Ephesians 4:17-19 "This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, (18) 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: (19) Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness." [emphasis mine]
This was highlighted in my husband's Bible the day he went to talk with our pastor. His Bible was laying open in the living room, on top of his laptop which was perched on top of the little office trash can, much like a mini-desk type pedestal.
Later that afternoon, over his soup, after having been confronted by our pastor about his salvation--he is "without excuse" (Romans 1:20)--he dropped to his knees in the middle of the living room and gave his life over to Jesus Christ and asked Him into his heart.
Thus began the washing away of the old man and the new man began to emerge.
With everything in life, we need to face the consequences of our actions, even if those actions are "pre" salvation.
With the saving power of the Lord Jesus Christ, forgiveness and love has been granted, the road to recovery begun...although it will be a long and arduous road at times I'm sure. Trust has begun the rebuilding process and a new life and heart and a different and lovely peacefulness has emerged. Smiles have replaced most of the sadness. Contentment and joy have settled in.
With the saving power of the Lord Jesus Christ, forgiveness and love has been granted, the road to recovery begun...although it will be a long and arduous road at times I'm sure. Trust has begun the rebuilding process and a new life and heart and a different and lovely peacefulness has emerged. Smiles have replaced most of the sadness. Contentment and joy have settled in.
The hurt and the pain are still there. The scars from those years of things happening take time to heal. Thankfully, the hurt and the pain are gradually, bit-by-bit, being washed away and hearts are being re-knit together in a new and different way.
Tonight we begin our path toward our Christian walk "together"---NOT UNequally Yoked. Our pastor suggested we do a study together called Classic Christianity by Bob George [it's on my book reading list]. Right now we've taken a look at the book and the study guide together to figure out the best method of approaching this study. This particular study is different from every other study I've undertaken personally. Usually I've looked at the study guide, looked at the book and jumped right in reading the book--entire chapters at a time--before doing the study guide. Then if I needed to look back at the book I could. That method doesn't seem to fit any longer. Now it seems more that we cover sections of each chapter, go over the questions relating to that section, and discuss. We would not cover chapters each night, not breezing through the book in record time, but savoring it, slowly methodically, together. All of this while we build our relationship's spiritual qualities, together, like we'd never done before.
What a blessing!
Tonight we begin our path toward our Christian walk "together"---NOT UNequally Yoked. Our pastor suggested we do a study together called Classic Christianity by Bob George [it's on my book reading list]. Right now we've taken a look at the book and the study guide together to figure out the best method of approaching this study. This particular study is different from every other study I've undertaken personally. Usually I've looked at the study guide, looked at the book and jumped right in reading the book--entire chapters at a time--before doing the study guide. Then if I needed to look back at the book I could. That method doesn't seem to fit any longer. Now it seems more that we cover sections of each chapter, go over the questions relating to that section, and discuss. We would not cover chapters each night, not breezing through the book in record time, but savoring it, slowly methodically, together. All of this while we build our relationship's spiritual qualities, together, like we'd never done before.
What a blessing!
1 Peter 3:8-17
Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: (9) Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing. (10) For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: (11) Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it. (12) For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil. (13) And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good? (14) But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; (15) But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: (16) Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ. (17) For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.
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