"Make no provision for the flesh,
to gratify its desires."
~Romans 13:14~
"Each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire.
Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin,
and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death."
~James 1:14-15~
Believing a lie places us in bondage!
The progression of a lie:
We listen to a lie. We get too close.
We dwell on the lie. We focus on it and ponder the benefits.
We believe the lie. We begin to believe that the lie is true.
We act on the lie. We sin.
This whole book ("Lies Young Women Believe") has dealt with these different lies and how to tell if we believe them. We have learned the warning signs as well as the consequences for our sin. However, we also have learned the good news of how to be free from this bondage...
The Truth has the power to set us free!
True freedom is the power to do what God wants us to do...being free from sinful thinking, attitudes, and behaviors will allow us to do just that. We can now be...
FREE to accept that God has expressed beauty through you.
FREE to enjoy the food that God created.
FREE to wait for God's timing to bring the right guy.
FREE to be more concerned about being a friend than having them.
FREE to be the same person...no matter who is around.
Wow. What an example of God's mercy and grace! How can we get to that point from where we are in our put of sin? How can we be freed from this bondage of sin?
1. Stop listening to the lie.
Take a closer look at what you put into your mind through TV, movies, music, Internet, friends, etc. The subtle deceptions you find can greatly influence the way you think. God promises a special blessing to those who do not "walk in the counsel of the wicked" or "stand in the way of sinners" or "sit in the seat of mockers" (Psalm 1:1). Let our delight be in the law of the Lord!
2. Stop dwelling on the lie.
Dwelling occurs when the lie that you were listening to becomes an intentional part of your life. It has then moved from something you stumble across to an actual sin. If you want to break free from the bondage of these flaming lies, then stop pouring on the fuel! In other words, feed what you want to live and starve what you want to die.
Fighting the surface issues will not win the battle. The underlying lies you believe have you enslaved in bondage. Once we identify these lies, we then can eliminate them from our lives...with the help of a merciful and loving Savior.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
2 Lies Girls Believe About the Future
"Resolved, never, henceforward, till I die
to act as if it were any way my own,
but entirely and altogether God's"
~Jonathan Edwards~
Lie 1: Having a career outside the home is more valuable and fulfilling that being 'just' a wife and mom.
Why did God make women anyway?
The answer to this question is found in Genesis 2:18 -
"Then the Lord God said,
'It is not good that the man should be alone;
I will make him a helper fit for him.'"
There you go...God created woman to be a helper to the man. The woman was made from the man, made for the man, and given as God's gift to the man. Her relationship with her husband was the first and primary sphere (apart from God) in which she was made to live and to serve. While there are some women (and some men) who are called to serve God through singleness, most women are made to serve Him through completing a husband.
God's first command to Adam and Eve was to "Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it." God created women to be the mothers of children. She is equipped and designed to bear and nurture children. However, these roles are under attack by today's society. What an honor and privilege to be called to raise up the next generation of Godly children. We are told in Titus 2:4, "Train the younger women to love their husbands and children". The question is, are we as young women ready to step up to the plate?
Lie 2: What I do now doesn't affect the future.
What you choose to do now will either form habits you have to break in the future or form habits that are helpful to you. Galatians 6:7 illustrates this by saying "Whatever one sows, that he will also reap". This can include time management, eating/exercise habits, how you treat others, managing money, sleep habits, etc. You are what you have been becoming.
Spending consistent time with the Lord and in His Word is the best habit that you can develop throughout your younger years. Let this become a part of your daily routine!
"But his delight is in the law of the LORD,
and on his law he meditates day and night.
He is like a tree planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither.
Whatever he does prospers."
~Psalm 1:2-3~
"Oh, how I love your law!
I meditate on it all day long."
~Psalm 119:97~
to act as if it were any way my own,
but entirely and altogether God's"
~Jonathan Edwards~
Lie 1: Having a career outside the home is more valuable and fulfilling that being 'just' a wife and mom.
Why did God make women anyway?
The answer to this question is found in Genesis 2:18 -
"Then the Lord God said,
'It is not good that the man should be alone;
I will make him a helper fit for him.'"
There you go...God created woman to be a helper to the man. The woman was made from the man, made for the man, and given as God's gift to the man. Her relationship with her husband was the first and primary sphere (apart from God) in which she was made to live and to serve. While there are some women (and some men) who are called to serve God through singleness, most women are made to serve Him through completing a husband.
God's first command to Adam and Eve was to "Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it." God created women to be the mothers of children. She is equipped and designed to bear and nurture children. However, these roles are under attack by today's society. What an honor and privilege to be called to raise up the next generation of Godly children. We are told in Titus 2:4, "Train the younger women to love their husbands and children". The question is, are we as young women ready to step up to the plate?
Lie 2: What I do now doesn't affect the future.
What you choose to do now will either form habits you have to break in the future or form habits that are helpful to you. Galatians 6:7 illustrates this by saying "Whatever one sows, that he will also reap". This can include time management, eating/exercise habits, how you treat others, managing money, sleep habits, etc. You are what you have been becoming.
Spending consistent time with the Lord and in His Word is the best habit that you can develop throughout your younger years. Let this become a part of your daily routine!
"But his delight is in the law of the LORD,
and on his law he meditates day and night.
He is like a tree planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither.
Whatever he does prospers."
~Psalm 1:2-3~
"Oh, how I love your law!
I meditate on it all day long."
~Psalm 119:97~
Thursday, July 24, 2008
2 Lies We Believe About Media
"Movies can and do have tremendous power in shaping young lives."
~Walt Disney~
Lie 1: The benefits of constant media outweigh the harm.
We need to keep in mind that Hollywood knows their power within the media. Many of the artists who make movies and music filter it before their children see it. Madonna does not let her children watch television or look at magazines! She has stated publicly that this is because of the immoral content.
We must realize that our media habits will change us and shape us (for better or for worse). Preview your media choices by looking them up online at a reliable site (such as screenit.com...you don't have to join to use it!) or asking a fellow believer that you trust. Make a list of pros and cons...will it kill you to not participate in this activity? Do you have the time? Is there a spiritual lesson to be learned? Remember to pray and ask the Lord for His wisdom in making a decision.
Lie 2: It's not a waste of time...even if it is, it's ok...
Proverbs 25:16 says, "If you find honey, eat just enough". In my case, I can substitute chocolate, ice cream, Starbucks, or Pringles instead of honey! Just realize the point of this verse; too much of even a good thing will make you sick. We need to have limits in every area of our lives.
There is a richness of soul that cannot be cultivated without regular seasons of quiet and solitude. This summer has been a season in my life for quietness of spirit and rejuvenation of the innermost parts of my heart. There is a depth in our relationships with God and others that cannot be experienced apart from times of unhurried, face-to-face conversation.
And young men? The kind of girl that you want to be with will say no to any marriage proposals through text messages, emails, or voice mails. Just some words of wisdom...
~Walt Disney~
Lie 1: The benefits of constant media outweigh the harm.
We need to keep in mind that Hollywood knows their power within the media. Many of the artists who make movies and music filter it before their children see it. Madonna does not let her children watch television or look at magazines! She has stated publicly that this is because of the immoral content.
We must realize that our media habits will change us and shape us (for better or for worse). Preview your media choices by looking them up online at a reliable site (such as screenit.com...you don't have to join to use it!) or asking a fellow believer that you trust. Make a list of pros and cons...will it kill you to not participate in this activity? Do you have the time? Is there a spiritual lesson to be learned? Remember to pray and ask the Lord for His wisdom in making a decision.
Lie 2: It's not a waste of time...even if it is, it's ok...
Proverbs 25:16 says, "If you find honey, eat just enough". In my case, I can substitute chocolate, ice cream, Starbucks, or Pringles instead of honey! Just realize the point of this verse; too much of even a good thing will make you sick. We need to have limits in every area of our lives.
There is a richness of soul that cannot be cultivated without regular seasons of quiet and solitude. This summer has been a season in my life for quietness of spirit and rejuvenation of the innermost parts of my heart. There is a depth in our relationships with God and others that cannot be experienced apart from times of unhurried, face-to-face conversation.
And young men? The kind of girl that you want to be with will say no to any marriage proposals through text messages, emails, or voice mails. Just some words of wisdom...
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
2 Lies We Believe About Sin
"Sin introduces a kind of static interference in communication with God and as a result, shuts us off from the very resources we need to combat it."
~Phillip Yancy~
Christians aren't perfect. We will never get to a point in our lives when we are immune to temptation. We will always be in need of God's mercy and grace. However, as we mature in our faith, we should expect to have more consistent victories over sin. This may not happen if you believe one of these (or other) lies about sin.
Lie 1: I can't overcome my sin
This lie (like most lies) is partially true. We cannot overcome our sin, but through God, He will help us overcome our sins (John 15:5). If you believe in your heart that you are held in bondage by a sin that you continually commit, then you will be held in bondage to that sin. The only way to overcome a lie is with its opposite, the Truth. Here is the Truth:
"Having been set free from sin, (you) have become slaves of righteousness...For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death..."
~Romans 6:18, 8:2~
"For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin— because anyone who has died has been freed from sin."
~Romans 6:6-7~
These Scriptures show us that we can overcome sin...through Christ Jesus. As children of God, the Lord enables us to overcome the sinful bondage in our lives. Ask yourself these questions:
Do I truly agree with God that this behavior is sinful?
Do I believe that there is nothing wrong with my sinfulness?
Have I come to a place where I long to be set free?
If you have come to this place, then "confess your sins to one another" (James 5:16). Confide in an older mentor in your life, and ask for them to hold you accountable. Pursue radical amputation!
"If your hand or your foot causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life maimed or crippled than to have two hands or two feet and be thrown into eternal fire" (Matt. 18:8).
Stop giving yourself access to the things that lead you to sin, and you will kill the temptation. In other words,
"Feed what you want to live...starve what you want to die".
Lie 2: In certain situations, it's okay to break the law (or rules) if I am not hurting myself or others.
In Psalm 10, we are told (three times) that those who sin believe that they will get away with it. Satan wants us to believe that sin is a good and pleasurable thing, and in a way, he is right. Hebrews 11:25 says that Moses "chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a short time".
The Truth is, sin leads to death. All sin leads to death, even if we think it is small and insignificant. "Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death" (James 1:15). A friend of mine once said this to me:
"The deceptive offer of temptation
is the immediate offer of pleasure without penalty.
The basis of all immorality is need...
but we fill that need outside of God's plan and it becomes sin."
The consequences of sin are great. Even if they are not immediately visible to you, you cannot break God's rules (or the rules of others) without ultimately hurting yourself and those around you.
~Phillip Yancy~
Christians aren't perfect. We will never get to a point in our lives when we are immune to temptation. We will always be in need of God's mercy and grace. However, as we mature in our faith, we should expect to have more consistent victories over sin. This may not happen if you believe one of these (or other) lies about sin.
Lie 1: I can't overcome my sin
This lie (like most lies) is partially true. We cannot overcome our sin, but through God, He will help us overcome our sins (John 15:5). If you believe in your heart that you are held in bondage by a sin that you continually commit, then you will be held in bondage to that sin. The only way to overcome a lie is with its opposite, the Truth. Here is the Truth:
"Having been set free from sin, (you) have become slaves of righteousness...For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death..."
~Romans 6:18, 8:2~
"For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin— because anyone who has died has been freed from sin."
~Romans 6:6-7~
These Scriptures show us that we can overcome sin...through Christ Jesus. As children of God, the Lord enables us to overcome the sinful bondage in our lives. Ask yourself these questions:
Do I truly agree with God that this behavior is sinful?
Do I believe that there is nothing wrong with my sinfulness?
Have I come to a place where I long to be set free?
If you have come to this place, then "confess your sins to one another" (James 5:16). Confide in an older mentor in your life, and ask for them to hold you accountable. Pursue radical amputation!
"If your hand or your foot causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life maimed or crippled than to have two hands or two feet and be thrown into eternal fire" (Matt. 18:8).
Stop giving yourself access to the things that lead you to sin, and you will kill the temptation. In other words,
"Feed what you want to live...starve what you want to die".
Lie 2: In certain situations, it's okay to break the law (or rules) if I am not hurting myself or others.
In Psalm 10, we are told (three times) that those who sin believe that they will get away with it. Satan wants us to believe that sin is a good and pleasurable thing, and in a way, he is right. Hebrews 11:25 says that Moses "chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a short time".
The Truth is, sin leads to death. All sin leads to death, even if we think it is small and insignificant. "Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death" (James 1:15). A friend of mine once said this to me:
"The deceptive offer of temptation
is the immediate offer of pleasure without penalty.
The basis of all immorality is need...
but we fill that need outside of God's plan and it becomes sin."
The consequences of sin are great. Even if they are not immediately visible to you, you cannot break God's rules (or the rules of others) without ultimately hurting yourself and those around you.
Thursday, July 3, 2008
3 Lies We Believe About Our Faith
"All too often what passes for Christianity
is not true Christianity at all.
It is an impostor.
And the sad thing is that
most people don't know the difference."
~J. David Hoke~
Lie 1: My youth pastor/leader is my connection to God.
We have access to God only through Jesus Christ! Today, Christ is our High Priest. By His death on the cross, He made a complete sacrifice for our sin and invites us to come directly into God's presence through our relationship with Him. "There is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all" (1 Tim. 2:5-6).
You need the church, and the church needs you. You can't blame your youth pastor for choices and decisions that you made to disconnect from the body of Christ. Know that God's family works best together rather than apart. Satan hates the church...thus all of his attacks to the church. Why wouldn't he want to destroy the best place for you to grow, serve, and be discipled?
Jesus loves the church and gave Himself for it. While it is sometimes tempting to cut yourself off from it, remember that this is the body of Christ. We don't have the option to 'drop out' of church.
Lie 2: Everyone at church is judging me.
The Bible tells us not to judge by outward appearances (Jn. 7:24) and that a judgmental spirit causes a more sever judgment on ourselves (Matt. 7:1-2). We are to show honor and deference to others, even to those who may be judging us; show humility rather than pride.
Most of the time, we are not really being judged, but rather, afraid that we are being judged. James 5:16 tells us to "Confess...sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. Our fear of being judged can never be an excuse to hide sin. Use these past sins by confessing them to the others, praying for each other, and encouraging each other.
Lie 3: Of course I'm a Christian, ...
is not true Christianity at all.
It is an impostor.
And the sad thing is that
most people don't know the difference."
~J. David Hoke~
Lie 1: My youth pastor/leader is my connection to God.
We have access to God only through Jesus Christ! Today, Christ is our High Priest. By His death on the cross, He made a complete sacrifice for our sin and invites us to come directly into God's presence through our relationship with Him. "There is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all" (1 Tim. 2:5-6).
You need the church, and the church needs you. You can't blame your youth pastor for choices and decisions that you made to disconnect from the body of Christ. Know that God's family works best together rather than apart. Satan hates the church...thus all of his attacks to the church. Why wouldn't he want to destroy the best place for you to grow, serve, and be discipled?
Jesus loves the church and gave Himself for it. While it is sometimes tempting to cut yourself off from it, remember that this is the body of Christ. We don't have the option to 'drop out' of church.
Lie 2: Everyone at church is judging me.
The Bible tells us not to judge by outward appearances (Jn. 7:24) and that a judgmental spirit causes a more sever judgment on ourselves (Matt. 7:1-2). We are to show honor and deference to others, even to those who may be judging us; show humility rather than pride.
Most of the time, we are not really being judged, but rather, afraid that we are being judged. James 5:16 tells us to "Confess...sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. Our fear of being judged can never be an excuse to hide sin. Use these past sins by confessing them to the others, praying for each other, and encouraging each other.
Lie 3: Of course I'm a Christian, ...
- I go to church all the time
- My parents are Christians
- I grew up in church
- I went forward at an awesome youth rally
- My mom told me I prayed to receive Christ when I was 3
- They obey God's commands
- They act like Jesus
- They don't hold grudges (No mean girls!)
- They don't have to see/have every new thing the world offers
- They don't wander from their faith
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