21 March 2013

1 Corinthians 6:18

I believe that sexual sin is not only a sin against the body, but of the heart, mind and spirit as well. One of the things I regret most in life is having pre-marital sex. The thoughts and emotions that are associated with this physical act are so clearly belonging to a husband and wife. If I could go back in time, I would warn myself! Almost all of the devastating things in my life can, roughly, be simplified to reflect my choices based on sex/sexual relationships. The parts of my body I so freely and foolishly gave, reflected parts of my heart that I can never get back.Disease, unplanned pregnancy, single-parenting, affairs, divorce, betrayal, poor self-image, regret, shame, mistrust. And I didn't even have to think to come up with that. I know that a lot of people think that adultery means cheating. That as long as they aren't married and cheating, it's not as bad. I thought that too. But, actually, adultery is ANY sexual act with someone that you aren't married to. It's not just a moral suggestion. There is no possible way to have intimacy with someone you don't know. I know I often get a lot of flack from friends because I won't allow my oldest daughter to date. She will be 15 next month. But one lesson I learned well was the only purpose of dating is to find out what kind of person you want and don't want to marry. If you aren't ready to marry, you have no reason to date. I wish I would have realized that 20 years ago!! Yes, sexual immorality clearly affects our bodies, but I feel it also clearly affects so much more. One of my biggest regrets is not saving myself for my husband James.Sex doesn't begin in the bedroom. And sexual intimacy is very important in a marriage. One of the best ways I can bring sexual intimacy into my marriage, is by keeping myself pure, in body, mind and heart. Yes, I am allowed to have sex. And sex is great and amazing and powerful but it is only good for me within the confines of my marriage (6:12). Sexual immorality breeds rape, incest, lust, pornography and so much more pain and brokenness!

Father God, please help me guard my heart and my mind and body that I might keep myself pure for my husband and my marriage. Please keep lustful thoughts from me. Help me to behave and dress modestly that I bring honor to my husband and marriage and don't cause lust in the heart and mind of another besides my husband. Help me to pass this on to my daughters and to be a good example to them. Please forgive me for my sexual transgressions and heal me from the brokenness that they've caused me and my family, Amen

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Joshua 10:12-15

God does not call us to be ignorant, but we must be careful that we do not allow intellect rob us of our faith!!!