Should Christians Drink Alcohol?

Whether or not Christians should drink alcohol has been debated for hundreds of years so I am just going to give my opinion as I see from reading the Bible. Jesus was not against drinking wine since his first act was to change water into wine. Wine was also used to symbolize Christ's blood during the Passover supper. However, we do have some guidelines in how we are to drink it.

Paul writes that we can drink A LITTLE for our stomach's sake. Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities {1 Timothy 5:23}. Older women are told to NOT DRINK MUCH wine. The aged women likewise, that [they be] in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things {Titus 2:3}.

In describing elders in the church, the Bible states NOT given to wine {I Timothy 3:3} while deacons are not given to much wine {1 Timothy 3:8}. Older men are commanded to be sober {Titus 2:2} In 1 Timothy 3:11, Paul commands wives to be sober.

We are also warned wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise {Proverbs 20:1} and in Romans 14:21, It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.

Therefore, from these verses, I believe most can drink  A LITTLE and NOT MUCH wine. We are commanded to be sober at all times many times throughout the Scripture so each person needs to know how much they can drink to remain sober and to never be drunk. A little and not much is very clear about how much wine Christians should drink; just a little and not much. These words should be your guidelines if you do drink wine.

The Bible is clear that hard liquor is not good unless one is dying. Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts {Proverbs 31:6}. It can probably be compared to giving someone morphine to dull the pain. In giving wine to those who have heavy hearts, I would still say that the amount should be just a little and not much.

If you are eating with an alcoholic or someone who has struggled with alcohol in the past or been negatively affected by alcohol in some way {alcoholic parents, major car accident, abused, etc.}, you should not be drinking any so as to not cause a brother or sister to stumble or be offended. Whatever we do, whether we eat or drink, should be glorifying to the Lord!

Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise. Proverbs 20:1

Finding Intimacy and Fulfillment Apart from God's Word

Many are looking for an emotional experience with the Lord. They keep searching for that magic something that will help them feel closer to the Lord whether it's some new type of praying or a book whose author received a revelation from the Lord. Maybe it's even simply learning to be thankful or having a better sex life. Everyone is looking for a better and more fulfilling life.

A while ago, I shared with the chat room that often times when I am having quiet time with the Lord and reading His Word, I shed tears. Many times, it is an emotional experience for me just sitting in His presence and learning from Him. For instance, I read these words recently one morning and became emotional over them.

But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee. For thou, LORD, wilt bless the righteous; with favor wilt thou compass him as with a shield {Psalm 5:12}.

Understanding how much the Lord loves me, how much He has done for me, and that He even defends me is enough to bring me to tears. I don't need to learn a new and improved way to pray or read someone's new and improved message from God. All we need for life and godliness are in His Word. We are complete in Him. As you spend time in His Word getting to know Him, you will become more emotional knowing that the Creator of the universe has a relationship with you and loves you!

Learning to be joyful and thankful is great but if you aren't walking in obedience to the Lord by submitting and obeying your husband, raising your children to know Jesus, being modest and discreet and being a keeper at home, you will not find joy and peace. There is no joy and peace outside of God's will for us. Will we ever obey Him perfectly? No, but we should be studying His Word to know what He requires of us; For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous {1 John 5:3}. His instructions to us are clearly spelled out in the New Covenant. There is no guessing game.

You can also learn all the ways to have the best sex of your life but if you aren't learning to please, honor, respect, submit to and obey your husband, big deal! Sex is not the be all and end all; loving and obeying the Lord is all that matters. The amazing thing is that the closer you walk to the Lord and His ways, the better your sex life will likely be and the more joyful, thankful and peaceful you will become. Nothing lasting can be found apart from God's ways. 

Therefore, seek the Lord while He may be found. Spend time reading His Word and praying to Him. He is the Savior of your soul, your Creator, your Savior and your Rock. Walk in His ways and learn what pleases Him and in the process, you will find blessings abundant!

Is Your Belly Your God?

If we love the Lord Jesus and are filled with His Spirit, God will be our God.  We won't have idols in our life. Many today have made their bellies their god. "Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things" {Philippians 3:19}. This verse describes many in our culture. They eat way more than they need, eat way more of stuff they shouldn't, and have no self-control in this area. Are you this way? Have you made your belly your god?

Our culture spends billions on weight loss programs and food. Fast food and microwave food is commonly eaten since many women don't have time to cook nourishing meals. Soda, which has many teaspoons of sugar in one can, is guzzled down like water.  Many care more about satisfying their taste buds and fleshly lusts than they care for their health. Children are getting all of the diseases adults have and are becoming more and more obese and unhealthy.

"Christians ought to watch what they eat. I do not refer here only to overeating, which is a bad thing, but to eating the wrong things. Too many sweets, too many rich things, too much junk. Take a walk through any supermarket and note the space given to soft drinks, candy, packaged snack foods, dry cereals. We could do very well without any of these. Try it for a week. You may be surprised at how dependent you are on them. You might even discover that you are an addict." {Elisabeth Elliot}

Is your god your belly? Do you allow it to boss you around or are you in control of what goes into your mouth? Do you have self-control in all areas of your life? If you are a believer, you have the Spirit of the Living God inside of you and one of the fruits of the Spirit is self-control. 

"We are not to let our appetites control us, but we are to have control over our appetites. (See Deuteronomy 21:20, Proverbs 23:2, 2 Peter 1:5-7, 2 Timothy 3:1-9, and 2 Corinthians 10:5.) The ability to say “no” to anything in excess—self-control—is one of the fruits of the Spirit common to all believers (Galatians 5:22)."{gotquestions.org}

God commands that we be moderate in everything! "And every man that strives for the mastery is temperate in all things" {1 Corinthians 9:25}. Temperate means moderate. We discipline our body for the purpose of godliness. We are temperate in how much we eat, how much money we spend, how many clothes we own, the time spent watching TV, time on the computer, how much we sleep, and even how much we work. 

This means we need to learn self-control in all areas of our lives! "But I can't do this. My body and desires control me!" As long as you say this to yourself, you won't be able to change, for how a man thinketh in his heart, so is he {Proverbs 23:7}. Your thoughts and words have a lot of power. Renew your mind with what God says instead. You can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens you. You are dead and freed from sin. The power of the Holy Spirit lives inside of you. Look up all the verses you need to memorize and change your lies to these truths and then step into the freedom that the Lord died to give you. Accountability is also a great tool. The family of God should be exhorting, rebuking, and encouraging each other in every area of our lives.

The Unforgiveable Sin and Hardening Your Heart

{Written by Ken }

There is only one unforgiveable sin and that is the sin of unbelief. Christ died for the sins of the whole world, but to accept God’s pardon one must personally accept the forgiveness God offers or their unbelief will harden their heart and become their unforgiveable sin. “As it is said, 'Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion'” {Hebrews 3:15}.

The book of Hebrews is a fascinating treatise written to show us the superiority of Christ over the prophets and angels, and in turn the superiority of the New Covenant over the Old. This Jesus, with one definitive act, purged our sins and then sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on High {Hebrews 1:3}. This final sacrifice that was foretold by the slaying of countless numbers of bulls and goats foreshadowed the suffering Messiah. “It is finished!” he cried out as he gave up His Spirit and completed God’s plan for salvation on the cross, so that “by one offering he has perfected forever them that are sanctified” {Hebrews 10:14}.

This is our hope, not in a sacrifice that appeases God each time we sin, but in this one final sacrifice. Far too many Christians do not understand the finality of Christ's work on the cross and that there is no longer any need for “gaining forgiveness” from a God who has already promised you that He has granted it. I am not opposed to “asking” the Lord to forgive our sins when we commit them, but our theology is incomplete if we do not understand that whatever sin we may commit was already placed on a cross in 30 A.D. for all who will accept this by faith. Jesus does not die over and over again each time we sin, but instead His work on the cross is complete. Our asking for forgiveness is an acknowledgement of our sins, but the reality is that all the Believer’s sins, past, present and future are already forgiven.

“This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, says the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them;  And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin” {Hebrews 10:16-18}.

What a wonderful gospel we have been given; proving once and for all that no good works can earn salvation, but it is indeed a gift of grace from God. All we can do is accept by faith what God says is true and then in turn respond appropriately to such immense love. Beyond this, we are told that we can boldly draw near to the holy of holies where God sits on the thrown making our appeals and our relationship directly with the Father through our High Priest, Christ Jesus {Heb. 10:19-21}.

“Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works” {Hebrews 10:22-24}.

We are told that the “love of Christ compels us” that “he died for all, so that they who live might no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf "{I Corinthians 5:14-15}. If you are a true Believer in the Lord Jesus, you can have no other response, but to enter into a life of love and good works. Not that these things will save us, but rather that they become a proof that we have indeed tasted of the goodness and grace of God and we are indeed saved. Our hearts are changed, our minds are changing, and we are learning to no longer walk in a dead flesh, but walk in newness of life in the Spirit of God. When Jesus died, we died. When Jesus rose, we rose with Him to a new life alive in the Spirit of God. Now will we only believe it and walk in this new life God has given to us?

Therefore, we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip {Hebrews 2:1}. We must be in the Word consistently and listen to biblically sound teaching so we will learn how we are to walk with Jesus day by day, moment by moment. We must listen to great teaching and be in prayer often for there is an enemy of our soul who wants to kill, steal and destroy. Christ’s death on the cross destroyed the power of the Devil {Hebrews 2:14}, so let us move forward and conquer the promised life that God has given us.

Since we know all of these truths about Jesus, our high priest, we are exhorted to believe until the end. If you want to know what is the final proof of one’s salvation it is that they will believe until the end. We who believe will never forsake Him who has promised never to leave or forsake us. We are warned, “Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God” {Hebrews 3:12}.

“But exhort one another daily, while it is called today; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin” {Hebrews 3:13}.

Christian sisters, please heed these warnings for I fear for those who are afraid of, or unwilling to heed the admonitions of our spouse and others as they warn us against our sins. We have heard from far too many who are sure that they are right and their spouse is all wrong. Then bitterness and hardness of heart has set in and begun to blind and destroy them. Learn to appreciate being exhorted to live godly lives and ask those closest to you to call out any sin they see in your life. Sin is so sneaky, and its desire is to control you. Keeping a toe in the muddy waters of sin risks wallowing in the mud, an embarrassment not becoming your position as a child of God. Come out from among them is our admonition, and live a life of godliness in the pure white linen of the clothing of Christ. For this is the calling of the children of God {2 Corinthians 6:16-18}

For we are made partakers of Christ, IF we hold the beginning of our confidence STEADFAST unto the end; While it is said, Today if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation.

Hebrews 3:14, 15

Be Careful Who You Learn From

There are many women teachers out there who are just tickling other's ears. They teach all about God's love and grace but never about sin and repentance. "Any prophet, priest, or preacher who claims to speak for God and says little or nothing about repentance in these desperately wicked days is no spokesman for God nor ought he be trusted in other matters" {Richard Owen Roberts}. This includes the many women who are claiming to teach the Word of God. Even Jesus' first words in the book of Mark were, "The time is fulfilled and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye and believe the Gospel"{Mark 1:15}. We should do no less!

Have you heard of "contemplative prayer?" Many of these women are teaching this and it sounds great but have you ever researched what it means? "Contemplative prayer is no different than the meditative exercises used in Eastern religions and New Age cults. Its most vocal supporters embrace an open spirituality among adherents from all religions, promoting the idea that salvation is gained by many paths, even though Christ Himself stated that salvation comes only through Him {John 14:6}. Contemplative prayer, as practiced in the modern prayer movement, is in opposition to biblical Christianity and should definitely be avoided." {source}

Many also teach that we should be rebuking the Devil. Is this scriptural? "The Bible does not give Christians the authority to rebuke the devil, but to resist him. James 4:7 says to 'submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.' Zechariah 3:2 tells us that it is the Lord who rebukes Satan. Even Michael, one of the most powerful of the angels, did not dare to accuse Satan, but rather said, 'The Lord rebuke you' {Jude 1:9}. In response to Satan's attacks, a Christian should appeal to Christ. Instead of focusing on defeating the devil, we should focus on following Christ {Hebrews 12:2} and trust that He will defeat the forces of evil." {source}

Many of these women stand in front of men and women and teach the Word? Is this what they are called to do? "But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence" {1 Timothy 2:12}. Oh, but many will say, "They are in an auditorium and not in a church. This verse is for the church only." Well, guess what, the Church isn't a building; it is a body of believers, therefore, no woman should ever teach men the Word anywhere.

God doesn't want women teaching men His Word because we are the ones more easily deceived. "We float on feelings that will carry us where we never meant to go; we bubble with emotional experiences that we often take for spiritual ones; and we are puffed up with pride...Sentimentality takes the place of theology"{Elizabeth Elliott}. Our feelings and emotions lie to us and should never be a source of truth. Live your life by the Word of God instead.

We need to be so very careful who we listen to these days. We must not learn from anyone who isn't teaching the Truth of God's Word, makes up words that aren't in the Bible, and makes merchandise of you {uses you to get your money through their unbiblical books}. "And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not" {2 Peter 2:3}.

Find teachers that aren't afraid to speak about repentance, about sin, and God's wrath towards all who refuse to repent and believe. Learn from men like Charles Spurgeon;"He bids me 'Come away.' Further and further from everything selfish, groveling, worldly, sinful, He calls me; yea, from the outwardly religious world which knows Him not, and has no sympathy with the mystery of the higher life, He calls me. 'Come away' has no harsh sound in it to my ear, for what is here to hold me in this wilderness of vanity and sin?"

Learn from godly women who focus their teaching on Titus 2:3-5. Those who aren't afraid to tell women to love and obey their husband, to love their children, be chaste, discreet, sober, good, and keepers at home. Those who don't teach men. Their lives should revolve around their home, even in their older age they should be using their time to teach younger women, as the Lord commands. They should love the Word and teach all of it, even the most difficult passages. They are easily able to discern between good and evil. "But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil" {Hebrews 5:14}.

The days are evil, women, and our culture is growing darker. Do not be deceived by the rich and famous women who are teaching things that aren't biblical. Cleave to the Truth of God's Word and don't seek to feel comfortable in your sin and made to believe that His grace allows you to sin. Remember, we walk on a narrow path that leads to life. It is not a popular path, very difficult at times, and few chose to walk on it.

Failing to Appreciate What We Have

We're so good at not appreciating what we have. Women with no children wish they had children. Women with children complain about their children. Women who work full-time wish they could be home full-time. Women who are home full-time complain that their husbands don't help with the children and home enough. Women whose husbands can't find a job complain about their husband's laziness. Women whose husbands work hard complain that their husbands aren't home enough. Do you see why God has commanded us to not complain? Everyone has trials and sufferings. No one will go through life without hard times and difficulties wherever they are in life.

If you can't have children, feel free to grieve since this is very painful for women to endure. However, after a time of grieving, find something productive to do with your life. Involve yourself in some type of ministry, help mothers of young children, teach piano, tutor in math, adopt children or find something that you can use your gifts and talents. God can use you in powerful ways even without children. Look at Mother Teresa and Nancy Leigh DeMoss as examples. Our worth doesn't come from having children; it comes from who we are in Christ.

If you have children, love them and learn to enjoy raising them in the ways of the Lord. "Do the next thing," as Elisabeth Elliot wrote. If your home isn't spotless, it's okay. Teach your children to help with housework and cooking. Those babies will be grown up and gone before you know it so relish the time that you have with them and be thankful. They should grow up with a thankful mother instead of a complaining one. This will make their life one of joy instead of sorrow.

If you have to work full-time, do all you can to be able to be home full-time by praying and giving it to the Lord. Live as simply as you can and try living on your husband's income. In the meantime, however, learn to be content since godliness with contentment is great gain. Be Jesus to those you work with. Use your time in the workplace to share the Gospel with your words and with your life.

If you are home full-time, work hard at home. Keep your home clean and tidy. Shop for nourishing food for your family. Cook things from scratch. Figure out ways to save money and make your home a place of peace and joy. Be hospitable and welcome others into your home. While they are there, make sure you work to make their time a happy one, especially your husband!

If your husband is out of a job, pray and learn to live very simply. Don't waste anything. Don't buy new clothes but enjoy the ones you have. Try to keep a joyful countenance so your husband doesn't get too discouraged. Encourage him consistently since a man's work is usually tied up to his manhood. God created him this way. He is supposed to work hard to provide for his family. Cast your cares upon the Lord for He is your provider and He has it all under control.

If your husband works "too" hard and is rarely home, when he is home, make your home a wonderful place for him to be. Fix his favorite food. Make sure you discipline the children properly so they are a joy to be around for your husband. Working out in the world is tough so he needs a place to come where he can put up his feet and relax. Don't nag him about helping you and about the TV he watches. Love him and appreciate him for working so hard to provide for you and your children.

In conclusion, appreciate where the Lord has given you. Stop complaining for this is sin and self-pity is Satanic. Complaining never accomplishes anything good or productive. It just makes everything worse. Appreciate what the Good Lord has given you for godliness with contentment is GREAT gain!

Do all things without grumbling and disputing.

Philippians 2:14

Living a Life of Repentance?

Christians often speak of living a life of repentance. After my study of Romans and understanding that we are dead and freed from sin, I decided I was going to look up all of the verses having to do with repentance and see if there were any that said we needed to live a life of repentance. {I will only study those verses in the New Testament.}

I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish {Luke 13:3} Yes, in order to be saved, we must repent of our evil deeds and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. After doing this, we are saved for eternal life.

Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost {Acts 2:38}. This is the same thing as the previous verse. Repentance is a one time act of confession and believing that Christ has paid for ALL of our sins. Once we believe, we are filled with the Holy Spirit.

Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; {Acts 3:19} One time act again. When we repent and believe, our sins are blotted out, meaning they are remembered no more!

Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? {Romans 2:4} God's goodness leads us to the repentance of our sins and we then begin a life as a saint; cleansed in the precious blood of the Lamb. This is a one time act and it is finished. We are made righteous and have been given the salvation of our souls.

Now I rejoice, not because you were grieved, but because your grief led to repentance. For you were grieved as God willed, so that you didn't experience any loss from us. For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death {2 Corinthians 7:9, 10} Here is how Matthew Henry's commentary explains these verses, "Sorrow according to the will of God, tending to the glory of God, and wrought by the Spirit of God, renders the heart humble, contrite, submissive, disposed to mortify every sin, and to walk in newness of life. And this repentance is connected with saving faith in Christ, and an interest in his atonement. There is a great difference between this sorrow of a godly sort, and the sorrow of the world. The happy fruits of true repentance are mentioned. Where the heart is changed, the life and actions will be changed." Again, this repentance is a one time action that leads to the salvation of our souls and changed behavior for true repentance changes us.

The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance {2 Peter 3:9}. God wants all to come to repentance and not perish; a one time event that saves our souls.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us [our] sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness {1 John 1:9}. A one time event that Jesus' death on the cross does for us after we repent; He makes us righteous by cleansing us from all unrighteousness. The next time we sin doesn't make us unrighteous again. No, once we repent of our sins, we are made righteous. It is a one time finished work in us. It is a miracle.

Therefore, there is nothing in the Bible that says we are to live a life of repentance. No, once we repent of our sins and become righteous, God asks that we be thankful and grateful for all He has done for us. If we sin against someone, we quickly apologize to them and ask for forgiveness {Matthew 5:23}. If we have a sin in our life, we confess it to others and pray we'll be healed from it {James 5:16}. 

Yes, we are sorry when we sin but then we remember that He cleansed us from all unrighteousness, we are dead and freed from sin and we thank Him once again for the marvelous work He performed in us on the day that we repented and believed in His finished work for us! This is what we should be focused upon instead of living a life of repentance. Faith is believing what you can't see nor understand; how sinners like us are called righteous, called saints and given eternal life.

Where Do You Get Strength From?

Many people are weary these days. They have little strength, the days are long, and they long for more energy. They try finding it in caffeine, drugs, eating healthy, exercise, etc. Not all of these are bad but it is NOT where our strength, true strength comes from. Where does our strength come from?

"In quietness and in confidence shall be your strength" {Isaiah 30:15}. Our strength doesn't come from the world. It comes from the Lord and spending time with Him. Laine didn't care much for the things of the Lord. She enjoyed soap operas and disrespecting her husband much more until she almost lost one of her babies. She begged the Lord to save her baby and if He did, she'd spend daily time in the Word.

The Lord did save her baby and she was true to the promise she made to the Lord. We think we need to spend time with the Lord for the Lord's sake but no, we need to spend time with the Lord for our strength. We are in a battle and we need the Lord's strength to fight it since it is a spiritual battle. You'll never have strength needed if you don't spend daily time at the feet of the Lord like Mary did.

Too many of us try to be Marthas and do everything in our own strength. We're so busy that we don't think that we have time to spend daily in God's Word. The only way that we are transformed into the likeness of Jesus is to renew our mind with God's Truth. Mothers who truly want to be patient and godly mothers know that it is essential to spend time with Jesus. For the Lord is our strength, not our own ability or trying harder.

Yes, we are called to do good works but please, make it a priority in your life to know God's Word. It changes you. You look at things so much differently. You gain a heavenly perspective on life. Learn what having a meek and quiet spirit looks like and pursue it. It is the very most important thing that you can do. Wipe Jesus' feet with your life. Love Him. Live for Him. Spend time getting to KNOW Him.

Do You Love Yourself?

To be honest, I have never thought about loving myself. My parents never taught me that I was supposed to love myself. No preacher told me I was supposed to love myself. The Bible never commands us to love ourselves. This "self-love" thing wasn't taught in my generation. Therefore, I never tried loving myself. However, our culture sure talks about loving ourselves! I looked to see if Charles Spurgeon, a great preacher of old, said anything about it and this is what he said, "I am certain thou needest no exhortation to love thyself, thine own case will be seen to, thine own comfort will be a very primary theme of thine anxiety. Thou wilt line thine own nest well with downy feathers, if thou canst. There is no need to exhort thee to love thyself. Thou wilt do that well enough. Well, then, as much as thou lovest thyself love thy neighbour. And mark, by this is meant—thine enemy, the man who opposes thee in trade, and the man of another class. Thou oughtest to love him as thou lovest thyself."

Our problem isn't whether or not we love our self. It's whether or not we truly love others and care about their welfare as much as we care about ours. Most of us worry about things. We worry about our self and how something will affect us. We are all selfish and this is why the greatest command is to love the Lord and to love others as we love our self since we all love ourselves too much. 

This sure puts into perspective what true love really looks like! Since most of our waking thoughts are about our self, we must learn to think and pray for others more. If we see someone in need, we help them in any way we can. The Bible tells us that whatever we sow, that will we reap. We can't out give God. We just can't but do most of us believe it? Do we really love others as much as our self? Probably not. God calls us to be living sacrifices. This means He wants us to give ourselves away since He knows we are selfish and will make sure our own needs are met.

First Corinthians chapters 10 and 13 (the “love” chapter) provides additional exhortation. It boggles the mind when one considers how the insidious and unbiblical doctrines of self-love and self-esteem have been so widely preached and promoted within Christendom. Were it not for Scripture prophesying that this would take place in the last days {2 Timothy 3:1, 2}, the invasion of selfist-psychology in the church through so-called Christian psychology would seem incredible. But we are living in those days! {The Berean Call}

We are nothing without Christ. We can't save ourselves. We can try to love ourselves all we want but it won't make a bit of difference on judgment day if we don't love God and believe in the work of His Son on the cross for our sins. Therefore, instead of teaching people to love or find themselves, they need to be taught who they are in Christ and that God loves them.

Yes, we are the temple of the Spirit; 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 {1 Corinthians 6:19, 20} but these verse don't tell us to love ourselves. Our bodies are not our own and we are commanded to glorify the Lord with our bodies. We should take care of them and discipline them but most importantly, we need to walk in the Spirit and not use them in satisfying the lusts of the flesh.

I find that I spend too much time thinking about myself and I think most people are like me. We need to spend more time thinking about the Lord and others since we are called to DENY ourselves, pick up our cross and follow Him. This means we are actually supposed to be willing to die for Him. This world is not our home. We are called to be living sacrifices and give our lives away. Many people have said that when tragedy happens in their life, the way they have dealt with it was by getting busy and serving others.

Yes, I am going to go to the ER when I am extremely sick and I will do whatever I can to be healthy. I eat organically, clean with non-toxic chemicals and try to live as closely to the way the Lord intended us to live. I don't want to get cancer, diabetes, heart disease, etc. so I do what I can and leave the rest to Him. {I do have a brain tumor and fused neck but I always remind myself that my time is in His hands; not my will but Thine be done.}

I will not, however, spend a lot of money on myself buying expensive clothing, having a lot of plastic surgeries, facials, manicures, and many other things people do in our culture to "love" themselves. This is my conviction since I would rather use my money on more important things like helping out my family, friends and others.

Bottom line is we think too much about ourselves. We are selfish and must learn to be generous and love others MORE since God knows we will never have trouble "loving" ourselves and taking care of ourselves. I'm not going to go around telling others how much I love myself or tell myself that as our culture teaches. I'd rather go around  telling others how much God loves them instead!

This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.  

For men shall be LOVERS of their own selves.

II Timothy 3:1, 2

A Self-Absorbed and Narcissistic Culture

Many women get offended by the words I write. I have been labeled a "hater," a "victimizer," and many other names. If someone isn't political correct, many in this evil age are offended. Why is this? I read blogs that I completely disagree with like the "joys" of working mothers, egalitarian marriages, etc. yet they don't offend me. If you are sure that the way you are living your life is the right way, you shouldn't get offended when others try to convince you otherwise.

Jesus said, "And blessed is the one who is not offended by me"{Luke 7:23}. If  you deeply love the Lord and His ways, you shouldn't get offended with what I teach. It amazes me how many "Christian" women are offended by what I teach. In fact, I was told at one church that I couldn't teach about being keepers at home because I would offend those women who have careers. At another church, I couldn't teach submission because some women would be offended and "it will lead to abuse." 

I know I have women who read my blog who work full-time. They may have been offended when they first began reading my blog but after a while, many of them have realized that they too should be home full-time with their children. Now, they are doing everything they can to be home full-time. They understand the Truth of God's Word and the benefit of raising their children.

When I teach on submission, at first many women were offended and were upset with me. However, their marriages were not happy, so they studied God's Word for themselves and figured out that they needed to work on becoming submissive. Since then, many have restored their marriages and have strong, happy marriages.

Recently, many are offended when I write about female preachers. Oh, how it offends women. Why would it offend them if they knew, without a doubt, that I was wrong. I have no power in myself to get rid of all female preachers nor make all women keepers at home or submissive so why do they hate it so much? God's Word is offensive to many. Unfortunately, it even offends many "Christians" today because they don't know the Word and are listening to preachers who tickle their ears with the good things in the Word. 

Yes, we should be learning about all the good things in God's Word: God's love for us; His grace that covers all our sins; our home in heaven, etc. but we must not leave out the rest of the Word so as not to offend the masses. We never want to be accused of being a lukewarm church but a church that believes and obeys the whole of Scripture.

Therefore, don't be offended by Jesus and His ways. Love is not easily offended, therefore being offended easily is not love. God's ways aren't to cause our lives misery but bring joy and peace into our lives. When wives submit to their husband, it may just win that disobedient husband. If he is a godly man, it will bring peace and enjoyment into the marriage. When mothers go home to raise their children full-time, their children, home and marriage will greatly benefit! The children, most likely, will grow up to be secure and joyful children as long as you discipline and train them properly. You'll have time to be a proper help meet to your husband. Your family will eat healthier food and your home will be cleaner if you use your time wisely by working hard in your home and not wasting it on technology.

If what I teach offends you, check your heart to make sure you are open to the ways of the Lord or just maybe, you are feeling convicted about something. I'm sure I'm not right all of the time so go to your Bible and search it out for yourself; you just might find that you have no reason to be offended at all. You're simply being convicted to do the right thing.

After, I had completed this post, I saw an article written by Dr. Everett Piper who is the President of Oklahoma Wesleyan University. A student was upset because he was convicted about not being loving enough when he heard a sermon on 1 Corinthians 13. This President's response is perfect way to end this post.

"Our culture has actually taught our kids to be this self-absorbed and narcissistic! Any time their feelings are hurt, they are the victims! Anyone who dares challenge them and, thus, makes them 'feel bad' about themselves, is a 'hater,' a 'bigot,' an 'oppressor,' and a 'victimizer.'

I have a message for this young man and all others who care to listen. That feeling of discomfort you have after listening to a sermon is called a conscience! An altar call is supposed to make you feel bad! It is supposed to make you feel guilty! The goal of many a good sermon is to get you to confess your sins—not coddle you in your selfishness. The primary objective of the Church and the Christian faith is your confession, not your self-actualization!"

Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart.
Ephesians 4:18

Teachers Who Tickle Their Ears

It would be SO much easier to be a blogger and I would be SO much more popular if I simply taught about love and grace, not about the tougher things God commands of us as His children. I read these blogs that don't want to teach Truth since "it is within everybody to know what is right and what to do" and "homosexuality in the Bible isn't the same as homosexuality is today since the homosexuals that I know are so nice and loving." They teach that marriage shouldn't be until death do you part but each person should do "what is right for them." Women shouldn't just be "keepers at home" since keeper at home doesn't mean to just be at home keeping it but going out for hours a day and getting a job. Women shouldn't be submissive to their husbands but submit to each other for this is the "new and improved way." Yes, if I were to teach these things, many would enjoy my teachings so much more.

However, I can't. I can't water down God's Word to us and try to squeeze it into the mold that society wants; what's popular and comfortable and what the majority of people believe since it's not what the Bible teaches. God's Truth is unchanging from generation to generation. When we think we're alone with what we believe, we are not. There will always be a remnant; "I have reserved to myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal" {Romans 11:4}. We are not alone in our beliefs. The God of the Universe believes the same! We must continue to teach and live Truth even as it gets more and more uncomfortable to do for God is with us and on our side. He is fighting our battle and His ways are unchanging!

Be not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ for it is the power of salvation to all those who believe! {Romans 1:16}. His Word has the power to convict and change people. Yes, we are called to love others but part of loving others is speaking Truth into their lives; God's Truth. We have come to a time where people are finding teachers who tickle their ears; For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires {2 Timothy 4:3} and that time is NOW.

Get a good study Bible and begin studying it daily so you know Truth clearly. Know the Truth for it is what sets you free from sin and damnation. Don't look for teachers who will tickle your ears but find teachers who speak Truth boldly and unashamedly! God doesn't want lukewarm Christians {Revelation 3:15}, He wants those who believe in what He clearly says and obeys it. But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him {1 John 2:5}.

Godly Women Want Rebuke

The Bible commands that we rebuke, encourage and exhort others. But exhort one another daily, while it is called Today; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin {Hebrews 3:13}. Exhort means to "urge, advise, or caution earnestly; admonish urgently." Why are we told do this when rebuking and exhorting others is so difficult? When we do this with most people, they become offended and angry. 

Do you appreciate being rebuked? Do you like it when someone instructs you? Are you teachable? Read these verses carefully. "Rebuke a wise man and he will love thee." Do you love the person who rebukes you? "Give instruction to wise man and he will be yet wiser." Do you take instruction easily so you will become wiser? "Teach a just man and he will increase in learning." Is it your goal to become a wise person and learn more? If so, take these verses from Proverbs 9 to heart and obey them! Thank those who rebuke, instruct and teach you!

Ken and I have been married almost 35 years. We have grown and matured in our faith. Neither of us want any sin in our lives that so easily entangles us and hardens us through its deceitfulness. Whenever we see the other one sin, whether he is complaining or I am being disrespectful, we call each other out on it. As soon as we do, we admit it and say we're sorry. We want to walk in the Spirit, please the Lord in all that we do, and not walk in the flesh. Therefore, we have learned that true love, especially love of the Lord, does not get easily offended. We need each other to call out the sin in our lives since many times we don't see the sin clearly in our own lives but it is fairly easy to see in others, especially our spouse.

If you are the "sensitive" type who gets your feelings hurt when exhorted or corrected, it is the same as getting offended easily and falling into the trap of self-pity which Oswald Chambers said is Satanic. These are qualities that should NOT define a Christian. Instead of being "sensitive" and offended easily, repent and turn from your sinful ways. Be a wise woman and learn to take rebuke or correction so you may grow wise and walk consistently in the Spirit. 

No, it isn't easy but as wise women of God, we should change our mindset about it and decide to learn from those who rebuke us. We are the body of Christ and we are to be holy and blameless so we can show forth the praises of our mighty God. We aren't supposed to compromise on any kind of sin but hating even the garment spotted by the flesh! {Jude 1:23} Any type of sexual sin is especially grievous to our souls.

"The sin of fornication is a great injury in a Christian to his Head and Lord, and a great reproach and blot on his profession. It is no wonder therefore that the apostle should say, 'Flee fornication {verse 18}, avoid it, and keep out of the reach of temptations to it, of provoking objects. Direct the eyes and mind to other things and thoughts.' —Other vices may be conquered in fight, this only by flight; so speak many of the fathers." {Matthew Henry Commentary on 1 Corinthians 6}. Again, flee fornication; don't watch it; glance away quickly if you see it; flee!

Hate what is evil. Cling to what is good. Fight the good fight of faith. Take rebuke and exhortation as a good soldier in the Lord's army. Learn what pleases the Lord in all things. Do good in the land and be a sweet aroma of the Lord and His ways for all to see. This is a battle, women, for the souls of others so we must not hurt the testimony of our precious Savior with any sin in our lives or even the appearance of sin.

Contentment with Having Little

We live in an extremely discontent culture. People are discontent with what they have, the way they look, their spouse, the difficulties they are going through, etc. There will always be something to be discontent about if we try to find contentment in our circumstances.  Can we find contentment even while we are going through a hard time, married to a difficult spouse, or any other number of things people are discontent about? YES!

The Apostle Paul had much suffering in his life. He was beaten, stoned, hungry, and even despaired of his life at times yet he was able to say this, "Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content" {Philippians 4:11}. He learned contentment and so can we since the same Jesus who lived inside of him lives inside of us.

We can always have confidence in God's providence over our lives. King Jesus is on His Throne! He will never leave us nor forsake us and He promises that He will supply all our need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus {Philippians 4:19}. We can believe Him when He tells us that ALL things work together for our good. He has always and will always be over all the affairs of man and we can trust Him with our lives and with the lives of those we love.

We need to learn to have satisfaction with little. Paul said that if we have food and clothing, we should be content and we all have a lot more than this! Our nation is the wealthiest nation that ever existed, yet discontentment is rampant, even among believers. We don't need to have this and have that; the majority of us have plenty of food and clothing. In fact, I doubt any of us has ever gone to bed hungry unless it was intentional because we wanted to lose weight from eating too much. If you have food and clothing, everything else is an added bonus, therefore, we should be the most content people who have ever lived!

We have to learn that contentment does not come from our circumstances but understanding who we are in Christ and all the promises He has given us. He has done so much for us, loves us so much and has a wonderful plan for our life. He is building a mansion for us where we will live eternally with no more pain, sorrow, sickness, or evil. It will be a beautiful place; better than anything we could ever think of or imagine. Trust in His provision for you and live above your circumstances.

We are sustained by His power and this is why we can be content. We are Christ-sufficient and NOT self-sufficient. If we didn't have our trials, thorns, and weaknesses, we wouldn't have to depend upon Him for when we are weak, we are strong because of who we are in Him, we are clothed in His righteousness and He loves us. Never forget that He promises to never leave us nor forsake us so we can rest in Him and His power working mightily within us.

Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, for God has said: "Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you." 

Hebrews 13:5

***The main points of this post were from John MacArthur's sermon

The Secret to Contentment.

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