tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32119669567564196722024-02-08T08:00:12.707-08:00Arizona Moms for ChristRebecca Halterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08423033708214392418noreply@blogger.comBlogger21125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211966956756419672.post-66300571393286633792009-12-31T21:24:00.000-08:002009-12-31T22:01:03.232-08:00"Will YOu Leave Jesus Behind?"This post is based off a recent sermon given by the pastor of my church, which was inspired by the passage of scripture Luke 2:41-50. The scripture tells the story of Jesus being left behind at the temple by his family. <br /><br />After accepting Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, what kind of life do you lead? Is Jesus the leader of all that you do, or are you so caught up in the festivities of life that you don't realize before it is to late that Jesus is no longer at your side? Jesus' family loved him so much, yet they still unknowingly left him at the temple. They assumed that when the family left that Jesus was also leaving with them. They went on with their day, visiting family and friends and retuning home before they realized Jesus wasn't with them. Then they went to look for him at their friends and relatives places, thinking he was there, and they were surprised when their friends and family knew nothing of him. It took them a while to figure out that Jesus was at the temple. When they went back to get him, Jesus said to them "why did you seek me, did you not know I'd be about my father's business."<br /><br />You've accepted Jesus into your life, then you go on with your life, being disobedient to him; drinking, drugs, cursing, promiscuity, and/or other compromising moral issues. Then before you know it, Jesus is no longer with you and you may wonder why. The only way to get back to Jesus is to go back to the place where you left him. The only place we can find him when we feel lost, is to look where we left him behind. We can't just keep starting over anew each time we want to feel closer to God. You're going to have to pray to the holy Spirit first to show you where you left Jesus, and then you are going to have to repent. Jesus is left behind when you are disobedient. [The pastor spoke to the teens in the audience, saying that they better get straight A's because everything they do should be for the glory of the Lord.]<br /><br />We get so caught up in what we're doing that we forget to bring Jesus with us. We assume that because we are a born again child of God that everything is okay, that surely Jesus is always with us. We can't afford to make that assumption. We don't intentionally leave Jesus behind, yet it happens. God should be our first priority. In all that we do we should put our trust in him, and let the Holy Spirit guide us through life. If the Holy Spirit isn't the one impowering us and guiding us to do God's will, then we will find that things just aren't going to work. Going through the motions of being a Christian means nothing. We need to seek God. Live for Jesus, don't leave him behind. **Everything you do needs to be for the glory of God.** Ask yourself, "Is it me doing it or is it he doing it through me?"Rebecca Halterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08423033708214392418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211966956756419672.post-81636457070395063712009-06-18T18:09:00.000-07:002009-06-18T18:12:14.412-07:00Stress- Overcoming It.WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT...<br />OVERCOMING STRESS?<br />In today's world it is virtually impossible to avoid stress. Almost everyone is carrying some amount of it, in varying degrees. Many find it increasingly difficult to simply survive in the world we live in. In desperation, people are seeking relief for their problems through any remedy they can find. Our culture is inundated with self-help books, therapists, time-management workshops, massage parlors, and recovery programs (to name just the tip of the iceberg). Everyone talks about returning to a "simpler" way of life, but no one seems to even know exactly what that means, or how to attain it. Many of us cry out like Job, "The churning inside me never stops; days of suffering confront me." (Job 30:27).<br /><br />Most of us are so used to carrying the burden of stress, we can scarcely imagine our lives without it. We think it is simply an unavoidable part of living in the world. We carry it like a hiker trudging out of the Grand Canyon with a huge pack on his back. The pack seems to be a part of his own weight, and he can't even remember what it was ever like to not be carrying it. It seems that his legs have always been that heavy and his back has always ached under all that weight. Only when he stops to rest for a moment and takes off his pack does he realize just how heavy it really is, and how light and free he is without it.<br /><br />Unfortunately, most of us cannot just unload stress like a backpack. It seems to be intrinsically woven into the very fabric of our lives. It lurks somewhere beneath our skin (usually in a knot between our shoulderblades). It keeps us up late into the night, just when we need sleep the most. It presses in on us from all sides. Yet, Jesus says, "Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." (Mt. 11:28-30). Those words have touched the hearts of many, yet they are only words that merely sound comforting and are in essence, worthless, unless they are true. If they are true, how can we apply them to our lives and walk free from the burdens that weigh us down so badly? Perhaps you are responding, "I would love do that if only I knew how!" How can we receive rest for our souls?<br /><br />COME TO ME...<br />The first thing we must do to be free from our stress and our worry is to come unto Jesus. Without Him, our life has no real purpose or depth. We simply run from one activity to another, seeking to fill our lives with purpose, peace, and happiness. "All man's efforts are for his mouth, yet his appetite is never satisfied." (Ecc. 6:7). Things haven't changed much since the days of King Solomon. We work ourselves to the bone for the things we desire, only to crave more.<br />If we do not know our real purpose in life; our reason for existing, life is very meaningless indeed. Yet, God created each of us with a special purpose in mind. There is something that needs to be done on this earth that can only be done by you. Much of the stress that we carry springs from the fact that we don't know who we are or where we are going. Even Christians who know that ultimately they are going to heaven when they die, are still anxious in this lifetime because they do not really know who they are in Christ and who Christ is in them. No matter who we are, we are bound to have tribulation in this life. It is unavoidable, but having trouble in this life is not the issue anyway. The real issue is how we react to it. That is where stress is born. The trials we face in this world will either break us or make us strong.<br /><br />"I will show you who he is like who comes to me and hears my words and puts them in to practice. He is like a man building a house who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came the torrents struck that house but could not shake it because it was well built." Luke 6:48. Jesus didn't say that once we built our house on the rock that everything would be perfect. No, He said that a flood came in torrents smashing against the house. The key is that the house was built on the rock of Jesus, and the rock of putting His words into practice. Is your house built on Jesus? Did you dig your foundation deep into Him, or was the house hastily erected? Is your salvation based on a prayer you prayed once or is it growing out of a committed relationship to Him? Do you come to Him every day, every hour? Are you putting His words into practice in your life, or do they lie there like dormant seed?<br /><br />"Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern 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." Romans 12:1-2<br />Until you have fully committed yourself to God, until your foundation is dug deep into Him, you will never be able to discern what His perfect will is for your life. When the storms of life come, as they are bound to do, you will only worry and fret and walk around with an ache in your back. Who we are under pressure reveals who we really are. The storms of life wash away the thin veneer that we present to the world and expose what lies in our heart. God, in His mercy, allows the storms to hit us so we will turn to Him and be cleansed of the sin that we were never able to perceive in times of ease. We can either turn to Him and receive a soft heart in the midst of all our trials, or we can turn away and harden our heart. The hard times in life will either make us pliable and merciful, full of faith in God, or angry and brittle, full of doubt and unbelief.<br /><br />FEAR OR FAITH?<br />"If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31). Ultimately, there are only two motivating factors in life: fear or faith. Until we truly know that God is for us, loves us, cares about us personally and hasn't forgotten us, we will base our life's decisions on fear. All fear and worry stems from a lack of faith in God. You may not think you are walking in fear, but if you aren't walking in faith, you are. Stress is a form of fear. Worry is a form of fear. Worldly ambition is rooted in a fear of being overlooked--of being a failure. Many relationships are based on the fear of being alone. Vanity is based on a fear of being unattractive and unloved. Greed is based on a fear of poverty. Even anger and rage are based on the fear that there is no justice, no escape, no hope. Fear breeds selfishness, which is the exact opposite of God's character. Selfishness breeds pride and indifference to others. All of these are sin and must be dealt with accordingly. Stress arises when we try to serve both ourselves (our fears), and God at the same time (which is impossible to do). "Unless the Lord builds the house, it's builders labor in vain...In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat." (Psalm 127:1-2).<br /><br />The Bible says that when everything else is stripped away, only three things remain: faith, hope, and love--and that love is the greatest of the three. Love is the force that drives out our fear. "There is no fear in love but perfect love drives out fear, for fear has a torment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love." (1 John 4:18). The only way we can get rid of our anxieties is to look them in the eye and deal with them at the root. If we desire for God to make us perfect in love, we will have to repent of every bit of fear and worry that we have clung to instead of Him. We may not like to face some of those things that are in us, but we must if we are ever to be free from them. If we are not merciless with our sin, it will be merciless on us. It will drive us like the most wicked of slavemasters. Worst of all, it will keep us from communion with God.<br /><br />Jesus said in Matthew 13:22, "The one who received the seed that fell among the thorns is the man who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke it, making it unfruitful." It is extraordinary what tremendous power there is in even the littlest things to distract us from God. We must stand our ground, and refuse to let the thorns choke out the seed of the Word. The devil knows that if he can distract us with all the cares of this world, we will never be a threat to him or fulfill the call that is on each our lives. We will never bear any fruit for the kingdom of God. We will fall far below God's intended place for us. Yet, God wants to help us to do our best in every situation that we face. That is all He asks--that we trust in Him, put Him first, and do the best we can. After all, most other circumstances that we worry about are beyond our control anyway. What a waste of time worrying is! If we only worried about the things that we have any direct control over, we would reduce our worrying by 90%!<br /><br />Paraphrasing the Lord's words in Luke 10:41-42, Jesus is saying to each one of us, "You are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Choose what is better and it will not be taken from you." Isn't it wonderful that the only thing that cannot ever be taken from us, is the only thing we really need anyway? Choose to sit at the Lord's feet and listen to His words and learn from Him. By so doing, you are putting a deposit of true riches into your heart, if you guard those words and put them into practice. If you are not daily spending time with Him and reading His Word, you are opening the door of your heart to the birds of the air who will steal the seeds of life deposited there, and leave worry in their place. As for our material needs, they will be taken care of when we seek Jesus first. "But seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness; and all these things will be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow will take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof." Matthew 6:33.<br /><br />God has blessed us with a most powerful tool; His Living Word, the Bible. If used properly, it is a spiritual sword; separating our faith from our fear, drawing a clean line between the holy and the vile, cutting away the excess and bringing forth the repentance which leads to life. Stress merely indicates an area of our life where our flesh is still on the throne. The life that is totally submitted to God is marked by the trust born out of a thankful heart.<br />Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. John 14:27 (KJV).<br /><div align="left"><br />TAKE MY YOKE UPON YOU...<br />How it must grieve God to see His children walking around in such misery! The only things we really need in this life, He already purchased for us at Calvary through a terrible, agonizing, and lonely death. He was willing to give everything for us, to make a way for our redemption. Are we as willing to do our part? Are we willing to lay our lives down at His feet, and take His yoke upon us? For if we do not walk in His yoke, we are bound to walk in another. We can either serve the Lord who loves us, or the devil who is bent on destroying us. There is no middle ground, nor is there a third option. Praise God that He made a way out of the cycle of sin and death for us! When we were completely helpless against the sin that raged in us and compelled us to run from God, He had mercy on us and ran after us, though we only cursed His Name. He is so tender and patient with us, not willing for even one to perish. A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick He will not snuff out. (Matthew 12:20). Are you bruised and broken? Is your flame dimly flickering? Come to Jesus now!<br />"Come all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost. Why spend your money on what is not bread and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare. Give ear and come to me; hear me that your soul may live!" Isaiah 55:1-3. </div><br />BLESS THE LORD, O MY SOUL<br />When all is said and done, there are still times when we all face incredibly difficult circumstances that have an awesome power to destroy us. The best way to counteract stress in those times, is to begin to praise God and thank Him for His countless blessings in our lives. The old adage "count your blessings" really is true. In spite of everything, there are so many blessings woven throughout our lives that many of us do not even have the eyes to see them. Even if your situation seems hopeless, God is still worthy of all your praise. God delights in a heart that will praise Him no matter what the bankbook says, our family says, our time schedule says, or any other circumstance that would try to exalt itself against the knowledge of God. As we praise and bless the name of the Most High, everything else in this world begins to pale and fade away against the sheer loveliness of who He is.<br /><br />Think of Paul and Silas, feet bound in stocks in a dark prison with a jailer standing guard over them. (Acts 16:22-40). They had just been severely flogged, ridiculed and attacked by a huge crowd of people. Instead of fearing for their lives, or becoming angry at God, they began to praise Him, singing out loud, careless of who might hear or judge them. As they began to praise Him, their hearts were soon overflowing with the joy of the Lord. The song of those two men who loved God more than life itself began to flow through them like a river of liquid love into their cell and out into the entire prison. Soon, there was a flood of warm light bathing the whole place. Every demon there began to flee in utter terror of that praise and love to the Most High. Suddenly, an amazing thing happened. A violent earthquake shook the prison, the doors flew open, and everybody's chains came loose! Praise God! Praise always brings freedom, not only for ourselves, but for those around us who are bound up as well.<br /><br />We must get our mind off of ourselves and the problems we face and onto the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. One of the miracles of a life transformed by God is that we can be thankful always, and praise Him in all situations. This is what He commands us to do, for He knows better than we do that the joy of the Lord is our strength. God does not owe us anything, but He has made a way for us to receive every good thing anyway, because He loves us! Is that not a reason for celebration and thanksgiving?<br /><br />"Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior. The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer and enables me to go on the heights." Habakkuk 3:17-19.<br /><br />"Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; Who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; Who satisfieth thy soul with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's." Psalm 103:1-5 (KJV).<br /><br />Won't you take some time right now to re-commit your life to the Lord? If you don't know Him, ask Him into your heart. If you do know Him tell Him that you want to know Him better. Confess your sins of worry, fear and lack of faith and tell Him that you want Him to replace those things with faith, hope and love. No one serves God by his own strength--we all need the power and the strength of the Holy Spirit to permeate our lives and continually lead us back to the precious cross, back to the Living Word. You can make a fresh start with God, starting this very minute. He will fill your heart with a brand new song, and joy unspeakable and full of glory!<br />"But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and you shall go forth, and grow up (leap) like calves released from the stall." Malachi 4:2. (KJV)Rebecca Halterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08423033708214392418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211966956756419672.post-84913164787671592212009-06-18T10:10:00.000-07:002009-06-18T10:11:39.526-07:00Astrology and the BibleIt is true that we live in a world where it is easier to adopt the habits and beliefs of those around us. God allows us the freedom to develop our own minds. It is our duty in life though to know right from wrong and set and example fo others. Also, if there is a loved one or friend or acquaintance that is preaching their beliefs and those beliefs go against God's teaching, then it is our duty to set our friends straight, acting as a sort of peer group for them.<br /><br />The passage on 'What the Bible says about Astrology' provides lots of factual scripture evidence on how God feels about those who choose to believe or practise any forms of astrology. Since reading your horoscope in the newspaper/magazine or getting your fortune told at a fair is moreover commonplace nowadays, it is up to us to set the example and not settle into these practises of astrology. If people you know do these things, tell them it is wrong and against God's plan to try to forseen their future. Tell them that God is in charge no matter what, and that they should pray to him for guidence rather thatn taking their fortune in their own hands by trying to rely on the prophesies of palm readers and fortune tellers.Rebecca Halterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08423033708214392418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211966956756419672.post-42757677432802160902009-06-18T10:03:00.000-07:002009-06-18T10:07:22.907-07:00Older Women Mentor Younger WomenOLDER WOMEN MENTOR YOUNG WOMEN<br />Now more than ever it is important for women to be stewards for the Lord and set a positive example of what a woman should be. In this world we live in, it is easy to get caught up in worldy things; it is easy to give in to the daily stresses and pressures of life. Women can become discouraged in their role as a wife and mother. Especially since there are so many options that provide an easy out of these roles. Therefore, it is most important that the older women in the young women's life say the right things when the young seeks counsel from the old.<br /><br />The older women also need to live a clean life so that the advice and counsel they give will come from a Godly source. In the article, 'Duties of a Christian Wife', it states: "The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children...that the word of God be not blasphemed." One thing we notice about these verses is that the older women are instructed to teach the younger women how to love their husbands." This passage also suggests that young women need to also lead a good life, acting as examples, so we may be able to teach our young. We may not always have our own mother's or family to mentor us; we can find mentors in other places. Women at work, church, neighbors, friends, etc. can all be mentors.Rebecca Halterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08423033708214392418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211966956756419672.post-73844193062038547762009-05-09T23:06:00.000-07:002009-05-09T23:07:28.638-07:00Astrology and the BibleAstrology and the Bible<br />I have a co-worker who keeps telling people that the three wise men were astrologers because "they read the signs in the heavens and followed the North Star." I cringe every time I hear her say that, and I have, on several occasions, corrected her. Why she insists on perpetuating this lie is anybody's guess, but apparently she heard it in some Bible study, and therefore it must be true. Unfortunately, she's not the only one who's doing it. There are many people are out there spreading misinterpreted gospel, and the bottom line is, it's dangerous.I believe one of the biggest problems with Bible interpretation attempts is that many people don't really know Jesus, and don't have the indwelling Holy Spirit to guide them - yet they're ready to either espouse their uninformed opinions whenever possible, or swallow whatever nonsense they hear from others who are equally ignorant about the Bible. They might know ABOUT Jesus, but they don't have a personal relationship with Him and are, consequently, still "walking in the way of the world," using their human mindsets to try to interpret God's word. They are what a pastor friend of mine calls "fence straddlers." With one leg in the spiritual realm and one leg in the "carnal" world, they refuse to budge from either one. Granted, they might run to church every Sunday, or be involved in all kinds of church activities, but they wouldn't know Jesus if they fell on Him because they never try to dig deeper. They're just a bunch of people sitting at the edge of God's swimming pool, so to speak, getting their big toes wet, rather than just jumping in and immersing themselves with the whole Truth.The other problem in our modern day world is that there is a garden variety of kooks with their own websites clogging up the Information Superhighway, sharing whatever muck is in their twisted minds. To wit, one astrological website I recently accessed boldly proclaims that "When the Bible talks about 'the stars', it is talking about Astrology."Is that so? Let's examine what the Bible REALLY says. The following verse from Isaiah shows God addressing Babylon about the sins they are committing, including the seeking of guidance from astrologers....Isaiah 47:13-14 (NIV translation): All the counsel you have received has only worn you out! Let your astrologers come forward, those stargazers who make predictions month by month, let them save you from what is coming upon you. Surely they are like stubble; the fire will burn them up. They cannot even save themselves from the power of the flame. Here are no coals to warm anyone; here is no fire to sit by.There are many other scriptures about astrology/witchcraft, and interpreters of omens. How anyone (even those who don't know the Bible very well) can misinterpret God's word on this issue is beyond me:Deuteronomy 4:19 (NIV): And when you look up to the sky and see the sun, the moon and the stars—all the heavenly array—do not be enticed into bowing down to them and worshiping things the LORD your God has apportioned to all the nations under heaven.Leviticus 20:6 says God will separate himself from those who go after mediums and spiritists.Deuteronomy 18:10-12 says that practicing witchcraft, sorcery, soothsaying, interpreting omens, making spells, and being a medium or spiritist, are all terrible sins to God.Daniel 2:27-28 talks of how God kept King Nebuchadnezzar's dream and its interpretation secret from the astrologers, magicians or dream interpreters, and soothsayers. However, he revealed it to his prophet Daniel.Acts 16:16-18 talks of a girl who was possessed by an evil spirit that enabled her to be a fortune teller. Paul commanded the evil spirit to come out of her in the name or authority of Jesus, and the spirit left her.In Deuteronomy 18:9-11, Moses informs the Israelites: When you enter the land the LORD your God is giving you, do not learn to imitate the detestable ways of the nations there. Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. (Deuteronomy 18:9-11 NIV).2 Chronicles 33:5-6 (NIV): In both courts of the temple of the LORD, he built altars to all the starry hosts. He sacrificed his sons in [a] the fire in the Valley of Ben Hinnom, practiced sorcery, divination and witchcraft, and consulted mediums and spiritists. He did much evil in the eyes of the LORD, provoking him to anger.Throughout the entire Bible God allows only His prophets to accurately interpret any kind of "signs." With so many people insisting on using their human mindsets to interpret God's word, is it any wonder we have so many "religions" and weird beliefs and false prophets today? Someone once told me they don't like the fact that Jesus referred to people as "lambs" or "sheep" in need of a shepherd. Well, we ARE like sheep. We all follow something or somebody. Those who are desperate to know their future follow astrology or tarot card readers or whatever (never mind the fact that God is in charge, whether they realize it or not!); the Germans followed Hitler, even after they became aware that he was off his rocker; history repeated itself with Milosevic in Kosovo when his followers went along with his efforts at ethnic cleansing in that region; the Hollywood jet set are following the false teaching of Scientology because it caters to their need to deify themselves; many Americans of the Clinton era gladly followed their illustrious prez down a path of immorality, dissecting the meaning of the word "is" along the way; hundreds died for Jim Jones and David Koresh, and the leader of that weird asteroid cult who dressed in purple and laid down to die while waiting for the mother ship to beam them up; American school children copy and mimic the dress, hairstyles and actions of their favorite movie stars and rock bands; Shirley MacLaine follows her belief in being born again, and again, and again....Instead of listening to God and what He wants, most people simply turn their backs and do their "own thing" because it's easier to be "in and of the world". We all have the choice to believe whatever we want and however we want - but we'd also better be prepared to explain "why" on Judgment Day, because God isn't going to let us off the hook:Revelation 3:16 (NIV): So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.In Matthew 7:22-24, Jesus said: Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!' Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. (Matthew 7:22-24 NIV).Astrologers, Satanists, witches, psychics, and all those who are dabbling in magic of some kind - take heed: Man's efforts to predict omens and tell the future through magic are always fruitless. These "gifts" come from Satan, not from your Creator. Dabbling in these will only result in certain spiritual death. God says so.Anonymous<br /><a href="http://www.konig.org/astrology.htm">http://www.konig.org/astrology.htm</a>Rebecca Halterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08423033708214392418noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211966956756419672.post-31486296079755439022009-05-09T22:59:00.000-07:002009-05-09T23:00:12.675-07:00Stress- Overcoming It.WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT...<br />OVERCOMING STRESS?<br />In today's world it is virtually impossible to avoid stress. Almost everyone is carrying some amount of it, in varying degrees. Many find it increasingly difficult to simply survive in the world we live in. In desperation, people are seeking relief for their problems through any remedy they can find. Our culture is inundated with self-help books, therapists, time-management workshops, massage parlors, and recovery programs (to name just the tip of the iceberg). Everyone talks about returning to a "simpler" way of life, but no one seems to even know exactly what that means, or how to attain it. Many of us cry out like Job, "The churning inside me never stops; days of suffering confront me." (Job 30:27).<br />Most of us are so used to carrying the burden of stress, we can scarcely imagine our lives without it. We think it is simply an unavoidable part of living in the world. We carry it like a hiker trudging out of the Grand Canyon with a huge pack on his back. The pack seems to be a part of his own weight, and he can't even remember what it was ever like to not be carrying it. It seems that his legs have always been that heavy and his back has always ached under all that weight. Only when he stops to rest for a moment and takes off his pack does he realize just how heavy it really is, and how light and free he is without it.<br />Unfortunately, most of us cannot just unload stress like a backpack. It seems to be intrinsically woven into the very fabric of our lives. It lurks somewhere beneath our skin (usually in a knot between our shoulderblades). It keeps us up late into the night, just when we need sleep the most. It presses in on us from all sides. Yet, Jesus says, "Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." (Mt. 11:28-30). Those words have touched the hearts of many, yet they are only words that merely sound comforting and are in essence, worthless, unless they are true. If they are true, how can we apply them to our lives and walk free from the burdens that weigh us down so badly? Perhaps you are responding, "I would love do that if only I knew how!" How can we receive rest for our souls?<br />COME TO ME...<br />The first thing we must do to be free from our stress and our worry is to come unto Jesus. Without Him, our life has no real purpose or depth. We simply run from one activity to another, seeking to fill our lives with purpose, peace, and happiness. "All man's efforts are for his mouth, yet his appetite is never satisfied." (Ecc. 6:7). Things haven't changed much since the days of King Solomon. We work ourselves to the bone for the things we desire, only to crave more.<br />If we do not know our real purpose in life; our reason for existing, life is very meaningless indeed. Yet, God created each of us with a special purpose in mind. There is something that needs to be done on this earth that can only be done by you. Much of the stress that we carry springs from the fact that we don't know who we are or where we are going. Even Christians who know that ultimately they are going to heaven when they die, are still anxious in this lifetime because they do not really know who they are in Christ and who Christ is in them. No matter who we are, we are bound to have tribulation in this life. It is unavoidable, but having trouble in this life is not the issue anyway. The real issue is how we react to it. That is where stress is born. The trials we face in this world will either break us or make us strong.<br />"I will show you who he is like who comes to me and hears my words and puts them in to practice. He is like a man building a house who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came the torrents struck that house but could not shake it because it was well built." Luke 6:48. Jesus didn't say that once we built our house on the rock that everything would be perfect. No, He said that a flood came in torrents smashing against the house. The key is that the house was built on the rock of Jesus, and the rock of putting His words into practice. Is your house built on Jesus? Did you dig your foundation deep into Him, or was the house hastily erected? Is your salvation based on a prayer you prayed once or is it growing out of a committed relationship to Him? Do you come to Him every day, every hour? Are you putting His words into practice in your life, or do they lie there like dormant seed?<br />"Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern 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." Romans 12:1-2<br />Until you have fully committed yourself to God, until your foundation is dug deep into Him, you will never be able to discern what His perfect will is for your life. When the storms of life come, as they are bound to do, you will only worry and fret and walk around with an ache in your back. Who we are under pressure reveals who we really are. The storms of life wash away the thin veneer that we present to the world and expose what lies in our heart. God, in His mercy, allows the storms to hit us so we will turn to Him and be cleansed of the sin that we were never able to perceive in times of ease. We can either turn to Him and receive a soft heart in the midst of all our trials, or we can turn away and harden our heart. The hard times in life will either make us pliable and merciful, full of faith in God, or angry and brittle, full of doubt and unbelief.<br />FEAR OR FAITH?<br />"If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31). Ultimately, there are only two motivating factors in life: fear or faith. Until we truly know that God is for us, loves us, cares about us personally and hasn't forgotten us, we will base our life's decisions on fear. All fear and worry stems from a lack of faith in God. You may not think you are walking in fear, but if you aren't walking in faith, you are. Stress is a form of fear. Worry is a form of fear. Worldly ambition is rooted in a fear of being overlooked--of being a failure. Many relationships are based on the fear of being alone. Vanity is based on a fear of being unattractive and unloved. Greed is based on a fear of poverty. Even anger and rage are based on the fear that there is no justice, no escape, no hope. Fear breeds selfishness, which is the exact opposite of God's character. Selfishness breeds pride and indifference to others. All of these are sin and must be dealt with accordingly. Stress arises when we try to serve both ourselves (our fears), and God at the same time (which is impossible to do). "Unless the Lord builds the house, it's builders labor in vain...In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat." (Psalm 127:1-2).<br />The Bible says that when everything else is stripped away, only three things remain: faith, hope, and love--and that love is the greatest of the three. Love is the force that drives out our fear. "There is no fear in love but perfect love drives out fear, for fear has a torment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love." (1 John 4:18). The only way we can get rid of our anxieties is to look them in the eye and deal with them at the root. If we desire for God to make us perfect in love, we will have to repent of every bit of fear and worry that we have clung to instead of Him. We may not like to face some of those things that are in us, but we must if we are ever to be free from them. If we are not merciless with our sin, it will be merciless on us. It will drive us like the most wicked of slavemasters. Worst of all, it will keep us from communion with God.<br />Jesus said in Matthew 13:22, "The one who received the seed that fell among the thorns is the man who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke it, making it unfruitful." It is extraordinary what tremendous power there is in even the littlest things to distract us from God. We must stand our ground, and refuse to let the thorns choke out the seed of the Word. The devil knows that if he can distract us with all the cares of this world, we will never be a threat to him or fulfill the call that is on each our lives. We will never bear any fruit for the kingdom of God. We will fall far below God's intended place for us. Yet, God wants to help us to do our best in every situation that we face. That is all He asks--that we trust in Him, put Him first, and do the best we can. After all, most other circumstances that we worry about are beyond our control anyway. What a waste of time worrying is! If we only worried about the things that we have any direct control over, we would reduce our worrying by 90%!<br />Paraphrasing the Lord's words in Luke 10:41-42, Jesus is saying to each one of us, "You are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Choose what is better and it will not be taken from you." Isn't it wonderful that the only thing that cannot ever be taken from us, is the only thing we really need anyway? Choose to sit at the Lord's feet and listen to His words and learn from Him. By so doing, you are putting a deposit of true riches into your heart, if you guard those words and put them into practice. If you are not daily spending time with Him and reading His Word, you are opening the door of your heart to the birds of the air who will steal the seeds of life deposited there, and leave worry in their place. As for our material needs, they will be taken care of when we seek Jesus first. "But seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness; and all these things will be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow will take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof." Matthew 6:33.<br />God has blessed us with a most powerful tool; His Living Word, the Bible. If used properly, it is a spiritual sword; separating our faith from our fear, drawing a clean line between the holy and the vile, cutting away the excess and bringing forth the repentance which leads to life. Stress merely indicates an area of our life where our flesh is still on the throne. The life that is totally submitted to God is marked by the trust born out of a thankful heart.<br />Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. John 14:27 (KJV).<br />TAKE MY YOKE UPON YOU...<br />How it must grieve God to see His children walking around in such misery! The only things we really need in this life, He already purchased for us at Calvary through a terrible, agonizing, and lonely death. He was willing to give everything for us, to make a way for our redemption. Are we as willing to do our part? Are we willing to lay our lives down at His feet, and take His yoke upon us? For if we do not walk in His yoke, we are bound to walk in another. We can either serve the Lord who loves us, or the devil who is bent on destroying us. There is no middle ground, nor is there a third option. Praise God that He made a way out of the cycle of sin and death for us! When we were completely helpless against the sin that raged in us and compelled us to run from God, He had mercy on us and ran after us, though we only cursed His Name. He is so tender and patient with us, not willing for even one to perish. A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick He will not snuff out. (Matthew 12:20). Are you bruised and broken? Is your flame dimly flickering? Come to Jesus now!<br />"Come all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost. Why spend your money on what is not bread and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare. Give ear and come to me; hear me that your soul may live!" Isaiah 55:1-3.<br />BLESS THE LORD, O MY SOUL<br />When all is said and done, there are still times when we all face incredibly difficult circumstances that have an awesome power to destroy us. The best way to counteract stress in those times, is to begin to praise God and thank Him for His countless blessings in our lives. The old adage "count your blessings" really is true. In spite of everything, there are so many blessings woven throughout our lives that many of us do not even have the eyes to see them. Even if your situation seems hopeless, God is still worthy of all your praise. God delights in a heart that will praise Him no matter what the bankbook says, our family says, our time schedule says, or any other circumstance that would try to exalt itself against the knowledge of God. As we praise and bless the name of the Most High, everything else in this world begins to pale and fade away against the sheer loveliness of who He is.<br />Think of Paul and Silas, feet bound in stocks in a dark prison with a jailer standing guard over them. (Acts 16:22-40). They had just been severely flogged, ridiculed and attacked by a huge crowd of people. Instead of fearing for their lives, or becoming angry at God, they began to praise Him, singing out loud, careless of who might hear or judge them. As they began to praise Him, their hearts were soon overflowing with the joy of the Lord. The song of those two men who loved God more than life itself began to flow through them like a river of liquid love into their cell and out into the entire prison. Soon, there was a flood of warm light bathing the whole place. Every demon there began to flee in utter terror of that praise and love to the Most High. Suddenly, an amazing thing happened. A violent earthquake shook the prison, the doors flew open, and everybody's chains came loose! Praise God! Praise always brings freedom, not only for ourselves, but for those around us who are bound up as well.<br />We must get our mind off of ourselves and the problems we face and onto the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. One of the miracles of a life transformed by God is that we can be thankful always, and praise Him in all situations. This is what He commands us to do, for He knows better than we do that the joy of the Lord is our strength. God does not owe us anything, but He has made a way for us to receive every good thing anyway, because He loves us! Is that not a reason for celebration and thanksgiving?<br />"Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior. The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer and enables me to go on the heights." Habakkuk 3:17-19.<br />"Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; Who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; Who satisfieth thy soul with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's." Psalm 103:1-5 (KJV).<br />Won't you take some time right now to re-commit your life to the Lord? If you don't know Him, ask Him into your heart. If you do know Him tell Him that you want to know Him better. Confess your sins of worry, fear and lack of faith and tell Him that you want Him to replace those things with faith, hope and love. No one serves God by his own strength--we all need the power and the strength of the Holy Spirit to permeate our lives and continually lead us back to the precious cross, back to the Living Word. You can make a fresh start with God, starting this very minute. He will fill your heart with a brand new song, and joy unspeakable and full of glory!<br />"But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and you shall go forth, and grow up (leap) like calves released from the stall." Malachi 4:2. (KJV)<br /><a href="http://www.bible.com/bibleanswers_result.php?id=127">http://www.bible.com/bibleanswers_result.php?id=127</a>Rebecca Halterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08423033708214392418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211966956756419672.post-71322640715777218862009-05-09T22:54:00.000-07:002009-05-09T22:56:13.096-07:00Body PiercingsWHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT...<br />PIERCING THE BODY?<br />Song of Solomon 2:15 says, "Take us the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the vines: for our vines have tender grapes." Foxes sometime in search of food would enter into the grape orchards and devour the grapes and spoil the crop. However, the little foxes were too small to reach the grape bunches so they would chew on the vines and it would kill the whole vine. Instead of the farmer just losing his crop, he would lose his vine which was more disastrous. Spiritually some things we do or allow that we might think are little or insignificant can also be disastrous for us.<br />Many of the young people in our society here in the USA are embracing a dangerous "little fox" or seemingly "little thing" that may seem harmless. The young people are saying that it is a "trendy" thing to do. Many of them are showing off multiple ear, nose, tongue, eyebrow and navel jewels and rings attached to their pierced flesh. Some even have this done on unspeakable parts of their bodies. These are abnormal and unnatural.<br />As many people are not aware of the spiritual dangers in such practices, this article is not meant to condemn any that may already have this done. However, we would urge you to seek the Lord as to any further involvement in this practice. The Lord loves everyone, no matter what we are currently doing however, His desire is to show us a better way.<br />The Bible warns us against cuttings in our flesh in Leviticus 19:28 which says, "Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I am the Lord."<br />Our young people do not realize what they are doing has its roots in witchcraft and the practices of false religions. Those that have made trips to other parts of the world have viewed the bodies of those who have not only pierced and tattooed their bodies but have gone further, with mutilating their bodies. It is repulsive to see someone deform the body that the Lord made in perfection. The Lord admonishes us in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20,<br />"What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's."<br />If we are to glorify God in our bodies, how do body piercings glorify Christ?<br />In 1 Kings 18 we find the story of Elijah contesting the evil prophets of Baal (a false god of that day whose followers practiced witchcraft). The prophets of Baal worked themselves into a frenzy trying to get their god, Baal to show himself mightier than the true and living God. However, the God of Elijah proved to be the true God. During the frenzy of the Baal worshipers they began to disfigure their bodies as we see from this scripture in 1 Kings 18:28, "And they cried aloud, and cut themselves after their manner with knives and lancets, till the blood gushed out upon them."Another scripture that warns us not to disfigure our bodies is Deuteronomy 14:1(Amp.): "You are the sons of the LORD your God: you shall not cut yourselves, or make any baldness on your foreheads for the dead."When it speaks here about doing this in relation to the dead; this was a witchcraft rite done to mourn or remember their dead, so cutting, piercing and tattooing have its origin in witchcraft practices. The verse below reveals a connection between foreign gods and earrings.<br />Genesis 35:2: "Then Jacob said unto his household, and to all that were with him, Put away the strange gods that are among you, and be clean, and change your garments: 3 And let us arise, and go up to Bethel; and I will make there an altar unto God, who answered me in the day of my distress, and was with me in the way which I went. 4 And they gave unto Jacob all the strange gods which were in their hand, and all their earrings which were in their ears; and Jacob hid them under the oak which was by Shechem."<br />Perhaps a more well known scripture having to do with earrings is the record of the children of Israel falling into rebellion and worshipping the golden calf while Moses was up in the mount with God receiving the Ten Commandments. Here we find they took their earrings and cast them into the fire and make a golden idol out of them which greatly displeased the Lord.<br />Exodus 32:2-3: "And Aaron said unto them, Break off the golden earrings, which are in the ears of your wives, of your sons, and of your daughters, and bring them unto me. And all the people brake off the golden earrings which were in their ears, and brought them unto Aaron."<br />There is one specific verse in the Old Testament which uses the Hebrew word, "lachash," which is a word specifically associated with witchcraft. Here, the jewelry is used as an amulet to cast a spell.There is one specific verse in the Old Testament which uses the Hebrew word, "lachash," which is a word specifically associated with witchcraft. Here, the jewelry is used as an amulet to cast a spell.<br />Isaiah 3:18-23: "In that day the Lord will take away the bravery of their tinkling ornaments about their feet, and their cauls, and their round tires like the moon, 19 The chains, and the bracelets, and the mufflers, 20 The bonnets, and the ornaments of the legs, and the headbands, and the tablets, and the earrings, 21 The rings, and nose jewels, 22 The changeable suits of apparel,and the mantles, and the wimples, and the crisping pins, 23 The glasses, and the fine linen, and the hoods, and the veils."<br />This is what makes it spiritually dangerous for people. People not realizing this opens the door for Satanic attack because theyhave a mark or opening which allows the enemy entrance in their lives. Today this practice is growing because of false religions and pagan influences infiltrating the church.<br />Many of our young people are getting body piercings and tattoos out of a spirit of rebellion against their parents advice. Many men are also wearing earrings to make a statement of their rebellion by showing that they are "macho" or homosexual. Because the youth of our day are despising and rebelling against their parents this is very displeasing to the Lord as one of the Ten Commandments in the Bible is to honor our parents (Exodus 20:12, "Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee" and Colossians 3:20: "Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.")Some complain and say that most of the women today in our society wear pierced earrings and they attempt to use this as an excuse for the bizarre body piercings they are flaunting. The Lord always judges what we do by our motives as He looks on the heart. It is a different matter when women wear pierced earrings as a custom, without the rebellion and pride attached to it. However, this could even be wrong if women are filled with vanity and pride over their appearance. Remember God looks at our heart attitudes. In fact, the Bible speaks of a generation of women that will be alive at the coming of the Lord that will be judged severely for their flirting and their haughtiness. Let us look again at the prophecy in Isaiah 3:16-24 (NIV):<br />16 The LORD says, "The women of Zion are haughty, walking along with out stretched necks, flirting with their eyes, tripping along with mincing steps, with ornaments jingling on their ankles.17 Therefore the Lord will bring sores on the heads of the women of Zion; the Lord will make their scalps bald."18 In that day the Lord will snatch away their finery: the bangles and headbands and crescent necklaces,19 The earrings, the bracelets and veils,20 The head dresses and ankle chains and sashes, the perfume bottles and charms, 21 The signet rings and nose rings,22 The fine robes and the capes and cloaks, the purses23 And mirrors, and the linen garments and tiaras and shawls.24 Instead of fragrance there will be a stench; instead of a sash, a rope; instead of well dressed hair, baldness; instead of fine clothing, sackcloth: instead of beauty, branding.25 Your men will fall by the sword, your warriors in battle.<br />We are living in a day that the Bible speaks of in 2 Timothy 3:1-7:<br />1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.<br />If you have been one that has been led away by lust or have been rebellious against your parents, you can come to the Lord and repent and He will give you a new start and a desire to live a holy and obedient life unto God. We should remove anything that portrays rebellion and ask the Lord to forgive us and give us a submissive spirit. Jesus does not condemn us, but rather, will help us. He loves us and invites us to a wonderful life in Him.<br />One note of warning to the church on this subject of body piercings. We have a generation now of young people that love the Lord yet do not understand all of His ways. Soon we are also going to be seeing a great revival among the youth of the world. The youth of this day want a real cause to live and die for. Most have not seen true Christianity. However, when they do come to Christ many will be bringing their tattoos, dress, music and old habits with them right into the church. We must be sure that we do not despise them nor look down on them, but rather welcome and love them and gently teach them the ways of the Lord. We are called to love and pray for them and help them avoid making some of the mistakes we have made in our own walk with the Lord. We need to be true mothers and fathers to them. Yes, we must speak the truth in love, but let us make sure we are loving them and not condemning them. On the other hand, we must not accept all that they would desire to bring with them that would harm them and compromise the Word of God. We will all need God's grace to bridge the generation gap. We would recommend a great article written by a young Christian on this very subject. <a href="http://www.bible.com/bibleanswers_result.php?id=148">Click here to read "Bridging the Generation Gap"</a><br />Bottom line in regard to body piercings would be to ask the popular youth slogan, "What Would Jesus Do?" I don't believe we will ever see Jesus with any body piercings that He placed on Himself. I can't imagine Jesus with a tongue ring or a navel piercing. The only scars on His body are the nail pierced hands and feet put there by the evil men that crucified Him. They were not self inflicted. Overcomers will put away the "little foxes" that lead to bigger compromises.<br />EDITOR'S NOTE: We are including a testimony of a former Hindu who knows only too well that body piercings and tattoos are a form of witchcraft:<br />I am from Malaysia and I truly enjoy the Overcoming Life Digest. Although I enjoy reading all the articles, I find the Little Foxes enlightening and informative. Last Friday, when I entered the GCN chatroom, they were discussing about tattoo and piercing (tongue). One of the believers there was telling them it was wrong for Christians to have tattoos. Since I was formerly a Hindu, I know tattoo is from Hinduism and also witchcraft. Also, Hindus pierce their tongue with small spears and prick the entire body with little hooks and go in trances. I have witnessed this personally. But praise God, I never took after any of these rituals even when I was a Hindu. Praise God, I managed to convince a few about the evil of tattoo. One of them asked me for scripture verses which I promised I would send. But during the weekend, I was busy and also, I couldn't find the relevant scriptures. I prayed to the Lord to help me. Then He reminded me of an article I read in your Digest last year. So I send them your article instead. Praise God for the articles in Little Foxes. Keep up the good work. Karen<br />This article was taken from the Overcoming Life Digest (November/December 1998 Issue); <a href="http://www.bible.com/overcoming-life/archives.php">click here to view Digest</a><br />Betty Miller has written several books on other topics as well. To view titles or purchase those books click here: <a href="http://store.bible.com/">http://store.bible.com/</a><br /><a href="http://www.bible.com/bibleanswers_result.php?id=254">http://www.bible.com/bibleanswers_result.php?id=254</a>Rebecca Halterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08423033708214392418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211966956756419672.post-89782109689223164082009-05-09T22:42:00.000-07:002009-05-09T22:43:49.394-07:00UFOs and AliensWHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT....<br />UFO'S?<br />by Betty Miller<br />UFO FOLLOWERS<br />There has been a lot about UFO's (Unidentified Flying Objects) in the news headlines lately. The tragic events stemming from the extra-terrestrial beliefs of members of the Heaven's Gate Cult in Rancho Santa Fe, California, U.S.A., made headlines in March of 1997. Thirty-nine cult members committed suicide with the belief that a spaceship was following the Hale-Bopp Comet (the great comet of 1997) and they were to die so their spirits could rendezvous with the alien ship and be taken to a higher realm of life. As the background of this group was investigated, more and more astounding and bizarre revelations were exposed. The group's belief that they were catching a ride on a UFO hiding behind Comet Hale-Bopp plus the fact that eight of the male members of the group had been castrated were weird enough, but one of the most blasphemous things that we learned about the group's leader, a man called "Do", was that he believed he was Jesus. ("Do's" real name was Marshall Applewhite.) Below, we quote from information posted on Heaven's Gate website:<br />"A member of the Kingdom of God -- the Evolutionary Level Above Human -- I, who am called "Do", acknowledge that: I am about to return to my Father's Kingdom. This "return" requires that I prepare to lay down my borrowed human body in order to take up, or reenter, my body (biological) belonging to the Kingdom of God (as I did approximately 2000 years ago, as Jesus, when I laid down the human body that was about 33 years old in order to reenter my body belonging to the Kingdom of Heaven)."<br />There was already a lot of cyberspace controversy about this comet and the purported spaceship following it. It was supposedly intelligently guided and designed to prove to the world that extraterrestrial and/or nonphysical spirit-beings exist along with spaceships or "flying saucers".<br />THE ROSWELL INCIDENT<br />Another UFO controversy making the headlines was the Roswell, New Mexico incident that fifty years ago reported the crash landing of what some called a "flying saucer". The military found scraps of metallic foil and stick-line material near Roswell, N.M. back in 1947. At first, the report said the wreckage came from a flying saucer, but this report was quickly withdrawn and it was claimed instead that it came from a weather balloon. In 1994 the federal government said the balloon-borne apparatus was actually used in a top-secret monitoring project. Others believe the government has covered up evidence of an actual alien body that they found at the time of the crash. Government leaders have officially closed the case declaring they were dropping test dummies along with their balloon experiments.<br />THE PHOENIX SIGHTINGS<br />In the state of Arizona, where my husband and I reside, there have also been recent UFO sightings. The Arizona flap (also called the "Phoenix Sightings") became big news to the UFO research community last March 13, 1997, when an enormous object (or objects, depending on whom you talk to) was observed over several Arizona cities by thousands of witnesses and videotaped by dozens of them. (The object was most often described as a series of six lights forming a v-formation and trailed by a seventh light. The other common descriptive was that it was enormous -- reports describe it as anywhere from three football fields to a mile long -- and silent as it passes.) The object was seen by Arizona air traffic controllers who reported that it did not register on their radar screens. At last report, there was still no explanation of the strange lights.<br />END TIME DECEPTIONS<br />Over the last year there have been many movies, books, etc. that have dealt with this topic; the movie, Independence Day being one of them. There is a reason why there is such an interest in this subject. What does the Bible have to say about UFO's and extraterrestrial beings? First, let us look at some scripture that will give us some answers as to what is going on in the world at this time. In Matthew 24:3-14, Jesus gives us a description of our day.<br />Matthew 24:3-14:<br />3 And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?4 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.5 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.6 And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.7 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.8 All these are the beginning of sorrows.9 Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake.10 And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.<br />This scripture tells us that in the time that Christ is to return to this earth the above conditions will be happening. Jesus particularly warns His people against "deception". Those sober minded people that are not even Christians can take one look at the "Heaven's Gate" cult members and realize they are deceived. They just don't understand how they got that way. Here is a man named "Do" that claimed he was Jesus Christ, just as the above scripture says some would do. This man was a false prophet leading others astray. What gave him the power to be able to do this? How were people so deceived that they would commit suicide? "Do" talked about moral righteousness and doing good and even quoted the Bible on occasion. This man was controlled by a seducing devil (evil spirit) that deceives others. Because he had an evil supernatural power he was able not only to deceive others, but he himself, was deceived in the process. "Do" was communing with demon spirits that he thought were extraterrestrial spirits from another planet. Actually these were demons from hell that were not only talking to him but manifesting themselves to him as well. He even believed the lie that he was Jesus Christ.<br />The true answers to the above questions lie within the scriptures. 2 Corinthians 11:13-15 says,<br />13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.<br />How can we protect ourselves from this sort of deception? The Bible tells us that we must study the Bible so we can know what the Holy Scriptures tell us about this kind of thing and avoid it.<br />Luke 21:8 And he said, Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them.<br />2 Timothy 3:13-17 & 2 Timothy 4:1:<br />13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. 4:1 I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom.<br />If "Do" really had known the Scripture he would have known the Lord's admonition in Deuteronomy 4:19 that says,<br />And lest thou lift up thine eyes unto heaven, and when thou seest the sun, and the moon, and the stars, even all the host of heaven, shouldest be driven to worship them, and serve them, which the LORD thy God hath divided unto all nations under the whole heaven.<br />"Do" would not have been looking to the "heavens" and spaceships for the answers to life but would have been seeking the true creator of the heaven. His followers would have been spared if they had known this scripture:<br />Matthew 24:23-27:<br />23 Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not.24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.25 Behold, I have told you before.26 Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not.27 For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.<br />The scripture tells us that Jesus will one day return to this earth to judge all people and it is that event we should be preparing for as we watch the heavens for His return. He declared that this event would occur during a time of great deception in the earth (a perfect description of our day.)<br />"Do" was not only very deceived but so were all his followers. The men that he convinced to be castrated did not know the scripture that warns against that lie found in I Timothy 4:1-3:<br />1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;3 Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.<br />It easy for most people to agree that "Do" and his followers were definitely deceived and listening to demons or if they don't believe demons exist, they at least know he was deranged. Some people believe that the reports of those who say they have had an encounter with an extraterrestrial being or a UFO are just imagining these things because they have watched too many science fiction movies. (Some of these reports probably do fall under this category.) However, many of the true believers in aliens and UFO's cannot be dismissed simply as oddballs or eccentrics. They include scientists, intellectuals, government leaders and astronauts. What are these strange sights invading the heavens and does the Bible give an explanation for them?<br />NATURAL OR SUPERNATURAL?<br />First of all, we must understand that all unexplained sightings or strange manifestations have their origination from one of two sources: the "natural" or the "supernatural". If the source is something in the natural it can be explained by scientists or other people responsible for the occurrence. (The military sought to do this in regard to the crash of the so-called Roswell flying saucer with the explanation of a weather balloon and dummies falling from the sky.)<br />But what about unexplained lights in the sky that don't show up on radar such as the lights over Phoenix? If no physical explanation can be found for this phenomenon then we must assume we are dealing in the "supernatural" or spiritual realm. Then we must realize that all "supernatural" occurrences come from two sources: Satan or God. In the spiritual realm there are two kingdoms, Satan or the devil's kingdom and God's kingdom.<br />Since Satan is the enemy of God, he tries to lead people into deception by taking their attention to things that are not of God in order to ensnare their souls. The current emphasis on UFO's and aliens (extraterrestrial beings) is a disguise for Satan's activities and demons. They are designed to lead people astray. His tactic then is to blind people to the gospel of Jesus Christ by capturing their minds with a New Age philosophy that incorporates a belief in UFO's and aliens.<br />DEMONS IMPERSONATING ALIENS<br />Many science fiction movies over the last number of years have conditioned the hearts and minds of this generation to accept demons as aliens from outer space. Even very young children view E.T. as a friend. This sets them up to accept demons as good entities instead of the evil beings that they are. It is no wonder that "Do" was deluded into believing they were good heavenly visitors. Star Trek and Star Wars, along with a host of other science fiction movies, has encouraged an interest in life in outer space , thus preparing a whole generation to accept UFO's and aliens. They should be taught to stand against the deception that comes along with these movies and encouraged to understand the reality of a real heaven and hell. As Christian parents we should be very careful about allowing our children to view these sorts of movies as it prepares children early to accept the witchcraft and New Age philosophy incorporated in such films.<br />Most people that see UFO objects or "little green men from mars" are actually seeing something. What they fail to realize is what they see are not aliens from another planet, but evil spirits disguising themselves as aliens, to lead people astray. In many cases, the reason they see these demons manifest is because they have in some way opened their spirit up to receive this sort of deception. How can one do this? When anyone tampers with the things of darkness (Satan's domain) he becomes susceptible to Satan and his demons attacking or manifesting themselves to them.<br />WITCHCRAFT INVOLVEMENT CAN CAUSE UFO MANIFESTATIONS<br />Many people that see UFO's or extraterrestrial beings either have been involved in some type of witchcraft or the place they encounter these things has been a site for witchcraft or perhaps their close friends or family are involved in it. What is the scriptural definition of witchcraft? It is the power or practice of witches. Anything that is evil or occultic in nature constitutes witchcraft and is an abomination to God. The Bible speaks of Manasseh, one of the most wicked kings in Israel, practicing witchcraft and as a result Israel was taken captive by their enemies. (1 Chronicles 33). King Saul in the Old Testament consulted a witch for guidance and it resulted in his downfall and death (1 Samuel 28).<br />Misguided Christians often partake in witchcraft practices without knowing the truth about what they are doing and they end up suffering the consequences of their involvement. This happened to me many years ago when I, in ignorance, was going to "fortune tellers" and began studying astrology and other occultic teachings. I came under a very oppressive spirit of fear and torment and my health began to fail. Next, I started having severe relationship and financial problems. I knew nothing of the spiritual world of demons, until demon spirits began to invade my house and I began experiencing the manifestations of frightening sounds and smells. (The sound of a window glass breaking, yet there were no broken windows in the house. After I would go to one of my fortune tellers for a "reading" and would come home I would smell bees wax candles burning in the house; racing through the house I could find no candles burning.) Most of my fortune tellers claimed to be religious people, as they would many times do their readings with our hands placed on a Bible. (They would also ask me to put my money for their fees under the Bible.)<br />They were deceived and I fell into the trap of deception myself as I did not know the scripture forbade such practices. Not until I was filled with the Holy Spirit and began to study the scripture did I receive deliverance from these demon spirits.<br />Supernatural phenomenon surrounding UFO's in different areas can many times be traced to the practice of witchcraft in that area. When corporate Satanic practices are going on in certain vicinities, unexplained sounds as well as weird displays of sights, lights, and electrical shorts can occur. These will occur without any natural explanation as they are coming from the Satanic spirit world. Many times the practices by witches' covens will produce these sorts of Satanic manifestations. One of these practices is the slaying, blood letting and castrating of cattle or other animals. People who know nothing of the spirit world think these deaths were the result of extraterrestrial beings attacking the cattle or animals. The truth is those who are Satan's followers are seduced into animal sacrifices in order that they might know higher realms of his power. Satan's ultimate goal is to destroy these souls and damn them to hell.<br />Other scripture in the New Testament of the Bible tells us what we are to pursue and what we are to avoid so that we do not come under Satan's influence. Witchcraft is in this list.<br />Galatians 5:19-25:<br />19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.<br />LACK OF KNOWLEDGE OPENS THE DOOR FOR UFO VISITS<br />Hosea 4:6 says, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge....". Many of God's own people can be destroyed if they become involved in some of our modern-day cults and New Age practices. We must seek the knowledge of the Word of God so that we are not vulnerable to Satan and his demons. Many Christians are wasting time reading too many worldly books and watching too much secular television while their spiritual knowledge of the things of God is very limited. This gives the enemy an advantage over them. The Lord does not want us to suffer destruction. The Bible tells us in John 10:10 that we have an enemy (Satan) who is a thief and he is the one who robs and destroys our lives. Jesus has come to give us the abundant life.<br />John 10:10-11:<br />10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.<br />Many people who are deceived by cults are ignorant Christians who do not know their Bibles. We must return to the Word of God as the standard for our guidance and our answers. We are warned in 2 Corinthians 11:3-4 to not accept any other gospel but the gospel of Christ.<br />2 Corinthians 11:3-4:<br />3 But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtlety, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.4 For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.<br />Only knowledge of the truth can keep us from the spirit of error. We must first receive the true Gospel which is found in John 3:16-21:<br />John 3:16-21:<br />16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.<br />We live in perilous times. As Christians we are promised that we shall not be destroyed but through the power of the Holy Spirit we shall be able to live an overcoming life in Him. However, if we do not seek Him and His truth, desiring His righteousness, we can become deceived and believe a lie as spoken of in 2 Thessalonians 2:8-13:<br />8 And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:9 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.13 But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth.<br />SATAN PERFORMS LYING SIGNS AND WONDERS<br />From this scripture we can see that Satan is able to perform "signs and lying wonders." Among these are the Satanic UFO manifestations. God is also capable of performing supernatural signs and wonders but His works will always bring glory to God and point people to salvation through Jesus Christ. We must have the discernment to know what is of God and what is not of Him. This only comes as we know Him personally and know more of His Word. In 1 John 4:1-6 we are given this advice:<br />1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.5 They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them.6 We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.<br />POWER OF GOD'S SPIRIT WILL KEEP US FROM DECEPTION<br />We must have the power of the Holy Spirit to live in victory and overcome the enemy and his deceptions at this hour. We must ask to be filled with the Spirit and seek Him with our whole heart and turn away from all that is not of Him. Pride stands in the way of many. We must not be high minded, but seek God in humility asking Him to keep us from deception and error in this hour of much evil.<br />2 Timothy 3:1-7:<br />1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.<br />As Christians we are admonished in 1 Thessalonians 5:21 to "Prove all things; hold fast to that which is good."<br />If you are one of those who have been ensnared by Satan's deceptions, there is a way out. The Bible says in James 4:7-8:<br />7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded."<br />If you know people who are in bondage to Satan and his deceptions, remember we are to pray for them to receive the light. We are called to love. We must remember our battle is not with people (flesh and blood) but with the forces of darkness that hold their minds captive to a lie. The Bible should have the last word on this subject. Here is what we are told in Ephesians 6:10-18:<br />10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.<br />LIFE IN OUTER SPACE?<br />The only worlds the Bible speaks of as being inhabited are this earth, heaven and hell. This does not rule out the possibility of other galaxies that have planets that contain life but the Bible was given to man so he would know how to live in this life and procure heavenly life in the world to come.<br />To speculate on things that the Bible is silent about is presumptuous to me. Many people are spending hours seeking to understand the mysteries of the universe but haven't even taken the time to understand the mysteries of this life that are revealed in the Bible. To me it is more egotistical to theorize and allow my imagination to conjure up things that the Bible is silent about. Many people seeking the mysteries of outer space are prone to receiving suggestions and suppositions that are not Biblically based. When we delve into things that the Bible is not commanding us to seek we open ourselves up to deception. As Christians our goal should be to first be conformed to the image of Jesus Christ and to then get the gospel out.<br />I do not know everything God has in store for His children in the world to come, perhaps exploring the galaxies is one of them. However, we should leave those things to God and the future we have been promised in Him. 1 Corinthians 2:9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.<br /><br />Betty Miller has written several books on other topics as well. To view titles or purchase those books click here: <a href="http://store.bible.com/">http://store.bible.com/</a><br /><a href="http://www.bible.com/bibleanswers_result.php?id=234">http://www.bible.com/bibleanswers_result.php?id=234</a>Rebecca Halterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08423033708214392418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211966956756419672.post-19524794982146740432009-05-09T16:51:00.000-07:002009-05-09T16:55:23.959-07:00The Bible on HomosexualityWHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT...<br />HOMOSEXUALITY?<br />We realize that this subject can be a very difficult one to address. Furthermore, as hate crimes specifically committed against homosexuals occur, many feel that this issue shouldn't be addressed at all for fear of only adding to the hostile environment that many homosexuals face. Despite the cultural climate in which we live, this issue must be addressed according to the Word of God. God's laws are always for our good, although man may see them as restricting. In the end, only obedience to the Word of God can bring true freedom. We address this issue out of God's love for the homosexual to bless and help him.<br />Much of our society has embraced many perverted sexual practices that are considered in the Bible as abominations to God. Homosexuality is among the list of deviate or abnormal sexual practices however, there are many other practices that can be included as well. Pornography, pedophilia, prostitution, bestiality, oral sex, phone sex and computer virtual reality sex, just to name a few of them.<br />1 Corinthians 6:9-10 (NIV): "Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters, nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God."<br />Although the Bible doesn't detail each and every one of these sinful acts, it does clearly speak out about many of them. Any deviation from God's original plan for sex between a married man and woman is still a sin in God's eyes. The main reason we call these things perverted is because they are unnatural and scripture clearly tells us those who do such things are committing abominations. Leviticus 18:22 (KJV): "Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind it is abomination."<br />Homosexuality is also referred to as the sin of sodomy. This reference comes from an account in the Bible of two exceedingly wicked cities, Sodom and Gomorrah, which the Lord destroyed. Sodom was known for its rampant homosexuality and unrestrained sexual lust, as well as other sins such as arrogance, haughtiness, and disregard for the poor. When the Lord sent angels to warn Lot who lived in the city that it was about to be destroyed, the men of the city actually wanted to rape the angels! Genesis 13:13: "But the men of Sodom were wicked and sinners before the LORD exceedingly."<br />In the Old Testament the penalty for this sin was severe. Leviticus 20:13: "If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them." Today the penalty of death comes in the form of AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases. It also brings death to the soul and spirit of man because the life of God is pushed out by indulging in something that is an abomination to God. God wants to deliver all who are trapped in this unholy practice and He will if anyone calls out to Him with a sincere heart.<br />We certainly acknowledge that AIDS has broken out of the homosexual community, and now, many innocent people are suffering with this disease through no fault of their own. However, the intent of the above statement is not directed to those who have innocently contracted this disease, but rather to the sinners who are spreading it. A comparison could be made to those who smoke. Smokers are opening themselves up for lung cancer; however, the people who are subjected to breathing the smoke second-hand are also subject to this disease. The person who willfully smokes is guilty of destroying their own bodies, but should those who are forced to live in the environment of the smoke, get lung cancer, they are not guilty of this sin. When we teach that smoking causes lung cancer, we are not judging or condemning those who innocently get lung cancer from breathing second-hand smoke. It is simply a true fact that smoking can cause lung cancer.<br />The same is true of AIDS. A homosexual life style increases the risk of that person contracting AIDS. There is no condemnation or judgment against those who innocently contract this disease through no fault of their own (for instance, through blood transfusions.) However, since AIDS is most prevalent in the homosexual community, we need to warn people of the dangers of homosexuality, so that AIDS and sexually transmitted diseases are not spread to the rest of society, as now, many heterosexuals have contracted these diseases too, through unfaithful partners.<br />Romans 1:24-32:<br /><br /><br />24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompense of their error which was meet.28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,31 Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.<br />These scriptures clearly state that these vile affections of men lusting for other men (gay men) or women lusting for other women (lesbians) are not the natural affections God created men and women to have for one another. Let me say here that God loves all homosexuals! However, He hates the deeds of homosexuality because they are sinful. God did not create any human being as a homosexual. They are not born that way, just as murderers are not born that way. However, these spirits can be transmitted to children, especially if someone who had this demonic spirit seduced or raped a child--or even if they were close to gay people. These demons can also be imparted to others through unholy sexual acts.<br />People become homosexuals because they yield to abnormal acts or lust. It is through some source that they have received a demonic spirit that drives them to their lust. Viewing evil videos or pornographic books is a way of opening the door for Satan to give one an evil, perverse spirit. Though people are not born as homosexuals, the Bible does say all human beings are born with a sin nature. If we yield to the evils of our flesh it will lead to our destruction not only in this life, but in the life to come. However, through faith in Jesus Christ and His death on the cross we can break the hold that sin has upon us. We do not have to yield to the old fleshy nature but we can now overcome evil temptations and live our lives controlled by the Holy Spirit.<br />Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.<br />Sex is God's idea and its purpose is not only for procreation, but also for recreation and the development of a deep relationship between man and woman. Nothing is wrong or dirty about sex when it is engaged in the bonds of marriage as the Lord commanded in the Bible. However, when perversions are committed inside the marriage relationship, this can be sinful also. God made man and woman and brought them together "face to face." Oral sex is of homosexual origin that replaces the normal "face to face" relationship God intended in a marriage. The Bible describes the sex act in Song of Solomon Chapter 4. In this chapter it speaks of this "face to face" relationship by describing looking into his lover's eyes and kissing his lover's lips and fondling his lover's breasts. Oral sex is not normal or natural as it is an unclean act.<br />No one has to live in bondage with an abnormal life of homosexuality nor any other abnormal behavior. No one has to be controlled by pornography. No one has to have evil thoughts plague their minds. There is a way out through what Jesus has done for us. He loves sinners and wants to free us from any evil practices. He will empower those who cry out for deliverance to get free and stay free. Here are the steps you must take to get free:<br />(1.) Make a total commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ. Be willing to turn your life completely over to the will of God and yield to His plan for your life. This means you must be willing to do anything, go anywhere and give up any thing as He leads. Remember, God will never lead you to do anything that is not in agreement with the Bible. You can trust God. He created you and has a better plan for your life.<br />(2.) Your must pray and read your Bible daily. You must study and apply the Word of God to overcome Satan's attacks. The way that you resist the attacks of the devil is by quoting the Word of God to him. When the devil came to tempt Jesus, He simply quoted the Word to him. Good praise tapes will also be of a great help when you are tempted. Put one on and start singing along with it.<br />(3.) You must pray for and seek out a strong Bible believing group of Holy Spirit filled people. You will need their help and fellowship. As you humble yourself and seek help, the Lord will deliver you. Ask God to lead you to someone that can pray the prayer of deliverance for you, as you probably will need to be set free from a demon. You should also seek to be filled with the Holy Spirit as you will need His power to get free and to remain free.<br />(4.) You must cut off all sources and relationships that would lead you back into sin. The Bible tells us to flee fornication (sexual sins). You must get out of any corrupt entanglements, or areas that you know will be a temptation to you. If you have been hooked on internet pornography subscribe to an Internet Service Provider that will filter out the pornography for you. Destroy all evil books and videos.<br />(5.) Should you slip or fall back occasionally, repent and get right back up and go on with God. Do not allow the devil to condemn you once you have repented. Put your sin under the blood of Jesus. He will strengthen you and you will win this battle because of the Lord's promise to you. Remember, He loves you and is there to help you. Run to Him when you get in trouble, never run from Him. He will not ever give up on you! We too, will be standing with you for your total healing and deliverance. Philippians 1:6: "Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ."<br />(6.) You must forgive everyone that has ever hurt you. You can only do this through the power of God. You must by a simple act of your will voice the forgiveness and then the Lord will give you the feeling of forgiveness. This may be a while in coming but just keep forgiving when you think of any wrong that has been done to you. The Lord will give you His love for those people who have wronged you.<br />PRAYER FOR DELIVERANCE<br />Finally we want to pray for you right now if you need it:<br />Dear Heavenly Father,<br />We come to you in the mighty name of Jesus and we ask that you touch this one right now, first of all with your love and forgiveness. Lord, wash their sins away. Wash away all the uncleanness and guilt. Lord we ask you to free them right now from the powers of darkness.<br />Now, we speak to Satan and his demons and we command them to leave in the name of Jesus! Satan, this one is no longer under your power. The blood of Jesus has set them free! We resist you and you must flee! This one belongs to God and you have no more authority over them! Be gone!<br />Dear Lord, thank you that you have set this one free and we are believing that you will lead them to the right people that will help them to walk out this deliverance. We break every chain of iniquity over their life and cancel every evil word that has been spoken against them. We declare they will walk in your victory and that you will enable them to do it. Lord, fill them with your Holy Sprit and guide them in the ways of God! We speak blessing and success to them. Most of all, we pray that they will feel your love for them right now. We ask this all in the precious name of Jesus. Amen.<br />If you need further help, <a href="mailto:christunlimited@bible.com">email us</a> or you can get help from the ministries listed below: (Please go to these links so you do not have to struggle with this issue alone.)<br />Exodus International: http://www.exodus-international.org/ This is an international organization with ministries around the world to help the homosexual.<br />Desert Streams: http://www.desertstream.orgThis is a California-based Christian organization which offers programs for people seeking sexual and relational wholeness and healing.<br />An Affair of the Mind by Laurie Hall<br />If you are struggling with this problem there is an excellent book that could be of help to you. Published by Focus On The Family and written from the first-hand perspective of a wife whose husband was addicted to pornography for over 20 years, this powerful book delves deep into many facets of sexual addiction. The principles in this book, if applied, can save any marriage and restore even those who are most bound to sexual addiction. The author shares candidly of her struggles as she sought the Lord for the salvation of her marriage and restoration of her husband. The things she learned from the Holy Spirit along the way will minister to every person who reads the book. It will help both husbands and wives.<br />To view titles or purchase books click here: <a href="http://store.bible.com/">http://store.bible.com/</a><br /><a href="http://www.bible.com/bibleanswers_result.php?id=246">http://www.bible.com/bibleanswers_result.php?id=246</a>Rebecca Halterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08423033708214392418noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211966956756419672.post-11458213490767879072009-05-09T16:44:00.000-07:002009-05-09T16:46:10.988-07:00Submission in MarriageWHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT...<br />SUBMISSION IN MARRIAGE?<br />by Betty Miller<br />SUBMITTING TO GOD FIRST<br />What is the definition of submission? It is yielding to another's desires without resistance. Submission to another's wishes is an attitude of the heart done willingly, while surrender is yielding by being forced to do so. Our first submission should be unto the Lord. "Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind'' (Matthew 22:37). God never forces someone to follow Him nor does He want us to be forced to follow or yield to another human being. He wants us to lovingly submit to Him and to each other. However, because of the evil in some men's hearts a person under their authority can be abusive and a submissive person can be asked to do things that they do not believe is right. That is why the Bible also gives perimeters to submission. There are Scriptures that give us a guideline as to how far any human being is to submit to another. We need to understand the proper role of submission in marriage so that our homes will be harmonious and free of contention.<br />The Bible teaches that, in the Spirit, women are equal with men, and each must submit unto Jesus as their spiritual head. In the flesh, in the marriage relationship, women are to be subject to their husband's headship. The Lord ordained that the man be the one that would make final decisions in the home because in any relationship involving two people one must be the final authority. In the marriage, or fleshly relationship, the man is the head and should guide his home and family. In the spirit, Jesus Christ is the head of His family and He guides each member according to His headship. Men are to love their wives like Jesus loves the church. He laid His life down for her. Men that are demanding that their wives submit to them have not learned the right way to win them and that is to love them with the love of the Lord.<br />"Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God. Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and He is the saviour of the body. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church. Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband" (Ephesians 5:21-33).<br />Submission to a husband does not mean a woman is to be a slave in bondage to that man, but rather it is to be a mutual submission in love. The above scripture says we are to submit unto each other. Submission means to yield or "to set yourself under." From this definition we see we are to yield to one another instead of demanding our own way. Love should be the rule in our homes, and we should "prefer one another." Not only should this be especially true in our homes, but in our church family as well.<br />"Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another" (Romans 12:10).<br />Both husband and wife should be submissive and loving. The love of Christ should be the rule in the home. When wifely submission is over-stressed we find it can lead to many problems that cause the husband-wife relationship to be thrown out of balance. Some even stress it to the degree that a wife must obey every command her husband dictates to her. They arrive at this conclusion because of the Scripture, "Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything" (Ephesians 5:24). The word "everything" here is not inclusive of evil things. Women are to submit to their husbands as the church is to submit unto Christ. Christ would never ask anything of the church that was not according to God's Word. Women are never to submit unto things that do not line up with God's Word.<br />A perfect example of this is the New Testament account of Ananias and Sapphira. Chapter 5 of Acts records the story of how this couple conspired to hold back what they had agreed to give unto the church. The church had not asked them for anything; it was their own decision to contribute the money from the sale of their land. When the land sold, they conspired to keep back a portion of the money. However, when Ananias gave the money to the apostles, he lied and told them it was the full amount. The Holy Spirit revealed this evil lie to Peter and showed him that Satan had entered Ananias' heart. Because he lied to God, he instantly fell dead at the apostle's feet. Sapphira, Ananias' wife, later came along and upon telling the same lie, also fell dead. If she had not submitted to her husband and agreed to this evil, her life would have been spared. However, she followed in her husband's evil; thus she suffered the same fate. This should show us clearly that to submit to the evil in a husband's life will only bring destruction upon the woman.<br />TRUE SUBMISSION<br />If any man, husband or otherwise, would ask us to do something that Jesus would not sanction, then we must refuse to do it. We should also do and apply those things that the Holy Spirit would speak to us to do. We must obey Him over what man would say to us. If it is truly the Lord speaking to us, He will deal with the one who is wrong.<br />And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard'' (Acts 4:18-20).<br />If we are submitted unto the Lord and our husband is requiring things of us that we feel are not of the Lord, we should take the matter to the Lord and ask for His wisdom on how to deal with it. We should pray for our husbands and ask the Lord to speak to them if they are in the wrong. However, we should also be willing to be corrected if we are in the wrong. We should ask the Holy Spirit to resolve the conflict and to deal with the party who is wrong, and both should be willing to change an opinion.<br />The Holy Spirit generally will not ask a woman to do something that would cause her to disobey her husband and thereby cause conflict in her home. Most women who have a problem submitting to their husbands have the same problem submitting to the Lord. Our relationship with the Lord will reflect in our attitudes with not only our husbands and children, but with all others as well. If we please the Lord and obey Him, we will find we will have favor with the people in our lives. And, to those who do not understand us and spitefully use us, we shall have God's grace to bear their persecution and God's love toward them to forgive them.<br />There are several accounts in the Word of God that plainly teach submission to God over submission to husbands. One familiar story is that of Mary, the mother of Christ (Luke 1:26-38; Matthew 1:18-25). She yielded to what God asked her to do without asking Joseph what he thought about it. In fact, he wanted to put her away when he found out she was pregnant. Surely Mary tried to explain to Joseph that this child was conceived by the Holy Ghost, but he could not receive her explanation until the Lord sent an angel to confirm to him that she indeed had heard the Lord. This is a case where a woman submitted to God first, and then the Lord dealt with her husband showing him she had heard the Lord.<br />All through the Bible we find accounts of God speaking to women before speaking to their husbands. The Apostle Peter speaks of Sarah as a model wife in I Peter 3:5-6, "For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands: Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement."<br />Genesis 16:5-6 gives us another side of the picture, for we have here an account of a disagreement between Sarah and Abraham. On this occasion, Abraham conceded and allowed Sarah to have her way. We notice that God justified her for this in Genesis 21:10-12 when the question came up again. God told Abraham to obey Sarah: "...Cast out this bondwoman and her son: for the son of this bondwoman shall not be heir with my son, even with Isaac. And the thing was very grievous in Abraham's sight because of his son. And God said unto Abraham, Let it not be grievous in thy sight because of the lad, and because of thy bondwoman; in all that Sarah hath said unto thee, hearken unto her voice; for in Isaac shall thy seed be called."<br />When the Scripture speaks of wives obeying and submitting to their husbands, it cannot mean that every wife must obey her husband always in everything. She, as well as he, is responsible to obey what the Spirit gives each to do. The husband does not lead the wife into all truth since this is the work of the Holy Spirit. This does not license a wife who has a domineering spirit to do anything she wants simply because she says she is only subject to the Lord. The Lord is displeased with any person who tries to dominate and rule another's life, whether that person be male or female. There is nothing worse than a domineering, nagging wife. Proverbs 21:9 expresses it this way, "It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house."<br />Some women preachers have become very overbearing and bossy; thus it is very distasteful to hear them preach. It is not necessarily what they are preaching that is wrong, but their domineering and dictating spirits are wrong. This kind of spirit is not of the Lord, whether it be in a man or woman.<br />The main thing for women to do in regard to following and obeying what they feel the Lord is telling them to do is to be sure it is the Lord. If it is the Lord, He will justify them as He did Sarah and other women of the Bible. If it is not the Lord, they will create for themselves a lot of problems, not only with their husbands, but with others as well.<br />Women who are single are not under any earthly man's headship since they do not have a flesh relationship with a man. Their head is Jesus Christ and it is this union to which they are subject. "Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God"(Romans 7:4).<br />Most Christian women experience two marriages. They are married to Christ and they are married to their husbands. The first is a spiritual marriage, the other an earthly or fleshly marriage. They are to be obedient to both. If they obey their spiritual head, they will not be disobeying their physical head, even if it is against what their husbands command because God will deal with their husbands. Some women are unequally yoked and have difficulty submitting to the desires of their ungodly husbands. They are to obey them as long as it does not mean disobedience to Christ. They are not to obey them if it would be morally or spiritually wrong.<br />A Biblical account of this can be found in I Samuel 25:4-42. Abigail was a woman who knew God. She was the wife of Nabal, an ungodly husband. She realized her husband's refusal to give gifts unto David's men endangered her whole household. On her own initiative she took food and rode to meet David. She was a wise woman--by disobeying her husband, she saved his life, for David would have slain him. She saved not only her husband's life, but also her own and her household's lives and possessions. She also found favor with David and with God. Her wicked husband Nabal died shortly after this as his heart was cold toward God. He was a son of Belial (another name for Satan).<br />"Now therefore know and consider what thou wilt do; for evil is determined against our master, and against all his household: for he is such a son of Belial, that a man cannot speak to him. Then Abigail made haste, and took two hundred loaves, and two bottles of wine, and five sheep ready dressed, and five measures of parched corn, and an hundred clusters of raisins, and two hundred cakes of figs, and laid them on asses. And she said unto her servants, Go on before me; behold, I come after you. But she told not her husband Nabal...So David received of her hand that which she had brought him, and said unto her, Go up in peace to thine house; see, I have hearkened to thy voice, and have accepted thy person. And Abigail came to Nabal; and behold, he held a feast in his house, like the feast of a king; and Nabal's heart was merry within him, for he was very drunken: wherefore she told him nothing, less or more, until the morning light. But it came to pass in the morning, when the wine was gone out of Nabal, and his wife had told him these things, that his heart died within him, and be became as a stone'' (I Samuel 25:17-19 and 35-37).<br />Another account of a woman who moved in faith and was responsible for the salvation of her whole household was the harlot Rahab in chapters 2 and 6 of Joshua. There were men in her household but none of them had the faith and boldness to seek deliverance.<br />"And Joshua saved Rahab the harlot alive, and her father's household, and all that she had; and she dwelleth in Israel even unto this day; because she hid the messengers, which Joshua sent to spy out Jericho" (Joshua 6:25).<br />Women today who move in faith and obedience to God can be responsible for the salvation of their households. Prayer can bring whole families to the Lord, even if at first the family members object to spiritual things. Later, they will be eternally grateful that someone stood and believed for their souls. It would be quite a revelation to take an inventory of how many men came to know the Lord Jesus as a result of the faith of some woman. We've heard thousands of testimonies of men who were saved as the direct result of a praying mother, grandmother, wife or girlfriend. The first woman, Eve, may have led her man astray, but since then God has used many women to bring men back to Him. What a privilege to believe for our entire families. Allegiance and submission to the Lord bring miracles of deliverance.<br />SUBMISSION OUT OF BALANCE<br />Submission has been out of balance in both directions, thereby causing much confusion in the body of Christ. Those who refuse to submit to any authority are just as out of balance as those who submit to every dictate of those who they feel are their superiors, regardless of the mandates. We must have the leadership of the Holy Spirit in all areas of our lives. Legalistic approaches to the Word of God always bring bondage. Paul's letter to the Galatians was a reprimand to the people who were leaving the simplicity of the gospel and reverting back to strict rules and regulations.<br />We have the same problem today within the church as some are becoming hard and dogmatic in dealing with the truth and with people. Submission is required of God's people, but never to the point that men begin ruling other men's or women's lives. This has been abused greatly in regard to church authority. Some pastors have become dictators, while others have become so permissive (all in the name of love) that order is lost in the church. With no order in the body of Christ there is chaos. There has to be respect for the pastor and the other offices in the body of Christ. Any legalistic approach to this, however, brings bondage and does not carry out God's wishes. God's true pastors lead His flock in love and by example.<br />"Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock" (I Peter 5:3).<br />These kind of church leaders and pastors are the ones the Lord has chosen to guide His people.<br />If you are in an area where this kind of ministry does not exist, you can pray for the Lord to send someone who will have a heart like His heart. In the meantime, He can furnish you with good books and taped teachings that can bring life to your spirit. He can bring the five-fold ministry to you as you sit under these teachings and learn through them. We are blessed in the hour we live to have the availability of books written by ministers throughout the ages. We can learn much through their writings. Of course, our greatest teaching tool is the Word of God, and the greatest teacher is the Holy Spirit.<br />God's plan is for all of His people to be part of a local body. If your heart is truly crying for a good shepherd, the Lord will move you to one or raise up one where you are. It may be a small group, but size is not the issue with God; the issue is relationships and submission. Matthew 18:20 says, "For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them."<br />SUBMISSION TO TRUE ELDERS<br />God's true ministers are the ones to which we are to submit as the Scripture says, "Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account..." (Hebrews 13:17).<br />"Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble" (I Peter 5:5).<br />The command here to submit unto the elder is not referring to what we generally term as elders in the church, but rather to those who are older and more knowledgeable in the Lord. Elder women are used of the Lord to help guide young Christians, male or female, as it certainly does not make sense for a young male convert to instruct a woman who has walked with the Lord for many years, simply because he is of male sex. The Word of God demands respect for the elders, male and female. "Rebuke not an elder, but intreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren; The elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity" (I Timothy 5:1-2).<br />It is the economy of God to use those vessels who have matured in Him to help others come to maturity, regardless of their sex--or even their age.<br />"The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind" (I Peter 5:1-2).<br />Excerpt from the book Neither Male Nor Female by Betty Miller. Betty has written several books on other topics as well. To view titles or purchase those books click here: <a href="http://store.bible.com/">http://store.bible.com/</a><br /><a href="http://www.bible.com/bibleanswers_result.php?id=155">http://www.bible.com/bibleanswers_result.php?id=155</a>Rebecca Halterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08423033708214392418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211966956756419672.post-42532370308156700032009-05-09T16:39:00.000-07:002009-05-09T16:40:32.503-07:00Duties of a Christian WifeWHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT...<br />THE DUTIES OF A CHRISTIAN WIFE?<br />THE CHRISTIAN WIFE<br />by Betty Miller<br />In Titus 2:3-5, women are given some instructions regarding their husbands, children and homes. "The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children...that the word of God be not blasphemed." One thing we notice about these verses is that the older women are instructed to teach the younger women how to love their husbands. In our society we have the idea that when we fall in love with a man, this love (emotion) will keep the marriage together. This is far from the truth. Of course, emotional love is part of marriage, but the kind of love that the Scripture is referring to here in these verses has to be taught and learned. It is God's love as spoken of in 1 Corinthians 13. We might also call it character.<br />The first step in learning how to love a husband, or anyone else for that matter, is to receive Christ into our hearts and let Him become our teacher. As we love Him and He loves us, that love spills over to those around us. We learn how to love others through reading, studying and applying God's Word to our hearts and our lives. Those who are older and more experienced can share with the younger ladies in order that they may be spared many heartaches by heeding their godly advice. Let us not think that we have all the answers but truly be open to the advice of those who are older and wiser whether they be in the church, or part of our family. Remember, the first commandment with a promise is the one that says, "Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee" (Exodus 20:12).<br />Even as small children, if we fail to obey our parents, our days can be shortened. For example, if a parent tells his child not to play in the street and he disobeys, he can be killed. God places elders as leaders and guides to help the younger Christians to mature. We need a submissive spirit to be able to learn from others.<br />A necessary ingredient for a compatible union, in spite of the abuses that occur when men are wrongly taught about their headship, is that women submit to their husbands. What does God expect of women in this area? First of all, we must understand that submission is an attitude and not just an action. Submission begins in the heart. There is a story about a little boy that was instructed by his teacher to sit down and be quiet. Because of his rebellious nature he did not want to do this, but was forced to by his teacher. Later, the children in the class were chiding him by saying, "Boy, you really sat down and shut up when the teacher approached you with the paddle." The rebellious boy replied,"I may have been sitting down on the outside, but I was still standing up on the inside."<br />Many times women who claim to be submissive are only outwardly going through the motions of submission while inwardly they are still resenting their position in life. A prayer of submission would be in order: "Father, help me to be content in the role you created me for and give me a submissive spirit, not only toward my mate, but also toward each member in the body of Christ. Let me serve and not expect to be served. Create within me a lamb-like spirit even as Christ our Lord had. Amen." Of course, as we have mentioned, there are limits to submission as it should always be "as unto the Lord." We must first submit to God and then the problems involving submission to others will be resolved by Him. Some results that can occur when women are not in a right relationship with men are divorce, rebellious children, emotional problems and sexual frigidity.<br />One of the main causes for these problems is an evil spiritual force of female domination. In I Corinthians 11:3, Ephesians 5:22-25, and Ephesians 6:1-3, the divine order for families is stated. The husband is the head, then the wife is second in command, with the children in obedience to them. When the woman seeks to usurp this authority and rule the home, havoc results and the home is left wide open for Satanic attack. "As for my people, children are their oppressors, and women rule over them. O my people, they which lead thee cause thee to err, and destroy the way of thy paths" (Isaiah 3:12). In our land today, children are rebellious, causing strife in the homes, and women have become bossy and demanding. It is no wonder homes are falling apart. This type of spirit in a woman is a "Jezebel spirit." Just as Jezebel ruled her husband, King Ahab, in the Bible (I Kings 21:25), many women today are guilty of the same sin. This domineering and ruling spirit is not just found in women alone for we see it in men, too, when they use tyrannical means to rule their homes. The Lord would have our homes be examples of love, and the authority should be exercised in love. When someone has a "Jezebel spirit," it subtly manipulates the lives of everyone around him. Should we be guilty of this domineering spirit, let us ask the Lord to deliver us and create within us a sweet submissive spirit that is pleasing to the Lord. We will then be willing to listen to our husbands, knowing that the logic God gave man is for the protection of the woman.<br />Man's logic and ideas, coupled with a woman's sensitivity, blend to aid each other in making decisions. Learning to hear the voice of the Lord is one area where both husband and wife can confirm to each other what the Spirit is saying as they each seek the will of God on any given circumstance. The woman will usually have a certain inclination about it, while the man will have a definite idea regarding the situation. The ideal is, of course, for both husband and wife to walk totally submitted unto the Lord. When this is not the case, the woman should not disregard her husband's advice, for the Lord can and does speak through unsaved husbands. When the wife is submitted to the Lord, the Lord will deal with her husband. Extreme submission where the wife never offers advice to her husband, or is never allowed to think for herself, is out of balance as God did not intend any human being to be another's "door mat." This is an example of that domineering "Jezebel spirit." People under this kind of dominance need deliverance, as do the ones imposing their domineering spirit. The Lord wants every area and dimension of our lives to be balanced in Him.<br />CHRISTIAN DUTIES OF WIVES AND MOTHERS<br />Another area where Satan tries to push women to extremes is in keeping household duties and spiritual pursuits in balance. Women who are unequally yoked are especially vulnerable in this area. Perhaps you know women who serve their husbands "tapes for breakfast," "Charismatic book reviews for lunch," and "Praise-the-Lord's for dinner." If this is not done under the Holy Spirit's unction and with His wisdom, it can turn husbands away from, not toward the Lord. A change of diet might speak more loudly than incessant talking about Jesus. A neat house, nice meals, and a genuine interest in the husband and his interests many times speaks louder than all the tapes. To fulfill her household duties, a woman may have to give up some of her "spiritual" activities. Three meetings a week really do not make us spiritual anyway.<br />Real love is giving up what we would like to do in order to make another happy. We have all heard the old saying, "The way to a man's heart is through his stomach." If a wife has claimed her husband's heart for Jesus, she might try reaching it through his stomach, if all else has failed. Then, when he asks why the sudden change, she can humbly say the Lord spoke to her about neglecting him and the home, and that Jesus very much wants happy homes and happy husbands. He will be interested in knowing a God like that. It works with rebellious kids, too, applied a little differently. Many of our family members are really crying out for love through their very acts of rebellion. Let's remember to spend time with them, as God gave us the home first.<br />Some wives neglect their husbands and homes by engaging in too many spiritual pursuits. Of course, the opposite problem can also exist in our homes. Other problems arise when wives are so neat and fastidious about their homes that so much time is spent on cleaning and cooking that they neglect the much needed time of family worship and fellowship. Houses then become a "shrine" to be admired, placing more emphasis on the residence than the residents. Women can become "Marthas" instead of "Marys.''<br />"Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word. But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her" (Luke 10:38-42).<br />The Lord wants both areas balanced in our lives, so let us remember not to be so "heavenly minded" that we are no "earthly good." And on the other hand, let's not get so earthbound that we miss the beauty of the Spirit.<br />The woman has her primary responsibility in the home since the Scripture says she is to be the keeper of the home. "To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed" (Titus 2:5). Preparing meals for the family is one of her prime duties. The world has set the standard when it comes to eating, rather than the Word of God. Here is another area where we need to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit's guidance. Besides seeing to it that each member receives spiritual food, the Lord is emphasizing to His people that they need to make changes in their physical diets and receive the proper natural foods. Most of God's people have experienced His healing hand in their bodies, but one problem that seems to be prevalent is that after receiving healing, the devil comes to rob them of God's gift of healing. If we exercise our faith and rebuke the enemy in the name of Jesus, he will flee. If, however, you have done this and are still experiencing illness, perhaps the problem is one of maintaining the gift God has given you. By this I mean we must not only obey and keep spiritual laws, but also we must keep physical laws if we expect to walk in God's blessings.<br />Our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, and many of our temples are filled with trash and garbage. Yet we expect the Holy Spirit to abide there, too. As women, we can be instrumental in ministering the proper food to our families. Instead of eating according to the present mode, we need to eat according to God's Word. The Bible has much to say about diet and eating. Of course, the extreme we should avoid here is to become so "food-minded" that we allow cooking and diet to absorb too much of our time. Obesity has become such a problem for so many people in the U.S.A. that we need to seek God to control our appetites and help us in this all important area. The Lord wants us to learn self-discipline and temperance in all things. In and of ourselves, we may not be able to overcome our old eating habits, but through prayer, with the Lord's help, "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me" (Philippians 4:13).<br />Proverbs 31:10-31 gives us an excellent description of an ideal wife and mother. Verse 28 says, "Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also and he praiseth her." As wives and mothers we should examine our lives to see where we fall short and ask God to help us be like the companion and mother spoken about in these verses. Do our children call us blessed? What about our husbands? Are they praising us as wives? Perhaps our children are rebellious at this time; maybe our husbands are far from the Christian ideal, and neither is praising nor blessing us. Do we blame them and insist that the Lord change them, or do we look at ourselves and ask the Lord to turn the searchlight upon our own faults and failures so that He might work a change in us? Our number one problem is not our children, our mates, our job, or our circumstances--it is ourselves. Until we are willing to change ourselves, the Lord cannot begin the needed changes in our families.<br />How does God effect these changes in our lives? First of all, we must be honest with God and face our shortcomings and sins. We must come confessing, "God, I am resentful toward this person; I can't help it; I don't want to be like this; help me change. Lord, help me to be the kind of wife and mother that will inspire my husband and children to rise up and call me blessed. Amen." As we yield to the Lord and follow His promptings, we shall surely see changes in our lives and in the lives of those we love.<br />We must begin by seeing the kind of woman we are. The woman in Proverbs 31:28, "Her children arise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her," or the one in Proverbs 21:19, "It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman." I'm sure our desire is that we fit into the category of the first type, for we certainly do not want to be referred to as angry and contentious. But I wonder, if we honestly examined our hearts and motives and let the Lord turn His searchlight on us, if we might not see some areas where anger and contention do exist in our lives. Perhaps we do not openly voice our anger, but inside we feel it toward our husbands or children; and because we do not voice it, we have feelings of resentment toward them.<br />Jesus, in the New Testament, talked much about our thought life and our inner feelings. Remember as he spoke to the religious leaders of His day, He reproved them for their evil hearts even though their outward deeds appeared to be right and good. We can outwardly do our duties as mothers and wives, but inside our hearts we may not really be lovingly ministering to them. We may be motivated by duty, not love. None of us really appreciate people doing things for us simply because it is their job. The real witness to others is when we do something simply because we love them. A lot of Spirit-filled Christians are eager to show the love of Jesus to everyone else, but those of their own households often suffer from a lack of love. Let us certainly show the love of Jesus to all we meet, but let's remember to show it in our homes first, asking the Lord to give us the true Spirit of love in performing our daily chores."Lord, may we turn the daily tasks into celebrations of love. Amen.''<br />This article is taken from the book Neither Male Nor Female by Betty Miller.<br />CRITICAL WORDS DESTROY MARRIAGES<br />by Betty Miller<br />1 Peter 3:7-12:<br />7 "Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.8 Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:9 Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.10 For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:11 Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.12 For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil."<br />One of the things that begin to erode a marriage away is when one spouse begins to speak critically to and of the other one. The things we say to and about the other one can either be uplifting and encouraging or they can bring disharmony and hurt. Little critical words will lead to a dissatisfaction with one's mate and can escalate to bring about a divorce. No person should threaten to divorce the other just to get their way, or manipulate the other to do something they really don't want to do. When any one threatens divorce this is like speaking words of murder to your marriage. <br />Words can accumulate in the spirit and cause one to react lovingly or hateful by what is spoken. The above verses warn each spouse not to return "railing for railing" but "blessing for a railing." As kind words are returned this stops the cycle of "railing for railing." <br />Proverbs 15:1 says, "A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger."<br />We are admonished in the Bible to seek to do good and to seek peace, not to stir up trouble because we want to air our anger and wrath. As Christians we are to give our anger to Jesus and ask Him to remove it, and replace it with His love, patience and forgiveness. We are not to take it out on someone else, especially our mates. <br />Some husbands can be very cruel criticizing their wives appearance. If the wife is on the thin side or over-weight, the husband should pray to help her make the necessary changes that will help her to be healthy, but never should he belittle her appearance. This can damage their relationship, where it is difficult for her to reach out and love him and receive love from him. (This, of course, applies to a woman criticizing her husband about his appearance too.) <br />The Lord calls us to love our mates, as we would love a sister or brother in the Lord and to be courteous. Many times, after people get married, they cease to be courteous to one another and they are rude and unmannerly. These things start with little things they quit doing to please the other and soon they grow into gross neglect. We should be kind to one another and think about saying nice things that edify and build our marriages instead of the hurtful words that tear them down. This "little fox" of critical speech in little things can be the root cause that later destroys the marriage.<br />Proverbs 18:21: "Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.22 Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD."<br />This article was taken from the Overcoming Life Digest (Jan./Feb. 2000 Issue); <a href="http://www.bible.com/overcoming-life/archives.php">click here to view Digest</a> <br />Betty Miller has written several books on other topics as well. To view titles or purchase those books click here: <a href="http://store.bible.com/">http://store.bible.com/</a><br /><a href="http://www.bible.com/bibleanswers_result.php?id=150">http://www.bible.com/bibleanswers_result.php?id=150</a>Rebecca Halterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08423033708214392418noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211966956756419672.post-58243293288751431772009-05-09T16:35:00.000-07:002009-05-09T16:36:33.608-07:00Choosing a MateWHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT...<br />CHOOSING A MATE?<br />We know that it is the Lord's will for people to have a mate if they desire one. In the beginning when God created Adam, God Himself made this statement:<br />"... It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a help meet for him" (Genesis 2:18 KJV). <br />"Now the Lord God said, It is not good (sufficient, satisfactory) that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper meet (suitable, adapted, completing) for him" (Genesis 2:18 Amplified).<br />The Lord wants to bring a mate to those who will ask Him and have the patience to wait for His choice.There are some single people who are constantly out looking for a mate, and they are miserable because God has not sent them one yet. They have prayed and prayed, yet they still have no mate. Some settle for Satan's provision instead of asking God for the patience to wait for the one whom He would send. If they would look to Jesus and seek to please Him, rather than being concerned about a mate, soon they would find the right one crossing their path. Looking for a man or woman to just keep them from being lonely or just to fill their needs or to be a father or mother to their children should not be the only reasons for desiring a mate. They also need to be concerned about what kind of husband or wife they would be for a mate. These single people are still much in the flesh if they just want their own needs met. They should ask the Lord to fill them with His love and peace.<br />Being single is an important time to prepare us for marriage. It can also be a time to experience a closer communion with God. As we seek God to cleanse us of the world and help us become the kind of wife or husband that would bless someone, we will soon find that we are not lonely. First, the Lord would begin using us to bless others; then we will find we are content in Him. Eventually, in God's plan and timing, He will bless us with a wonderful mate so that both lives can be a witness for Him. We believe if a marriage cannot glorify the Lord, then it would be better to remain alone. There are worse things than being alone. One of these is to be out of God's will by compromising and marrying someone who does not feel the same way we do about the Lord.<br />Marriage is the second major choice we make in our lives, and we should never enter into it without much prayer. To rush into a marriage can be disastrous. The most important decision of our lives, of course, is our decision to follow the Lord. This decision is not a one-time declaration, but a daily determination to follow Jesus above all. If we allow the emotional or soulish realm to dominate our lives we become more susceptible to the enemy leading us astray through someone. This area of the flesh should be brought under the Lord's subjection so that Satan does not get the advantage and consequently destroy our lives and ministries. So many have failed the Lord because they chose a man or woman over the Lord.<br />We find this true throughout the Bible, too. Solomon's heathen wives led him into idolatry. Samson lost his eyes because of a woman, Delilah. David committed murder because of passion for Bathsheba.<br />Our emotions need to be cleansed as they are not the sign of love. The true definition of love is "God is love." If God is not in a relationship it is not true love. What this world calls love is really lust since it is built on what the other person does for me, not what I can do for him or her. If the other person fails to keep up his end of the bargain, a divorce occurs because the offended mate is no longer pleased. This is the attitude of the world's so-called "love." God's love loves without receiving back; God's love is forgiving and patient. God's love is gentle and kind. God's love waits. God's love sacrifices.<br />1 Corinthians 13 in the Bible gives us a beautiful definition of real love: (In this King James translation the word "charity" means "love.")<br />1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.8 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.<br />Man's emotions are not a reliable gauge upon which to establish a marriage relationship. We must know in the Spirit that it is God's will. It is much better to marry for character than for emotion. Emotions fluctuate; character doesn't. Emotions are in the soulish realm, and unless the carnal mind has been renewed, Satan can give us emotions or feelings of love for someone of his choosing. (If he did not have this in his power, he could not split up marriages.) One of his favorite techniques is to suddenly take away the feelings one once had for his mate and give feelings for someone else. When he has successfully convinced a person that he no longer loves his or her mate, then he leads them to divorce, whispering, "You are living a lie." After he has destroyed that marriage, he then leads one to marry again by stirring their emotions for another. Often after their next marriage something happens that they do not expect. Before too long, friction begins to develop with the new mate, then arguing. Finally, they find the same thing has happened again; they feel no emotion for their new mate and the next divorce is in the making. "Falling" in love is Satan's way. The very expression of these words should tell us something. A Christian should not blindly "fall" into any trap. Love is bigger than simply falling for someone. Certainly, the Lord gives us a wonderful emotional feeling for the one we are to marry. However, this "feeling" without God's direction can be disastrous as Satan can tamper with our emotions and feelings too.<br />Marriage, in a Christian's life, should be based on a decision directed by the Holy Spirit. A Christian's love for another is a commitment. Of course, the Lord will supply the emotions for the mate He sends, but that should not be the criterion for making the decision to marry. The Lord should be sought, and whatever He speaks to us we should do. He knows the future and what is best for us. If we trust Him He will not fail us in this or any other important area. Women or men who allow emotions to rule them will never be victorious Christians. Emotions should always follow, never lead.<br />During Old and New Testament times, fathers and mothers chose the mates for their children. God's people were very careful to choose those who were "believers." We find this practice still prevalent in India and other Eastern cultures. The parents, being older and more prudent, made wiser decisions than the children in this area. The divorce rate in India is only about 7%, whereas in the USA, at the present, it is nearing 50%. Marriages that are loveless can be saved and restored simply by asking God to restore the love that was once there. Sexual relationships can also be healed by praying for a desire for one's mate. Prayer is a mighty weapon. God's love can mend and heal, providing people are willing to lay down their lives for their mates. His love will not fade, as does the love of the world.<br />Those who are single and have never been married are cautioned in God's Word to seek a mate who is a like believer. "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? (2 Corinthians 6:14)." Many precious people suffer because they are living with unsaved mates. Some did not have Christ when they made their marriage decision, but they have since found the Lord. Those will have God's grace and love to win their mates for Jesus. The Lord always strives to bring the lost mate to Himself through the partner who knows Him. Mighty miracles of deliverance and salvation have occurred when people have endured suffering in order to bring their mates to the Lord. Those people who have the light, but choose to marry into darkness by yoking themselves to unsaved mates find that their flesh has led them away from God.<br />The Lord wants to bless marriage unions and see His plans fulfilled in both mates' lives. What a glorious plan He had from the beginning for both male and female. We can trust Him in this important decision. If we will totally commit to do His will we will never be disappointed in the one He sends into our lives.<br />____________<br />This article is taken from the book Neither Male Nor Female by Betty Miller. Betty has written several books on other topics as well. To view titles or purchase those books click here: <a href="http://store.bible.com/">http://store.bible.com/</a><br /><a href="http://www.bible.com/bibleanswers_result.php?id=149">http://www.bible.com/bibleanswers_result.php?id=149</a>Rebecca Halterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08423033708214392418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211966956756419672.post-39040791326657425142009-05-09T16:32:00.000-07:002009-05-09T16:33:47.161-07:00Sex Before MarriageWHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT...<br />FORNICATION?<br />1 Corinthians 6:18-20 & 1 Corinthians 7:1-2<br />"Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's. Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman. Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband."<br />The dictionary meaning of the word "fornication" means any unlawful sexual intercourse including adultery. In the Bible the Greek definition of the word "fornication" means to commit illicit sexual intercourse. What constitutes unlawful sex? Whose laws do we live by? Worldly standards or laws many times do not always line up with the Word of God. The founding fathers of the United States established many laws that were originally based on Christian standards and the laws of the Bible. However, through time the United States has drifted far from these standards and at the present our moral standards are shocking the world. However, immorality is not only found in the U.S. but is a world-wide epidemic. Societies throughout history and around the globe have embraced sexual standards that are called sins in the Bible.<br />Fornication is not just tolerated in our society but is actually being encouraged. The sin of fornication is being committed even among Christians, as many couples "live together" and have sex before marriage. The Bible tells us to flee this sin. We have counseled Christians of the opposite sex who share an apartment and they told us they were not having sex so this surely wasn't wrong. The Bible declares these words in 1 Thessalonians 5:22-23:<br />"Abstain from all appearance of evil. And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ."<br />Our lives as Christians are a living witness to others and we cannot break the laws of God without hindering others from coming to Christ. We must live our lives in purity before a sinful and wicked world. We should not be living according to their standards but according to God's standard in the Bible. No couple should live together outside the bonds of marriage.<br />Many say they live together before marriage to see if they are compatible as they don't want to divorce. This may sound like a justifiable reason for committing the sin of fornication, but in God's eyes it is still sin. Statistics however, show that those who live together before marriage are more likely to get a divorce than those who do not. Living together shows a total lack of trust in God and a failure to commit to Him the choosing of a mate. Christians who are living in this situation are out of the will of God and need to repent and seek God as to whether this person is the right one for them. If it is God's will for them to be together they should marry. Otherwise, they need to change their living arrangements.<br />As Christians, the goal of any relationship should be to cause the people in our lives to love and know the Lord better. Living together is shameful and selfish as the parties do not care what others think or how they might affect their families and others. They are living to please their own lust and selfish desires. This type of life style is destructive and especially so for children whose parents are living a bad example before them. No wonder our children are confused about right and wrong when parents degrade the sanctity of marriage by living together out of wedlock. How can living together cause children to love and honor God when their parents break the laws of God before them because they are lustful?<br />Young people today need to be taught to abstain from sexual intercourse and remain pure virgins before marriage. So many problems in marriages today stem from the fact that they are not virgins when they marry. Young people are bringing wounded emotions and diseased bodies into their marriages because of prior promiscuous affairs. STDs (Sexually Transmitted Diseases) are so widespread that the statistics are shocking. There are 12 million new cases of STDs annually in the United states and 67% of these occur among persons under the age of 25. In fact, every year one out of six teens contracts an STD. 100,000 to 150,000 women become infertile each year as a result of STDs.¹ Others endure years of pain as some of these diseases are incurable. What a tragic price to pay for sexual sins. The Bible is right when it says fornication is a sin against one's own body.<br />The sin of fornication is not only defined as illicit sexual intercourse between those who are not married but also is an umbrella for other sexual sins as well. The Bible also speaks of the sin of incest as fornication in 1 Corinthians 5:1:<br />"It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father's wife."<br />The Bible also lists whoremongers as fornicators in Revelation 21:8:<br />But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.<br />All prostitutes and pimps are fornicators. Couples who just "live together" according to the Bible, are committing the same sin that whores commit. Singles who "make love" fall into the same category. Just because society has accepted this type of living does not make it right. The Bible must be our standard of what is right and wrong. We must change our standards if we do not want the wrath of God to fall on us. God hates sin but He loves the sinner. If anyone repents and calls on Jesus today He will help them to come out of any illicit relationship and heal them of all past hurts and even heal any disease that they may have contracted.<br />God gave us the laws in the Bible for our good. They are not meant to deny us any good thing but they are given so we can enjoy the proper sexual relationship in the proper time. If we obey the words of the Bible and "flee fornication" and glorify God in our bodies, the Lord will bless us beyond what we could believe.<br />Psalm 145:17-21: "The LORD is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works. The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth. He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him: he also will hear their cry, and will save them. The LORD preserveth all them that love him: but all the wicked will he destroy. My mouth shall speak the praise of the LORD: and let all flesh bless his holy name for ever and ever."<br />End Notes<br />¹ Statistics from the April 1, 1993 issue of the San Francisco Chronicle.<br />_______<br />Editor's Note: For help if you are struggling with any sexual perversions we recommend the following ministry that can help you.<br />Desert Streams: http://www.desertstream.orgThis is a California-based Christian organization which offers programs for people seeking sexual and relational wholeness and healing.<br />Love Lines: http://www.lovelines.org Help for getting free of sexual addictions.<br />Betty Miller has written several books on other topics as well. To view titles or purchase those books click here: <a href="http://store.bible.com/">http://store.bible.com/</a><br /><a href="http://www.bible.com/bibleanswers_result.php?id=256">http://www.bible.com/bibleanswers_result.php?id=256</a>Rebecca Halterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08423033708214392418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211966956756419672.post-71696093741042549152009-05-09T16:28:00.000-07:002009-05-09T16:29:49.538-07:00DemonsWHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT...<br />DEMONS?<br />WILLFUL SIN BRINGS DEMONIC ATTACKS<br />The majority of Christians today are totally ignorant of the nature of evil spirits (demons), and many would prefer that they were not even mentioned. They choose to ignore this portion of God's ministry because they are fearful of things beyond their understanding. The result of this ignorance is that multitudes live in needless torment. One of the deadliest misrepresentations of the truth of God is that a Christian should not be concerned with thoughts that a demon could be their problem. This is taught within many churches and gives the devil a "field day" to bring fear, mental torment, jealousy, hatred, lust, pride, self-pity, addiction, gluttony and many other forms of bondage, oppression, and defilement.<br />When we practice willful sin, Satan eventually sends one of his demons that is compatible with that particular sin to dwell within us. Then each time we give way to that sin that spirit takes over. Since their personalities mesh with those of their victims, it takes spiritual discernment to detect them. We must remember that demon spirits are "invisible beings" with wicked intelligence that seek bodies in which they can express themselves. These spirits are emissaries sent from Satan having personalities and characteristics that make up an intelligent being. They walk, hear, speak, see, obey, seek, think, know and dwell in the body to accomplish their evil purposes (Matthew 12:43-45, Mark 1:23-24,3:11). They are made subject to Christ and believers by the atonement, the name of Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. Each principal demon or "strongman" has a particular mission which we are able to recognize by its fruit or manifestation. We need to seek God and study His Word to find the truth about this controversial subject.<br />CAN A CHRISTIAN HAVE A DEMON?<br />One of Satan's clever devices is to cause division among Christians over just such a subject, for then he is allowed to work freely on both sides. One side refuses to believe that a Christian can have a demon, while the other side sees demons in everything. Both sides are extreme, but if we look to God's Word we can find balance. To answer the question, "Can a Christian have a demon?," we need to understand the two main causes of a Christian's problems.<br />The first problem is what Paul calls the "flesh" in Romans 8:5-8, "For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God."<br />The "flesh" is defined here as the "carnal mind" and it is spoken of as enmity with God. The carnal mind is in the soul of man. After a Christian experiences the "new birth," he is a new creature; however, he finds he still has the problem of walking in the flesh instead of the Spirit. His mind has not been renewed yet by the Word of God, so unless he reckons the "old man" dead when tempted, he fails God and gives in to his "flesh." To maintain a walk in the Spirit one must totally dedicate his life to God and continually choose the path of God. The "flesh" of man is under Satan's dominion as it is part of the old Adamic nature. The "flesh" and the "world" are under Satan's influence, so when we sin we have yielded to an attack by Satan in an indirect way. Romans 6:16, "Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves, servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness." The way to get rid of the devil in these instances is to submit to the Lord and resist Satan so that he will flee (James 4:7). We are to crucify the flesh and choose God's way in the situation. "And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts" (Galatians 5:24).<br />FILTHINESS IN FLESH & SPIRIT<br />The second cause of a Christian's inner problems is evil spirits or demons which Satan uses to fasten upon some aspect of the "flesh" that has not yet been overcome. These demons do not relinquish their hold unless compelled to do so. Some argue that a Christian cannot have a demon in him. They say he now has Christ in his spirit, and the Spirit of Christ and evil spirits cannot co-exist. Because of this erroneous teaching, many are bound by dark powers when they could be free. This is contrary to Scripture as also James is speaking to Christians when he admonishes them in James 4:5, "Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, the spirit that dwelleth in as lusteth to envy?" II Corinthians 7:1 states, "Having therefore these promises, dearly be-loved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God."<br />The Holy Spirit certainly needs no cleansing, but man's soul or flesh has filth in it and many times filthy (unclean) spirits need to be cast out. Jesus talked about our bodies being houses. He made it plain that if, after cleaning, we were not continually filled with the Holy Spirit, a demon could return:<br />"When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none. Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished. Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation" (Matthew 12:43-45).<br />By this Scripture it may be seen that a portion of the kingdom of Satan is a host of bodiless spirits. They seek to enter the bodies of mortals or beasts, and their work is greatly enhanced when hidden in the bodies of men. "And all the devils besought him, saying Send us into the swine, that we may enter into them" (Mark 5:12). Demons perform their evil deeds and their victims are blamed for them. Certainly people are responsible for the sin which allowed this demonic activity within, but they are driven past what they intended, as the evil personality takes over their actions.<br />CHAINS OF INIQUITY<br />Some children are born under a curse and have demons that cause their erratic behavior. Parents are in ignorance as to why some children beat their heads on the floor in rages, scream and yell uncontrollably, bite themselves, or have continual nightmares. Many children do have demons and need to be set free. There is an account of this in Mark 9:20-21, "And they brought him unto him: and when he saw him, straightway the spirit tare him; and he fell on the ground, and wallowed foaming. And he asked his father, How long is it ago since this came unto him? And he said, Of a child."<br />Demons can attack with no sin involved on the victims' part as in the case of children. The sins of the fathers bring a curse, and there is a "chain of iniquity" that needs to be broken. "Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments" (Exodus 20:5-6). Additional Scripture talking about the "chains of iniquity" is found in Jer. 32:18, "thou showest loving-kindness unto thousands, and recompensest the inquity of the fathers into the bosom of their children after them; the Great, the Mighty God, the Lord of hosts, is his name." Also Jer. 16:19 and Isaiah 14:20-22 show how we can inherit spiritual curses because of our father's or ancestor's evil deeds. Demons can also enter when the person's will is weakened and he is overpowered by the devil. This happens many times when a person goes through a terrible shock or experiences an incident that produces extreme fear. Accident victims who are knocked unconscious due to blows on the head often are subject to demon invasion. Addicts and alcoholics eventually have demons as the drugs and alcohol suppress their wills leaving them open for attack.<br />Demons are invited in by persons who yield to sin continually. The demon personality is compatible with the particular sin the person is entertaining. If the Lord is not sought to set the person free, one demon will invite others and the person will be possessed, even as Mary Magdalene was with seven demons. "And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils" (Luke 8:2).<br />Many people desire to be free, yet continue to find themselves in bondage. Recognizing the need for deliverance is the first step to freedom. Before coming to Christ, man takes all kinds of things into his heart and spirit and one of the first works of the Holy Spirit is to begin cleaning his "spiritual house."<br />A beautiful "type" of this is the incident of Jesus cleansing the temple that had been defiled by those who were wicked.<br />"And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves, And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves" (Matthew 21:12-13).<br />We are now the temple of God and when the Holy Spirit comes into our lives, He begins the same process of "casting out" those things that offend Him. "And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people" (II Corinthians 6:16).<br />BATTLING AGAINST DEMONS<br />The Lord is revealing the devices of Satan so that Christians can learn to battle the real enemy as he attacks their lives, instead of battling one another. The main thing we need to do is to take authority over Satan, casting him out of our lives and the lives of our loved ones. Satan is a robber and a thief, and he delights in destroying God's children. God wants us to grow up, stop acting like children by fighting with one another, and fight the real enemy, Satan. We need to lay down our lives for our mates and loved ones and be aggressive in prayer against the wiles of the enemy. He will flee when commanded to do so in the name of Jesus.<br />If the attack is from without, carried on by Satan's suggestions, temptations and influences, we still fight him the same way we would if he has gained access and entered the body with dominating control. We call on God with a humble heart and submit our entire lives to Him, and then aggressively resist the devil, commanding him to leave in the name of Jesus. We should speak this command out loud. We need to realize also there are certain conditions one must meet in order to gain permanent deliverance from demon bondage. We first must be a child of God to receive help. If you are not "born again," simply invite Jesus to come into your heart and save your soul. Accept God's Word that says He loves you and wants to give you abundant life. "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life" (John 3:16). "I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly" (John 10:10). To receive this abundant life you must repent and turn from your sins and accept God's provision of the shed blood of Jesus Christ as the only way to cleanse you. Sin has separated you from God, and receiving Christ restores you to fellowship with Him and you become a part of the family of God. "But as many as received Him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God..." (John 1:12).<br />PRAYERS OF DELIVERANCE<br />After making a verbal confession of our faith in Jesus Christ (the only name that brings deliverance), we need to confess the sin that gave the devil access to our life. This is where we need to acknowledge any cult or occult involvement. Next, we should break Satan's legal right to our lives by renouncing each sin and its effect upon our lives as a lie of the devil, and then claim the truth of God's Word in that area. To be free from deception we must recognize Satan's lies and replace them with the truth. After these steps, we then can out loud command the demons to go in the name of Jesus. When oppression or possession is severe it is helpful to have other believers pray with you. The prayer of deliverance should be made only by "born again," Spirit-filled believers. In Acts 19:13-16, the unbelieving seven sons of Sceva experimented with deliverance and met with disastrous results. "Born again" believers have nothing to fear. Jesus overcame Satan for us. Casting out demons lodged in others is not risky but requires faith. Should you lack the faith and boldness to cast out demons, ask the Lord to lead you to the person or persons who can pray the prayer of faith and set people free.<br />We need to discuss here some guidelines for "casting out demons." The lack of teaching in this area has led people to devise many means by which they attempt deliverance. These methods are varied and include wrestling and holding people down during deliverance, carrying on conversations with demons to discern the names of the spirits (which is futile as Satan is a liar and wouldn't tell the truth anyway. Discerning of spirits is the gift given to aid in deliverance). Also calling out endless lists of demons, and many other methods which we shall not name here. These methods will work if done in the name of Jesus, however when they are carried to extremes the enemy wastes a lot of time and energy. These methods are usually not necessary, but God honors them many times because the practitioners are unsure of the proper procedures, and perhaps this is the only teaching to which they have been exposed. God sees their hearts and He knows they are trying to help people get free, so He delivers them in spite of the techniques.<br />FAITH DELIVERS<br />The Biblical method for casting out demons would be to pray as the Holy Spirit directs. Usually this would be a prayer similar to this: "In the name of Jesus, I cast you unclean spirits out of this person." Should the Holy Spirit give you specific names of demons, these most generally would be for the benefit of the person who is receiving the deliverance as they may need to be aware of the nature of the demon that has held them in bondage, so as to resist him in the future (For instance, a demon of lust or anger). The most important thing is to listen to the Holy Spirit's direction regarding individual cases. Faith is the key to getting people free of demons. We must have faith when we pray that the demons will leave. If we believe they will leave instantly, then that will happen; if we believe we are in for a real battle, then we will end up fighting it out with the devil. Or we can even lose the battle if we don't stand firm in our faith and trust in Jesus. Some deliverance does require a prayer battle as little or no intercession as been previously done for the person bound.<br />Jesus' disciples had a problem with not being able to cast out a demon from a child because they lacked faith. When they asked Jesus why they couldn't do it, He answered in Mark 9:19, 23, 26, 28, and 29: "He answereth him, and saith, O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him unto me....Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth....And the spirit cried, and rent him sore, and came out of him...And when he was come into the house, his disciples asked him privately, Why could not we cast him out? And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting." The message Jesus was trying to get across to his disciples was that their faith was not sufficient for the job, and that the way their faith would be increased was by fasting and praying. He didn't mean for them to go fast and pray to get the demons out. Jesus was immediately able to cast them out because He was always praying, and He stayed close to the Father, thereby having faith and power over the devil at all times.<br />Jesus is our example. If we are not in close communion with the Father, how will we be able to hear His instructions when discerning and praying for deliverance? We need to fast and pray if we find our faith and closeness with God being attacked, then we will be able to exercise our faith when praying for others and see them set free in the name of Jesus.<br /><br />Excerpt from the book Exposing Satan's Devices by Betty Miller. Betty has written several books on other topics as well. To view titles or purchase those books click here: <a href="http://store.bible.com/">http://store.bible.com/</a><br /><a href="http://www.bible.com/bibleanswers_result.php?id=241">http://www.bible.com/bibleanswers_result.php?id=241</a>Rebecca Halterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08423033708214392418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211966956756419672.post-6744169166587687072009-05-09T16:21:00.000-07:002009-05-09T16:26:00.515-07:00The Bible on WitchcraftWHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT...<br />WITCHCRAFT?<br />by Michael Sherif<br />In the past forty years, there has been a resurgent interest in witchcraft in all its multifaceted guises. The main thrust has been presenting witchcraft as an innocent, entertaining subject in literature and in movies.<br />As usual 95% of Christians fail to use discernment, yield to media manipulation, and embrace this “sugar coated” siren of witchcraft along with the deluded mass of the population little heeding a wide array of Biblical admonitions not to open the door to Satan who comes to devour as a roaring lion. Jesus said to Peter, “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to have you, to sift you like wheat” (Luke 22:31) and that’s exactly what Satan will do if we don’t ask before reading a book, watching a movie, entering a relationship or pursuing any course of action “What would Jesus do?”<br />Witchcraft involves the manipulation of the demonic host, through incantations and the casting of spells. Witchcraft can also involve communication with demonic spirits impersonating the dead. The Bible clearly teaches that the dead cannot communicate with the living as there is a great chasm separating the dead from the living (Luke 16:26). As discarnate spirit entities these demons possess knowledge regarding the activities of humans and have a limited to ability to foretell the future.<br />Here are a few of the scriptures regarding witchcraft:<br />The Old and New Testaments treat witchcraft as an evil, rebellious, and loathsome practice. Those who practiced it were not tolerated. “Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live,” (Exodus 22:18).<br />Moses cautioned the children of Israel: “When you enter the land the Lord your God is giving you, do not learn to imitate the detestable way of the nations there. Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord, and because of these detestable practices the Lord your God will drive those nations before you. You must be blameless before the Lord your God. The nations you will dispossess listen to those who practice sorcery or divination. But as for you, the Lord has not permitted you to do so” (Deuteronomy 18:9-14).<br />With respect to the evil kind Manasseh who reigned in Jerusalem fifty five years the Bible states: “He did evil in the eyes of the Lord, followed the detestable practices of the nations the Lord had driven out before the Israelites” (2 Chronicles 33:2). “He sacrificed his sons in the fire in the Valley of Ben Hinnom, practiced sorcery, divination and witchcraft, and consulted mediums and spiritists. He did much evil in the eyes of the Lord, provoking him to anger” (2 Chronicles 33:6).<br />When Samuel reproved King Saul, he compared rebellion to the sin of divination and arrogance like the evil of idolatry. Witchcraft includes both divination and idolatry. “For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance like the evil of idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, he has rejected you as king” (1 Samuel 23). If Saul was rejected by God for rebellion and arrogance so will a modern day person who practices or permits himself or herself to be entertained by witchcraft and idolatry.<br />The Living Bible clearly addresses the fate of those who delve or as C. S. Lewis labeled “lust” for the occult: “The Lord has rejected you because you welcome foreigners from the East who practice magic and communicate with evil spirits” (Isaiah 2:6). “Crawl into the caves in the rocks and hide in terror from his glorious majesty, for the day is coming when your proud looks will be brought low; the Lord alone will be exalted. On that day the Lord of Hosts will move against the proud and haughty and bring them to dust… All the glory of mankind will bow low; the pride of men will like in the dust, and the Lord alone will be exalted. And all idols will be utterly abolished and destroyed” (Isaiah 2:10-18).<br />Paul in Galatians 5:19-21 ascribes witchcraft as a deed of the flesh. “Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy, drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.” It is interesting to note that Paul’s warning is to the churches of Galatia whose members are already Christians. They are warned that by engaging in sinful conduct they would not inherit the kingdom of God. The warning is to those who have accepted Christ. The modern day Christian who is entertained or allows his or her children to be entertained and/or participate in the works of the flesh, which includes witchcraft, should give serious heed to this warning.<br />White magic and black magic are not acceptable in Christianity and there is no such thing as “cheap grace”. Christ died on the cross to forgive us for our sins, yet there is no excuse to take sin lightly. Engaging in any sin including sorcery opens one to demonic oppression and with persistent sinful conduct possession.<br />One cannot rationalize that one is not engaged in witchcraft but merely being entertained by books or movies whose characters participate in witchcraft, even though the protagonists are “good” witches.<br />The protagonist Harry Potter in the best selling Harry Potter series of books and current movie attends Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry to become a wizard. Harry and his friends are taking classes in casting spells, magical drafts and potions, transfiguration, history of magic, magical theory etc… They are learning to become “good” wizards and witches. Evil is represented by the “Dark Side,” reminiscent of the “Dark Side” of the Force in “Star Wars,” and embodied (or disembodied and seeking to re-embody) in Voldemort, the evil wizard who killed Harry’s parents.<br />Harry is characterized as an average boy who has been oppressed by his very normal aunt and uncle and his cousin, reminiscent of Cinderella’s oppression at home. The very normal family members are exaggeratedly oppressive.<br />From a Christian paradigm the problem with Harry is that salvation from his predicament comes from leaving home learning witchcraft, a condemned practice. Children interact with ghosts such as the Friar and Professor Binns, a ghost who teaches the History of Magic. Professor Binns was a very old professor who had fallen asleep by a staff room fire and went to teach the next morning, leaving his body behind.<br />Christianity teaches that witchcraft, even charming, candy coated witchcraft, is evil and that redemption only comes through Jesus Christ and certainly not from the occult. Communication with the dead is actually communication with demons or “fallen angels.” Casting spells is prohibited.<br />In Christianity, salvation does not come through witchcraft but by accepting the Son of God. Good is what is of God and comes from worshiping Him. “Innocent” or “mechanical” witchcraft is still witchcraft and as such dark. Exposing one’s children to a heavy dose of the supernatural, even if portrayed through the activities of appealing characters, is not acceptable. The siren call of the occult in children’s movies and cartoons can be appealing. Poltergeists, ghosts, flying broomsticks, werewolves, vampires, witches, giants, bats, goblins, haunted hallways may be captivating but they can instill a spirit of fear. They can certainly be “dark and heavy” and exposure to the occult can be addictive. This writer is a case in point having been involved in séances, palmistry, astrology and eastern meditation prior to accepting Jesus Christ. Interest in the occult started with late night “Chiller” movies and supernatural comic books.<br />Aside from a dark supernatural dimension there is the good supernatural dimension represented by the Heavenly Kingdom (God, His cherubim and the angelic host). For the most part this good supernatural dimension is rarely portrayed in children’s cartoons or recent popular literature. How often do we see angels on Saturday morning cartoons? The elves in the “Lord of the Rings” are such angelic type beings who frighten Sauron’s Black Riders pursuing Frodo.<br />Parents have a responsibility to screen what their children watch. Studies have shown that children and adults who watch regular violence on the screen become desensitized to it. The same applies with intensive exposure to the occult. Jesus said, “Temptations to sin are sure to come; but woe to him by whom they come! It would be better for him if a millstone were hung round his neck and he were cast into the sea, than that he should cause one of these little ones to sin” (Luke 17:1-2).<br />So what can be said of the Christian entertained by the occult? The analogy can be drawn to the person who is not engaged in immoral sex but is being entertained by pornographic books or magazines. There is no such thing as a Christian “voyeur.” What is sinful to a child is sinful to an adult. Christ does not respect the “adult” bookstore nor the “adult” voyeur. Those who deal in darkness will be engulfed by it. Poison is poison. A little recreational poison can be as lethal as a lot of poison from the hand of an assassin. There is no such thing as a recreational séance (channeling session).<br />For all those who have engaged in sinful conduct including occult or sexual voyeurism there is only one avenue for cleansing, nothing less than the atoning blood of Jesus. Both the non Christian and the Christian need to repent of their sins by asking God to forgive them. The non Christian needs to invite Jesus through a simple prayer to take charge of his/her life (“Jesus I accept your sacrifice for me on the cross. Forgive me for my sins. Please come into my life and take charge. Help me walk in your light”).<br />Take a lesson from the sorcerers and witches who came to a saving knowledge of Christ in Acts 19:19, “And many of those who practiced magic brought their books together and began burning them in the sight of all; and they counted up the price of them and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver.” All occult objects should be destroyed as these items are vehicles or “windows” for occult activity and oppression. They are literally magnets, which draw the demonic host.<br />God is not an evil God. He is not vengeful, but in the Bible he has given us a mechanic’s manual for our well being. If we insist on placing lemonade in our engine instead of oil we’ll destroy it. If we don’t obey God’s admonitions against witchcraft, sexual conduct and promiscuity, rage, envy, and substance abuse we’ll destroy our bodies and condemn our souls for eternity. You may not believe in God, but violation of his principles will nevertheless bring destruction. Witchcraft may be very alluring and comforting for you. It may give you success and power. It may give you the “warm fuzzies.” Nevertheless it’s evil and dangerous just as the serpent was to Adam and Eve in the Garden.<br />For those who have had extensive occult involvement including the actual practice of witchcraft it would be advisable to seek the counsel of a pastor of a spirit filled Christ centered church involved in the deliverance ministry. Keep in mind that you have power over all demonic principalities in the name of Jesus once you have accepted Christ as your personal Savior and are covered by His blood (“Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name” Luke 10:17).<br />In the 1950’s Science replaced God. There was an ensuing spiritual hunger, which sought expression in the counterculture of the 1960’s and 1970’s through drugs, Eastern religions, and sexual promiscuity. This led to materialism and the cult of the self of the 1980’s and 1990’s. None of these substitutes can replace man’s deep spiritual hunger. The absence of God can only be replaced with the presence of God, and certainly not by a counterfeit such as witchcraft. Witchcraft is like illicit sex, it may offer thrills and gratification for a time but only a personal relationship with the God of the Universe through his Son Jesus Christ will satisfy, bring joy, and life eternal.<br /><a href="http://www.bible.com/bibleanswers_result.php?id=244">http://www.bible.com/bibleanswers_result.php?id=244</a>Rebecca Halterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08423033708214392418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211966956756419672.post-9675870859309322742009-05-07T23:16:00.000-07:002009-05-07T23:18:16.390-07:00For TeenagersBeing a teenager is a difficult person to be in this world we live in, now more than ever. Below are some bible verses to encourage teens to stay close to christ.<br /><br /><p><span class="contentdescription">Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.</span><br /><span class="sectiontableentry2">1 Timothy 4:12 NIV</span><br /></p><hr /><p><span class="contentdescription">Praise the LORD, O my soul;<br />all my inmost being,<br />praise his holy name.<br />Praise the LORD, O my soul,<br />and forget not all his benefits-<br />who forgives all your sins<br />and heals all your diseases,<br />who redeems your life from the pit<br />and crowns you with love and compassion<br />who satisfies your desires with good things<br />so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.</span><br /><span class="sectiontableentry2">Psalm 103:1-20 NIV<br /><br /></span></p><hr /><span class="contentdescription"><br />For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.You will seek me and find me then you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you," declares the LORD, "and will bring you back from captivity.I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you," declares the LORD,"and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile."<br /><span class="sectiontableentry2">Jeremiah 29:11-14 NIV<br /><br /></span></span><hr /><p class="contentdescription"><br />"Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you.<br /><span class="sectiontableentry2">Exodus 20:12 NIV<br /><br /></span></p><hr /><p><span class="contentdescription"><br />Listen, my son, to your father's instruction and do not forsake your mother's teaching.They will be a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck.</span><br /><span class="sectiontableentry2">Proverbs 1:8-9 NIV<br /></span><br /></p><hr /><p> <span class="contentdescription">Remember your Creator<br />in the days of your youth,<br />before the days of trouble come<br />and the years approach when you will say,<br />"I find no pleasure in them"-</span><br /><span class="sectiontableentry2">Ecclesiastes 12:1 NIV<br /></span><br /></p><hr /><p><span class="contentdescription"><br />Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.<br /><span class="sectiontableentry2">1 Peter 5:5-9 NIV<br /></span></span><br /></p><hr /><p><br /><span class="contentdescription">"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.</span><br /><span class="sectiontableentry2">John 3:16 NIV<br /><br /></span></p><hr /><p><span class="contentdescription"><br />"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.</span><br /><span class="sectiontableentry2">John 13:34 NIV<br /><br /></span></p><hr /><p><br /><span class="contentdescription">"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.</span><br /><span class="sectiontableentry2">John 14:1 NIV<br /></span></p><p> </p><hr /><br /><span class="contentdescription">So do not fear, for I am with you;<br />do not be dismayed, for I am your God.<br />I will strengthen you and help you;<br />I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.</span><br /><span class="sectiontableentry2">Isaiah 41:10 NIV</span><br /><br /><hr /><br /><span class="contentdescription">He who guards his mouth and his tongue<br />keeps himself from calamity.</span><br /><span class="sectiontableentry2">Proverbs 21:23 NIV<br /><br /><br /></span><hr /><span class="contentdescription">Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord's servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth,</span><br /><span class="sectiontableentry2">2 Timothy 22-25</span>Rebecca Halterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08423033708214392418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211966956756419672.post-30264548819319134102009-05-07T23:07:00.000-07:002009-05-07T23:14:01.006-07:00Bible: About Death/Dying<p><span class="contentdescription">Reading the scripture verses below will help with accepting our eventual death rather than falling for the false belief of reincarnation.<br /></span></p><p><span class="contentdescription"><br /></span></p><p><span class="contentdescription">If only they were wise and would understand this and discern what their end will be!</span><br /><span class="sectiontableentry2">Deuteronomy 31:16</span></p><hr /><span class="contentdescription">And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed [are] the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.</span><br /><span class="sectiontableentry2">Revelation 14:13</span><br /><hr /><p> </p><p> <span class="contentdescription">Precious in the sight of the LORD [is] the death of his saints.<br /></span><span class="sectiontableentry2">Psalms 116:15</span></p><hr /><p> <span class="contentdescription">Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.</span><br /><span class="sectiontableentry2">1 Thessalonians 4:13-14</span></p><hr /><p> <span class="contentdescription">Jesus said to her, "<em>I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?</em>"</span><br /><span class="sectiontableentry2">John 11:25-26</span></p><hr /><span class="contentdescription">So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body.</span><br /><span class="sectiontableentry2">1 Corinthians 15:42-44</span> <hr /><p> <span class="contentdescription">The righteous perish, and no one ponders it in his heart; devout men are taken away, and no one understands that the righteous are taken away to be spared from evil. Those who walk uprightly enter into peace; they find rest as they lie in death.</span><br /><span class="sectiontableentry2">Isaiah 57:1-2</span></p><hr /><span class="contentdescription">For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.</span><br /><span class="sectiontableentry2">2 Corinthians 4:17-18</span><hr /><p> <span class="sectiontableentry1">For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time [are] not worthy [to be compared] with the glory which shall be revealed in us.<br /></span><span class="sectiontableentry2">Romans 8:18</span></p><hr /><span class="contentdescription">Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling.</span><br /><span class="sectiontableentry2">2 Corinthians 5:1-2</span><hr /><span class="contentdescription">We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord</span><br /><span class="sectiontableentry2">2 Corinthians 5:8</span><hr /><p> <span class="contentdescription">Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil—and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.<br /></span><span class="sectiontableentry2">Hebrews 2:14-15</span></p><hr /><p> <span class="contentdescription">They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.</span><br /><span class="sectiontableentry2">Revelation 12:11</span></p>Rebecca Halterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08423033708214392418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211966956756419672.post-55590707861607329412009-05-07T22:59:00.000-07:002009-05-07T23:00:25.116-07:00Bible: About Love<p><span class="small">Bible Verses About Love: 1</span><br /><span class="contentdescription">The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these."</span><br /><span class="sectiontableentry2">Mark 12:31</span></p><p><span class="small">Bible Verses About Love: 2</span><br /><span class="contentdescription">Do to others as you would have them do to you.</span><br /><span class="sectiontableentry2">Luke 6:31</span></p><p><span class="small">Bible Verses About Love: 3</span><br /><span class="contentdescription">But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without<br />expecting to get anything back.Then your reward will be great, and you<br />will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.</span><br /><span class="sectiontableentry2">Luke 6:35</span></p><p><span class="small">Bible Verses About Love: 4</span><br /><span class="contentdescription">"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.</span><br /><span class="sectiontableentry2">John 8:34</span><br /></p><p><span class="small">Bible Verses About Love: 5</span><br /><span class="contentdescription">Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.</span><br /><span class="sectiontableentry2">John 8:13</span></p><p><span class="small">Bible Verses About Love: 6</span><br /><span class="contentdescription">Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.</span><br /><span class="sectiontableentry2"> Romans 12:9</span></p><p><span class="small">Bible Verses About Love: 7</span><br /><span class="contentdescription">Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.</span><br /><span class="sectiontableentry2">Romans 13:10</span></p><p><span class="small">Bible Verses About Love: 8</span><br /><span class="contentdescription">Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away</span><br /><span class="sectiontableentry2">1 Corinthians 13:4-8</span></p><p><span class="small">Bible Verses About Love: 9</span><br /><span class="contentdescription">And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.</span><br /><span class="sectiontableentry2">1 Corinthians 13:13</span></p><p><span class="small">Bible Verses About Love: 10</span><br /><span class="contentdescription">Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.</span><br /><span class="sectiontableentry2">Ephesians 4:2</span></p><p><span class="small">Bible Verses About Love: 11</span><br /><span class="contentdescription">Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.</span><br /><span class="sectiontableentry2">1 Peter 4:8</span></p><p><span class="small">Bible Verses About Love: 12</span><br /><span class="contentdescription">Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.</span><br /><span class="sectiontableentry2">1 John 4:7</span></p><p><span class="small">Bible Verses About Love: 13</span><br /><span class="contentdescription">We love because he first loved us.</span><br /><span class="sectiontableentry2">1 John 4:19</span><br /><br /><span class="small">Bible Verses About Love: 14</span><br /><span class="contentdescription">There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.</span><br /><span class="sectiontableentry2">1 John 4:18</span></p><p><span class="small">Bible Verses About Love: 15</span><br /><span class="contentdescription">Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.</span><br /><span class="sectiontableentry2">John 15:13</span></p><p><span class="small">Bible Verses About Love: 16</span><br /><span class="contentdescription">Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.</span><br /><span class="sectiontableentry2">Ephesians 5:25</span></p><p><span class="small">Bible Verses About Love: 17</span><br /><span class="contentdescription">However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.</span><br /><span class="sectiontableentry2">Ephesians 5:33</span></p><p><span class="small">Bible Verses About Love: 18</span><br /><span class="contentdescription">And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.</span><br /><span class="sectiontableentry2">Colossians 3:14</span></p>Rebecca Halterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08423033708214392418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211966956756419672.post-68336138097128829032009-05-07T22:54:00.000-07:002009-05-07T22:56:38.548-07:00Adultry/Divorce Scripture<div class="small" align="left">Verse 1:</div><div align="left"><span class="contentdescription">Thou shall not commit adultery.</span><br /><span class="sectiontableentry2">Exodus 20:14 King James Version</span></div><div align="left"><hr /> </div><div align="left"><span class="small">Verse 2:</span><br /><span class="contentdescription">But a man who commits adultery lacks judgment; whoever does so destroys himself.</span> </div><div class="sectiontableentry2" align="left">Proverbs 6:32 New International Version</div><div class="sectiontableentry2" align="left"><hr /> </div><div align="left"><span class="small">Verse 3:<br /></span><span class="contentdescription">And a certain ruler questioned Him, saying, "Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?" And Jesus said to him, "Why do you call Me good? No one is good except God alone. You know the commandments, 'Do not commit adultery, do not murder, do not steal, do not bear false witness, honor your father and mother.'"</span></div><div class="sectiontableentry2" align="left">Luke 18:18-20 New American Standard</div><div class="sectiontableentry2" align="left"><hr /> </div><div align="left"><span class="small">Verse: 4</span><br /></div><div class="contentdescription" align="left">"You have heard that it was said, 'Do not commit adultery. 'But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell.</div><div class="sectiontableentry2" align="left">Matthew 5:27-32 New International Version</div><div class="sectiontableentry2" align="left"><hr /> </div><div align="left"><span class="small">Verse 5:</span><br /></div><div align="left"><strong>Divorce</strong><br /><span class="contentdescription">"It has been said, 'Anyone who divorces his wife must give her a certificate of divorce. 'But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for marital unfaithfulness, causes her to become an adulteress, and anyone who marries the divorced woman commits adultery.</span><br />Matthew 5:31 New International Version</div><div align="left"><strong><br />Footnote:</strong></div><div align="left">a. Deuteronomy 24:1</div>Rebecca Halterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08423033708214392418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211966956756419672.post-46850884710410392592009-05-07T22:47:00.000-07:002009-05-07T22:52:26.606-07:00Scriptures for Parents and Children<div align="left"><span class="contentdescription">Taking a child, He set him before them, and taking him in His arms, He said to them,<br />"Whoever receives one child like this in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me does not receive Me, but Him who sent Me." </span><br /><span class="sectiontableentry2">Mark 9:36-37 New American Standard </span></div><br /><div align="left"><hr /> </div><div align="left"><span class="contentdescription">"Assuredly, I say to you,whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it."</span><br /><span class="sectiontableentry2">Mark 10:15 New King James Version </span></div><br /><div class="small" align="left"><hr /></div><div align="left"><span class="contentdescription">Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord,<br />The fruit of the womb is a reward.</span> </div><div class="sectiontableentry2" align="left">Psalm 127:3 New King James Version<br /></div><br /><div class="small" align="left"><hr /></div><div align="left"><span class="contentdescription">And Jesus called a little child to Him,<br />set him in the midst of them, and said,<br />"Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and<br />become as little children, you will by no means<br />enter the kingdom of heaven.<br />Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child<br />is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.<br />And whoever receives one little child<br />like this in My name receives Me.<br /><br />But whoever causes one of these little ones<br />who believe in Me to sin,<br />it would be better for him<br />if a millstone were hung around his neck,<br />and he were drowned in the depth of the sea."</span><br /><span class="sectiontableentry2">Matthew 18:2-6 New King James Version </span></div><br /><div align="left"><hr /><br /></div><div align="left"><span class="contentdescription">Then little children were brought to Him that He might put His hands on them and pray,but the disciples rebuked them. But Jesus said, "Let the little children come to Me,<br />and do not forbid them;<br />for of such is the kingdom of heaven."</span><br /><span class="sectiontableentry2">Matthew 19:13-14 New King James Version </span></div><hr /><div align="left"><span class="contentdescription">But when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that He did, and the children crying out in the temple and saying,<br />"Hosanna to the Son of David!"<br />they were indignant and said to Him,<br />"Do you hear what these are saying?"<br />And Jesus said to them,<br />"Yes. Have you never read,<br />'Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants<br />You have perfected praise'?"</span><br /><span class="sectiontableentry2">Matthew 21:15-16 New King James Version<br /><br /></span></div><div align="left"><hr /><br /></div><div align="left"><span class="contentdescription">Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right."Honor your father and mother," which is the first commandment with promise:<br />"that it may be well with you<br />and you may live long on the earth."</span><br /><span class="sectiontableentry2">Ephesians 6:1-3 New King James Version </span></div><br /><div align="left"><hr /><br /></div><div class="contentdescription" align="left">Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well pleasing to the Lord.</div><div class="sectiontableentry2" align="left">Colossians 3:20</div><br /><div align="left"><hr /><br /><span class="contentdescription">"But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen. "</span><br /><span class="sectiontableentry2">2 Peter 3:18</span></div>Rebecca Halterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08423033708214392418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211966956756419672.post-55766089486635675092009-05-07T22:09:00.000-07:002009-05-07T22:16:44.904-07:00Five Love LanguagesThis is a critique of the Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman. This book is an amazing book to read for both men and women. If you are getting married or are already married, this book is recommended for all couples. Whether you are having marital troubles or hope to never have troubles with your spouse, this book provides some key concepts about how to read your partner's signals or "love language" which will lead to their "love tank" always being filled. The book describes case studies where couples have been left emotionally bankrupt, and how their spouse switched gears a little in the relationship which led to a complete relationship makeover.Rebecca Halterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08423033708214392418noreply@blogger.com0