1901)
Does God not forgive? Certainly he does but only on the condition that one quit the sin in repentance. If we continue to live in an adulterous marriage we continue the sin. Remember, Col. 3:5-7 teaches one can live in this sin. Besides, why did John the Baptist lose his head if it was okay for Herod to continue to live with Herodias, why did he preach it was not okay?
But, this is another example of how we take a sin out of the category of iniquity today and recategorize it. God is love and “we get to define love” not him. Leaving adulterous couples alone even in the church is now the loving thing to do. To talk to them about the need for repentance is now seen as sinful, judgmental. We have flip flopped everything and come up with a manmade religion.
It is getting very hard to be a preacher today unless you do not mind going along with the crowd. The trouble is the crowd is heading to a hot, hot spot and the preacher will be going with them if he goes along with it all and if there are any such things as degrees of punishment in hell (I believe the bible teaches there is) there may be an especially warm spot awaiting him. He is to preach the truth and support it, not go along with the crowd.
My whole point in this article is how we have come to the point in faith where the faith we have is no longer associated with obedience and obedience is now seen as legalism. The truth is disobedience is sin. Obedience is faithfulness. There are far worse things that can happen to a man than to be called a legalist by one who does not want to obey.
“And having been perfected (Jesus-DS), he became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey him.” (Heb. 5:9 NKJV)
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of my Father in heaven.” (Matt. 7:21 NKJV) Do you want to be like Jesus? If so start condemning sin and be obedient. You will not be working your way to heaven in doing so. You will simply be an obedient Christian, not a disobedient one. Of the two whom do you think will receive God’s grace in the last day?
~ Denny Smith
http://www.dennysmith.net/When%20did%20Obedience%20Become%20Legalism.htm
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
FLOOD SCOFFERS – A SIGN OF THE TIMES
FLOOD SCOFFERS – A SIGN OF THE TIMES
http://www.answersingenesis.org/media/audio/answers-daily/volume-074/flood-scoffers-sign-times
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Scientific Study Endorses Seaworthiness of Ark
The proportions of the Ark were found to carefully balance the conflicting demands of stability, comfort, and strength.
Noah’s Ark was the focus of a major 1993 scientific study headed by Dr. Seon Hong at the world-class ship research center KRISO, based in Daejeon, South Korea. Dr. Hong’s team compared twelve hulls of different proportions to discover which design was most practical. No hull shape was found to significantly outperform the 4,300-year-old biblical design. In fact, the Ark’s careful balance is easily lost if the proportions are modified, rendering the vessel either unstable, prone to fracture, or dangerously uncomfortable.
The research team found that the proportions of Noah’s Ark carefully balanced the conflicting demands of stability (resistance to capsizing), comfort (“seakeeping”), and strength. In fact, the Ark has the same proportions as a modern cargo ship.
The study also confirmed that the Ark could handle waves as high as 100 ft (30 m). Dr. Hong is now director general of the facility and claims “life came from the sea,” obviously not the words of a creationist on a mission to promote the worldwide Flood. Endorsing the seaworthiness of Noah’s Ark obviously did not damage Dr. Hong’s credibility.
Source & READ MORE: http://www.answersingenesis.org/articles/am/v2/n2/thinking-outside-the-box
alt="Dr. Seon Won Hong" class=left-align>Dr. Seon Won Hong was principal research scientist when he headed up the Noah’s Ark investigation. In May 2005 Dr. Hong was appointed director general of MOERI (formerly KRISO). Dr. Hong earned a B.S. degree in naval architecture from Seoul National University and a Ph.D. degree in applied mechanics from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
CREATION MUSEUM
http://www.creationmuseum.org/
http://www.answersingenesis.org/media/audio/answers-daily/volume-074/flood-scoffers-sign-times
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Scientific Study Endorses Seaworthiness of Ark
The proportions of the Ark were found to carefully balance the conflicting demands of stability, comfort, and strength.
Noah’s Ark was the focus of a major 1993 scientific study headed by Dr. Seon Hong at the world-class ship research center KRISO, based in Daejeon, South Korea. Dr. Hong’s team compared twelve hulls of different proportions to discover which design was most practical. No hull shape was found to significantly outperform the 4,300-year-old biblical design. In fact, the Ark’s careful balance is easily lost if the proportions are modified, rendering the vessel either unstable, prone to fracture, or dangerously uncomfortable.
The research team found that the proportions of Noah’s Ark carefully balanced the conflicting demands of stability (resistance to capsizing), comfort (“seakeeping”), and strength. In fact, the Ark has the same proportions as a modern cargo ship.
The study also confirmed that the Ark could handle waves as high as 100 ft (30 m). Dr. Hong is now director general of the facility and claims “life came from the sea,” obviously not the words of a creationist on a mission to promote the worldwide Flood. Endorsing the seaworthiness of Noah’s Ark obviously did not damage Dr. Hong’s credibility.
Source & READ MORE: http://www.answersingenesis.org/articles/am/v2/n2/thinking-outside-the-box
alt="Dr. Seon Won Hong" class=left-align>Dr. Seon Won Hong was principal research scientist when he headed up the Noah’s Ark investigation. In May 2005 Dr. Hong was appointed director general of MOERI (formerly KRISO). Dr. Hong earned a B.S. degree in naval architecture from Seoul National University and a Ph.D. degree in applied mechanics from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
CREATION MUSEUM
http://www.creationmuseum.org/
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
The Value of Concealed Treasure
Leslie Basham: Why be modest? For one thing, your marriage will be enriched. Here’s Nancy Leigh DeMoss.
Nancy Leigh DeMoss: It’s good for women to have some mystery about them—some things that only your husband will ever see and enjoy.
Leslie: Your listening to Revive Our Hearts with Nancy Leigh DeMoss for Wednesday, April 28.
Our subject matter may not be appropriate for younger children today. You may want to get them busy doing something else as Nancy continues in the series called, Modesty: Does God Really Care What I Wear? Though our culture will argue to the contrary, men—God-fearing men anyway—appreciate and respect modest behavior in women. This is especially true in the context of marriage. Let’s listen.
Nancy: Let me ask you, if you have your Bibles, to turn to 2 Kings chapter 20. Now this is not a passage that you would usually think of as relating to modesty or clothing issues, but I think there’s a principle seen in this passage that has powerful applications for us as women in the area of modesty.
Second Kings 20, we’re starting at verse 12, and the context here is that the king of Babylon has sent an envoy to Hezekiah, the king of Judah. Now, if you put the whole thing in the context of the entire book, you know that his intent is not a good one. Ultimately, Babylon is going to take over Judah.
But Hezekiah is unsuspecting in this particular incident, and verse 12 tells us,
At that time Merodach-baladan [what a name], the king of Babylon, sent envoys with letters and a present for Hezekiah, for he heard that Hezekiah had been sick.
Now this sounds innocent enough, it sounds like the man’s just trying to be nice. Well, this is an enemy, and Hezekiah foolishly did not understand that his intent ultimately was an evil one. And verse 13 tells us that
Hezekiah welcomed them, and he showed them all his treasure house, the silver, the gold, the spices, the precious oil, his armory, all that was found in his storehouses. There was nothing in his house or in all his realm that Hezekiah did not show them.
By the way, Hezekiah was a good king. He was a man who had a heart for God, but he did something very foolish. Just as many of us as women who really do have a heart for the Lord are making some foolish, unwise decisions when it comes to issues of clothing and modesty. Well, verse 14 says that
Isaiah the prophet came to King Hezekiah, and said to him, "What did these men say? And from where did they come to you?" And Hezekiah said, "They have come from a far country, from Babylon." He said, "What have they seen in your house?" And Hezekiah answered, "They have seen all that is in my house; there is nothing in my storehouses that I did not show them.” Then Isaiah said to Hezekiah, "Hear the word of the Lord” (verses 14-16).
I just want to say that God may be using this series in your life as a Christian woman who maybe has just been unwise or foolish in relation to some modesty and dress issues. God is, I hope, using this series to speak the word of the Lord into your life and to give you a new perspective on these issues.
The Lord [said], "Behold, the days are coming, when all that is in your house, and that which your fathers have stored up till this day, shall be carried to Babylon. [That which you have shown to the king of Babylon, ultimately, he will own.] Nothing shall be left, says the Lord. And some of your own sons, who shall be born to you, shall be taken away, and they shall be eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon” (verse 17-18).
This isn’t going to just affect you, this is going to affect your children who will grow up now in a foreign land, will be captives; and ultimately, obviously, their children and their children, will be affected as well.
Well, we know this prophecy was fulfilled in 2 Kings chapter 25, where, in fact, the Babylonians did come in and just ransacked Judah, took the nation captive, and Hezekiah’s grandchildren were sent in to captivity.
Now the interesting thing, as we finish the passage we’ve been looking at, Hezekiah said to Isaiah . . . it’s like he wasn’t too stressed out over this prophecy. He said, “The Word of the Lord that you have spoken is good." For he thought, "Why not, if there will be peace and security in my days?” (verse 19).
In other words, well, the consequences aren’t going to be immediate, so it’s not so bad after all. But look at verse 21. “And Hezekiah slept with his fathers,” that means he died, and he didn’t see the full consequences of this prophecy. But it says that “Manasseh his son reigned in his place.”
Now, I don’t know what you remember about Manasseh, but as we go on into the next chapters, we find that Manasseh was one of the most wicked kings that the nation of Judah ever had. I wonder how much of that didn’t begin in seeds that had been sown by his father, who had a real heart for the Lord, but just made some foolish, unwise choices when it came to compromising with the enemy.
You say, “What does all that have to do with women and clothing?” Well, in a similar way, if a woman displays all her treasures—and your feminine beauty, girls, is a treasure. God made you a woman, and that’s beautiful. You may be 16 years old and no guy’s ever paid attention to you, and you’re thinking, "I’m not very beautiful."
Listen, every woman in this room has a God-given beauty. It’s a treasure. It’s something that one day you will want to be able to give as a gift to your husband for him to enjoy, and for you to enjoy with him together in the sacredness of that intimate marriage relationship. Your feminine charms, your feminine beauty, your body are treasures. They’re the gift of God.
When a woman or a girl displays her treasures to people who don’t have a right to partake of them, she runs the risk that someone who has an evil intent will take away what she has revealed. She runs the risk that her children will be affected in even more significant ways down the road. Some of you made foolish choices, morally or spiritually or in relation to modesty issues, when you were a younger woman.
You may now be reaping in your children or grandchildren attitudes and values, and you’re saying, “Where did they get that from?” Well, it may be that you planted some seeds in your own lack of modesty. Maybe not in extreme or excessive ways, but now some of your own children and grandchildren of the next generation are taking that philosophy to a greater extreme—and you’re shocked.
You’re saying, “I can’t believe she thinks that way!” Well, look in the mirror and say, “Did she get any of those values from the way that I handled my feminine beauty?”
See, in our culture, women are obsessed with displaying their treasures. As I told you earlier in this series, I took time, several hours, while I was studying for this series to read through magazines, look at pictures, see what the culture is reading. I talked to a number of teenagers. I talked to women and to men and I said, “How do you deal with these issues?” I read articles, and I found myself just really awakened to how driven our culture is to have women display their treasures and how normal that’s considered.
I mean, you pick up Cosmopolitan magazine, for example. (I don’t suggest you do—I did and never hope to do it again.) I don’t know that I had ever had one in my hands before. But as I leafed through that magazine and saw all the pictures . . .
Listen, a generation ago that would have been considered pornography. But not only the pictures, but the articles and what they’re promoting in terms of outright, in your face, sexual promiscuity. My heart was so sad as I thought of these women who were getting paid all kinds of money to show their treasures in ways that are going to result in them having no treasures left.
You see, you can show it now, flaunt it, advertise it, and have it taken away in ways that are hurtful and painful to you and your marriage and the next generation. Or you can protect it now, cover it now, keep it.
It’s good for women to have some mystery about them—some things that only your husband will ever see and enjoy. You’ll find so much more joy and fullness and blessing in your marriage and fewer hurdles to get over in your sexual relationship in marriage, and then you'll have a wellspring out of which to train your daughters.
I know you 16-year-olds aren’t thinking at this moment about how to train your daughters, but it won’t be long before you’ll be wrestling with these issues with them. What a blessing to be able to share out of your own life experience that, as you protected and cherished these treasures and kept them for the Lord and for just the right man, that God blessed you with greater fullness and intimacy as you became a married woman than you could have experienced any other way.
Now, let me say this is not just a problem in the secular world, women displaying their treasures. A man told me recently that he has a number of friends who felt that their families needed to leave a prominent, respected, successful seemingly evangelical church, a major church in this particular city, because of all the female immodesty in the church.
In fact, we asked earlier for you to write down some questions on cards, and one woman turned this in. She said,
I have a young son who’s becoming more aware of females as he matures. [That’s natural.] My husband and I strive to raise him according to godly principles, but we feel ambushed when we take him to church [not to the mall, but to church]. And he sees, his eyes "pop out" at the girls and even women who are more appropriately dressed for a nightclub than for a worship service.
Well, this is an issue in the church and one that we need to be concerned about. We become so desensitized as a culture. We’ve allowed the culture, the secular culture, to become our standard. We think as long as we don’t look like Britney Spears, we’re modest. I found as I worked my way through some of these magazines I was understanding better why so many Christian young women think, “I’m being modest,” because they’re comparing themselves to the standard of extremes and excesses that are out there in the secular culture.
So I want to challenge you to think about the treasures that God has entrusted to you, the treasures of feminine beauty. We’re not saying women should be ugly. God didn’t make women to be ugly. When God made it, He said, “It’s good.” That beauty is something that’s good. The beauty is not sinful. What is sinful and shameful and ultimately degrading to you as a woman is when you take those treasures God has given you and you display them openly for those who don’t have a right to taste and touch and feel and experience those treasures.
Leslie: Nancy Leigh DeMoss has been explaining the value of concealed treasure. She’ll be right back with the second half of today’s program. It’s part of a series called, Modesty: Does God Really Care What I Wear? During this series, we’re hoping you seek the Bible and develop a heart for modesty by offering Nancy’s booklet called, The Look.
When you donate any amount at ReviveOurHearts.com, we’ll send it to you, or you can call 1-800-569-5959.
Throughout this series Nancy has focused on the heart rather than individual pieces of clothing. Women have been asking themselves: What about this? What about that? You’re still going to have to make prayerful choices for yourself, but Nancy is about to get a little more specific.
Nancy: I’m going, though I really don’t want to, but in this session and the next, I just feel like I need to get specific. What are we talking about? What are the things we’ve said? That men are wired differently than women. That they’re more stimulated by sight. What are some of the types of clothing that pose challenges when it comes to this issue of modesty?
Now, anything you say on this subject is bound to get you labeled as a “legalist,” and I realize in doing this I’m running a huge risk. But I’ve thought this through a lot, long and hard, and I’ve just decided that we have to issue a word of warning to our culture—to our Christian culture.
I expect people in the secular culture . . . I don’t expect them to dress like Christians. So what I’m talking about is the way that we as women have come to dress in the church. It does need to be addressed, and it’s a tough thing for men to address. So while we’re talking to women, I just feel like these are things, though it’s very uncomfortable for me and I wish I didn’t have to do it, I think we need to say it.
I realize some of you may not be comfortable with your younger daughters or sons listening to this. I understand that. But maybe it will help you know how to train them. Let me tell you, they will be hearing these things, and they will be seeing these things in the culture. So ask God to show you how to train them and how to protect them in these areas.
So when we’re talking about immodest clothing, being immodestly dressed, what are some of the things that are involved? Let me say there are two basic categories, I think.
First of all is when we allow intimate or alluring parts of our body to be exposed, and the other is when we allow those intimate or private parts to be emphasized. Exposed or emphasized.
So immodesty can happen by uncovering those parts which, as you know if you look in the fashion magazines today, that’s the way it’s being done, or by partially covering those private areas. I’ve read from men that they have said—Christian men have said—that sometimes that which is partially covered can be even more tempting than that which is totally uncovered because it’s teasing. It’s playing with the guy’s imagination and mind.
So we could be talking about being totally uncovered or partially covered in those private areas or by being covered in such a way as to draw attention to the very part of the body we’re covering. So let’s talk about those categories.
First of all, the exposing of intimate, private, alluring parts of the body. Here we’re talking about . . . Again, some of this I would not know honestly if I had not read so much of what men have said is at the heart of their struggle. But we’re talking here about the exposure of thighs, chest and breasts, midriff (which can be showing or almost showing), back and shoulders, for example.
Take the matter of thighs. By the way, in the Old Testament the Scripture describes nakedness not always as being fully unclothed but sometimes as being partially unclothed in the region from the waist to the knees, which is what the dictionary says is the thigh.
The Scripture talks about a woman being a picture of being under judgment when she has her thighs exposed. Even in the Scripture we see this description, so we know that short skirts and dresses do this. Now, I’m not going to tell you how many inches is short. But these are things we need to be thinking about.
I read some about Mary Quant who is recognized as kind of the mother or the inventor of the mini-skirt. She made it popular. She’s a British designer. She said that her aim “is to dress women so men would feel like tearing the wrapping off.” When she was asked, “What is the point of fashion; where is it leading?” She promptly replied, “sex.”
So we’re talking about skirts that expose the legs and thighs inappropriately, slits that are halfway up the side, the back, or even now the front of a woman’s dress or skirt. What is the purpose of those high slits? It’s to expose the thighs.
And women, let me say, I just hate being this nitty-gritty, but it’s not just a matter of what it looks like when you’re standing in front of a mirror without moving. It’s a matter of what happens when you walk or when you climb up stairs and there are men behind you. Shorts would fall into this category as well.
Now we come to the exposure not just of thighs but of chests and breasts. Here’s where we have low necklines, cleavage showing, or large or loose shirts that are okay while you’re standing until you bend over. The material, the fabric, falls away from your body and a tempting part of your anatomy is exposed to the view of men. You may not even realize that it’s happening.
One of the things we’re talking about here is women having buttons unbuttoned even if nothing is exposed. Buttons being unnecessarily unbuttoned can look seductive and tantalizing. One man said, “there is not a part of a woman’s body that is so alluring to a man as her breasts, and when a man sees a woman with the top two or three of her buttons of her blouse open, he will probably conclude that it is her intention to tempt and tantalize men.”
Now, you may be thinking, he’s nuts. Well, maybe he is, but he’s a man. And if he’s a Christian man, he’s a brother. The fact that we may not understand or it may not look to us the way it does to men does not give us license to destroy the hearts, the thoughts, and the morals of those men for whom Christ died.
Well, we get to the whole area of midriffs exposed and the cropped shirts, cropped tops, halter tops, and then the whole realm of spaghetti straps, strapless dresses.
Let me just say, women, it’s not our place, our right, our responsibility to criticize and condemn other women who may not realize these truths, even women in your church. There are some non-Christian women in many of our churches or new believers who’ve never been trained; they’ve never been discipled. Just because you’ve got your long skirt and your high blouse and your long sleeves on, don’t sit there and be smug, and think, “I’m so thankful I’m modest, and I can’t believe all these women are so immodestly dressed in our church.”
Listen, if learning all this makes you critical or hostile or angry toward others rather than compassionate and tender-hearted, then you don’t have the spirit of modesty. The spirit of modesty is the spirit of humility, purity, and self-control. It means that you want to come alongside of and love other women who need to be educated and taught and mentored in these areas.
In our next session I want to touch on some other specific areas where we need to be careful and cautious. Just as we think about the exposure of the body, of the private, intimate, alluring, tempting parts of the body, would you just ask the Lord: “Are there any of these principles that my wardrobe violates?”
Maybe not in extreme ways. You say no one else would look at my wardrobe and say she’s being sensual. Ask the Lord. Is this pleasing to You? Is there anything about my skirts, my dresses, my shirts, my tops, my shorts that could put temptation in the way of Christian men?
I think you have a heart that wants to please the Lord. I think that’s why you’re here. I think that many of you are going to be willing to say, “Lord, it’s not that big a deal to me, this particular item of clothing. I can do without it if that would help me to be a blessing and a help rather than a hindrance to the men around me.”
Leslie: Nancy Leigh DeMoss has been inviting us to evaluate the way we dress. To help you as you seek the Lord on this issue, Nancy’s written a booklet called, The Look. It will lead you through a series of questions, helping you evaluate your wardrobe and, more importantly, your heart. The booklet includes a listing of relevant Scriptures so you can study for yourself.
When you donate any amount to Revive Our Hearts, we’ll send you The Look. Your donation will translate into changed lives as women interact with Revive Our Hearts on the air in your community. Ask for The Look when you call and donate any amount. The number is 1-800-569-5959, or take advantage of this offer at ReviveOurHearts.com.
Well, tomorrow find out why it’s so hard to list do’s and don’ts on the radio when it comes to modesty. We continue developing a godly heart on this issue in the next Revive Our Hearts.
Revive Our Hearts with Nancy Leigh DeMoss is an outreach of Life Action Ministries.
All Scripture is taken from the English Standard Version.
Nancy Leigh DeMoss: It’s good for women to have some mystery about them—some things that only your husband will ever see and enjoy.
Leslie: Your listening to Revive Our Hearts with Nancy Leigh DeMoss for Wednesday, April 28.
Our subject matter may not be appropriate for younger children today. You may want to get them busy doing something else as Nancy continues in the series called, Modesty: Does God Really Care What I Wear? Though our culture will argue to the contrary, men—God-fearing men anyway—appreciate and respect modest behavior in women. This is especially true in the context of marriage. Let’s listen.
Nancy: Let me ask you, if you have your Bibles, to turn to 2 Kings chapter 20. Now this is not a passage that you would usually think of as relating to modesty or clothing issues, but I think there’s a principle seen in this passage that has powerful applications for us as women in the area of modesty.
Second Kings 20, we’re starting at verse 12, and the context here is that the king of Babylon has sent an envoy to Hezekiah, the king of Judah. Now, if you put the whole thing in the context of the entire book, you know that his intent is not a good one. Ultimately, Babylon is going to take over Judah.
But Hezekiah is unsuspecting in this particular incident, and verse 12 tells us,
At that time Merodach-baladan [what a name], the king of Babylon, sent envoys with letters and a present for Hezekiah, for he heard that Hezekiah had been sick.
Now this sounds innocent enough, it sounds like the man’s just trying to be nice. Well, this is an enemy, and Hezekiah foolishly did not understand that his intent ultimately was an evil one. And verse 13 tells us that
Hezekiah welcomed them, and he showed them all his treasure house, the silver, the gold, the spices, the precious oil, his armory, all that was found in his storehouses. There was nothing in his house or in all his realm that Hezekiah did not show them.
By the way, Hezekiah was a good king. He was a man who had a heart for God, but he did something very foolish. Just as many of us as women who really do have a heart for the Lord are making some foolish, unwise decisions when it comes to issues of clothing and modesty. Well, verse 14 says that
Isaiah the prophet came to King Hezekiah, and said to him, "What did these men say? And from where did they come to you?" And Hezekiah said, "They have come from a far country, from Babylon." He said, "What have they seen in your house?" And Hezekiah answered, "They have seen all that is in my house; there is nothing in my storehouses that I did not show them.” Then Isaiah said to Hezekiah, "Hear the word of the Lord” (verses 14-16).
I just want to say that God may be using this series in your life as a Christian woman who maybe has just been unwise or foolish in relation to some modesty and dress issues. God is, I hope, using this series to speak the word of the Lord into your life and to give you a new perspective on these issues.
The Lord [said], "Behold, the days are coming, when all that is in your house, and that which your fathers have stored up till this day, shall be carried to Babylon. [That which you have shown to the king of Babylon, ultimately, he will own.] Nothing shall be left, says the Lord. And some of your own sons, who shall be born to you, shall be taken away, and they shall be eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon” (verse 17-18).
This isn’t going to just affect you, this is going to affect your children who will grow up now in a foreign land, will be captives; and ultimately, obviously, their children and their children, will be affected as well.
Well, we know this prophecy was fulfilled in 2 Kings chapter 25, where, in fact, the Babylonians did come in and just ransacked Judah, took the nation captive, and Hezekiah’s grandchildren were sent in to captivity.
Now the interesting thing, as we finish the passage we’ve been looking at, Hezekiah said to Isaiah . . . it’s like he wasn’t too stressed out over this prophecy. He said, “The Word of the Lord that you have spoken is good." For he thought, "Why not, if there will be peace and security in my days?” (verse 19).
In other words, well, the consequences aren’t going to be immediate, so it’s not so bad after all. But look at verse 21. “And Hezekiah slept with his fathers,” that means he died, and he didn’t see the full consequences of this prophecy. But it says that “Manasseh his son reigned in his place.”
Now, I don’t know what you remember about Manasseh, but as we go on into the next chapters, we find that Manasseh was one of the most wicked kings that the nation of Judah ever had. I wonder how much of that didn’t begin in seeds that had been sown by his father, who had a real heart for the Lord, but just made some foolish, unwise choices when it came to compromising with the enemy.
You say, “What does all that have to do with women and clothing?” Well, in a similar way, if a woman displays all her treasures—and your feminine beauty, girls, is a treasure. God made you a woman, and that’s beautiful. You may be 16 years old and no guy’s ever paid attention to you, and you’re thinking, "I’m not very beautiful."
Listen, every woman in this room has a God-given beauty. It’s a treasure. It’s something that one day you will want to be able to give as a gift to your husband for him to enjoy, and for you to enjoy with him together in the sacredness of that intimate marriage relationship. Your feminine charms, your feminine beauty, your body are treasures. They’re the gift of God.
When a woman or a girl displays her treasures to people who don’t have a right to partake of them, she runs the risk that someone who has an evil intent will take away what she has revealed. She runs the risk that her children will be affected in even more significant ways down the road. Some of you made foolish choices, morally or spiritually or in relation to modesty issues, when you were a younger woman.
You may now be reaping in your children or grandchildren attitudes and values, and you’re saying, “Where did they get that from?” Well, it may be that you planted some seeds in your own lack of modesty. Maybe not in extreme or excessive ways, but now some of your own children and grandchildren of the next generation are taking that philosophy to a greater extreme—and you’re shocked.
You’re saying, “I can’t believe she thinks that way!” Well, look in the mirror and say, “Did she get any of those values from the way that I handled my feminine beauty?”
See, in our culture, women are obsessed with displaying their treasures. As I told you earlier in this series, I took time, several hours, while I was studying for this series to read through magazines, look at pictures, see what the culture is reading. I talked to a number of teenagers. I talked to women and to men and I said, “How do you deal with these issues?” I read articles, and I found myself just really awakened to how driven our culture is to have women display their treasures and how normal that’s considered.
I mean, you pick up Cosmopolitan magazine, for example. (I don’t suggest you do—I did and never hope to do it again.) I don’t know that I had ever had one in my hands before. But as I leafed through that magazine and saw all the pictures . . .
Listen, a generation ago that would have been considered pornography. But not only the pictures, but the articles and what they’re promoting in terms of outright, in your face, sexual promiscuity. My heart was so sad as I thought of these women who were getting paid all kinds of money to show their treasures in ways that are going to result in them having no treasures left.
You see, you can show it now, flaunt it, advertise it, and have it taken away in ways that are hurtful and painful to you and your marriage and the next generation. Or you can protect it now, cover it now, keep it.
It’s good for women to have some mystery about them—some things that only your husband will ever see and enjoy. You’ll find so much more joy and fullness and blessing in your marriage and fewer hurdles to get over in your sexual relationship in marriage, and then you'll have a wellspring out of which to train your daughters.
I know you 16-year-olds aren’t thinking at this moment about how to train your daughters, but it won’t be long before you’ll be wrestling with these issues with them. What a blessing to be able to share out of your own life experience that, as you protected and cherished these treasures and kept them for the Lord and for just the right man, that God blessed you with greater fullness and intimacy as you became a married woman than you could have experienced any other way.
Now, let me say this is not just a problem in the secular world, women displaying their treasures. A man told me recently that he has a number of friends who felt that their families needed to leave a prominent, respected, successful seemingly evangelical church, a major church in this particular city, because of all the female immodesty in the church.
In fact, we asked earlier for you to write down some questions on cards, and one woman turned this in. She said,
I have a young son who’s becoming more aware of females as he matures. [That’s natural.] My husband and I strive to raise him according to godly principles, but we feel ambushed when we take him to church [not to the mall, but to church]. And he sees, his eyes "pop out" at the girls and even women who are more appropriately dressed for a nightclub than for a worship service.
Well, this is an issue in the church and one that we need to be concerned about. We become so desensitized as a culture. We’ve allowed the culture, the secular culture, to become our standard. We think as long as we don’t look like Britney Spears, we’re modest. I found as I worked my way through some of these magazines I was understanding better why so many Christian young women think, “I’m being modest,” because they’re comparing themselves to the standard of extremes and excesses that are out there in the secular culture.
So I want to challenge you to think about the treasures that God has entrusted to you, the treasures of feminine beauty. We’re not saying women should be ugly. God didn’t make women to be ugly. When God made it, He said, “It’s good.” That beauty is something that’s good. The beauty is not sinful. What is sinful and shameful and ultimately degrading to you as a woman is when you take those treasures God has given you and you display them openly for those who don’t have a right to taste and touch and feel and experience those treasures.
Leslie: Nancy Leigh DeMoss has been explaining the value of concealed treasure. She’ll be right back with the second half of today’s program. It’s part of a series called, Modesty: Does God Really Care What I Wear? During this series, we’re hoping you seek the Bible and develop a heart for modesty by offering Nancy’s booklet called, The Look.
When you donate any amount at ReviveOurHearts.com, we’ll send it to you, or you can call 1-800-569-5959.
Throughout this series Nancy has focused on the heart rather than individual pieces of clothing. Women have been asking themselves: What about this? What about that? You’re still going to have to make prayerful choices for yourself, but Nancy is about to get a little more specific.
Nancy: I’m going, though I really don’t want to, but in this session and the next, I just feel like I need to get specific. What are we talking about? What are the things we’ve said? That men are wired differently than women. That they’re more stimulated by sight. What are some of the types of clothing that pose challenges when it comes to this issue of modesty?
Now, anything you say on this subject is bound to get you labeled as a “legalist,” and I realize in doing this I’m running a huge risk. But I’ve thought this through a lot, long and hard, and I’ve just decided that we have to issue a word of warning to our culture—to our Christian culture.
I expect people in the secular culture . . . I don’t expect them to dress like Christians. So what I’m talking about is the way that we as women have come to dress in the church. It does need to be addressed, and it’s a tough thing for men to address. So while we’re talking to women, I just feel like these are things, though it’s very uncomfortable for me and I wish I didn’t have to do it, I think we need to say it.
I realize some of you may not be comfortable with your younger daughters or sons listening to this. I understand that. But maybe it will help you know how to train them. Let me tell you, they will be hearing these things, and they will be seeing these things in the culture. So ask God to show you how to train them and how to protect them in these areas.
So when we’re talking about immodest clothing, being immodestly dressed, what are some of the things that are involved? Let me say there are two basic categories, I think.
First of all is when we allow intimate or alluring parts of our body to be exposed, and the other is when we allow those intimate or private parts to be emphasized. Exposed or emphasized.
So immodesty can happen by uncovering those parts which, as you know if you look in the fashion magazines today, that’s the way it’s being done, or by partially covering those private areas. I’ve read from men that they have said—Christian men have said—that sometimes that which is partially covered can be even more tempting than that which is totally uncovered because it’s teasing. It’s playing with the guy’s imagination and mind.
So we could be talking about being totally uncovered or partially covered in those private areas or by being covered in such a way as to draw attention to the very part of the body we’re covering. So let’s talk about those categories.
First of all, the exposing of intimate, private, alluring parts of the body. Here we’re talking about . . . Again, some of this I would not know honestly if I had not read so much of what men have said is at the heart of their struggle. But we’re talking here about the exposure of thighs, chest and breasts, midriff (which can be showing or almost showing), back and shoulders, for example.
Take the matter of thighs. By the way, in the Old Testament the Scripture describes nakedness not always as being fully unclothed but sometimes as being partially unclothed in the region from the waist to the knees, which is what the dictionary says is the thigh.
The Scripture talks about a woman being a picture of being under judgment when she has her thighs exposed. Even in the Scripture we see this description, so we know that short skirts and dresses do this. Now, I’m not going to tell you how many inches is short. But these are things we need to be thinking about.
I read some about Mary Quant who is recognized as kind of the mother or the inventor of the mini-skirt. She made it popular. She’s a British designer. She said that her aim “is to dress women so men would feel like tearing the wrapping off.” When she was asked, “What is the point of fashion; where is it leading?” She promptly replied, “sex.”
So we’re talking about skirts that expose the legs and thighs inappropriately, slits that are halfway up the side, the back, or even now the front of a woman’s dress or skirt. What is the purpose of those high slits? It’s to expose the thighs.
And women, let me say, I just hate being this nitty-gritty, but it’s not just a matter of what it looks like when you’re standing in front of a mirror without moving. It’s a matter of what happens when you walk or when you climb up stairs and there are men behind you. Shorts would fall into this category as well.
Now we come to the exposure not just of thighs but of chests and breasts. Here’s where we have low necklines, cleavage showing, or large or loose shirts that are okay while you’re standing until you bend over. The material, the fabric, falls away from your body and a tempting part of your anatomy is exposed to the view of men. You may not even realize that it’s happening.
One of the things we’re talking about here is women having buttons unbuttoned even if nothing is exposed. Buttons being unnecessarily unbuttoned can look seductive and tantalizing. One man said, “there is not a part of a woman’s body that is so alluring to a man as her breasts, and when a man sees a woman with the top two or three of her buttons of her blouse open, he will probably conclude that it is her intention to tempt and tantalize men.”
Now, you may be thinking, he’s nuts. Well, maybe he is, but he’s a man. And if he’s a Christian man, he’s a brother. The fact that we may not understand or it may not look to us the way it does to men does not give us license to destroy the hearts, the thoughts, and the morals of those men for whom Christ died.
Well, we get to the whole area of midriffs exposed and the cropped shirts, cropped tops, halter tops, and then the whole realm of spaghetti straps, strapless dresses.
Let me just say, women, it’s not our place, our right, our responsibility to criticize and condemn other women who may not realize these truths, even women in your church. There are some non-Christian women in many of our churches or new believers who’ve never been trained; they’ve never been discipled. Just because you’ve got your long skirt and your high blouse and your long sleeves on, don’t sit there and be smug, and think, “I’m so thankful I’m modest, and I can’t believe all these women are so immodestly dressed in our church.”
Listen, if learning all this makes you critical or hostile or angry toward others rather than compassionate and tender-hearted, then you don’t have the spirit of modesty. The spirit of modesty is the spirit of humility, purity, and self-control. It means that you want to come alongside of and love other women who need to be educated and taught and mentored in these areas.
In our next session I want to touch on some other specific areas where we need to be careful and cautious. Just as we think about the exposure of the body, of the private, intimate, alluring, tempting parts of the body, would you just ask the Lord: “Are there any of these principles that my wardrobe violates?”
Maybe not in extreme ways. You say no one else would look at my wardrobe and say she’s being sensual. Ask the Lord. Is this pleasing to You? Is there anything about my skirts, my dresses, my shirts, my tops, my shorts that could put temptation in the way of Christian men?
I think you have a heart that wants to please the Lord. I think that’s why you’re here. I think that many of you are going to be willing to say, “Lord, it’s not that big a deal to me, this particular item of clothing. I can do without it if that would help me to be a blessing and a help rather than a hindrance to the men around me.”
Leslie: Nancy Leigh DeMoss has been inviting us to evaluate the way we dress. To help you as you seek the Lord on this issue, Nancy’s written a booklet called, The Look. It will lead you through a series of questions, helping you evaluate your wardrobe and, more importantly, your heart. The booklet includes a listing of relevant Scriptures so you can study for yourself.
When you donate any amount to Revive Our Hearts, we’ll send you The Look. Your donation will translate into changed lives as women interact with Revive Our Hearts on the air in your community. Ask for The Look when you call and donate any amount. The number is 1-800-569-5959, or take advantage of this offer at ReviveOurHearts.com.
Well, tomorrow find out why it’s so hard to list do’s and don’ts on the radio when it comes to modesty. We continue developing a godly heart on this issue in the next Revive Our Hearts.
Revive Our Hearts with Nancy Leigh DeMoss is an outreach of Life Action Ministries.
All Scripture is taken from the English Standard Version.
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Homeschooling Excellence
Do you:
Want some tips on how to teach your child to read?
Wish you had suggestions for how to encourage your child to read independently?
Want to know what to do if your child doesn't like a book?
Wonder if your child should read to you or read silently?
If so, then read on.
This article has been abridged for email. To read the full article online, please go to http://www.sonlight.com/excel-four.html?am=he4
Teaching Reading with Beginning Readers
Teaching your child how to read can be quite a daunting task, especially if you have never been trained how to do so. But we are sure that if you take your time and keep an upbeat attitude, you and your child will have a great time as he learns how to read, write and spell.
But we do have two cautions for you:
Don't become so anxious about your child's ability (or apparent "inability") to spell that you hold him back in reading. Spelling can come along in the years ahead. Reading is a skill that will help your child immediately. So even if he struggles with spelling, keep reading at a level he can understand.
While we believe our early reading program provides just about the right quantity of phonetically-correct reading practice for most students, don't be overly rigid in pursuing your phonics program. If your child already knows how to read, don't force him to go through the remainder of the program for the sake of trying to help him read "better"!
How to Encourage Your Child to Read to Himself
The following method has been used very successfully, even in school contexts, to encourage reluctant children to read to themselves.
Each day, set aside a ten- to fifteen-minute period when everyone in the family, including you, will "read quietly."
Make sure each person has a book to read. (Small children can use picture books.)
Let the children pick their own books to read.
Set the timer and have everyone sit in their "own" places and read quietly.
Note: It is very important that you, too, use the time to read. Reading is a privilege, not a punishment! It should be perceived as such.
When the time is up, everyone should be free to go on with other activities if they feel like it.
No reports, reporting or records should be kept of what is read during these "sustained silent reading" periods.
What to Do When Kids Don't Like a Book
Diane in Colorado wrote,
"My 10-year-old daughter is definitely not enjoying this year's selections. Should I insist she get through every reader, choose other books from the same period (I know she would read the Addy books)? I don't want her to think she can quit when it's not her choice of a book. On the other hand, I know I read lots of books in school I hated and I learned nothing from them. . . ."
KC replied:
"I allow for a certain number of books that can be 'discarded' so that the students have some choice (but my number is very low! . . . Of course, each family can decide on its own what is to be the required number of texts to be read). I also insist that a minimum of three chapters is read before even making a judgment about a book--and I may even raise this number. So many books take a bit of getting into before you really get the benefit.
"If we allow our kids to just read what they like, then they are not learning the discipline of attending to their lesser preferences.
"I would try to establish some kind of 'rule' that meets both your requirements for minimum accepted texts for school requirements as well as allowing some freedom in pleasure reading."
Want some tips on how to teach your child to read?
Wish you had suggestions for how to encourage your child to read independently?
Want to know what to do if your child doesn't like a book?
Wonder if your child should read to you or read silently?
If so, then read on.
This article has been abridged for email. To read the full article online, please go to http://www.sonlight.com/excel-four.html?am=he4
Teaching Reading with Beginning Readers
Teaching your child how to read can be quite a daunting task, especially if you have never been trained how to do so. But we are sure that if you take your time and keep an upbeat attitude, you and your child will have a great time as he learns how to read, write and spell.
But we do have two cautions for you:
Don't become so anxious about your child's ability (or apparent "inability") to spell that you hold him back in reading. Spelling can come along in the years ahead. Reading is a skill that will help your child immediately. So even if he struggles with spelling, keep reading at a level he can understand.
While we believe our early reading program provides just about the right quantity of phonetically-correct reading practice for most students, don't be overly rigid in pursuing your phonics program. If your child already knows how to read, don't force him to go through the remainder of the program for the sake of trying to help him read "better"!
How to Encourage Your Child to Read to Himself
The following method has been used very successfully, even in school contexts, to encourage reluctant children to read to themselves.
Each day, set aside a ten- to fifteen-minute period when everyone in the family, including you, will "read quietly."
Make sure each person has a book to read. (Small children can use picture books.)
Let the children pick their own books to read.
Set the timer and have everyone sit in their "own" places and read quietly.
Note: It is very important that you, too, use the time to read. Reading is a privilege, not a punishment! It should be perceived as such.
When the time is up, everyone should be free to go on with other activities if they feel like it.
No reports, reporting or records should be kept of what is read during these "sustained silent reading" periods.
What to Do When Kids Don't Like a Book
Diane in Colorado wrote,
"My 10-year-old daughter is definitely not enjoying this year's selections. Should I insist she get through every reader, choose other books from the same period (I know she would read the Addy books)? I don't want her to think she can quit when it's not her choice of a book. On the other hand, I know I read lots of books in school I hated and I learned nothing from them. . . ."
KC replied:
"I allow for a certain number of books that can be 'discarded' so that the students have some choice (but my number is very low! . . . Of course, each family can decide on its own what is to be the required number of texts to be read). I also insist that a minimum of three chapters is read before even making a judgment about a book--and I may even raise this number. So many books take a bit of getting into before you really get the benefit.
"If we allow our kids to just read what they like, then they are not learning the discipline of attending to their lesser preferences.
"I would try to establish some kind of 'rule' that meets both your requirements for minimum accepted texts for school requirements as well as allowing some freedom in pleasure reading."
Thursday, March 18, 2010
The Twilight Series
I know many of you won’t agree with me on this, but the Twilight series is pure evil. It has captured the hearts and minds of Christians all around the world and has twisted them around to make them want to read the books instead of the Bible. I think there is something wrong when the slowest reader I know can read a Twilight book in less than a day when it takes them a life time to read the Bible. A friend of mine stayed up ALL night one Saturday night reading one of Stephanie Myers’ books. She didn’t come to church the next day because she was too tired to get up after staying up all night. That is WRONG my friends. Totally and completely WRONG.
Just a few minutes ago, I did some research. I typed in “the Twilight series from a Christian perspective” into the Google search engine. EVERY ONE OF THE THINGS I READ WERE FOR THE TWILIGHT SERIES!!!!!! There is something TERRIBLY and HORRIBLY wrong here. In God’s house, the only thing most of my friends can talk about is the Twilight series!!!! If you are going to read them, the least you can do is not obsess over them to the point that all you can do is talk about it everywhere you go!! This Sunday, my youth leader is going to talk about the Culture and some of it’s evils. He’s also going to talk about bringing glory to God in everything we do. Here’s a little bit of his outline he sent us on facebook.
Colossians 3:5-17, I Thess. 5:22, Philippians 4:8, Psalm 115:1Here are some questions to ask about the things you do:
Will it build me up spiritually? I Cor. 10:23
Will it bring bondage? I Cor. 6:12
Will it defile God’s temple? I Cor. 6:19-20
Will it cause anyone to stumble? I Cor. 8:8-9
Will it further the cause of evangelism? I Cor. 10:32-33
Will it violate my conscience? (Rom. 14:23)
Will it bring glory to God? (I Cor. 10:31)
Glorify God in . . .
What you read:
Harry Potter – I have real problems with this – good mixed with evil, has Wicca influences & is endorsed by Wicca but not Christian bookstores, uses sorcery to serve self & to play around, Bible says to avoid witchcraft/sorcery & doesn’t line up with what the Bible says about good/evil, author is an unbeliever, has led some to become curious about conjuring spells, ouija boards, etc…
Twilight series – I also have problems with this – good mixed with evil, endorsed by Wicca religion, MTV but not Christian bookstores, vampires are associated with evil, no Biblical basis, thoughts of lust & erotic content, author is Mormon & believes in eternal romantic love – her playlist includes Linkin Park (her favorite band), Korn, & other ungodly bands – Here are some thoughts from others:
February 21, 2008 12:38 PM KEA said…
I’m a youth leader and decided to read Twilight after a girl from the group became somewhat obsessed with it. I’ve only read the first book- but here is my take, for what its worth.
I agree Katelynn, the book does not explicitly speak out against God or the Bible. However, it does not present a Godly message either. As a youth leader and parent of a 10 year daughter, the obsession that Bella has towards Edward is concerning. She gives up all regard for herself or her family to be with someone that she knows is dangerous. I can see high-school aged girls reading this book, longing for a relationship with someone like Edward that would not be healthy to their Christian lives.
I can see a paraellel between Edward and Satan. Satan was called the “Morning Star”, the most beautiful of angels. The lies he offers up can appear to be beautiful outwardly, all the while he is trying to cheat you out of eternity with God. Bella is so smitten with the beauty and power of Edward, she is willing to offer up her own mortality to be with him forever- even if it means losing all she is and has known.
Satan sneaks into our lives wherever he can. I don’t think reading this book is to the glory of God and I would caution parents to make sure your child was not getting hooked to the point of giving up quality time with God or family.
Just my two cents.
April 12, 2008 1:06 PM Abby said…
I read all three books in Twilight series in a three day period. I fully agree with anyone who says these books are not only well written, but absolutely brilliant. I will say this, however. After I read them, I had a very, very hard time. I experienced a lot of mental spiritual warfare and I literally felt like I was locked in the story. I immediately discerned a spirit of witchcraft on these books and it made me angry because I loved them! But I literally had to get them out of my house, that’s how bad it was.
So I went to God with it and He showed me what is going down. It isn’t obvious and it isn’t about the content of the books, it is something entirely spiritual. The spirit behind these books is identical to the spirit behind Harry Potter and the spirit behind certain music, like My Chemical Romance. Look for the things that draw obsession out of this generation and pull them away from God. I guarantee you every one of them, the major ones that are addicting to scary and dangerous measures, are a tool of the enemy to infiltrate witchcraft into the lives of an entire generation of young people.
I’m not saying this from a judgmental, outside perspective, I am speaking as someone who is very, very familiar with this sort of thing and who experienced it first hand. If you want proof, you can find dozens of Wiccan and Witchcraft websites that promote these books. Doesn’t that tell you something? And if that isn’t enough to convince you, let Isaiah do it.
“Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter.”
-Isaiah 5:20
The biggest thing that stood out to me was the way vampires are portrayed as “good” in Twilight and witches and wizards are portrayed as “good” in Harry Potter. It is NOT about the content of the books, people. It is about the deceptive spirit behind them.
Open your eyes
Love in Christ,
Kelsea
Just a few minutes ago, I did some research. I typed in “the Twilight series from a Christian perspective” into the Google search engine. EVERY ONE OF THE THINGS I READ WERE FOR THE TWILIGHT SERIES!!!!!! There is something TERRIBLY and HORRIBLY wrong here. In God’s house, the only thing most of my friends can talk about is the Twilight series!!!! If you are going to read them, the least you can do is not obsess over them to the point that all you can do is talk about it everywhere you go!! This Sunday, my youth leader is going to talk about the Culture and some of it’s evils. He’s also going to talk about bringing glory to God in everything we do. Here’s a little bit of his outline he sent us on facebook.
Colossians 3:5-17, I Thess. 5:22, Philippians 4:8, Psalm 115:1Here are some questions to ask about the things you do:
Will it build me up spiritually? I Cor. 10:23
Will it bring bondage? I Cor. 6:12
Will it defile God’s temple? I Cor. 6:19-20
Will it cause anyone to stumble? I Cor. 8:8-9
Will it further the cause of evangelism? I Cor. 10:32-33
Will it violate my conscience? (Rom. 14:23)
Will it bring glory to God? (I Cor. 10:31)
Glorify God in . . .
What you read:
Harry Potter – I have real problems with this – good mixed with evil, has Wicca influences & is endorsed by Wicca but not Christian bookstores, uses sorcery to serve self & to play around, Bible says to avoid witchcraft/sorcery & doesn’t line up with what the Bible says about good/evil, author is an unbeliever, has led some to become curious about conjuring spells, ouija boards, etc…
Twilight series – I also have problems with this – good mixed with evil, endorsed by Wicca religion, MTV but not Christian bookstores, vampires are associated with evil, no Biblical basis, thoughts of lust & erotic content, author is Mormon & believes in eternal romantic love – her playlist includes Linkin Park (her favorite band), Korn, & other ungodly bands – Here are some thoughts from others:
February 21, 2008 12:38 PM KEA said…
I’m a youth leader and decided to read Twilight after a girl from the group became somewhat obsessed with it. I’ve only read the first book- but here is my take, for what its worth.
I agree Katelynn, the book does not explicitly speak out against God or the Bible. However, it does not present a Godly message either. As a youth leader and parent of a 10 year daughter, the obsession that Bella has towards Edward is concerning. She gives up all regard for herself or her family to be with someone that she knows is dangerous. I can see high-school aged girls reading this book, longing for a relationship with someone like Edward that would not be healthy to their Christian lives.
I can see a paraellel between Edward and Satan. Satan was called the “Morning Star”, the most beautiful of angels. The lies he offers up can appear to be beautiful outwardly, all the while he is trying to cheat you out of eternity with God. Bella is so smitten with the beauty and power of Edward, she is willing to offer up her own mortality to be with him forever- even if it means losing all she is and has known.
Satan sneaks into our lives wherever he can. I don’t think reading this book is to the glory of God and I would caution parents to make sure your child was not getting hooked to the point of giving up quality time with God or family.
Just my two cents.
April 12, 2008 1:06 PM Abby said…
I read all three books in Twilight series in a three day period. I fully agree with anyone who says these books are not only well written, but absolutely brilliant. I will say this, however. After I read them, I had a very, very hard time. I experienced a lot of mental spiritual warfare and I literally felt like I was locked in the story. I immediately discerned a spirit of witchcraft on these books and it made me angry because I loved them! But I literally had to get them out of my house, that’s how bad it was.
So I went to God with it and He showed me what is going down. It isn’t obvious and it isn’t about the content of the books, it is something entirely spiritual. The spirit behind these books is identical to the spirit behind Harry Potter and the spirit behind certain music, like My Chemical Romance. Look for the things that draw obsession out of this generation and pull them away from God. I guarantee you every one of them, the major ones that are addicting to scary and dangerous measures, are a tool of the enemy to infiltrate witchcraft into the lives of an entire generation of young people.
I’m not saying this from a judgmental, outside perspective, I am speaking as someone who is very, very familiar with this sort of thing and who experienced it first hand. If you want proof, you can find dozens of Wiccan and Witchcraft websites that promote these books. Doesn’t that tell you something? And if that isn’t enough to convince you, let Isaiah do it.
“Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter.”
-Isaiah 5:20
The biggest thing that stood out to me was the way vampires are portrayed as “good” in Twilight and witches and wizards are portrayed as “good” in Harry Potter. It is NOT about the content of the books, people. It is about the deceptive spirit behind them.
Open your eyes
Love in Christ,
Kelsea
Prayer Power!
"Pray continually" (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
Friend To Friend
Over the past few years, my spiritual life has changed dramatically. I've witnessed the LORD move in amazing ways, and have felt His hand guide me like never before. What's the big secret? Why the big change? Simple: prayer. There is unexplainable power in prayer.
No, prayer isn't new to me. I've prayed ever since I was a child. But even though I love God, I often struggled to remain focused during my quiet time ... or to even carve out a daily quiet time, for that matter. My creative mind has a strong tendency to wander. So a few years back, I began keeping a prayer journal and my faith has really grown as a result.
My journal isn't fancy or expensive, just a notebook that can be picked up anywhere, but it has been a power tool for God's movement in and through my life. By keeping my heart focused in prayer, my journal has fanned the flame of my prayers, and has fueled the fire in my soul to connect with our active and living God who longs to be the center of our attention.
It's not rocket science and there aren't any special tricks. A prayer journal can be an effective tool for spiritual growth, but the power is in the praying. How do I put my power tool to work? I start off by writing the date. I then jot down who I want to pray for and what I want to pray about. I also love to write out Scripture passages that have spoken to my heart. Then I go to my Father- focused and fearless. God is the source of all power, and prayer is essential to experiencing His power in our lives.
Martin Luther said, "As it is the business of tailors to make clothes, and of cobblers to mend shoes, so it is the business of Christians to pray." Prayer moves the hand of God, yet, statistically; most Christians spend less than 5 minutes a day in prayer. That's just crazy! Why would we expect God to show His power in our lives if we don't give Him more time than we spend brushing our teeth each day?
Are you experiencing the power of God in your life? Would you like more strength, peace and direction in your days? God wants you to come to Him in prayer: when you are hurting, when you are angry, when you need direction, when you need answers, when you need hope, when you need healing. He wants you to come to Him for forgiveness, courage, strength, confidence, and perspective. Come with praise, adoration, humility, honor, and worship.
So - grab a journal and focus your heart and thoughts on God . The main thing is to get alone with God. He just wants you to come.
A GIG PLEDGE: Let's commit together to spend more time on our knees! Raise your right hand and say out loud: "Lord, it is my sincere intention to seek you more fervently from this moment on." God assures us, that when we seek Him, we will find Him! As Girlfriends in God, we are growing rapidly in numbers. All around the globe, close to 200,000 women join together in devotion to seek God's face. As we grow in width, may we, as GiGs, also grow in depth. I pray that we will each seek Him and experience His powerful and presence daily.
Let's Pray
Holy Father, thank You for allowing me to come to You in prayer today. I humbly bow before Your throne of grace and ask that You would forgive me for all of the times I have failed to come. I need You more than I know. Please help me experience the fullness of Your life-changing presence in a fresh and powerful way.
For Your glory and In Jesus' Name,
Amen.
Now It's Your Turn
Consider keeping a prayer journal. Grab a pen and a notebook and get started! If you don't know where to start, use this as a template to begin:
Begin reading the Psalms during your quiet time. Journal what you learn and write down the verses that stir your heart. (There are 150 of them and if you meditate on one or two each day, you could be kept busy for a few months!)
Friend To Friend
Over the past few years, my spiritual life has changed dramatically. I've witnessed the LORD move in amazing ways, and have felt His hand guide me like never before. What's the big secret? Why the big change? Simple: prayer. There is unexplainable power in prayer.
No, prayer isn't new to me. I've prayed ever since I was a child. But even though I love God, I often struggled to remain focused during my quiet time ... or to even carve out a daily quiet time, for that matter. My creative mind has a strong tendency to wander. So a few years back, I began keeping a prayer journal and my faith has really grown as a result.
My journal isn't fancy or expensive, just a notebook that can be picked up anywhere, but it has been a power tool for God's movement in and through my life. By keeping my heart focused in prayer, my journal has fanned the flame of my prayers, and has fueled the fire in my soul to connect with our active and living God who longs to be the center of our attention.
It's not rocket science and there aren't any special tricks. A prayer journal can be an effective tool for spiritual growth, but the power is in the praying. How do I put my power tool to work? I start off by writing the date. I then jot down who I want to pray for and what I want to pray about. I also love to write out Scripture passages that have spoken to my heart. Then I go to my Father- focused and fearless. God is the source of all power, and prayer is essential to experiencing His power in our lives.
Martin Luther said, "As it is the business of tailors to make clothes, and of cobblers to mend shoes, so it is the business of Christians to pray." Prayer moves the hand of God, yet, statistically; most Christians spend less than 5 minutes a day in prayer. That's just crazy! Why would we expect God to show His power in our lives if we don't give Him more time than we spend brushing our teeth each day?
Are you experiencing the power of God in your life? Would you like more strength, peace and direction in your days? God wants you to come to Him in prayer: when you are hurting, when you are angry, when you need direction, when you need answers, when you need hope, when you need healing. He wants you to come to Him for forgiveness, courage, strength, confidence, and perspective. Come with praise, adoration, humility, honor, and worship.
So - grab a journal and focus your heart and thoughts on God . The main thing is to get alone with God. He just wants you to come.
A GIG PLEDGE: Let's commit together to spend more time on our knees! Raise your right hand and say out loud: "Lord, it is my sincere intention to seek you more fervently from this moment on." God assures us, that when we seek Him, we will find Him! As Girlfriends in God, we are growing rapidly in numbers. All around the globe, close to 200,000 women join together in devotion to seek God's face. As we grow in width, may we, as GiGs, also grow in depth. I pray that we will each seek Him and experience His powerful and presence daily.
Let's Pray
Holy Father, thank You for allowing me to come to You in prayer today. I humbly bow before Your throne of grace and ask that You would forgive me for all of the times I have failed to come. I need You more than I know. Please help me experience the fullness of Your life-changing presence in a fresh and powerful way.
For Your glory and In Jesus' Name,
Amen.
Now It's Your Turn
Consider keeping a prayer journal. Grab a pen and a notebook and get started! If you don't know where to start, use this as a template to begin:
Begin reading the Psalms during your quiet time. Journal what you learn and write down the verses that stir your heart. (There are 150 of them and if you meditate on one or two each day, you could be kept busy for a few months!)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)