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For more articles see our ‘Tools 4 Building Ur Faith’ category. Also take a look at our ‘Recent Questions & Answers’ category so you can see what other Christians are seeking advice about. If you would like to search articles and Q & A’s by subject go to the right side of our page, underneath the image of the girls holding the sign that sasy, ”Anonymous Advice”, there you will find a drop down menu that allows you to search WeUsed2bu by category. If you have any questions or need advice please feel free to leave a comment below or visit our ‘Get Anonymous Advice Now’ category.

Basic Christian Principles

admin — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 15:09:08 +0000

Written by Lisa aka Trophy of Grace

“And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow Him. Let your roots grow down into Him, and let your lives be built on Him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.” (Colossians 2:6-7)

Now that you’re saved, here are some basic Christian principles to help you in your walk with Christ. Along with the principles are articles the women of WeUsed2bu have writtten to expand on the principles. We pray that you are encouraged in your spiritual growth.

Read the Bible daily

All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. (2 Timothy 3:16)

The Bible was inspired by God to help us with our everyday lives. It is God’s Word, giving us direction, comfort, hope, faith, and inspiration.

Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God. (Matthew 4:4)

If you want your faith to grow, being rooted in God’s Word will help you apply it to your life. It will feed your soul, renew your mind and help make your thoughts and attitudes more like Christ. It provides truths. It reveals God’s character. It shows us examples of people throughout history who have messed up but who still love God and who are still loved by God.

The Bible helps us live victorious Christian lives. (Romans 12:1-2). A few synonyms for “victorious” are: successful, fortunate, winning, triumphant, outstanding, unbeaten, undefeated, rewarding, strong, notable, happy. Who wouldn’t want to have a life like that?

As you read the Bible, stop and think about the scripture.

What does it say?

What does it say to me?

How can I apply it today?

Prayer

Never Stop Praying. (1 Thessalonians 5:17)

Prayer is simply talking to God. He wants to hear what’s on our hearts, even though He already knows. He wants to hear our voice and He wants to answer us back, through His Word, through another person, a song, a still, small voice inside of us; however He chooses.

Prayer is vital to our spiritual growth and to having a relationship with God. Just like in every relationship, you can’t become closer; can’t get to know each other better or love each other more without communication. Prayer is communication between you and God.

For more on prayer click here to read, “Prayer Is Essentional To Change”

Go to church

And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near. (Hebrews 10:25)

Church is a good place to make friends and meet other Christians. We need to be around other believers who will help encourage us, and who will pray with us and for us. The church you choose should teach the Bible, not just nice “ideas” and “feel-good messages.” The people who attend the church should be eager to hear and apply the Bible to their lives (Acts 9:31, 11:4).

Being in a church will provide you with ways to worship God—through music, prayer, drama and testimony of other believers. Godly sermons will help you understand scripture and show you ways to apply it in your life.

You should see the righteous “fruits” of salvation and obedience in the church’s leadership and its members (Galatians 5:22-23). In other words, the leaders and members should clearly love Jesus and be trying to live lives according to his example.

Get involved in an accountability group and/or home Bible study

Flee also youthful lusts, but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. (2 Timothy 2:22)

Another important way to strengthen your walk with Jesus is to join a home bible study or accountability group. These are often available through your church—as part of the women’s, youth or young adult ministry. Or you could form one yourself, bringing together other Christians who want to grow in their faith.

Being in a small group gives you the opportunity to dig deeper into the teachings of scripture, plus you will get to hear from others how God used His Word to minister to them. Small groups and accountability groups put you in contact with believers who have a passion for God’s truth and power at work in their lives. (Acts 17:11)

Being in a small group is also a way to develop friendships with people who will commit to helping you bear the burdens of life by praying for you and being available for you to talk to them when you have a need. (James 4:17) They are sometimes called “life groups,” indicating the importance of “doing life” with other believers.

Be baptized

Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. (Romans 6:4)

Baptism symbolizes Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection by the power of God. It is not the act of being submerged or sprinkled with water that is important. What is important is that when we are baptized, we are making a public proclamation. We are saying that we understand what Jesus did for us and have accepted His gift of salvation. (1 Peter 3:1) Baptism affirms our personal awareness that we are, by His life and Spirit, a new person in Him.

Baptism is not necessary for salvation. But baptism is an act of love and obedience. Clearly, Jesus, as God, did not need to be baptized for salvation. But, scripture tells us that Jesus went to John the Baptist and was baptized. Jesus was obedient to his Father God. Then,

As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:16-17)

If—as Christians—we try to live a life like Christ, then clearly one of the things we should do is be baptized.

Learn to have a giving heart

And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. (II Cor. 9:8)

God has blessed us so that we can be a blessings to others. We should be willing to give of our time and resources to help others in need and to spread the Gospel. As a result of what you do for others, God will receive glory. Additionally, your generosity shows obedience to and love for Christ. (2 Corinthians 9:13)

Evangelism

And then he told them, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone.” (Mark 16:15)

Now that we have God’s Spirit living in us, He has given us the power to be His witnesses, telling people about Him everywhere. (Acts 1:8)

We were once destined to hell and eternal separation from God. We should therefore have a longing inside to tell others the Good News of Christ and the freedom we have in Him. The love of God in us will prompt us to want to seek and save the lost—people who do not know Jesus.

For more about evangelism, click the links to these articles below:

“We All Have A Story”

“How To Minister To Others”

WeUsed2bu is rich with artices that can help encourage and build your faith. We have taken some of our articles from our ‘Tools 4 Building Your Faith’ category and created a page just for you. On this next page you will find articles that we have written that we hope will meet you right where you’re at. If you have any questions please feel free to leave a comment below or visit our ’Get Anonymous Advice Now!’ category.

Click here to read some the articles we selected for you by subject.

Read Trophy of Grace’s testimony
More articles written by Trophy of Grace
Read questions answered by Trophy of Grace

Just Fell Off The Path

admin — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:14:46 +0000

Anonymous comments on the post, ‘Giving Into It Doesn’t Show That I Am Made In His Image‘

Hi Made In His Image,

So I’m struggling with the same thing. I’m very strong in my faith with God, and I’m even getting baptized in a few weeks. I’ve been pretty strong lately with not doing it, and staying on the path. But I just fell off the path, and I’m just ashamed and embarrassed. I knew it was wrong and my Holy Spirit kept letting me know too, but I just ignored it. I was doing so well too! I was and I am doing great with church, reading the bible, talking with God and witnessing to others. Now I just feel like there’s just a limit where God is going to stop forgiving me. I’m just confused and I know God would never abandon me. But I just feel like I’ve fallen too many times. I know God would never do that, but I just don’t like feeling like this. I just need someone to talk to and to reassuring me that everything is going to be okay.

His Precious Gift replies…

My precious sister in Christ,

I am so happy for you, being baptized is such an important step in our journey, but I am also sad as I read your concern and your hurt as you say that you “fell off the path”. Christians have a choice to either obey the Word of God or yield to the temptations of the enemy. By accepting Jesus as Lord and personal Savior, we are translated out of the kingdom of darkness and into God’s kingdom. To remain in bondage to sin would be like sitting in a jail cell with an opened door. When we realize that sin is a choice and use the Word as a weapon against the enemy, we can break the sin cycle forever.

I will tell you that this is not the first or the last time that you will be tempted and “fall off the path” as you call it. Even though we have received Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we live in a world that is ruled by the enemy so we will be tempted all the time. Sin is a curse, a hindrance to God’s blessings and the very obstacle that adds to and often causes the difficulties of life.

You have authority over Satan, and when you are born again, you have a responsibility to uphold the Word of God. In doing so, you prove the Word and the promises of God to be true and you can defeat the enemy when he comes to tempt you. You have dominium over Satan and his demonic forces.

Strive at all times to live in a way that is pleasing to God. He holds you accountable for your actions. Once you know the truth, sin becomes a matter of personal choice.

Jesus said, “If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin [would be blameless]; but now they have no excuse for their sin.” -John 15:22

You demonstrate your faith and respect for God by exercising your willingness to choose His way of doing things over your own. How do you know God’s way, you might ask? You know God’s ways by always reading the manual, the Bible.

Now, everything is going to be OK. Remember God knows your heart!

Phil. 4:8-9 - Think on good things and do what is right!

Let me pray for you:

Gracious God, yes, you do know our heart. You know everything about us, all of our secrets, all of our fears, all of our seemingly hidden sins. You know when we seek to please others rather than you. You know when we pretend as if you’re not looking. Please help us to be women of integrity. May we seek to honor you, with our thoughts and feelings, with our dreams and aspirations. By Your grace, may our heart be pleasing to you. Amen.

Here are a couple of articles you can read that may speak to your heart:

Your Temptation Isn’t New Or Different

http://www.weusedtobeyou.com/2010/09/23/your-temptation-isnt-anything-new-or-different/

Scriptures on Temptation

http://www.weusedtobeyou.com/2010/09/23/scriptures-on-temptation/

“Do Over”

http://www.weusedtobeyou.com/2008/12/08/do-over/

Much Love,

His Precious Gift

Is Dry-Humping OK?

admin — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 03:48:47 +0000

Anonymous writes…

Hello,

I’ve been dating a nice guy for 5 months and we have had a great relationship. We talk to each other about almost everything and we try to help each other walk closer to God. A couple of weeks ago something happened when we were kissing, and I’m not sure what to do about it. I know that sex is something that should definitely be saved for marriage, and we both agree on that.

I’m just not sure on where to draw the line on physical things. Like the other day we dry-humped, and I didn’t even know what I was doing until after it was over. We were both fully dressed and I’m not sure how it even happened. He is totally fine with stopping physically whenever I’m uncomfortable with anything, but what should I be comfortable with physically? To be completely honest I liked the experience, and it was just fun for me. It didn’t tempt me to do anything more. Should we stop this behavior? Or is it an OK thing to do? We are both 18, in college and just trying to figure out how to please God, but at the same time trying to have fun.

What is a good way to try to control your thoughts and body? I have tried praying, reading scripture, and even have an older mentor. I just still can’t keep lustful thoughts out of my head.

Thanks for the help in advance.

Sweet Freedom replies…

Hi,

Well, I appreciate the very honest questions. But I feel like if you were to ask me face to face if “dry-humping” was OK, we would have a bit of a chuckle, LOL, right? Because really it’s just sex with clothes on, and what’s not to “like” about that experience? Oh, except that out of marriage, it will make you feel guilt and disappointment. Take it from someone who went there and did that. Not with my husband though. It was in my previous life.

As a Christian, you know that the Father sent His Son, Jesus to earth to show us how to “do” life. He brutally died on the cross, conquered death, hell and the grave and then resurrected. Then after 40 days on earth in His glorified body, He ascended, so that we would receive the Holy Spirit which would help us to fulfill our destiny, like Jesus did. God has written His law on our hearts. His Spirit enables us to obey, His grace and mercy help us when brings us back when we fall short.

Jesus is very interested in our heart. Obedience is a heart issue.

Concerning our hearts, let’s look at what Jesus reminded the disciples in

Matthew 5:38,”But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”

Even if you do everything “right” on the outside, God can see the inside. Jesus said that He wants you to have the same joy in you that He had, read John 15:11. Do you want to have the full blessing that comes from living a life of purity and saving yourself for your husband so that your joy may be full? The victory of passing this very difficult test will be even sweeter. There’s a deep refining in the waiting. The word says that we renew our strength as we wait upon Him in Isaiah 40:31.

So, now let me answer your questions more directly.

Here were your questions:

Should I stop the physical stuff with my boyfriend?

Personally, I would keep it to only have “planned or intentional” hugs and kisses. Sin is fun but obedience brings blessings. Sinful fun is soooooo short lived, and then you feel bad. Remember if you know to do something and then choose to not do it, then it makes you feel bad, pure and simple. (James 4:17) If you are obedient and you choose to please God, you will love His Son, who He has sent to you. In choosing God, your faith will grow and make you feel amazing. As faith arises in you, and you become an overcomer (read Revelation 12:11). You become more like Jesus and then you will become closer friends with Jesus. You will have more in common with your Savior. Also your heart will begin to fall in love with Him, the lover of your soul. This kind of love will make you feel like “superwoman”, and this will not go away, it just gets deeper and stronger. Choose to please God and you will not be disappointed.

How do I control my thoughts?

Read the word and mediate on the word daily. Read especially on issues that you may be dealing with. Renew your minds in these areas.

Romans 12:1-2 “Do not conform any longer to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is, his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

What I do that may help you is that I take 3 x 5 notecards, colored markers and write down scriptures that I wanted to put to memory. I carry these cards in my purse, and in lines at the store, or in the car waiting, or in the bathroom, I will read them out loud as a declaration to me, myself and I that I am a new creation. It really works!

How do I control my body?

Your body will follow what you think. So if your mind is constantly being renewed by the word, then your body will obey.

Romans 6:11-14“In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. Do not offer the parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer the parts of your body to Him as instruments of righteousness. For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law under grace.”

In closing, you must decide if you are living the Christian lifestyle because it is your conviction (firm belief), or is it your preference (likes this more than that). Conviction and preference are very different. If you just like the idea of being a virgin, then more than likely you will be talked out of it. But if being a virgin until marriage is a conviction, then everything will change, i.e. what you watch, what you listen to, where you go, who you allow in your personal space. Does this make sense? You will protect your conviction.

If this wasn’t a Christian Girls Advice blog I would tell you, “Good job to have waited so long to not have sex, but you are just human.” “You deserve it.” “Oh well, if it feels good do it.” “Well, if it happens it happens.” Or, here’s a good one, “Maybe you’re confused about your sexuality.” “Don’t be so hard on yourself.” “Just go for it, it’s only natural.” Believe me; before I met my husband, I waited for 8 long years, so I have heard it all.

Let me say that if you have already failed this test, repent and start over. You will get another test in this area again, I promise you. However, once you lose your virginity, even though you can be redeemed, you will only be (in the words of Madonna) “like-a-virgin”.

Blessings!!

Sweet Freedom

Letter to Future Husband

admin — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 02:14:03 +0000

Anonymous writes…

So for the past year or so, I have been writing letters to my future husband. Well, before our wedding, during our engagement, I will give him all the letters so he can see my fears, insecurities etc. I always said no one would read them, except for maybe my best friend. I feel like you need to read the one I wrote last night. Just so you can understand how I feel like crap.

It’s 9:39 pm, October 27th, 2011. I feel like crap. Sometimes, I wonder if any guy will ever read the dozens of letters that I have written. I’m so envious of people like B. who have someone like B., to raise her up, to love her, and remind her of her beauty. I feel like no one has, does, or ever will love me like that. I know God does and my family and friends do, but that’s not the kind of love I’m talking about. I’m supposed to be sleeping, but I can’t. Don’t worry, I’m not crying. Yet, why I feel this way? I don’t really know. I’m 15 right? There’s no way I can be in love or be loved at this young age. Right? I know that, you know that. So why do I feel this way?

I feel like sh– because I know no one has, does, or will ever love me. Harsh? Well, I guess if someone is actually getting ready to marry me, and reading these letters, then you must love me, but I have this doubt that no one will ever read these.

Must be the devil telling me that I’m completely unlovable. He’s not supposed to win this battle, and yet. No, he hasn’t nor will he ever win, but he sure has planted that seed of doubt in me. “No. One. Loves. Me.” Now, people who say “God, your family, your friends… They all love you!” Yeah? Ok. They do, but God still put this sexual/emotional need in me. Creation wasn’t complete until He made woman. But he made woman, to be with man. I’m right of course. God made the woman specifically for the man. They are meant to be united as one. I’m loved by Him, family and friends, sure, but there’s still that part of me that’s missing. You, I just want to be loved. I want what Jack and Jill have.

WHY CAN’T I HAVE THAT?!?!? I’m not even 16, I have a long ways to go, but let me tell you this. Until I feel loved, I’m going to always feel, hurt, broken and incomplete. I’ll have many, many nights like tonight.

*Cue Tears….*

I don’t want to feel this way. God should be enough, but he’s not. I’m done, I don’t want this anymore. I wish I could stop hurting and just live a monotone, emotionless, feeling less life. No more pain, sorrow, or brokenness.

I’m sick of this
Hurry up and save me,

That’s what I wrote last night. I don’t know why I feel this way, but I do know that the pain I feel is very great. I want to be able to look toward God and know He’s my “Prince” like every Christian Teen Girl magazine says. I don’t want to feel this way. I haven’t been a Christian forever, and I am far from perfect. I live in a broken, beyond broken, family, where my parents call me names, and my dad doesn’t ever express his love for me. Maybe that’s why, I never truly feel loved by anyone. I don’t want to go into depression. I have no specific question for you guys. I just need help.

Precious In His Sight replies…

Hi, thank you so much for writing into our site for advice. My name is Pam aka Precious in His Sight. I call myself Precious in His Sight because I am just that; Precious in the Sight of God!

I too grew up in a not so put together home where my father looked down on me, and never express his love for me nor ever had anything positive to say to or about me. I reached out to all the wrong places for love: alcohol, parties, men, and sex. None of this satisfied me. If it did, it was only for a moment. I would always look for that special someone that would love me for me, and I finally found him when I stopped looking and started loving ME! After eighteen challenging years of marriage and three beautiful children, we are still in love AND I am still in love with ME!

When I read your letter I see two things that are missing: your love for God and love for yourself. The bible tells us that the greatest command is to love the Lord with all of our heart, mind and soul. (Matthew 22:36-37). Do you think that you love God with these feelings that you have been having? Loving God means to depend on Him and to trust Him with your life!!(Proverbs 3:5) You say you know that God, family and friends love you, but do you love yourself? Can you look in the mirror deep in your own eyes for more than sixty seconds without looking away? Can you look in the mirror and have a conversation with yourself? Can you be alone and have fun all by yourself? Can you actually say to yourself, I love you girl and you are the best thing since strawberry ice cream? If you have a problem with any of these things then we know what you need to work on; LOVING YOURSELF!!!

If you cannot or do not love yourself, how do you expect for people to love you? For years I used my lack of love from my father and my family as a crutch to walk in my own pity party. But guess what, it was a party of one, which was even more depressing. We can allow our parents or our family’s mistakes to mold us into an insecure people when we should keep in our hearts and minds that we are created in the image of God and He did not make any mistakes in His creation of us. In fact, He was being very creative when He made you and me. He gave us a heart to feel hurt and to love and an ability to write out our feelings no matter how bad they are. So now that you and I both know that you are gifted let’s put this gift to use.

How can I do this Precious in His Sight you may be asking me?

Well, start off by first praying:

Lord, I thank you for all of the many gifts that you have given me. I thank you for creating me in your own image so I know that makes me FIERCE! You have placed within me an anointing that I have not yet discovered. Help me to get to know You better so that I can see and walk in Your special anointing. Help me to love me for who I am and who You have created me to be. I thank you for my friend Jill and her friend Jack. Lord, please forgive me for being envious of their relationship and all of the other relationships that I have lusted after. I know that I am loved by You Lord and my family and friends, so Lord now help me to love me. God, I also know that there is someone out there that You uniquely created just for me. Prepare me for him so that when He comes along I will know that He is my gift from you. Lord help me to not go through relationship after relationship yearning for something that I can only receive from you. Help me God to wait on your perfect will for my life. Thank you Father God for never leaving me never forsaking me and always having my back with your love. In Jesus’ Mighty name I pray…Amen!

Now, your next step is to make a list. You are gifted with writing your feelings down so create a list of qualities that you are looking for in a guy. At the top of your list should be: he must love God and put Him first in his life. Second on your list should be the qualities described in 1 Peter 3:7. Write down the qualities that you know will complete you. Not just materialistic or superficial qualities, but strong characteristics that your heart yearns for. The word of God says that if we delight ourselves in God, trust and commit ourselves to Him, He will give us the desires of our heart. (Psalm 37:3-5) The word of God also tells us that we should write our vision down and make it plain. (Habakkuk 2:2)

God knows what you need because He knows you. He knew you before you were even a thought to your parents. (Jeremiah 1:4-5) Can I give you some advice on those letters that you wrote with the intention of giving them to your future husband, DON’T! Put yourself in the place of the guy and think about how you would feel if he were to give you letters like that when you are about to give your life totally to him. What would you do? Personally, if it were me I would rethink my decision to spend the rest of my life with that person until I know that this person has gotten the necessary emotional help that they need to overcome all of the emotions that is within them. Work on your insecurities before God blesses you with a Mr. Right so that when you enter in the relationship you will have a peace within yourself that surpasses all understanding about what you have encountered over your life. (Philippians 4:7) This peace will guard your heart and your mind and enable you to fight off the enemy when he speaks negative thoughts to you.

So how do you get that peace, you may be thinking to ask me. That peace within comes from the deposit of God’s word that you make on a daily basis. Do you read the word? Do you have a devotional book or a Bible? Read your bible daily. Start by reading the book of Psalms. You will find so many comforting words that you can apply to your life. Then when you want to get a little deeper, read about the story of Jesus in the book of John. Interchange these books morning and night. Start off by reading a few verses at a time. Also memorize some that speak to your heart. Getting the word in you will block out all of the negative thoughts that come up in your mind. Use the word to fight off those negative thoughts. So when you hear the words; “No One Loves Me” then you can combat those thoughts with the word that says “Because He loves me,” says the LORD, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.” (Psalm 91:14) You can make this scripture personal and say: “Because God loves me, He will rescue and protect me, because He knows my name!!”

Please know that you are loved not only by your family and friends but also by your sisters in Christ here at WeUsed2bu Ministries. Stay encouraged in the Lord knowing that He loves you the most.

Precious in His Sight

Purity is Essential

admin — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 02:11:38 +0000

Written by Lynn Mosher

Cross post from Heading Home

“God blesses those whose hearts are pure,

for they will see God.”

(Matthew 5:8 NLT)

Continuing with the beatitudes…

“Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when He appears, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. Everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.” (1 John 3:2-3 NIV)

In Greek, ‘pure’ is defined as clean, clear, pure as cleansed, free from impure admixture, without blemish, and spotless.

Some of the definitions from the English dictionaries describe ‘pure’ as…

*clean, spotless, or unsullied

*untainted with evil; innocent

*free from foreign or inappropriate elements

*without any discordant quality; clear and true

*free from anything of a different, inferior, or contaminating kind; free from extraneous matter

*and free from that which harms or pollutes as unadulterated, free from that which contaminates, defiles, or blemishes, as free from moral defilement or guilt, innocent, chaste, so says Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary from 1879.

God made each of us as a precious being, a body, soul, and spirit needing special care. His intention was that we preserve the purity of our minds, hearts, and bodies, protecting them from anything that would harm the integrity of His creation. It was His gift to each of us.

How hard do we work to keep ourselves from inappropriate contaminants that sully our purity while waiting for our Beloved’s return?

Do any of these negative things tramp through your heart with their muddy feet and attempt to camp out…doubt, worry, unbelief, strife, stealing, cheating, covetousness, lying, pride, unforgiveness, depression, murmuring, complaining, filthy language, rebellion, hypocrisy, bitterness, judging, gossip, speaking against others, addictions, impure thoughts, lust, internet porn, or anything else that grieves the Holy Spirit?

What do we look at or listen to that tempts us or puts us at risk of lusting, lusting for anything? We cannot look at or listen to just anything. Our eyes and ears act as conveyor belts of the world’s junk dumping it all into our minds and hearts. Impure sights and sounds siphon out the purity of our lives and become infinitesimal steps of separation between us and God.

Though God fills us with His holiness through Christ’s salvation, the upkeep of holiness depends solely upon us. It is absolutely necessary, as Paul persuades, that we “Pursue a godly life,” (1 Tim. 6:11a NLT) for “God did not call us to uncleanness, but in holiness.” (1 Thess. 4:7 NKJV)

If we keep our hope and trust in Jesus, we continually flush ourselves of impurities, keeping ourselves pure in Him. Therefore, Paul says, “Dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” (2 Cor. 7:1 NKJV)

We do this because “Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.” (Eph. 5:25-27 NKJV)

The purity of holiness is not an option, for, without it, we will not see the Lord, as the writer of Hebrews tells us, “Seek to live a clean and holy life, for one who is not holy will not see the Lord.” (Heb. 12:14 TLB)

Paul told the young Corinthian believers to “be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” (1 Tim. 4:12 NKJV)

Remember, “God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God.” So, how bad do we want to see God?

“He who loves purity of heart and has grace on his lips, the king will be his friend.” (Prov. 22:11 NKJV)

I wonder if God asks the same question about us as He did of Hosea when He lamented over Samaria and their idols, “How long will it be before they attain purity?” (Hos. 8:5 Amp)

Pure in heart…as a baby. Do you have a baby heart?

~~Blessings, Lynn~~

Lynn Mosher

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Give Him a Clean Slate

admin — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 13:36:28 +0000

Anonymous comments on the post, ‘I Am Tired Of Waiting For My Husband To Come Around’…

Hello,

I asked the above question to you. Things have been going OK for us. My husband claims he has no communication with the other woman, but right now where he is at, and how did he leave things before he got locked up?

It is really hard for me to believe anything he says, and it will take a lot of time for me to trust him again. He can’t do that again until he gets out. We are going to move somewhere, when he gets out and make a fresh start.

Every day my husband is becoming more and more the man I married almost four years ago. I am still very scared about getting hurt again. I pray constantly asking GOD to help me deal with this, and to tell me if I should keep fighting for my marriage, or if I should walk away from it. I feel he is telling me to fight for my marriage. In the end what I choose to do for our two sons and myself, and I know that the choice with be mine. But what does GOD wants me to do?

I found some things out though. The other girl intentionally got pregnant thinking that my husband would leave me, his wife, and our boys, the family he already had, for her and that baby. She let it slip one night to a friend that is what she did. She had the baby in September. She has been writing my husband trying to make him feel bad because he didn’t choose to stay with her and that kid. Then, it turns out that there is a possibility that it may not be his.

I keep praying that GOD will tell me how I should react, and what I should do when it comes to this kid. Right now, I cannot accept that child in my life and to be a part of my family. But every day I pray to GOD and tell Him that if He wants this child in my life, I will eventually find a place in my heart for the kid. The pain is just still too much, and I have a lot of anger right now. Plus it takes so much from my two boys that are innocent in all of this, and never asked for any of this. I don’t feel that they should have to share their father with anyone. That may be selfish and I understand that the other child is also innocent too, but that is how I feel. I think that this is the one topic in the Bible that I cannot find any advice on it. If you know of some scriptures or verses could you let me know?

Also, if you have any advice on what is the Christian thing for me, as a wife, is to do. The Bible says that no matter what, GOD come first and foremost, then when you are married, your spouse must come next, and is number one in your earthly list of priorities, then it says that the children of a husband and wife must come next in your priorities. Our parents are also to be honored and are next in line after our children, and then after parents is the rest of our family. My heart is torn and I am so confused. I know that my husband loves our boys and me. I know he wants his family. I know it is going to take some time to get past all of this and work things out.

Trophy of Grace replies…

I’m happy to hear that you and your husband are trying to working things out, sister.

I believe with all my heart that the Spirit of God can bring restoration to any relationship that surrenders everything to Him. God is a God of healing, restoration, and new beginnings. One of our writers, Deborah Ross, has an awesome testimony of how God restored her marriage. She wrote a book called, ’Healing A Broken Marriage – Love Never Fails’. Follow this link to read a review on it.

http://www.weusedtobeyou.com/2010/08/17/healing-a-broken-marriage-love-never-fails/

I would have to say that if you are going to move forward with your husband, you will certainly need to forgive him and give him a clean slate. I know it will be hard to trust him after all that has happened. But, if you see that he is really trying, and he is repentant, then forgive him and allow the Holy Spirit to heal you and your marriage. You will learn to trust again as your husband proves that he has changed and is trustworthy. (Matthew 18:21-25)

Speaking of forgiveness…forgiveness, mercy and grace is what you will need to extend to this woman who claims to have your husband’s child. The verses that come to my mind right away are found in Colossians 3:12-15:

“Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.”

You need to forgive her. Now you may not be able to trust her, but you need to forgive her and pray for her daily. Praying for her will help you to forgive and fill your heart with compassion for her.

“But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!” - Matthew 5:44

She needs someone interceding on her behalf, after all she needs prayer. She needs salvation. She needs deliverance too. God’s word says that it is not His will that ANY should perish. He wants all to be saved. (2 Peter 3:9)

As far as the baby goes, it is not the baby’s fault. Have mercy on that baby. Try not to resent the child, or be jealous of it. I know it’s easier said than done. You will really need to pray about all of this. Pray for and forgive everyone involved.

I would strongly suggest that you also start seeking counseling locally too, if you haven’t already. Seek out a Christian counselor, pastor, or a support group. You need to be able to talk to Christians close by who will be able to give you support in this season. You can’t get through this alone. At least you shouldn’t try. This is why we are the body of Christ, to bear one another’s burdens. (Galatians 6:2)

I pray that something I have said has helped you, sister.

Sincerely,

Trophy of Grace

A Resolution To Love

admin — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 20:56:33 +0000

Cross-post from Consecrated To Him

Written by Lisa aka Trophy of Grace

I don’t make New Year’s resolutions anymore because I really don’t stick to them. Instead for the past couple of years I have taken a look back over the ending year and thanked God for all that He has done in my life. Then I ask Him to help me stay close to Him in the coming year. My heart’s desire is to keep my eyes on Him. I know if I do that, everything else will fall into its place. (Matthew 6:33)

This year however, I decided to set one New Year’s resolution for 2012—to learn to love more. When I thought about loving more I had my husband, kids, friends, church, and family in mind. I did not for a second think about loving those who would challenge my resolution to love; the sandpaper people in my life who rub me the wrong way with their lies, accusations, hating, slander, betrayal, and criticism.

The start of 2012 has been a challenging year already. I have been used, abused, betrayed, lied to, accused, hurt, and slandered. Loving has been challenged for sure. My resolution to love is being well-tried. Can we as Christians really love in the face of persecution and betrayal? Can we love when others are unloving to us? How?

I am quickly discovering that the only way to grow in love is to actually be put in, or allowed in situations where our commitment to love is tested and tried. It’s easy to love someone back when they are being nice, caring, understanding, respectful, and faithful. When people are rude, mean, selfish, self-centered, and unfaithful, however, it’s not so easy.

About a week ago I was reminded by a dear woman of God to pray for my enemies. I have to learn to love them in-spite of their ugliness. I searched out the Word of God and found, Luke 6:27-36. Take a few minutes and read these verses. I will share the verses that really spoke to me.

“But to you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you. (verses 27-28)

“If you love only those who love you, why should you get credit for that? Even sinners love those who love them! And if you do good only to those who do good to you, why should you get credit? Even sinners do that much! (verses 32-33)

“Love your enemies! Do good to them. Lend to them without expecting to be repaid. Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will truly be acting as children of the Most High, for he is kind to those who are unthankful and wicked. You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate. (verses 35-36)

That is a lot to take in. Love our enemies. Pray for them. Pray for those who hurt us. Be compassionate because our Father is compassionate.

Thank God for the Holy Spirit that lives in His children because it will have to be by His strength and empowering that I am going to walk this out when I have been so hurt. But His Word promises that we CAN do ALL things through Christ who strengthens us. So here I go; not by my own might, nor by my own power, but by His Spirit. (Philippians 4:13, Zechariah 4:6)

Then the Spirit of our Lord reminded me that I have been forgiven much, so I must forgive others much. I need to make allowance for others faults. I need to be quick to forgive, but that I also need wisdom in my relationships; accepting the fruit of repentance as a means of reconciliation. At the same time, I need to understand that not all relationships will be immediately restored. I need to trust God in the midst of those losses.

In the month since making my resolution to love more, I have suffered great loss and experienced severe stress, persecution, and betrayal. I realize it is only by giving others the same grace, mercy, and forgiveness that Christ has given me, that I can truly walk in love with everyone—friend or foe. This is not of myself. It is truly done by the grace of God. Thank God for that!

In closing, I leave you with the verses that God always brings me back to. Colossians 3:12-14:

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Scriptures On Loving Others

admin — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 13:51:39 +0000

Matthew 7:12 The Golden Rule

12 “Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets.

John 13:14-15 -And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet. 15 I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you.

Romans 12:9-10 - 9 Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. 10 Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.

Romans 13:8-10 - Love Fulfills God’s Requirements

8 Owe nothing to anyone—except for your obligation to love one another. If you love your neighbor, you will fulfill the requirements of God’s law. 9 For the commandments say, “You must not commit adultery. You must not murder. You must not steal. You must not covet.” These—and other such commandments—are summed up in this one commandment: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” 10 Love does no wrong to others, so love fulfills the requirements of God’s law.

1 Corinthians 13:1-7 - Love Is the Greatest

1 If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn’t love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God’s secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but didn’t love others, I would be nothing. 3 If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; but if I didn’t love others, I would have gained nothing.

4 Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud 5 or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. 6 It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. 7 Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.

Galatians 5:14 - 14 For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

Galatians 6:10 - 10 Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith.

1 Peter 1:22 - 22 You were cleansed from your sins when you obeyed the truth, so now you must show sincere love to each other as brothers and sisters. Love each other deeply with all your heart.

1 Peter 3:8-9 - All Christians

8 Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude. 9 Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will bless you for it.

1 Peter 4:8 - 8 Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins.

1 John 4:7-8 - Loving One Another

7 Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God. 8 But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love.

1 John 4:12 - 12 No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and his love is brought to full expression in us.

1 John 4:20-21 - 20 If someone says, “I love God,” but hates a Christian brother or sister, that person is a liar; for if we don’t love people we can see, how can we love God, whom we cannot see? 21 And he has given us this command: Those who love God must also love their Christian brothers and sisters.

John 13:34-35 - 34 So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. 35 Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”

I Was Deeply Touched By Your Article

admin — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 20:45:33 +0000

Scotty commented on Asia’s story…

I was deeply touched by your article and I know it will help many, many young people (male & female). As a father of seven (five daughters and two sons), minister, Oklahoma prison chaplain (retired), and counselor for over 35 years; I have seen this struggle in young people, incarcerated and free. I believe not having a father growing up affects one’s self-esteem and I am truly sorry for your loss; hence the importance of single mothers providing best male role models for their children and teens. You were fortunate to receive the help in time to avert you away from self-destructive patterns of living.

Your testimony will encourage others to self-examination, examination of the hope that comes ONLY through Christ, and their walk with Him.

As you continue toward you Social Work degree, I heartily encourage you to conduct your own study of who you are “In Him”, “In Christ (Jesus)” especially in the epistles. A rich study awaits you.

The Best to You IN CHRIST.