Stuck

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How we quickly choose to follow rules over principles because they are convenient and easily measurable. The reason why Christians pose the question "how far is too far" is because there is a misunderstanding of the ultimate "prize" of singleness. Many singles struggle with purity because they think the ultimate goal of singleness is virginity. This cannot be further from God's intentions.

The old way to address this question was to give a good round about answer- if you have to ask you've gone too far. But it would be better if we taught our people, the ultimate "prize" of singleness is PURITY.  If two young people loved each other and kept purity in view, there would never be a question of ever "going" too far because the purity preempts this. When your goal is to never encroach on what is not yours until the appropriate time, you walk on firm footing.  

On the other hand, you hear of stories and statistics that students who committed to "True Love Waits" were almost as likely to have sex before marriage. Why? Because they made virginity the end goal instead of purity. And the question of virginity and all the technicals is just about rules. It is easily achievable for one to be a technical virgin but dishonor Christ.

1 Samuel 15:22But Samuel replied: "Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the LORD ? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.

Let's live by the principles found God's word instead of striving to accomplish a checklist of Christian "to do's". Find out what matters to God and live by it.

Knowledge is Power

Psalm 32
  1 Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins 
     are covered.
  2 Blessed is the man whose sin the LORD does not count against 
     him and in whose spirit is no deceit.
  3 When I kept silent,my bones wasted away through my groaning 
     all day long.
  4 For day and night your hand was heavy upon me;
     my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. Selah
  5 Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my 
     iniquity.  I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the LORD "—
      and you forgave the guilt of my sin. Selah
  6 Therefore let everyone who is godly pray to you while you may 
     be found;surely when the mighty waters rise, they will not reach him.
  7 You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble
    and surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah

A popular motto I heard throughout elementary and middle school was "Knowledge is Power". True, knowing more information does give me more "power" but that's only partially correct. Being knowledgeable doesn't always empower a person does it? Sometimes the things I hear burden me more than it emboldens me. So maybe we should add a disclaimer or modify this motto a little- "Knowledge of God is power". I like this one better.

When we come to know God, and I mean "know" him in the sense of intimacy, we are empowered. This is the safest kind of knowledge. Why? Well, for starters, there is nothing we need to know from God that he cannot empower us to accomplish. If God is the source, the bank of all our needs (both physical and spiritual), then He is more than able to give us all resources to properly act.

Read verse 1 again,
Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered

and then tie it in with verses 5 and 6,
   5 Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity.
      I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the LORD "—
      and you forgave the guilt of my sin. Selah
  6 Therefore let everyone who is godly pray to you while you may be found;
     surely when the mighty waters rise, they will not reach him. "

Here's a thought. Which knowledge is more powerful? The one that informs you or one that frees you? This is getting philosophical I know but hand in there.  I think we can do a play on words but you get the idea.  In the end, I think the conclusion should be the same- however that it may empower me or us to ACT.

How powerful is a forgiven man or woman? I wish I could have been around slaves in the South once they realized the full measure of the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. What did they look like (body language, eyes, community) when they realized they were "FREE!"?  Imagine the sounds heard throughout the country....wow.  Man, what a great victory over the cries of injustice. In the same way the slaves were elated to find out what freedom was accorded to them so a man or woman who comes to the realization and/or knowledge of forgiveness and relief of burdens. What a joy!

Today, glory in the knowledge that you have been forgiven. That you are more than what was told of you.  And don't just stop there.  Seek to know Him more. It is only the beginning. Knowing God is our Father, it should make things a lot easier. Notice I said "easier" but not "easy". Today, let's thank our Father for his love by sending Jesus and then glory in the knowledge that you and I have been forgiven and are free. What else does the "freedom" afford us?

God, thank you for the awareness of your love and the freedom you afford me. Your love is grand, your light is my help and strength. Thank you for your mercy and forgiveness. For this, I pray gratefully. Teach me the end of my life. Show me what should be the remainder of my life- I owe a great debt to you. I am blessed to be forgiven and empowered to act.  Show me how to use this knowledge today.

Maximize the Moment

Word for Today: Maximize the Moment

Proverbs 28:19 He who works his land will have abundant food, but the one who chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty.

On Thanksgiving Day I hope you had a wonderful time recounting what God has done for you and your loved ones this past year. Expressing your gratitude to God is a door for continual blessings. You probably thanked God for things that have already taken place and also held back on others because you're still waiting for them. You see, God is a well of abundant blessings. He has more.

God blesses us from a spring of blessings that does not end with just the event or that prayer, but He continues to build on things into the future- even things you haven't caught a glimpse of yet. But as God is doing this, continue to do your part.

When God called those in the Bible for great things, they were taking care of daily responsibilities or just seized the moment- Joseph just showed concern for his cellmates, the disciples were fishing, Moses was tending sheep, Mary was helping her family- you get the idea.

So today, with the holiday still fresh on your mind, give legs to those dreams. Continue to do what you've been doing to honor God and your word like saving money to pay off a debt, cleaning your house/room, studying for your midterms, and even setting aside time to study about these "heroes of the faith". God can make the ordinary into extraordinary. You just give legs to His work- keep working.

Enjoy and maximize the moment by making use of every opportunity. Lay a foundation for your dreams by doing all things well and continuing in your daily responsibilities- this gives legs to your dreams. This is what makes a moment worthwhile.

Father, thank you for today that what I do here has eternal value. Thank you for taking care of my present and my future. I ask that you lead me today and help me in finishing what is before me. But Lord, don't just help me do it, make it worthwhile! Amen.