Proverbs 31 Devotionals
• Oct. 3, 2008 - Eating Ashes
Eating Ashes
I worked with a lady who had such a bitter, unforgiving heart. Her daughter had been molested years before, yet when talking to this woman, you would have thought it was a very recent occurrence. By listening to her, you could tell that she was rehashing every sordid detail on a frequent basis.
When I tried to talk to her about how God wanted to heal the hurts in her heart, if only she would forgive, I saw fire in her eyes. She looked like a crazed madman. It was scary and sad at the same time. I tired to explain to her that forgiveness was for her own good, not the offender's. She had held onto this bitterness for so long that a bitter root sprung up, snaring her in a mighty stronghold. (Hebrews 12:15) It had mastered her. (II Peter 2:19)
She reminds me of the person in Isaiah 44:20 who fed on ashes, letting a deluded heart lead her. She was unable to save herself, not able to see that the bitter hurts she clung to were a lie. She was convinced that she could never forgive the man who touched her daughter. Yet God said that all things are possible with Him. (Luke 1:37) Not only did she fail to see that she could forgive, with God's help, she also failed to see that forgiveness is a choice, not a feeling. When Jesus hung on the cross, I doubt that He felt like forgiving. I would imagine that He felt like climbing down from that old rugged cross. Instead, He chose to stay there because He knew at the end, it would be worth every ounce of pain.
Dear sister, perhaps you have been feeding on ashes, believing that nothing can change. Maybe you need to forgive someone, but you are also holding on to a lie that tells you it is not possible.
Isaiah 44:21-23 says that God has not forgotten you. He wants you to turn to Him so that He can heal you and display His glory in you.
Instead of eating ashes, turn them over to the Father and let Him give you beauty for your ashes. (Isaiah 61:3)
© 2006, Stacy R. Miller |
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• Oct. 3, 2008 - The Pacifier
The Pacifier
I remember when Rachel was an infant. She just had to have her pacifier if she was sleeping. The instant it would fall out of her mouth, the peace in the household would quickly dissipate! Once I would pop it back in for her, a sense of calm would fill the house again, at least for a few more minutes!
You may ask, "What does a pacifier have to do with me?" Well, everything! I looked up the word 'pacify' in the Webster's New World Dictionary, and it says that pacify means "to make peaceful, calm, nonhostile, etc." Have you ever felt that you needed a 'pacifier,' even as an adult? I wish that I could answer no to that question, but the truth is, I need a pacifier on a daily basis, many times I need it on a minute by minute basis.
Jeremiah 17:9 says, "The heart is deceitful above all things, and it is exceedingly perverse and sick!" (AMP) Do you ever have times when your heart is causing you to have some terrible thoughts, thoughts that could be considered hostile? Well, you need a pacifier!
Luke 6:45 says that out of the abundance of our heart, our mouth speaks. Do your words ever make the peaceful atmosphere of your home disappear in a matter of seconds? (Ouch, that one really hurt!) Again, you need a pacifier.
Proverbs 16:32 says, "He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, he who rules his own spirit than he who takes a city." (AMP) When we are quick to anger, we are showing that we do, indeed, need a pacifier.
Just as a baby needs a pacifier for comfort when they have fallen down, we often fall ourselves. Not physically, but spiritually. We know what we should be doing, but many times we miss the mark. Paul talked about how he wanted to do good, but evil was right there with him. There was that spiritual struggle, waging war against the law of his mind and trying to make him a prisoner of the law of sin. Paul saw that he, too, needed a pacifier because in the next few verses he says, "What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God -- through Jesus Christ our Lord!" Romans 7:24-25 (AMP)
Jesus came to be our pacifier. He came to forgive us for our sins and to give us life abundantly. Part of that life abundantly is for us to be at peace, to have a sense of calm about us, and to put off those filthy garments of hostility and ill-will.
Why don't you take those daily struggles which you face, and turn them over to the Lord? He wants to help you, and show you what a wonderful Pacifier that He can be in your life.
© 2004, Stacy R Miller |
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• Oct. 2, 2008 - Anger
This is something written by Sheri, one of the ladies who is on this mailing list.
Anger
What is Anger? Being mad? Filled with rage?
Anger is such a harsh subject that we often like to give it different names. Names like, hurt feelings, that’s a good one, it makes it sound like it is not my fault. Or overstressed, I like that one also, it
sounds like something that is out of my control.
What kinds of things make us angry?
* Not getting my way. Oops, little bit of self-centeredness there.
* Hurt feelings. Oops, a tiny sliver of pride sneaking in.
* Someone cutting in front of me in traffic. Oops, lack of compassion, understanding and forgiveness.
* Being taken advantage of. Oops, judgmental attitude.
God has some very harsh things to say about the way I act.
Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature; sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these the wrath of God is coming. You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Colossians 3:5-8 (NIV)
One of the things I love best about my Lord is how He never leaves me with just negative instructions. He always leaves me with some real positive ways to accomplish His will in my life.
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other an forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you
and over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Col. 3:12–14
(NIV) Submitted by Sheri
Anger, Part 2
I enjoy looking at the polls on the Focus on the Family website. I was intrigued one night to see that they were asking how many people struggle with anger. Out of over 12,000 who voted on the poll, 90% said that they do struggle in this area. It is hard for people to admit that they struggle with outbursts of temper or fits of rage. This just isn't something that we want to admit about ourselves. I think that many of us struggle silently in this area, and that we often feel like we are the only one who ever struggles with anger. Now, I know that the Bible tells us not to sin in our anger. For those of you who struggle with anger, you know as well as I do that it's much easier said than done. That is why I wanted to do a message on anger.
What anger does, if not restrained:
Prov. 29:22 An angry man stirs up dissension. - This dissension can be in the workplace, with our friends, or even in our homes.
Prov. 15:1 Harsh words stir up anger. - I was reading this verse when Rachel was a toddler, and the Lord spoke something to me that I will never forget. He told me that when we are harsh with our children, it can stir up an angry heart in them. Because we are bigger and stronger than they are, they will do what we want. They appear to be obeying us and making us happy, but underneath, they may only be giving the outer expression of obedience, but inwardly, they are just waiting for the time where they can get away from us, away from our angry words, away from our influence.
Prov. 12:18 Reckless words pierce like a sword. - On the times where I have been careless with my words, I have seen the hurt in Rachel's eyes. If you are careless with your words, take the time to look into your child's eyes. It could be quite revealing to you.
Prov. 12:13 tells us that an evil man is trapped by his sinful talk. I think we could include an angry man in this verse. How many traps do we fall into when we unleash our anger? It definitely gives Satan a foothold in our lives.
Prov. 18:21 tells us that life and death are in the power of the tongue. Through nasty words, spoken in anger, our words can actually kill. What kind of "murder" do we commit? A friendship, a reputation, a trust, a marriage, a relationship with our children.....
What unrestrained anger shows:
Prov. 29:11 A fool gives full vent to his anger. - I always hated the term "fool." Thinking of it terms of MY being the FOOL because of MY ANGER puts a new perspective on it - one which I DON'T like!
Prov. 12:16 A fool shows his annoyance at once. - How many times do we walk into a room, observe the scene, and vent our anger, without waiting to hear what really happened?
Jas. 1:19-20 If we are showing unrestrained anger, we are showing that we aren't walking in the righteous life that our God desires of us.
Prov. 14:29 tells us that a quick tempered man shows his folly (foolishness). Oops, there is that word "fool" again.
Gal. 5:20 mentions fits of rage as one of the works of the flesh. Verse 21 goes on to say that those who live like that will not inherit the kingdom of God. Then when you look at Prov. 16:32 and read that one who controls his temper is better than one who takes a city, it's easy to feel overwhelmed, like you will never be able to master that awful temper. I have good news though! I found a very practical list of things to do, which will not only help us with angry tempers, but if we apply it, it will help us to master other areas of our lives!
Plan of action: Ephesians 5:15-6:18
1. Be careful how you live.
2. Make the most of every opportunity.
3. Understand God's will.
4. Be filled with the Spirit.
5. Speak to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs.
6. Be thankful.
7. Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.
8. Wives, submit to your husbands.
9. Husbands, love your wives.
10. Children, obey your parents.
11. Fathers, bring your children up in the instruction of the Lord, rather than exasperating them.
12. Serve your bosses wholeheartedly, as serving the Lord. - When I worked for a phone company, I got to the place where I would daily ask the Lord to help me to remember that I was doing that job as His servant, and not their slave. It made a HUGE difference in my attitude and job performance.
13. Treat those under you with respect. (employees, children)
14. Be strong in the Lord.
15. Put on the armor of God.
a. Belt of truth - knowing the truth of the Word.
b. Breastplate of righteousness - protection from acting by your emotions.
c. Feet fitted with the gospel of peace - walking as a peacemaker.
d. Shield of faith - to extinguish Satan's arrows.
e. Helmet of salvation - protects your thinking.
f. Sword of the Spirit - the Word - this is an offensive weapon, to be used against our enemy. - Think of how Jesus used the Word of God when He was in the wilderness. He used it consistently, and the devil finally left when he saw that Jesus wasn't going to bow to His flesh.
16. Pray in the Spirit on ALL occasions with ALL kinds of prayers and requests. - When you feel your flesh wanting to fall into the trap of a temper tantrum, ask God to help you say NO to your flesh.
17. Be alert. Be aware of what sets you off, and be on guard for it. PLAN to take control of your flesh (with God's help). Do not LET sin reign in your mortal body. (Rom. 6:12)
God of all power and grace, I ask you to help me CHOOSE to walk in goodness, patience, and peace this day, in spite of how I may feel physically or emotionally, in spite of how tired or irritated I may be, in spite of how overwhelmed I may be. Help me to crucify my flesh in this area so that I may decrease, and that YOU may increase. In the Name of Jesus, I ask these things. Amen.
© 2003, Stacy R. Miller
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• Oct. 2, 2008 - Do Not Disturb
Do Not Disturb
How many times do we put a "Do Not Disturb" sign on our hearts? For some reason, it seems that we are afraid to let Father into certain places in our hearts. Is it because we are wanting to cherish a certain sin, hold onto a bad attitude, or refusing to forgive someone from a past hurt that wounded us so deeply? Do we somehow think that if we don't allow God to visit those places that He can't see them? Whatever the reason, we may feel like we can't let God go into those dark places, but what does it cause when we refuse to allow Him access to those places?
Prov. 15:13 says that heartache crushes the spirit. When we close off certain parts of our heart, no matter the reason, it will cause our spirit to be crushed.
Ps. 38:18 says that I confess my sin, and I am troubled by it. Many times we may use an excuse, saying, "I'm not angry, I'm just hurt." We try to convince ourselves that we haven't sinned, but if we are harboring something inside us, many times, it does lead us into sin. It may be the sin of unforgiveness or even the sin of gossip. How many times does someone really hurt us, and instead of turning to God (the true heart healer), we call all of our girlfriends and begin telling them how awful this person was to us? What does that do to the other person's reputation? What does it do to us?
As I was looking up scriptures to use in this message, I came across a rather interesting verse in I Sam. 10:22. It says that He has hidden himself among the baggage. How often do we find ourselves hidden among our own baggage from the past? We don't feel like we can truly be the real "us" because we are so burdened with things from the past.
Sometimes it is very painful to let God come into those hidden places. I remember a time when I let God into one of my "hidden places." It was incredibly painful because I had to revisit some things from my past that I didn't want to think about ever again. In the process of letting that two-edged sword of the Word penetrate my heart and my spirit, God brought awesome cleansing and healing to me in that area. Yes, it hurt, and it hurt really bad. Was it worth it? YOU BET IT WAS!
Prov. 4:23 tells us to guard our hearts above all else because the heart is the wellspring of life. We tend to get so busy with daily cares that it is very easy for something that isn't good and holy to take root in our hearts. Jer. 17:9 says that the heart is deceitful and desperately wicked. If I don't take the time to get before the Lord and allow Him to show me anything bad that has taken root in my heart, it's no time at all before I feel like all of my spiritual strength has been zapped from me.
Heb. 3:13 tells us to encourage one another daily so that we won't be hardened by sin's deceitfulness. Not that we need to unload all of our cares on people every time we see them, but most of us probably have a good friend who can just look at our countenance and tell that something is going on. We may not even see it when we look in the mirror, but those dear friends have a way of bringing it to the surface for us. Thank God for friends who love us enough to confront us on issues where we would rather not go!
Here's what can happen when we let God remove the "Do Not Disturb" sign. Ps. 51:10 He can create a pure heart and renew a steadfast spirit in us.
Ps. 66:18-19 When we confess our sin to Him, He listens to us. - He's not out to condemn us, but to renew that intimate fellowship once again. The accuser of the brethren is the only one who seeks to bring condemnation to us.
As we learn that we can easily bring ANYTHING to Father, we will become much more intimate in our fellowship with Him. Ps. 73:26 says that my heart and flesh may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. This scripture became very real to me as I recently went through a long, hard struggle - one that started about nine months ago. I faced some major battles while going through the trial because there were many times when I didn't feel that certain people wanted to be bothered with it, or to address the issue. Like the persistent widow, who continued to go before the judge, I wouldn't let up in this fight. I learned to lean on Father in a way that I never have before. The fellowship we shared was so sweet and so intimate. I remember one day, while I was doing an in-depth Bible study on the tabernacle, I was learning some awesome things, and it was like Father was sitting right there at the table with me. He stopped me from going any further and began clearly telling me how that particular lesson fit right in with what I was experiencing. I had been in tears of hopelessness and fatigue earlier that morning, but His words were life to my wounded spirit.
There was another day when I just felt that I couldn't go on in the battle. I was facing some persecution for my stand on a very important issue, and the persecution was coming from some of my own church family. Now THAT was REALLY hard to bear. While I was cleaning the house one day, Father was right there with me, and we had a very long two-way conversation about the situation. Before the end of the day, I was filled with joy and my strength was incredibly renewed.
Now, you may wonder what this has to do with a "Do Not Disturb" sign. Well, in the process of going through this trial, let me tell you - I was't always so holy in my words or actions! I had my moments when I was raging mad, and times when I talked about the situation in a not-so-nice-way. While there were times that I did need to talk about it, looking for some direction, there were times that the talking turned to gossip and angry, bitter words. Instead of putting the "sign" up over my heart, I noticed that the close fellowship with Father was waning. Ps. 26:2 says to test me and try me, Lord. Examine my heart and my mind. I did just that, and Father was faithful to show me where I had gone wrong. I quickly got back on track. After having had those awesome intimate moments with Him, I was hooked! I didn't want ANYTHING stopping me from having those times with my Father!
If you have put up the "sign" on your heart, and want Father to take it down, I pray that the God of hope would fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Rom. 15:13) May your love abound more and more and extend to its fullest development in knowledge and all keen insight so that you may surely learn to sense what is vital and prize what is excellent and of real value, recognizing the highest and the best, and distinguishing the moral differences. I pray that you would be untainted and pure, unerring and blameless as you approach the day of Christ. (Phil. 1:9-10)
Remember that we are being transformed into HIS likeness with ever increasing glory which comes from the Lord. II Cor 3:18
I guess what we really need to do is give up putting up a "Do Not Disturb" sign for the Lord, and instead, put up a "Do Not Enter" sign for Satan.
© 2003, Stacy R. Miller |
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• Oct. 1, 2008 - Do You Have a Hangover?
Do You Have a Hangover?
When things are not going our way, we can easily fall into the trap of having a pity party, throwing a temper tantrum, causing emotional damage in someone through the harsh words we've spoken, or even by letting the reins loose on our tongue where we find ourselves cussing and swearing. These very things can come back to haunt us, leaving us with a 'hangover' of a spiritual kind.
We try to sleep, and yet our minds are repeatedly play back those sinful acts. We wake up feeling bogged down, heavy hearted, and zapped of any spiritual zeal. (Rom. 12:11) We try to read the Word, and we feel condemnation from the enemy. He makes us feel that we are being hypocritical by trying to read the Word, after having been rather ungodly in our behavior. Sadly, he often succeeds in his plan. We find ourselves just setting aside our Bible, and trying to make it through the day in our own strength. Very soon, we find ourselves falling into the same old trap, and we try to fight our way out of it in our own strength, all to no avail.
We must be especially careful of our words when we are under pressure. If we aren't careful, our words may invalidate the prayers which we have prayed. We must stay in agreement with the Word of God, and hold fast to our confession of faith. Heb. 10:23 Now, this doesn't mean that we 'stick our head in the sand,' and ignore our circumstances. It does mean that we stay positive in the midst of those circumstances. We need to remind ourselves that God works ALL things together for our good. Rom. 8:28
Another reason why we must be careful of our words is because we can open a doorway for the enemy to snare us. For example, I have been having a lot of back trouble at the time of this writing. It's been not only painful, but frustrating. The leaves need to be raked, and winter is coming sooner than I care to admit. If I focus on what needs to be done, and on how much pain I am in, I am going to fall into despair. The despair could lead me to cry out, "I'm NEVER going to get any better!" If I utter those words, I've just ensnared myself. Doesn't God's Word say that He can do anything? Haven't I seen Him touch my back many times in years past, where I have been able to go well over a year without even needing to visit the chiropractor? YES! So, I must be careful with my words, or I may find that I am stuck in the midst of back trouble longer than necessary. If I start discounting the truth of God's Word, I open a doorway for Satan to come in, leaving me with an awful 'hangover.'
When facing difficult or trying circumstances, we may find that we need to talk with a friend. While there is nothing wrong with doing so, we must be careful not to wear out our welcome. (Prov. 25:17) A friend can often bring insight to us because they are able to look objectively at the situation, sharpening us as iron sharpens iron. (Prov. 27:17)
Also, when we talk too much about our problem, the problem becomes magnified in our minds, leaving us again with a spiritual 'hangover.' If we magnify anything in our lives, we must magnify the Lord God. Ps. 30:1 says to exalt the Lord who has lifted you out of the depths. When I ponder the 'depths' from which He has lifted me, it's not hard to begin magnifying His Name. Ps. 34:1-2 tells us to extol the Lord at all times. (That doesn't mean that we thank Him for every trying circumstance we face. It means to find something for which you can begin to bless and praise His Name while in the midst of that circumstance.) His praise should always be on our lips. Our soul should boast in the Lord Almighty. Verse 5 tells us that those who look to God are radiant.
A good cure for a spiritual hangover is found in Ps. 34:12-14.
1. Don't let your lips speak lies.
2. Turn away from evil.
3. Do good.
4. Pursue peace.
So, do you have a hangover? Don't grab coffee to try and cure it. Go grab your Bible!
© 2003, Stacy R. Miller |
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• Oct. 1, 2008 - I'm a Little Teapot
I'm a Little Teapot
Have you ever sung the song "I'm a Little Teapot" with your children? It's a fun one for young children because they enjoy doing the motions to them. Besides that, they're just downright cute when they do their little songs!
Many times, we are like the teapot. We get all steamed up and we 'tip' over to the side of our flesh, quickly finding ourselves being 'poured out' in a very ungodly fashion. Our mouths spew forth some damaging words to those around us. Some of us may even fall into the habit of throwing things when we get all steamed up.
As I've watched America's Funniest Home Videos, I've seen numerous clips of babies who have projectile vomiting. While we laugh at those video clips, it's no laughing matter when the 'projectile vomiting' comes in the form of nasty words from our lips. Just as vomit has a very nasty stench to it, our words can be filled with just as much stench because they are filled with acid -- words which 'burn' those who are around us.
Jesus tells us in Matthew 26:41 that we should watch and pray so that we won't fall into temptation. Sometimes the temptation we face may be keeping our tongue from sinning. In I Timothy 4:16, we see that if we watch our life and doctrine closely, persevering in them, we will not only save ourselves, but also our hearers. Could it be that we could save our hearers from hearing some ungodly words spewing forth, if we carefully watch our lives and how we conduct ourselves when we are under pressure?
We can't neglect the impact of doing daily devotions with the Lord. Psalm 119:11 tells us that we should hide God's Word in our hearts so that we might not sin against Him. I have found that the more I devour the Word, the more control I seem to have over my emotions. I'm still not perfect, by any stretch of the imagination, but at least I seem to have a better grip on my emotions, my words, my thoughts, and my actions -- or should I say my 'reactions'? God's Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. (Ps. 119:105) When we stay in that light, it's harder to go down the darkened path because we see the light, and we follow it more closely.
Paul sheds some light for us in Romans 7:20 when he tells us that if we do what we don't want to do, it is no longer us that is doing it, but SIN that is living IN us. In verses 24-25, he realizes what a wretched man of sin he is, wondering who is going to deliver him from this body of death. He quickly declares that it is Jesus Christ who delivers us! In Galatians 5:24, he admonishes us to realize that if we belong to Christ, we must crucify that awful sin nature with all of its passions and desires. The next verse admonishes us to keep in step with the Spirit.
It's a good idea to let the Holy Spirit become a muzzle for our mouths. Psalm 39:1-2 tells us that we should watch our ways and keep our tongue from sinning. The key is letting the Holy Spirit be our helper in this area. After all, James makes it very clear that no man can tame the tongue. (Jas. 3:8) If we look at Luke 1:37, we find that with God ALL things are possible. You see, there IS hope for those of us who struggle in this area!
© February 2004, Stacy R. Miller |
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• Oct. 1, 2008 - Grave Digging
| Grave Digging
In Prov. 5:5, we see that the adulteress gives no thought to the way of her life. Are we like that? Do we blindly make our way through each day, never taking heed to the direction in which we are going? Do we neglect to take the time to see the path where we are venturing? For instance, if we are suddenly struggling with fits of rage, do we just flippantly blow it off as being hormonal? Or do we get before the Lord, asking Him to reveal any hidden places in our hearts that may be leading to those fits of rage?
Sometimes the Lord may reveal to us that these fits of rage are a trigger from the past. I have learned that one of my triggers is the springtime. It reminds me, sometimes even subconsciously, of the baby I lost during that time of year. I often fall prey to feelings of hopelessness or extreme anger during that time of year. Rather than continuing to 'dig a grave' with my fleshly emotions, I have allowed the Lord to 'fill the hole' and give me a straight path. When we take the time to allow the Lord to speak to us, we may find that we have some unforgiveness, resentment, or even areas of unconfessed sin, which has caused us to 'dig a grave,' thereby opening a doorway to the enemy, giving him a foothold in our life.
Are we in a place where our fuse seems to be shorter than usual? Do we continue to do as the adulteress, giving no thought to our ways?Once again, we can blame it on hormones. But could it really be that we are neglecting to feed our spirit because we are just too busy doing other things?
Prov. 18:21 tells us that we hold the power of life and death in our tongue. Those who love it will eat its fruit. Notice that the scriptures don't say that we MIGHT eat its fruit, but that we WILL eat its fruit, whether that fruit be good or bad. How many of us know someone who is very bitter with their words? Do you know someone whose tongue is like a viper, ready to strike at any moment? Now think upon what physical ailments they face because of their bitterness. With their own mouths, they have been digging their grave.
In Prov. 11:13 and 16:18 we find that a gossip betrays a confidence and separates close friends. It is so easy to discern who is a gossip. Just close your mouth and listen when you are in the presence of others. The gossip's words usually start out with, "Now don't tell anyone I told you this, but...." The gossip digs her own grave by her incessant need to talk about others. Her grave digging abilities come from words that aren't edifying and full of love. Also, she digs a grave by alienating people. No one wants to be around her because they know that she will just stab them in the back the moment they walk away from her. She may die an early death, in part because she a lonely woman, but also because of her grave digging abilities.
Father, help us not to be grave diggers, but to be life givers. Help us to speak words that will edify and encourage. Give us words that will be a soothing oil to a wounded heart. Help us speak words that will bring healing and grace to those around us. Amen.
Grave Digging, Part 2
In today's society, you often hear the phrase 'politically correct.' Today I want to address some of those very ideas that are even permeating the church. These are ideas which God would call evil. In Prov. 17:4, we find that a wicked man listens to evil lips. There are many evil lips which speak to us today, leading us to more grave digging.
1. "Sex before marriage is OK." Or another common one we hear is, "But, we're going to be married, so it's all right to have sex." God says sex is only for those who are married. There is no 'but' clause. STD's are rampant today because of this type of thinking. This 'free love' isn't so free after all, is it? Many girls are growing up, only to discover that because of some 'free love' that has left her with a venereal disease, she is now sterile, and chances are that she will wind up having some form of uterine or cervical cancer. Her grave digging in her promiscuous years may lead her to premature death.
2. "A person is born with homosexuality." If that is true, then our God is a big, fat liar. His Word declares that He is a just God. Dan. 4:37. If homosexuality is something a person is born with, then a just God isn't going to send them to a fiery, eternal hell. I Cor. 6:9. Homosexuals have grave digging abilities that often lead them to commit suicide. The suicide rate for homosexuals is MUCH higher than it is for heterosexuals.
4. "If it feels good, do it." This belief is responsible for grave digging of numerous kinds. There are those who are gluttons. They end up with high blood pressure, obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and numerous other health conditions. This belief has also led to many people having addictions to drugs. That is a grave-digging bondage that leads to crime, just to support their habit. It then spirals to a depraved mind, leading the addicted person to kill another human being if it means helping them to find their next 'fix.'
5. "It's just a blob of tissue." This is a lie that has led to millions upon millions of abortions taking place in America, and it was all done legally! This lie has led many women to grave digging, causing them to die an early death, due to infections arising from having an abortion done. Now we even have the RU-486, which has been blamed for the death of at least one young woman.
6. "He who dies with the most toys wins." I have seen this phrase on bumper stickers, and it sickens me to see it. I have never seen a hearse with a U-Haul trailer attached to the back of it. Many people get so caught up in trying to get as many 'toys' as they can. They don't realize that they are really just digging a grave. Their persistence in working so many hours can destroy a marriage and a family. Their endless pursuit of material things can dig a grave where peace of mind can never exist because they are so far in debt.
We, as Christian ladies, must be careful that we aren't digging graves by falling into the trap of becoming wicked simply by listening to evil lips. There is a wonderful prevention for grave digging found in Psalm 1.
1. Don't walk in the counsel of the wicked. (verse 1)
2. Don't hang out with sinners. (verse 1)
3. Don't sit with mockers. (verse 2) How many mockers do we find on television? They mock God, pastors, and fathers, who are to be the head of the house. Yet, on television, the father often gets no respect. Television often mocks any parental authority. So many shows are full of children whose lives exist to make a mockery out of their parents.
4. Delight in God's law. (verse 2)
5. Meditate on God's law. (verse 2)
The results are found in verse 3.
1. You'll be like a tree planted by the water.
2. You will yield fruit.
3. You won't wither.
4. Whatever you do will prosper.
© 2003, Stacy R. Miller |
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• Oct. 1, 2008 - I'm a Stripper
I'm a Stripper
Sitting here writing this, I am about to bare my soul to you. I find this terrifying, yet freeing. I feel my pride being stripped away so that Jesus can shine brightly through.
I have shared many times before about how I've struggled with a bad temper. What I didn't tell you was how bad this temper was. I could fly into a rage over the simplest things - having to take the time to try and find something that I'd misplaced, waiting on the computer when the system was bogged down, even something as little as spilling something while cooking, could set my temper aflame. There have been MANY times that I have literally gone into an uncontrollable rage -- breaking things, screaming, cussing....I think you get the picture. The very words that I didn't want my precious daughter to hear from anyone, she was hearing from me -- her own mother. Even in the times when I wasn't carrying on about something related to Rachel, she would get scared, seeing her mommy so out of control. I'd find her later, crying in her bedroom. I can't begin to describe to you the shame and the guilt that I've carried over that. Even now, I sit here with tears in my eyes because of how I have failed in this area, wondering what damage I have inflicted upon my precious child.
Over the last several months, I have pleaded with the Lord to deliver me from this awful temper, only to find that I'd quickly fall prey to giving into another awful rage. It seemed to be such a vicious cycle -- one that I couldn't flippantly blame on hormones. I became so frustrated with myself and with what I perceived to be no progress in this area. I continued to plead with God to help me. One day while I was crying out to Him, He asked me why I thought that I struggled so badly with this temper. After pondering on it, and thinking about past episodes, it dawned on me. And let me tell you, it was VERY humbling and revealing. In those times when I'd fly into a rage, it was simply because.....things weren't going my way. (sigh) I felt lower than a pregnant ant at that moment, but at the same time, I knew that I'd crossed a major hurdle. Until I was willing to come to the root of WHY I was falling captive to this sin over and over, God couldn't work with me to set me free. You see, you can only offer to God as much of yourself as you understand. Prior to understanding the why of my behavior, I didn't have a clue as to how to understand it, so how could I truly offer it to God on the altar of brokenness?
I kept praying for God to break my heart over my sin. Yes, I was sorry every time I slipped into a rage, but I evidently wasn't sorry enough to bring about a change of behavior. I wanted that godly sorrow that brings repentance -- a stripping away of my old self and putting on the new. (Eph. 4:22-25) I wanted to strip off those deeds of darkness and trade them for the armor of light. (Rom. 13:12)
I was seeking a quick-fix for my problem, but God was seeking to develop my character through this because my character will be carried into eternity. Since my problem was long-standing, and deeply rooted in my life, a quick-fix wasn't going to be the answer.
Shortly after this time, I went to see "The Passion of the Christ." As I sat there, with every beating he took upon his back, I repeatedly asked myself, "Which temper tantrum was that one for?" It pierced my heart deeply. The following Sunday was communion Sunday at church. As I held the elements in my hand, waiting on everyone else to be served, I began to weep. I have never been so broken in my life as I was on that morning. The reality of how much Jesus suffered for MY sin really hit home with me.
Here I am, five weeks later (at the time of writing this), and I have not struggled with my temper. Through brokenness, I've become a 'stripper,' leaving my fleshly garments behind me. I have learned that even when things aren't going my way, it's no big deal. After all, it's not about me. It's about Jesus, and how He wants to conform me into His likeness more and more every day. He wants me to be looking a little more like Him with each passing day -- in my character, in my thoughts, in my words, and in my actions (even when no one else is watching). He has begun a good work in me and He will carry it through to completion. (Phil. 1:6)
God has been faithful to put forth one test after another to try me in this troubling area. Every time, I have passed the test. I have learned that it is best to immediately cry out to Him since He has promised to always be there, and never leave me. The peace of mind that I have is incredible. The peace that floods our home now is indescribable. Everything is so much more relaxed. I have learned something new about the amazing grace of my Lord. I've even begun to ask Him what area He wants to work on next so that I can begin to 'strip down' again, getting rid of even more unwanted flesh, enabling myself to become more like Him.
I take the risk of baring my soul with you because perhaps there is an area where you also need to 'strip down.' Colossians 3:8 tells us that we become 'strippers' by ridding ourselves of garments such as anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language. We must strip ourselves from garments of sexual immorality or impurity. The garments of idolatry and adultery (even if it's only in our thoughts), must be stripped away from us. We must strip ourselves from the dirty clothing of greediness, drunkenness, slandering, and cheating others. If we fail to 'strip down,' we will be in a very dangerous place of not entering the kingdom of God. (I Corinthians 6:9-11)
Do you need to become a 'stripper' too?
© April 2004, Stacy R. Miller |
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