Night Time Family Devotions

Deuteronomy 11:18  Fix these words of mine into your mind and being, and tie them as a reminder on your hands and let them be symbols on your forehead. 11:19 Teach them to your children and speak of them as you sit in your house, as you walk along the road,  as you lie down, and as you get up. 11:20 Inscribe them on the door frames of your houses and on your gates

As part of our daily routine, we always try to have family devotions before bedtime.   And if we miss it, it’s just not the same for kids to go to bed without devotions.  They ask for it.  It’s part of our life.  God’s word is to read, to be cherished, and honored.  They aren’t perfect in paying attention but it’s a tradition, a time they look forward to.  I hope they remember this also when they’re older as a great memory.  We generally have this time in girls’ room.  Once in a while in our bedroom, the living room, or “hang out” room (which is what we labeled the upstairs family room ) and the kids go crazy over this.  Oh the little joys in life!  Sometimes we do devotions at dinner. Sometimes things happen or come up and we don’t get to.  Such is life sometimes, ain’t it?

It’s our responsibilities as parents to teach our children in the way they should go, especially in the ways of the Lord.  We shall teach them the Word; what it says, means and how to live it.  I had a great devotional with the kids this morning as we read Psalm 90.  They may not understand it all now but it’s never too early to start instilling the value and love of the Word and time together as a family in reading and learning it together.  My youngest is 5 and just when I don’t think she’s thinking, she’ll pop up with some comment that has been brewing in her mind that was sparked by something I said or read, and it’s wonderful (aside from being so cute!)

I cherish these times.  The girls almost always want to cuddle with me while we have our devotions and it’s a sweet moment and memory that I hold dear.  May they too, cherish the time and remember it.  If not, they will have this post to read!  Love you guys!

What Young Guys Say About Modesty

Modesty isn’t dead.  It isn’t ancient culture.  It’s biblical and it’s concept does not fade with culture and time.  It’s encouraging to know that mothers are still teaching their sons and sons are passing it on to their own generation.  Here are some guys’ thoughts.  Check it out.  Be encouraged.  Be changed for the glory of God.

http://www.therebelution.com/modestysurvey/

http://www.therebelution.com/modestysurvey/overview

Man, Love Your Wife

While I may not 100% agree with everything Mark Driscoll says and does, he does say and do good things.  And if you think I’m weak because of it and will have a negative predisposed  position towards me because I don’t fully sign up to everything he does via groveling over him, grow up.

This is a good read, http://theresurgence.com/2011/06/01/how-to-honor-your-wife, even though the written grammar is bad.  No offense.  Me and my grammar.  I’m kind of a grammar nazi.  It’s one of my curses.

Some quotables:

Now, my tone is for the men. We speak to men differently than women. Were this a women’s conference, I would not call you all idiots and imbeciles and fools, that you’re a joke, okay? But you men, this is where it needs to go. You’ve been glad-handed and buddied up and positive thinking and you’re a winner and Jesus loves you and you can do better. And I’m telling you, you’re a joke. And the real men in the room know it and they see it. And maybe there’s one woman that you fooled and she doesn’t see it because like Eve, she’s deceived.  His beginning disclaimer.  Sometimes I wish women could talk like this to each other, just being frankly honest.

Shame on you. A man who picks on a woman, what a joke.  Have you ever forced yourself on a woman? You’re a rapist.  You’ll say, “She’s my wife.” You’re a rapist.  Wow.  Now if that ain’t to the point.

Head of household does not mean bully.  I’ve said this myself. I’m convinced and this confirms it for me.

Some of you say, “I’m not emotional, I don’t connect.” You should. Men and women have the same emotions; they express them in masculine and feminine ways. Your wife needs intimacy. She wants you to know her. She wants to know you. She wants you to open up. She wants you to be passionate and loving and honest, and she wants to know you and she wants to be known by you. And the Bible says that Adam was with his wife, Eve, and he, what?  He knew her.  There are too many guys that turn marriage into a job description. He does his responsibility, she does hers, and there’s no emotional connection whatsoever. Those are guys whose sins are sins of omission. “I didn’t hit her, I didn’t yell at her.” Yeah, but you didn’t love her. You didn’t connect with her. You didn’t encourage her. You didn’t pursue her.  Ultimately, you failed her.

Because that guy doesn’t know how to run numbers on taxes. He’s not smart enough to find somebody to figure it out for him. He just says, “Put the kids in day care, get a job, shoulder half of my curse. Oh and by the way, I forgot to run the numbers, come to find it’s not really helping.”  Honor her financially.  I have to say relating to this, not that knowing your tax laws makes you more manly, but I care for the daily numbers, keeping the bank account current, paying bills, account balance; stuff like that.  But my husband takes care of the big stressers, like tax filing, insurance and the like.  He actually keeps on top of me in the little things sometimes too, seeing the big picture, kinda like big brother.  But that’s his protection over us.  I so appreciate his leadership in this and trusting me with the daily things.

Point 7 is big for me.  I know husband/wife relationship come first.  But as an instinctive mother, you could say, a way to a wife’s heart is through her children.  Kind of like the saying that the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.  I know that’s not as profound and biblical, but you get the point.  You can tell a lot from a man by observing his interactions with children, even before marriage.  It’s a good tester.

Point 8 is where it should all begin.

Fine Lines in Modesty

Yes, there was some pun intended in that title.

So, I read this article recently, posted by a friend on FB.  My friend didn’t write the article, she just referenced it .  http://jeffbethke.com/the-idolatry-of-modesty/  I mostly liked the article.  While I thought he brought up some good points, I just wanted to divulge a little on some things.

“Because promiscuity is so prevalent today, we in the church have reacted by elevating modesty to unhealthy proportions. We jump too quickly into behavior modification and don’t realize that most of our modesty campaigns are actually borderline legalism.”   Modesty has been around for as long as the we know, but so has promiscuity.  There have always been cultural standards.  It comes from an inherent moral gauge.  We all have that inside voice telling us there’s something not quite right with what I’m doing, or in this case, wearing.  It’s called our conscience, which is God-ordained.  Promiscuity has been around since the old testament.  And it has not stopped.  Nay, it has increased with the sign of the times, and especially the women’s feminist movement.  The world’s feminist movement is not a biblical one, but that’s for another blog roll.  I agree that some people have jumped the extreme, but we shouldn’t  dismiss the “guidelines” as a whole given as a principle in pursuing modesty.  When it’s elevated as a test of one’s salvation, then it’s a problem.  As in any situation, we all need practical advice for many are clueless.  Writers, teachers, commentators, leaders, etc, have been doing so forever.  That’s part of how we learn anything.  People live, learn and share.  Unfortunately, teaching on this subject is either lost or minimally superficial because it’s such a touchy issue.  We’ve let the culture dictate our biblical convictions.  Only few can get away with being straight out coarse in certain areas.  Based on one’s perspective or reception, some may take it better from a Mark Driscoll type; others from a Greg Laurie type, or the other spectrum: sadly, TBN people.  Not everyone is receptive to confrontation, even if it is in love.  It is telling of one’s heart.  I think it’s just as hypocritical to accuse someone of being legalistic just because they are firm on their standards.  Sure, behavior modification is not the goal.  It’s definitely a heart issue.  But I think the two can be simultaneously taught (bold emphasis mine).  Why do we dress the way we do?  What glory are we seeking?  What does our appearance say about us.  “We dress like this because we seek to honor Christ with our bodies.  Love God more than your looks; more than your desire to have people look at you in awe; more than your desire to feel sexy.  Don’t go to extremes.”   If anyone says that their appearance, says absolutely nothing about them; they are either unaware, naive, or flat out lying.

The skirt test- paragraph 2.  I admit that I’ve never attended a private school as a student so I don’t have that personal experience.  I taught at one for a brief time and they had uniforms yet I’ve never seen or heard of “the knee test”.  But, oh how I dig uniforms.  It takes all the nonsense out.   I think it’s a huge assumption to say they “like” to do the skirt test.  People go to these schools/universities, etc, knowing that there are rules.  There are rules everywhere.  God has “rules”, and they are good for us.  Rules (or laws, if you will) are set, mainly for our good.  I don’t tell my kids not to run into the street without looking because I’m legalistically looking for ways to set my standards on them.  Not running into the street is not a rule or even a guideline mentioned in the bible, as with many “rules” we’ve set for ourselves.   Let’s not dismiss and be so cynical about practical guidelines that seek our good.  Take it with a grain of salt if you choose.  But don’t jump to the eye roll just because someone is more conservative than you on certain issues.  I don’t think rules like such should be used to embarrass people, but there is a time and place to use certain situations to make an example of either for the good or bad.  Like, if I see a drugee on the street knocked out homeless, I might say something like, “look, that is not where you want to be.”  I don’t think that’s out of line.  It’s real.

“In the Body we need to realize using men’s sin and lust issues as the reason why a woman should dress a certain way is actually making her just as much an object than if she were to dress promiscuously.”  This just doesn’t sound right to me.  Maybe some are using “men’s sin and lust issues” as an excuse.  But it’s reality.  It’s not so much ‘using’ those issues as it is realizing those things and every one doing their part.  Men need to check themselves.  And as their sisters in Christ, we need to check ourselves too, in more ways than one.  It’s about considering one another (Phil2:3, Rom12:10, 1Pet1:22) in purity.  Why is it that we want to wear short skirts anyway?  Is it really just because it’s cute?  Why is it cute?  Who says so?  Is it cute because it shows more leg?  More leg exposure is almost always synonymous with more sexy.   Sadly, I even learned that at a young age.  Why do you intentionally want your breast exposed at all?  Is there any other reason?

“Every lady should ask herself when getting dressed, “am I getting dressed thinking about God’s gaze upon me or someone else’s?” Because the truth is whether you dress to be looked at modestly, or you dress to be looked at promiscuously, you are still dressing to be looked at by someone other than your Creator, which is idolatry. There is nothing wrong getting dressed or picking clothes because you think others will think they’re cute, what I am saying though is, is that affirmation ultimate in your life?”  Okay, I don’t know the guy; have nothing against him and mean no offense but, I’m kind of a grammar nazi and his written grammar is bad.  Forgiven.  Okay, I had to get that out.  Now then.  I like the way he stated this, minus the grammar.  I know!!  I’m sorry!  We all need affirmation sometimes in our life.  God has created us with a need for love and affection.  That’s who He is- LOVE.  But we depraved tend to be obsessive in seeking affirmation in places we ought not.  I know this.  I’ve lived this.  I’m a descendent of Eve.  I admit I still struggle with it at times.  Oh, the wretch that I am!  If you wouldn’t want to wear something in company of “church people”, then maybe you need to rethink why.  Is it you or the latter?  If you think, “well, non-believers won’t judge me.”  Well, there’s a reason for that.  But even pagans have standards.  There’s a reason for that too.

Basic, safe guidelines, if I may. I know… it’s a list.  Bear with me.  It’s the format of writing.  Granmar nazi, remember?  I’m sure I’m not perfect at it either.  What a hypocrite, huh?

1. Let not your cleavage show.  If your boobs hang out at all, cover them.  Don’t forget to do the bend-over check.  If your shirt flies wide open and your boobs are totally exposed in that position, who gains a view?  Ladies with bigger bust, you just have a little more challenge, but it’s not impossible.  I’ve seen it done.  If you were covered before bending over, just be sure to suavely catch your shirt before it opens on your way down and while you’re down there.  No biggie right?
2. Belly dance in your bedroom.  This isn’t a deal breaker but if your shirt is short enough to rise when your arms do, maybe it’s better not to wear it in public?  I’m sure your husband would like to see it though.
3. If you can barely move in it, you should probably either lose weight or move on.  Was that too crass?  No offense.
4. If it’s in your crotch and you’re constantly tugging at it, it’s too tight.  Not to mention unhealthy.  Did you know that wearing tight-fitting bottoms in your privates can cause bacterial growth?  Ew.  Double whammy.
5. If you sit down and just can’t seem to pull your skirt or shorts down far enough because you now feel uncomfortable to sit, it’s too short.  You should have some room to move safely in that skirt or dress.  Is your show rated R or G?
6. If you can’t bend without your bootie showing; c’mon, it’s too short.
7. If you can see through it, you might as well be naked.  Refer to #7.
8. Bikinis- Let’s be honest.  There’s just nothing modest about them.  You might as well go out in your underwear and bra.
9. It’s not that you aren’t pretty, or don’t have a great body.  That’s not what God created your body for.   If you’re hot and you know it, humility wears sexier than arrogant pride.  Proverbs 31:30 Charm is deceitful and beauty is fleeting,but a woman who fears the Lord will be praised.

“Everything caters to men.”  This is somewhat true but I have heard teaching and opinions on both.  We as a whole do need to teach men, especially the youth, about their responsibilities.  But again, you run the risk of being “legalistic” in setting rules and boundaries.  I try to teach both sides.  I two little girls and one teenage son.  I’ve grown in my walk with Christ, thanks be to God.  I began to teach my first daughter more consistently about modesty as I mature in knowledge of it.  She has a younger sister.  I have been talking to my girls openly about modesty; what’s appropriate and what isn’t; and what’s acceptable in our home.  It’s a process for sure.  They don’t understand quite yet why other Christians dress in what we’d consider immodest.  So, for the last few years, I’ve since been teaching my girls gradually on the issue and they are slowly grasping it, even though they don’t fully understand why.  It’s about trusting me as their God-given parent, caregiver, protector and authority.  My son is down syndrome but functioning high enough to understand appropriateness.  I  continually talk to him about lusting.  He’s a human man.  He is not exempt from this struggle.  I also teach him about his responsibility to look away and protect his eyes as to protect his heart.  Is this idea so lost today?  Is it really that extreme?  Scripture is extreme.  His eyes wander in the very same direction all average men do- the body and any exposed private parts.  True, a man will lust even if she is covered head to toe.  That’s his heart issue.  This is not license to do the opposite.  So, men, make it your responsibility to not make women feel sinful for being pretty.  Protect your sisters by not arousing hormones before it’s time.  Is she yours to gawk at lustfully; caress tenderly, think upon sensually?  Is she committed to you in matrimony?  Then think again.  You have no right until you vow to love her in HOLY matrimony.  God’s glory is the goal.  God-sanctified union is the cure to your heat.  Women- do your part.

“We love rules and regulations…”  Like I said before, the bible gives us lots of “rules”, and they are for our good.  “Love God…Children, obey your parents…love one another…be pure..”  The list goes on.  Of course, live for Jesus!  But by these things, you will know they are His disciples.  OH scripture, the Christian life is much more complex than we want to admit.  “Just love Jesus!”  What doe that mean exactly???  It means so much more than we even know.  The Spirit gives us strength to fulfill the law, like Jesus fulfilled it.  He fulfilled it for us, and in turn He works the law through us, perfecting it as we grow in Him.  It’s a mystery how it all works, but all praise to Him who is sovereign over it all.

I know opinions on modest varies.  I realize that some are of the mindset that pants are only for men; long ankle skirts/dresses are most modest; along with long hair and no make up.  There’s definitely something well to be said about the femininity of women in dresses/skirts.  I can appreciate that even though I don’t believe that women are restricted to just that.  And I can also appreciate a desire to remain o’naturale.  It’s a beautiful thing, so long as they are not condemning others in a spiteful way.  I definitely think, the more natural, the better.  But I’m not saying it’s law.  “Everything is good, but not everything is beneficial.” (1Cor10:23-24)

His “solution“.  First paragraph, I like and agree.  Second paragraph, I have to modify to say that you should seek godly counsel from your husband, definitely.  Women, we should honor our husband’s opinion rather than being so quick on the defense. If you look fat, you look fat.  It’s okay.  You’re not going to look good in everything.  Ain’t that the hard truth?  But it’s okay!  We all have our strengths and weaknesses.  There’s always room for improvement.  Don’t be drenched in your own pity over your shortcomings.  And don’t drag others into your pity party.  Let Jesus cover that.  His grace is sufficient.

Secondly on the second paragraph, just because he’s a Christian brother, or Christian boyfriend, doesn’t mean he knows what he’s talking about, or will be honest with you.  Peers tend to be just as insecure and may be afraid to be truthful out of embarrassment or pride or immature to know the difference.  Take your pick.  If not your husband, seek out your father, elder, pastor or elder woman; someone wiser and older than you possibly.  This is not to say that your peer may not have good counsel, but generally speaking, it’s likely more “safe” to seek the former list.  Ask for the straight up  truth and don’t be offended when they give it.

The last 2 lines of the last paragraph: money.

Okay, so I divulged a lot.  It’s not as easy an issue as it appears to be.  And confronting the issue is awkward and uncomfortable because we want to be so careful not to hurt others.  My intention is not to hurt or vainly judge and criticize for the sake of building myself up (or like-minded persons) or put anyone down.  I’m passionate about purity.  I think this partially stems from my own experience in the loss of purity at a young age.  I was not taught godliness, even though my God-given conscience had always told me what’s good and right.  I did things I’m not proud of.  Impure things.  Long story short, I had a child, out of wedlock at 16.  Quite shameful, actually.  And it’s right that I feel shame over them acts, past or not.  But they don’t rule me.  God used my son to bring me to Himself.  I was such rebellious sinner, won over by the grace of God.   The other reason is that purity is so beautiful.  Our Lord is pure.  The cleanest, holiest, unblemished of all beings.  A pure relationship with Him is such a harmonious song.  It’s hard to describe.  Therefore, earthly relationships based on purity defined by God is a beautiful story.  I wish I had a great love story or purity.  But thank God he is merciful and gracious, faithful to forgive us our transgressions when we ask.  I have the chance to seek such purity in my marriage.  And that’s a daily construction site.

My intention in speaking out is for the glory of God and for the purity of His name.  I could say more, and I know there are things I’ve left out.  It’s not my intent to cover every inch (some pun) of this issue.  Our appearance, as legalistic as it may sound, is important- to an extent.  You would dress appropriately to impress a employer when going in for an interview, or a date.  Why isn’t it important to “dress” for God?  We are called and commanded to do many things in scripture, but it’s not for our salvation or our glory, but born out of a desire to please Christ, which in turn brings us the joy of obedience.  It’s for our good.

Learn the Bible Books

My kids used this video to learn the books of the bible.  My youngest was just shy of 4 and my other daughter was 5 when they learned this.  It’s possible!  And fun!

It was awfully nice of the Bigsby Show to put my girls on their site.  You can see them at Bigsby News and see other things the show is up to on their official website.

It is awesome because it’s not some cheesy kids’ tune.  It’s actually enjoyable for adults too.  It reminds me of the Beatles style music.  It definitely helped me, and still does.  I hope you can learn something too!  Happy singing and learning!

Sex, Romance and the glory of God, C J Mahaney

Men, this is a book I recommend.  The man knows what he’s talking about.  He’s got it down.  What a great and awesome testimony of love for his bride.  Much of what he said is right on.  Lots of good practical advice.  It’s no surprise that his wife feels loved.  It’s always encouraging to hear how a man grows in wisdom.  Mr. Mahaney’s pursuit of his wife is commendable.

For a woman (men too if they admit it), anyone for that matter, part of relations is “feeling” loved, not just the objective of being loved.  It really does take a balance of both.  Like it or not, a woman loves with her emotion (or heart) first.  Her bodily expressions are an extension of that.  A man tends to expresses his loves with his body while his emotional state lags behind.  We all need balance.  Amen?

Sex is a holy act reserved in it’s rightful context.  For the Christian, the marriage bed (where sex is birthed) is to be kept undefiled.  (Oh, I think I blushed a little.)  Read the book.  I don’t need to reiterate what’s been well said already.  Besides that, I’m a little tired right now anyway.

The book is short, an easy read for sure.  I’m a slow consumer of words.  I’m one of those people who can read sentences over and over and not know what I just read.  I can read something and totally have my mind on something else.  I would say that’s talent but I may be redirecting a little here.  Anyway, if I had the uninterrupted time, I think I could have finished it in a day.  Maybe within 5 hours.  For you more concentrated readers, you should be able to finish it in no time.  I read almost half the book in a couple of hours.  That’s saying a lot for me!

Married or single-in-hopes-of-love-one-day, you can learn from this book, and the man.  I hope you learn a lot.  You can prepare yourself.  And that you can bring glory to God in your romantic, sexual marriage!

A Heritage to Enjoy

Children’s children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children.   Proverbs 17:6, NIV

I’ve often coveted (God forgive me) the stories some families or sects that have a heritage they can pass on, a glorious story of perseverance and triumph, strength and courage in the battles that have brought them to freedom. I think of the Jews and immigrants that have come to America pursuing the dream of ‘freedom’. I  think of the great stories these ancestors have passed down from generation to generation and how their children share in the glory of great adventures I cannot.

But, I do.  God has written history in a way that no one can imitate.  There were struggles, battles, death, triumphs, vindication, humbling… and we are all a part of this historic story of redemption.  God has created a people for himself.  Although we may not understand the process, we shall know for certain that there is a happy ending; a triumphal redemptive ending that is more glorious than any Hollywood writer could concoct. There is history, story upon story of God’s works through man since the beginning of time and we get to pass it on from generation to generation.  Unlimited stories no one person can regurgitate in their lifetime.

Even though God is sovereign over all things, He uses people to extend and portray His goodness and justice to the world.  As a giver of life, one gift He extends is the gift of life and that for a woman to be vessel of a life-giver through birth, and I am thankful to be one.  I have been given 3 children, all whom I am so thankful for.  They bring me great joy.  I regretfully confess sometimes possibly I may idolize them too much, GOD forgive me.  May God set my heart right in those moments.  But what satisfaction it is to be able to raise a generation unto the Lord.  I seek God in my motherhood; that my husband and I might enjoy a future generation from our children growing in a heritage that the Lord has built upon His own name.

I am not a perfect parent.  I have many faults.  I have lost my temper.  I have disrespected my husband in front of my children.  I have neglected them at times.  I have not always been diligent in my love, discipline or grace.  But by God’s grace, I confess with a humble and broken heart that my children often tell me they love me and what a great mom I am.  I love my children dearly and I wouldn’t trade them for the world.  I would never want harm to come to them.  I shamefully confess that sadly, sometimes they are victim to my sin.  But I pray that when my children are grown, that they would be able to say that they were raised in admonition and love of the Lord.  I hope they will be able to enjoy the heritage of knowing that they were created for a greater purpose than just taking up breathing space on earth; that they are not just a blob blast from thin air living for nothing but their own glory, which may never come.  What is certain is that Christ will return for His own; all will be made new and the world will be perfect and they will get to share in the glory of it all.  Now that’s a heritage to look forward to!

The Use of the Cross

Am I the only one who gets disgusted and embarrassed when I see a cross necklace hanging in the middle of a gal’s cleavage?  Am I the only one who thinks that it’s contrary for women to use their sexuality as a pawn for popularity, attention and fame?  Do you get a pass b/c you “say” you love Jesus?  Am I the only one that has a problem when I see a cross hanging from the neck of someone who’s singing or rapping about sex, drugs and material wealth contrary to the biblical portrait of these things? Is it really about Jesus’ glory to have the cross tattooed to your lower back hip, you know, before your butt crack, generally the place where your underwear line should be? So, your cross tattoo peeking out while your underwear showing too is ‘just a statement’. A statement of what? Your liberty to do so?  Like it or not, there are still boundaries that scripture sets out. Liberty doesn’t mean total liberty as if anything goes. It comes with limitations.

Is the cross made for bling? Is Jesus being mocked?

Sex as Purely Entertainment?

Should it even be a question for the Christian that watching sex in and as part of entertainment, whether it be tv shows or movies, is ever appropriate?  I would think not, but the world would have you think it’s no big deal.   Dare I call it sinful?  How is it much different than watching porno?  If you are watching sex on the tube, is it different because they are not showing the all the cracks at once?  They would tell you ‘it’s just the way we are’, sexual beings.  While that notion, that innate ‘feeling’ is so true, it’s only because God has created us that way.  The nature of sex and sexuality in itself is not sin, but as it does so well, the nature of man has perversed this sacred and sanctified act and means by which God gives us joy in its rightful context. The continual decline of morality in the secular world has all too much entangled the Christian world view so much so that we sometimes buy into this lie that we can use our bodies however we darn well choose.  The bible tells us differently:  “1 Corinthians 6:17 But the one united with the Lord is one spirit with him.6:18 Flee sexual immorality! “Every sin a person commits is outside of the body”  – but the immoral person sins against his own body. 6:19 Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you,whom you have from God, and you are not your own? 6:20 For you were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God with your body.“

While we have some liberty in Christendom, we should beware of what’s ‘good’ even though it may be ‘permissible’ (1Cor 10), even though secular culture might say it is.  Take captive your thoughts (2 Corinthians 10:2 now I ask that when I am present I may not have to be bold with the confidence that (I expect) I will dare to use against some who consider us to be behaving according to human standards. 10:3 For though we live as human beings, we do not wage war according to human standards,10:4 for the weapons of our warfare are not human weapons,but are made powerful by God for tearing down strongholds.  We tear down arguments 10:5 and every arrogant obstacle that is raised up against the knowledge of God, and we take every thought captive to make it obey Christ.)

I recently read a book by Doug Wilson called Reforming Marriage.  Good stuff.  As I chuckled at his humorous outlook on sometimes weighty situations, his many great examples; in this book, Doug Wilson’s example of the sometimes mindless choices of entertainment we immerse ourselves in is sadly too often true.  This is a paraphrase of an excerpt from that book from the chapter “The Marriage Bed is Honorable” (remember, I said paraphrase):

Imagine this situation. One day, suppose a non-Christian neighbor invites his  Christian neighbor over for the evening. He accepts innocently enough.  “And also, while you’re over, you can watch us have sex.”  The Christian recoils in horror and replies, “Oh no, we couldn’t do that. We’re Christians.” “Oh, okay. the neighbor replies in confusion.  Well, we’ll just record it on video for you to watch at your convenience.”  “Oh, no. We couldn’t do that either.”  “Well, I don’t get it,”  explains the neighbor.  “You invited us over that one day and we watch some people having sex and you had no problem with that.  Is it because we aren’t as good-looking or is it because we already know each other?”  And the Christians stumble over their excuses.

Excuses. We are full of them.  “It’s complicated.”  Or how about, “It’s my Christian liberty to make that choice”, “we all know what boobs look like”, “most of us here already know what sex is anyway”, “I don’t want to be legalistic”, what, are you that insecure?”…the list goes on. We are cowards on many fronts, not wanting to seem legalistic or ‘holier’ than others rather than unashamedly standing for honoring Christ.  That in itself shouldn’t make us boastful, but the peace of mind of knowing we are obeying scripture renders us joy that He provides in obedience.

Seriously, I know the bible has its difficulties, and a Christian world view is a vast and complex machine in many respects.  But reading the bible is pretty plain sometimes that people make it more difficult by throwing in what appears to genuine understanding but may be cloaked under excuses and rationalization for the lusts and desires of one’s own heart.  It’s a tough battle, no doubt. But Christ has conquered it all for you.  Impurity is sin.  And there are vast forms of it cloaked in ‘liberty’.  Don’t defile the marriage bed by allowing defiled entertainment enter your mind and heart.  Sex is to be enjoyed in its rightful context- marriage.  Don’t create more baggage than there already is.  None are perfect, and tomorrow’s a new day, but today’s just as important.  “Oh be careful little eyes what you see…”

Boast Not in Your Liberty, Ye Saints of the Lord

Romans 15:17 So I boast in Christ Jesus about the things that pertain to God. 15:18 For I will not dare to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me in order to bring about the obedience of the Gentiles, by word and deed, 15:19 in the power of signs and wonders, in the power of the Spirit of God.

2 Corinthains 10:17 But the one who boasts must boast in the Lord.

As scripture is our witness, let our boasting not be the sinful nature, an arrogance upon we seek to see other stumbling, a puffing up of our christian liberty, but honoring Christ in humbleness that He calls His children to be, to give Him the glory due His name.

Pursue righteousness, godliness, holiness, separating yourselves from the love the of the world…

As we are commended to have the faith of a child, even listen to the words of a child’s song, “oh be careful little eyes what you see… be careful little ears what you hear… For the Father up above, is looking down in love…”   Take care where your feet tread, take care and captivate your thoughts and seek your heart.  Is it God-ward?

Is pursuing purity from the filth of the world and it’s desires really a matter of legalism?   I’m sure it can be, but not all purity pursuits are legalistic.  Why are we quick to snicker and sneer at fellow Christians who seek to pursue a life of purity; from being smeared by the world?  We call them “holier than thou” people. Rather, shouldn’t we encourage and praise the Lord that such purity exists.  Only He can allow and such good to come from such tainted people.  The scriptures call us to think upon the things that are beautiful and pure.  The scriptures tell us it is possible to live a life worthy of the calling we have been given, through the Holy Spirit.  We are charged to pursue godliness, holiness, and on and on the list goes.  This is not to hold us in bondage, but to give us a hope, a joy in obedience.  We will not fulfill it perfectly, but we are picked up when we fall, and we continue running.   Perfect Peace comes through Christ.  If you are working for your salvation, then you’ve got another thing coming.  But if you are in Christ, your working should be exuding from a heart of joy and thanksgiving, an honor that is given to the saved.

Those who boast in their Christian freedom as to show others how “liberated” or ‘mature’ they are only prove too much that they are the opposite.  I think it leads to an arrogance of love for yourself that you are careless in how others, even especially unbelievers, see your witness of God’s character.  You as a believer have a responsibility, as much as you may not like it or if it puts pressure on you, you are not your own, but bought with a price.  Faith is not a light matter.  Sure we will fail, but nonetheless you are called to a higher calling, on that reflects Christ, and it is by His power and strength that you do all things, and only in and by His name shall you boast.