SEXUAL Problems For Christians Part 3

 
Part 3

Pray for Discernment

When I went to seminary I was somewhat disappointed to a small degree, but not surprised that the same problems existed. We live in a spiritual war zone. So always seek the “Will & Way of the Lord.” I have learned that sexual misconduct is practiced on many levels. It did not matter that my views were misconstrued as prudish because I know better!  This is not at all about exposing anyone; nor would I. It is about stating the facts to circumvent others from going down this path or at least help them consider making better choices.

 

It is important to keep in mind that spiritual warfare persists everywhere. Always remember; “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” Matthew 18.   It is always good to have someone who you are on one accord.  Praise  & Thank God! Always keep in mind that God is omnipresent so therefore everywhere you are He is also there.  Like it or not. If you are “Called” to ministry your first commitment should always be to please the Lord. To freely share the Word of God and encourage  any and everyone to abide by His Word regardless of their title, or  whoever they are. Christianity is a daily lifestyle. God holds each of us  accountable for what we know.

 

 

In Seminary there was an interesting counseling therapy class on “Gethsemane Patterning.” I was asked to sign a waiver in this class because there was some hands on activity that could possibly be a tad interesting.  I prayed about it. Since I could see under the right conditions it could be in some cases helpful in ministry when used appropriately. I grasped all the marvelous insight as well as impertinent methodology. It is also important to know your rights.  I decided to opt out of certain aspects of the class. Therefore there was no need for me to sign a waiver. We are called to be observant. Thank God for Discernment. That particular class ended up with a huge lawsuit against the administrator. I learned early  it is important to never throw caution to the wind.

 

Many hours of intense personal study, quiet meditation and practical application yielded a deeper invaluable reverence for our Lord.  We must always consult the Lord to lead us.  It also freed me to be more spiritually conscious.  God does not want us to be “Cookie Cutter Christians.” There is no need to compete in ministry. The Lord will help us do whatever He has called us to do.  His confirmation exceeds anyone else’s,. This is not about ego for I have learned to be confident in the Lord. God  does want us to be “in the world but not of the world” John 8.  I am most thankful for the experience as well as an invaluable wealth of spiritual insight gained. There remain many many more  precious memories I have than not so good..

 

The Lord always wants to lead us on the Path of Righteousness.

 

To know GOD”S WORD is good. But it takes His Holy Spirit to open your understanding so you know how to apply and or receive it.  It was good that the Pharisees knew the Word.  The problem was that they were not able to recognize and discern Christ Jesus.  Strive to study like the Bereans.  They diligently studied to know and grow in the grace of our Lord & Savior through His Word. 

 

There are many different denominational and nondenominational beliefs. Therefore, it is always good to be cautious, prayerful and seek direction from the Lord. Especially when you lay hands on someone who does not really know you. Or when you know you are amidst others who have a wrong perception of your intent. I understand why the Word says: “Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, and do not share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure.”  I Timothy 5.  No need to fear. Truly the Lord will protect you. He also sharpens your discernment. Spiritual things easily get misunderstood when in  the midst of carnal thinkers.  For; “Man looks on the outside. But GOD looks at the heart.” This is why we always need to consult with the Lord and be led by HIS Holy Spirit! There are times when you may just have to stay put and pray from right where you are. You can always pray and sometimes not necessarily out loud. The Lord knows if we are sincere and HE is always absolutely Omniscient…

 

God Is Truly Amazing!

There is a tendency to sometime overlook sexual problems within the Church. This is not good since this conflicts with; “…But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers shall worship the Father in Spirit and Truth, for the Father seeks such to worship Him” (John 4:23).” Here Jesus is talking to the woman at the well. This in itself was unusual for Him to be alone in her presence. Notice; He first talked to her about her life and all of her husbands. Then He graciously shifts the subject to telling her about “true worship!” Jesus was always totally aware and connected to the LORD.  He was never not GOD! He simply told her something that no one was aware of to get her attention.  She left His presence preaching delivered  and: “Come see a man…”

 

 

We cannot confine our infinite Lord to just a geographical area, people or building. HE IS OMNIPRESENT I have not found anywhere in the WORD where any of  His disciples  themselves had sexual misconduct problems.  Know how to keep your Temple, for it is where GOD resides.  Think about it. Most importantly this sends the wrong message. There is a difference between the “Fruit of the Spirit and the “works of the flesh” See Galatians 5

 

Know and discern when a “seducing spirit” is in operation.  Seek the Lord’s direction and pray  whenever you are in an emotionally charged environment. God does not manifest His presence  to bring confusion…  Know that God wants to impart peace and bring deliverance.  You can even bring peace to a dog if necessary when led by the Lord.  His Holy Spirit is the Ultimate Comforter!

 

We are not to sanction any sin in anyone.  This only helps to keep them in bondage. Sin  is what separates us from GOD. We are to exercise and encourage others to embrace self-control as well. He has given us HIS HOLY SPIRIT HIS COMFORTER to HELP us. GOD CALLS us and asks us to travel upon “The Straight & Narrow Road!” This is the road that is less traveled by many.  The reason why there are so many carnal problems with God’s Church is because to many allowances and excuses are made quite often for those who are connected to what they perceive to be their hierarchy.  They will often have a cult like mentality.  They also tend to be very territorial. Absolutely NO one is higher than GOD! His Word says; ” Of a TRUTH, I perceive, God is not a respecter of persons.” James 2

 

 

We are ALL SAVED by the GRACE of GOD! It is not by any works…

 

 

It is so very important to know the WORD of GOD for yourself. Many teach the traditions of their particular denominations over the Word of God! We in ourselves have no power. But we can access HIS POWER as we stay connected to HIM as the SOURCE of ULTIMATE POWER.  Our bodies are His Temple.  He resides within us.  God knows when we are committed to Him. God can use whoever is willing to submit to His Will & His Way.

 

In some cases just as long as you pay your dues or tithes you can be excused from just about anything. You are given their unconditional love and support?  Know  God’s true Love is priceless… The focus upon giving money is the greatest priority for many.   The desire to take care of  and maintain the building and its auxiliaries  are usually a main priority. Not that this is bad but keep in mind that God is aware of those needs as well.  Many are manipulated to give money for various needs. There are even tithing messages given before  the offering.  They  often will give a binary message.  They will tell you how much you should give and then knowingly attempt to put a guilt trip on you to give  the 10% you know you owe?   Is that because you are not giving to them?  Giving is good.   But know God does not need our money. He does not need anything from anyone.  Malachi is mainly talking to the priests who were quite  corrupt.  This is the main scripture that is usually  used. However it is taken out of context by many. It was written to correct many poor  religious and social behaviors. Most always attribute Malachi to “robbing God!” Malachi 3 There are many ways to rob God.

 

GOD LOVES A CHEERFUL GIVER! 

Allow the Lord to direct you when, to whom and how much to give. If you study you will find that tithes and offerings were not necessarily monetary. They were staples and food  that were stored in the storehouse so there were provisions for  the  priest to have food to eat.  The priest were not land owners. They usually solely worked for the Lord with very few possessions. Malachi 3 also states; “And they shall be mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him. Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not.”

 

GOD KNOWS WHEN WE TRULY SERVE HIM! 

 

Yes, The Lord wants us to give. “God loves a cheerful giver!” II Corinthians 9. The Corinthians were a very carnal Church. Here  in Corinthians you will see that the LORD gives a lot of instructions to His Church because of the mindset of the people. They got carried away in many areas. The main focus of worship should always be upon giving GLORY to the LORD. God wants to be a part of every area of our lives. He has promised “To supply ALL our needs according to His riches in Christ Jesus!” Philippians 4. God will also supply the needs of HIS CHURCH which is HIS people. He will supply the needs in every aspect of our lives.  ALL with the LORD means ALL.

 

Tithing was never meant to be a “Cover Charge” to worship & praise GOD!

 

“For the Love of money is the root of ALL evil” Where you find evil when you peel it all back you will always find this is to be true! It is not the money but the fact that some will do just about anything to get it.  Know that God is aware of this as well. God does not begrudge us to have things. But it is how we relate to them that matters most. We all so daily need His Holy Spirit to continually grow in His grace.  Everything belongs to the Lord. God will not only supply our needs but He will also  give us some of our wants that are in HIS WILL for us…

 

GOD is The Giver and Sustainer of Life

God holds ALL of us accountable for our behavior as well as how we give or do not give. Think about it for a moment? God really does see and know everything about all of us. How many times does the Bible mention the disciples indulging in sexual sins? Quite often the faults of the disciples are mentioned to make a point of their flaws. It was Judas who was close to the Lord, who sold Him out for money? Go figure? People often relate to others  because they have the same experiences.  But in actuality we are to depend on the Holy Spirit to help us exercise self-control  in all areas of our life, not upon ourselves. Truly God is more than able. All His promises are true!

 

You should want to become perfect in the Lord.   When you really believe God is omniscient you will live differently. Because you realize;  HE KNOWS EVERYTHING.  The perfection that the Bible talks about is not flawlessness. It is about learning how to be complete in the Lord. We are to daily strive for perfection. There is always room for improvement in all of us.   We are to regularly take Spiritual Baths in HIS WORD! We should be forever growing in His grace, knowledge and wisdom as long as He has us on this side of Heaven. The LORD is able to deliver us from ALL evil! We CAN be “Strong in the LORD!” Or HE would not have told us to do so.

 

 

Good boundaries should be exercised when you know someone is weak in certain areas. This applies even more so when you know you are in a carnal environment. You should be able to greet with a hug and express godly love and not want to sleep with or have any sexual interest with them. I say this because I have known that there are a few who use this as an opportunity to meet possible conquests. I personally do not usually indulge in what I call the many “Simon Says” activities that are now prominent during worship. Turn to your neighbor, say this, turn around, jump up and down, clap your hands etc. Observe, how many respond just like robots without thinking. This is actually “Group Think” behavior. Also notice that this is a trend that has also been recently  adopted in these latter years. It is optional.  This can at times hinder the flow of the Spirit.  There are few moments of peaceful meditation. There needs to be a balance. GOD always know when we are real! We are not to just do everything that man says do… How did we get here? It is always important to remain prayerful during worship.

 

We are living in the “Lasts Days” and some of everything is going on everywhere. Not everyone regards worship or “The House of The Lord” as sacred. 

 

Many Christians have been side tracked by indulging in ongoing sexual sin. Think about it, when this is the case this is actually practicing sin. Regardless of who they are this is not good.  They do not realize just how much this impacts their Spiritual Gift(s). Or maybe they are just ignorant to GOD’S OMNIPRESENCE and believe He doesn’t really know what is happening? Never undermine who GOD IS! Its important to keep in mind during worship that not everyone is spiritual. Encouraging repentance is always good. “Prayer ye one for another!”  Few really understand what it means to; “BE STILL & KNOW” I believe that there is much spiritual tension in the Body of Christ  that can easily be alleviated.

 

The Spirit of God is quenched when you operate in a carnal mode.

 

 

Many operate by using a seducing spirit which is NOT of GOD!  Many simply respond to the beat of the music. Remember this is a Spiritual battle. Pray for discernment! & Keep your Spiritual Armor on!   Many honestly don’t realize how they water down the effectiveness of their testimony. They also hinder their spiritual gifts when they are indulging in sexual misconduct.

 

 

Sex is not something to play with.

This is not about being negative, I am better than you, nor being Miss Such a Much. This is about being real! We are living in some interesting times with some of everything going on everywhere.  Many come to worship empty and leave the same way. For many nothing is sacred.

 

 

There is a better way to begin to lessen the growing number of Christians as well as non Christians to have better control in the area of sex. Less STDS makes the world safer for all of us…  This is a major problem throughout the world. You will never  have to worry about these type of things when you honor God in your marriage, life and home. We must work on encouraging others to build healthier relationships inside and outside of marriage.  At the same time know that marriage is not all about sex… Just know that God only sanctions sex between a husband and a wife.   We must respect our marriages as well as the marriages of others. When we do so we honor GOD!

 

I have seen that people are a lot more interested in talking about people who have a problem with material possessions. Usually the one who really has the problem is fixated on what someone else has. How big their house is or what kind of vehicle they drive? Or how often they travel here or there?

 

It was not Solomon’s material possessions that got him in trouble. It was His sex life! How he ever managed 300 wives and 700 concubines is news to me. Well you see in actuality he didn’t do this  to well; it is what really eventually nearly destroyed him. We can learn much from his plethora of Wisdom he candidly shares.

 

I always say: “I DO NOT have to go to the bottom of the Creek to know that there is mud way down in the bottom of it.”

 

In Ecclesiastes 12:13 & 14 Solomon says “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter; Fear God, and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.” For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.”

 

Sex is not something to play with, don’t be deceived by thinking otherwise. The employment of improper sex in your life will ultimately lead to some type of dysfunction or some other problem. Take a Spiritual Bath in HIS WORD repent and exercise self control. You will be more confident in who you are in the Lord when you are striving to live to please Him. 

 

Let the LORD minster to your Spirit! Spend some alone  quality time with the LORD in HIS WORD! 

The 1st chapter of Romans candidly teaches us that GOD is opposed to same sex relationships. It goes against His natural boundaries; “…They exchanged the TRUTH of GOD for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator, who is forever praised. Amen! Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones. In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in them the due penalty for their perversion…” Acts 1 You cannot change the TRUTH of GOD’S WORD! If you disagree take it up with GOD!

Think long and hard before you have or continue to have sex outside of marriage!

SEXUAL Problems For the Christians Part 4

The “DOWN-LOW ” Going on in the CHURCH! ~

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I must preface this by saying that the “Down-Low” is a rather controversial “taboo” subject. You may be offended by the contents before you. In general, this is preferably for adults only? It may ruffle your feathers a bit? However, I do think that having an open conversation with your mature teens should be a priority considered at your discretion… You might be quite surprised by their reactions? This helps to protect them from acquiring felonious information in regard to the “Down-Low” from an outside source as well as keeps the lines of communication open. They may know more than you think? If you are sensitive to the topic of sex; read no further!

The Bible has a lot to say about sex.  It talks about what is proper and it also talks about what is unacceptable as well as what is an abomination to GOD.   It is always my intention to encourage What God has to say from a Biblical spiritual perspective.

 

What is the “Down-Low”?

 

The “Down-Low” is a discreet sexual encounter between a so called straight married man as well as unmarried men who have sexual relationships with other men. They often have sex with their friends and other men without telling their spouse or partner! This happens within many races and cultures on every social economic level.  Often random one-night stands take place… Many who are professed Christians partake in this as well. This should not be. What is so very sad about this is absolutely nothing is hidden from GOD!  The fact that it is kept secret should tell you something. It is actually really another form of perverted homosexuality.

 

In this 21st century it becomes increasingly clear to me why God designed marriage in the way in which He did. One Man and one Woman for life is God’s design for marriage. Marriage is a sacred “Covenant Agreement” between one man, one woman and GOD!  He has not changed His design. His design for sex within marriage was to give us healthy sexual boundaries.  This keeps us free from STD’s, Herpes, HIV and AIDS!

 

The “Down-Low” is no doubt a homosexual act…  According to the Word of God homosexuality goes against one’s natural nature. God did not ever intend for a man’s anatomical exit to be an entrance point.  Intercourse in this manner is considered an indecent act. This is still in your Bible if you have not torn it out!

 

“Therefore, God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. They exchange the TRUTH of God for a lie, and worshipped and served created things rather than the Creator- who is forever praised. AMEN! Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged the natural relations for unnatural ones. In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their perversion.” Romans 1.

 

If you beg to differ. Take it up with GOD!

 

I believe all of God’s Word. Do as you please but nowhere in the Word does God condone any form of homosexuality, adultery, fornication or any sex outside of marriage. They are all sexual sins.  Is Deliverance possible; Yes! God is able! He did tell  the woman caught in adultery;  “To go and sin no more!” That mean to not continue to practice sin.

 

I realize that these may be chosen lifestyles for many? You can choose as you please… But it does not make it right in the eyes of God regardless of who says so.  Sex outside of marriage  does not have God’s blessings! We; meaning believers are supposed to be “in the world but not of the world.” John 17. World; meaning cosmos the devil is the ruler of the cosmos. We are physically present in this world, but we are children of the kingdom of God. We are children of the LIGHT! We are supposed to daily walk in the Light.  We are sanctified by believing and implementing the Truth of God’s Word within our lives.  We are not to practice walking in darkness. GOD SAYS; “Thy kingdom come thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven…”

 

The enemy seeks to have you step outside of the Word of God! The Word of God always points us in God’s direction. It is a Light unto our path. It shines the Light on darkness and can point us back to the right path as well. We are to be “Narrow Road” travelers. This is why we all need Jesus as Savior and Lord to save us from the power and clutches of sin reigning within our lives!

 

I have counseled with some who have been ensnared into lifestyles of alternative sexual relationships. I have seen the aftermath of what it does to the soul, the person, spouse and family… In many cases it creates and ongoing cycle of distrust, rejection, selfishness and secretiveness that causes much ambivalence, despair, insecurity, resentment and anxiety for those involved.

 

Sexual misconduct should not be embraced, overlooked,  or excused especially so when you are called to  minister. To be a Minister means that you commit to preaching, teaching, proclaiming and living out the principles of God and encourage others to do so as well. We are supposed to present the TRUTH of GOD’S WORD regardless of what the world, the masses or anyone else says is okay.  Whenever you are experiencing extensive inner turmoil or conflict one must seek wise spiritual counsel and seek to resolve the issues that hinder you from confronting whatever the issue might be and reconciling yourself to the Lord.

 

The reason it is allowed to continue is no one wants to confront the offense. They seek to not address it but instead enable the participants. Leaving them on the “Broad Road” that leads to spiritual destruction. This is not loving them. It is sanctioning what GOD says; DON’T DO!

 

For an example a while back  Iyanla Vanzant on  one of her  “Fix my life” shows  presented an episode that depicts two different Ministers who have been involved in multiple secret homosexual affairs. They both preside over congregations. How can this be? The emotional turmoil and stress they are experiencing is candidly showcased. The consequences of this sinful  behavior choice has greatly impacted their  marital lives.  Both ministers have suffered as well  as their family life and the  congregations that they pastor.

 

Do you realize that this creates a cycle of sin?  Where many are being drawn in by a seducing ungodly spirit.   Some are aware but are paralyzed by a pseudo compassion.  This causes them to not want to have their spiritual eyes opened to see the harm that is being perpetuated.

 

The inner pain that both of these pastors are experiencing due to the shame and secret deception is quite evident.  Neither one cannot have inner peace apart from God. God is a compassionate caring and loving, but He does not condone or sanction any behavior that is contrary to His Word in anyone.  This is what His genuine Love is all about. Here lies the conflict. By what spirit are you ministering to God’s people or non-believers?  A seducing ungodly spirit of course. The call to ministry is not to adjust GOD’S WORD to make anyone feel comfortable in sin.  This is totally out of order!  God is clear;  Sin is what separates us from God.

 

When the man on the “Down-Low” is in ministry this can be devastating. This causes much conflict within the family as far as their belief system. For example; the woman may seek the comfort of another woman.  This goes against the Word of God.  You are also now out of the will of the Lord! This in turn leads to a confusing physical relationship that further complicates her life as well as further harm to the family.  This should not be.  A spiritual boundary is being crossed. This is the ultimate rejection so her self-esteem is at stake. She begins to question her own sexuality? To assuage her guilt she now also turns to drugs.

 

Denial big time is happening…

The various family members begin to act out rebelliously and justify turning to worldly living… In some cases, even becoming a lesbian, homosexual or bisexual…  This is not good or acceptable according to Biblical Standards.  Although it has become acceptable in the eyes of many in  the world… The children become confused as to what is right?  Now many children have been supported in questioning their gender? They begin to experiment and then can become promiscuous as they reach puberty… Which begins to perpetuate another vicious cycle of dysfunction?  What’s next? For now the world and its principles have  now entered and taken root within their home. The enemy has covertly shifted the entire focus of the family from God’s principles to his…  A stronghold has taken place.

 

It really boils down to spiritual warfare!!!

The Word of God is powerful and was given to help us navigate through this maze of life. We must proclaim the Truth of His Word and encourage others to draw closer to the Lord in these “Last Days. ” Rather than cosign behavior God does not sanction. Ministry is about encouraging others to learn to daily embrace God’s Way of living! Not making them comfortable in sin.  Making them feel comfortable enables them and leaves them without godly protection.

 

I know what it is like to be censored and oppressed for believing the Truth of God’s Word. But regardless of that I will STILL STAND upon the WORD OF GOD! We must stand on the Word of God. This is the requirement of the “CALL to Ministry!”

 

Many often compromise for fear of rejection or being thought of as judgmental. Or fear their congregation will fall off… However, by ignoring God’s Word they negate His principles.    Accountability to God is instead compromised for acceptance…  “In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires. These men will divide you who follow mere instincts and do not have the Spirit. But you, dear friends, build yourself up in the most Holy Faith and PRAY in the SPIRIT.” Jude 1.

 

 

CONTEND FR THE FAITH!!!

 

When you see someone, drowning do you try to help them to keep drowning? The point is we are called believers for a reason. The world and its ways of manipulation have worked itself into God’s Church. I am not talking about the building! I mean the lives of many baptized believers. The world says, “do whatever you feel is right.” But The Word of God says “REPENT!” Which means to turn to God; not to continue to repeat the behavior? We are not to jump into the quicksand of life! “Be merciful to those who doubt; snatch them out from the fire and save them; to others show mercy, mixed with fear – hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.” Jude 1.

 

It is important not to compromise the Word of God even if it means being misunderstood.  You can or should deliver the Word in it’s proper context. It is much more important what God knows rather than what others think? Don’t give in to false doctrine that goes against what God says. We are supposed to influence the world not let it influence us! Spend time meditating on His Word; “Be still and know!”

 

It is so important that we personally know God’s Word for ourselves! We must develop and ongoing, growing intimate relationship with the Lord. This is about learning how to honor God with your bodies. In the Old Testament sacrifices were offered to God for the sins of the people. Now the world says do whatever feels right to you.”  Jesus became the ultimate sacrifice for the sins of the world. Now we are to offer our body as a sacrifice to the Lord. As we do this our lives are transformed, and our minds can be renewed daily by the Word of God. Do you believe God knows what is best for us?

 

“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 by 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.

 

One must seek to rise above any behavior that is not pleasing to the Lord. This closeted homosexuality, adulterous, bisexuality is sinfully dangerous from God’s perspective The “Down-Low” is one of those patterns of the world, and it is inappropriate!

 

I realize that the Church is divided on the subject of sex. No one wants to talk about sex really, or address the growing issues? Do we continue to just bury our heads in the sand like an ostrich? absolutely NOT!  Many go to worship, sing, pray, dance, shout, fellowship and then go back to in many instances a lifestyle that is contrary to what God says is acceptable!  This is not to target simply homosexuals or lesbians. But to shed  LIGHT on the reality of what God was about sexual relationships…  It is important to know that you are living out of the will of GOD!  Worship really becomes a temporary distraction or just another social activity when  this  is ignored? Think for a moment; what if Jesus were to return today or  tomorrow? God is aware of the Truth… “True worshippers must  “Worship HIM in SPIRIT and in TRUTH.”

 

The idea of worship is to honor the Lord is it not? Are we not to learn to worship Him with our lives daily?  Or just simply make everyone feel comfortable and have an emotional charge  so they will come back.

 

To be entertained rather than “Worship God!”

 

Should we not be concerned?  Look around and see what has happened. things have gotten out of control…  Concerned does not mean you make someone feel comfortable in sin. For it is a slow day by day  death in process.  Bringing it to the forefront;  means that you care enough that you want to do something about it to help them… Many do not realize that they are looking for love in all the wrong places. The enemy just uses sex to win a stronghold over your life! He always perverts and distorts what God made for physical expression within the confines of marriage!

 

How to confront wisely

If you know that your spouse is indulging in a sexual relationship outside of marriage; I suggest stepping back. If you suspect this is so, be careful how you confront your spouse. Set aside some time when you both can talk. It is important that you get yourself tested? Prepare yourself. Keep in mind he may not be ready to confront his behavior. He may be offended if he is a leader in the Church… This makes it just that much more important! Talk about your relationship and how you feel. Allow him to talk about how he is feeling.  Time to get dangerously  untrapped from this behavior!  Ask him about his current sexual relationship with you before you approach his suspected infidelities if you are not sure?

 

When you find out this is so? Know you cannot change him; he has to want to change. Many women marry men thinking that they are going to change them? It won’t happen! Only God can do this! “HE IS ABLE!” You can and should always strive to  model godly behavior.  Embrace prayer daily. Seek and Consult with a godly couple that will reflect and reinforce the principles of God. You can intercede and “pray without ceasing” fervently all throughout your day!  Know that this is his problem and you are not the cause. He needs deliverance! It is important that he seeks help and you both get godly counsel as to how you go forward?

REPENT!!!

 

Do You Know How To Determine if Something is From God or Man?

Do you know how to determine if something is from God or man? Sometimes it is very hard to tell the difference. This is why it is important to know God’s Word. To know where you are in your very own personal relationship with God? To know what your intentions are. To know what God will do in your behalf when you truly allow Him His place in your life. To know that you are walking in accordance with His will. In today’s time it is absolutely crucial. The Bible says a fool ignores God’s wisdom and instead prefers to follow the crowd. Who would rather believe and prove something that is not true. Did you know that when you accept a lie as truth you have been deceived? Knowledge just gives you the facts. Wisdom tells you how to apply the facts within their proper context. Wisdom helps you to have discipline and develop healthy boundaries. Knowing the Truth of God’s Word will help you to navigate through this world’s plethora of folly. We must sincerely pray and ask God to “Give us today our daily bread.” It is very important to seek God’s direction daily. It is equally important to be willing to relinquish your own direction when He shows you this is indeed the case. God has promised that He will direct our paths when we earnestly seek Him. God is a Spirit of Light. His Word will truly be a “Lamp unto your feet and a Light unto your path.”

God’s Word is full of wisdom. The book of Proverbs is considered the book of wisdom in the Old Testament. The book of James is considered as the book of wisdom in the New Testament. Proverbs is one of the most down to earth books there is. It tells you how to gain wisdom, discipline and become prudent. It gives you advice on how to raise your family. It warns against the dangers of debt. It talks about the dangers of drinking. How important it is to eat properly; it even tells you who not to eat with. It speaks quite often against immorality. It shuns evil, lying, slander, entrapment and deception. It even talks about visiting your neighbor too much. It also warns against joining cliques, gangs or cults. It also describes the plethora of benefits that are available to you when you apply the Word of God to your life. These are just a few of the many topics of discussion. It also tells you that fools live independently from God. The dominant theme in Proverbs is to encourage one to seek wisdom. Not just any old wisdom but Godly Wisdom. It actually says “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.” Do you know when something is of God or man?”

Fearing the Lord is a crucial prerequisite in obtaining His wisdom. Just ask yourself do you really fear God? Or do you seek to please others? How would you feel if He were to pass judgment today? God tells us to seek His wisdom as though you were looking for a hidden treasure. “Then you will understand the fear of the Lord.” Did you know that understanding comes from God? If you truly fear the Lord there are some things that you will just not do or say. He actually tells us that, “discretion will protect you and understanding will guard you.” God also tells us to shun evil. To shun means to turn away from. Some people will do whatever it takes to get their way. They will also enlist others to help them. But is your way the Lord’s way? This is why it is so very important to ask yourself is God pleased with what you have said or done? Then to “be still and know.” A Godly conscious surrenders to God’s way. Your desire is then to sincerely repent. If you are truly a person of faith you know that God’s power is always accessible. God will never direct you to do anything that goes against His principles. God is also a just God. In His time He will surely vindicate you. The wonderful thing about God is that He alone is Sovereign. Do you know when something is of God or man?

There is a lot of discontentment and unhappiness in the world. Many times people have short term memory, they do not want to remember what they have said or done. Or they have selective memory and want to remember only what they want to remember. They often choose to do something that goes against God’s will for them in order to satisfy a desire they have. Their conscious becomes seared. Or they just prefer to blame someone else for their unhappiness. Although you know that they were unhappy long before you even came on the scene. When things do not turn out the way they want. They often do not want to take responsibility for what they have done or admit honestly what has really happened. It is hard for them to go through the consequences. In many cases this leads to depression. When you have swept so much hurt under the rug life becomes dusted with hurt. This unresolved hurt often causes them to project that hurt somewhere. Rather than simply apologize or admit they were wrong. They choose to live in denial. To instead fragment what has really happened in order to appear right. Denial is unhealthy it causes you to suppress the truth.

The enemy wants you to believe lies because they keep you in bondage to sin. Sin is anything that separates you from God. The enemy is satan he is such a deceiver he wants you to seek the approval of man over God. Lies hinder your emotional and spiritual growth. God is a Spirit of Truth! Know that God is the only one that truly loves anyone unconditionally. God tells us in II Thessalonians; “The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with the work of satan displayed in all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders, and every sort of evil that deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refuse to love the truth to be saved. For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie and so that all will be condemned who have not believed truth but have delighted in wickedness.” God knows everything that has transpired. He knows why, when, how, who and what will be. This is why it is so important to really know where you are in your personal relationship with Him. This is also why God tells us to guard our hearts and shun evil. Prayer is the most powerful weapon we have. God’s weapon are not carnal. This is why He says “pray without ceasing.” Prayer is not always audible. Nor is it always in silence. God is just. One thousand years to us is but one day to Him. In His time “He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you and give relief to you who are troubled, and to us as well.” God can and will take care of you in any and all situations. It is in situations that look impossible HE GETS THE GLORY! This is why it is so very important to seek God’s direction. James says if you lack wisdom? Ask God.

You can not properly renew your mind apart from God. You can not have true emotional and spiritual health without God. Inner peace comes from doing things God’s way. James tells us that whenever you are tempted it is not of God. God never tempts us to do anything? Always know it is the witness of God that matters most! He sees and knows everything! When you look through the spiritual lenses of God’s Word things always look differently. Do you really want to experience the peace of God? Have you really committed to God’s way? Or do you seek to justify your own way? “God is an ever present help in times of trouble.” His Light will dispel any darkness. He can and will use any one and anything as an instrument if He so desires. You must know that God specializes in the impossible. It is in God’s eyes what always matters most! “My eyes will be on the faithful in the land, that they dwell with me; he whose walk is blameless will minister to me. No one who practice deceit will dwell in my house; no one who speaks falsely will stand in my presence. Every morning I will put to silence all the wicked in the land; I will cut off every evildoer from the city of the Lord.” Can you tell if something is of God or of man?

You must know in your heart of hearts that God is the ultimate Father. His Word tells us that “He will be a Father to the fatherless.” It tells us that “sound judgment and discernment will preserve you.” This does not mean that unfavorable things will not happen. Preserve means to conserve, safeguard or protect. Studying God’s Word daily is just as important as eating. God’s Word is food for your soul. Yet, most important we must learn to actually apply His Word to our lives daily. That’s wisdom! God is so good! I am so glad to be a child and friend of God. Hallelujah! I Peter tells us, “Dear friends do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when His glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal or even as a meddler. However if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed. But praise God that you bear that name. For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the out come be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And if it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will be become of the ungodly and the sinner? So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.”

Read “Contending For The Faith“.