Spending time with our grandson, Tanner, this week will be very special. He is the cutest baby I have ever seen. Not that sounds like a proud, boastful Grampy 🙂 Yesterday I was making noises with my mouth and he liked that. Funny how we do stupid things with babies . . . I wonder what is going through their minds as they watch these grown-ups and their antics!

Tanner likes when I stick my finger in my mouth and use my finger to make a popping sound with my cheek. He watched me do this several times and then started moving his mouth trying to imitate the sound. In time, he will make the connection that he needs his finger to make the sound. By observing and watching me, sooner or later he will imitate me and be able to do it on his own.

The Apostle Paul encouraged the church at Ephesus to be imitators of God. One of the ways that we can imitate God, is to observe the life of Christ. What did Jesus do in stressful situations? How did he treat people? How did he relate to His Father?

Ephesians 5:1-2
1 Therefore, be imitators of God, as dearly loved children. 2 And walk in love, as the Messiah also loved us and gave Himself for us, a sacrificial and fragrant offering to God.

The way to imitate Christ is to watch and observe His life. Read through the Gospel of John and observe His life. Meditate of the precepts and principles you observe. Journal what you have observed and then practice them in your life. It is a good exercise that you can do on the Lord’s
Day. Grab your Bible, pen and journal and spend some time in the Word. It will be a great way to begin your week.

“Although we have a natural, innate appetite for God and spiritual things, we may not be experiencing the sensations that would tell us we are hungering for Him. Why not? Maybe it’s because we have been depriving ourselves of spiritual food for way too long. Are you refusing to feed yourself spiritually? If you don’t actively seek God and instead ignore this yearning from deep inside, cravings can, and eventually do change.

When we are physically hungry, our body sends signals through our hunger pains and cravings that tell us we need to eat. If ignored, these signals at first grow stronger in hopes of pushing us to fulfill the need for food. But if we continue to ignore this appetite for long enough, it will eventually begin to fade and we can actually convince ourselves that we really aren’t hungry anymore. That’s exactly what the anorexic does. He/she tells themselves they aren’t hungry and ignores the signals the body is sending to them. Eventually they will have completely numbered their cravings to the point they no longer desire food. They have so effectively convinced themselves that they are not hungry that their body is no starving to death. Yet they don’t even realize the danger. So too when we squelch our hunger for God.

This it how it can be with our spiritual appetite. When we are spiritually hungry, we experience the beckoning of the Holy Spirit within us to feast on the things of God. If we ignore our craving for God long enough, we will find the craving for Him eventually begins to fade. We are capable of convincing ourselves that we are doing ‘just fine,’ yet we are starving our spirit to the point of spiritual death. Our desires for the things of God fade, and we are no longer able to experience the draw of the Holy Spirit because we have so numbed ourselves to His call. Without even noticing it, prayer has become less important, we no longer thirst after God’s Word, and we convince ourselves it’s no be deal to miss church.

Both types of anorexics refuse themselves the nourishment they need to sustain life. [If you are suffering from spiritual anorexia] the only way for you to heal and regain a healthy appetite that will grow is to pull up to the table to eat. Are you feasting at the banquet table of God? If you want to cultivate and grow your spiritual craving, you must feed it. Psalm 34:8 says, ‘Taste and see that the Lord is good,’ When you come to the banquet table to feast on the things of the Spirit, you will find that the Lord is good and that He satisfies completely. And, although the Lord does completely satisfy, once you taste of Him, you will find yourself wanting more and more of Him.”

from FEEDING YOUR APPETITES … Take Control of What’s Controlling You by Stephen Atterburn published by Integrity

“Researchers in the famed Stanford University ‘marshmallow study,’ offered hungry four-year-olds a marshmallow, but told them if they could wait for the experiment to return after running an errand, they could have two marshmallows. As expected, some followed their impulses and
gobbled the marshmallow right away when the facilitator departed. Others waited a few minutes while some delayed gratification until the researcher returned fifteen or twenty minutes later.

Years later when the children graduated from high school, Stanford researchers we still evaluating them, The differences were dramatic. The resisters were more positive, self-motivated, and persistent in the face of difficulties because they were able to delay gratification in pursuit of their goals. They had the habits of successful people which resulted in more successful marriages, higher incomes, greater career satisfaction, better health, and more fulfilling lives than most of the population.

Those who submitted to the enticement of the marshmallows earlier were more troubled, stubborn and indecisive, mistrustful and less self-confident. They still could not put off gratification. They had trouble subordinating immediate impulses to achieve long-range goals.
When it was time to study for the big test, they tended to get distracted into doing activities that brought instant gratification. This impulse followed them throughout their lives and resulted in
unsuccessful marriages, low job satisfaction and income, bad health. and frustrating lives.

Every time you see a nude image, or are tempted to fantasize over an attractive woman, think “marshmallows!” The power to make disciplined choices will turn into useful restraint for daily living in many other areas of your journey.” from THINK BEFORE YOU LOOK by Dennis Henderson Living Ink Books

“Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one
receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it.

And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all
things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an
imperishable crown.

Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I
fight: not as one who beats the air.

But I discipline my body and bring it into
subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become
disqualified.” 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

Praise the Lord for several who emailed yesterday that have asked for prayer in this area! God is working in hearts.

17. I cultivate a stronger resistance to future interpersonal sexual sin — as I avoid pornography, I cultivate a stronger resistance to future interpersonal sexual sin and its many destructive consequences.

18. I nurture that proper biblical view of the sanctity of womanhood — by resisting pornography, I nurture the proper biblical view of the sanctity of womanhood and show honor toward all the women in my life.

19. I relate to women as equals and persons of ultimate worth — by avoiding the superficial and self-serving world of porn, I am able to consistently relate to women as equals and persons of ultimate worth.

20. I learn to live in reality rather than fantasy — I embrace the rewarding world of reality rather than floundering in the emptiness of fantasy when I prevail over pornography.

21. I steer clear of unnecessary personal guilt and shame — by steering clear of the unnecessary personal guilt and shame of pornography, I will enjoy a wholesome and holy experience of life as God meant it to be.

22. I cultivate a lifestyle of contentment and satisfaction — by resisting pornography and resting in the goodness and grace of God, I will cultivate a lifestyle of contentment and satisfaction.

Here are 10 more powerful reasons to avoid pornography (or other idols of your heart . . . )

7. I turn away from the solicitation of harlots in my heart –Because my life was designed by God for high and holy purposes, I will avoid the red-light district of the heart while cherishing the higher pleasure of purity.

8. I refuse the temptation of idolatry — I will refuse temptation of porn-idolatry and set no other “gods” before the one true God who has given me a heart to worship Him alone.

9. I prove to be a faithful steward of my money — I will endeavor to be a faithful steward of my money, using my hard-earned funds to build up my life and my world, not destroy.

10. I prove to be a faithful steward of time — I will prove to be a wise steward of the limited commodity and valuable treasure of time as I use it to enhance healthy relationships, not tear them down.

11. I abstain from any promotion and support of the pornography industry — As I avoid all promotion and support of the pornography industry, I will discourage its growth and steer clear of devastation.

12. I preserve God’s gift of loving sexual expression for its intended purpose — As I preserve God’s gift of loving sexual expression for its intended purpose, I guard this treasure for the fulfillment of His plan for my life.

13. I protect the purity and power of my God-given imagination — As I protect the purity and power of my God-given imagination, my thoughts will be employed for greater positive, creative life-giving purposes.

14. I develop disciplined character — by conquering temptations of pornography, I will develop the blessings of disciplined character with positive results in every area of my life.

15. I guard the integrity of my Christian testimony — I can guard against pornography’s destructive attacks on the integrity of my Christian testimony by acknowledging my vulnerabilities and maintaining a strong, constant defense.

16. I promote health and harmony in the body of Christ — When I avoid pornography I promote health and harmony in the body of Christ, serving as a positive and pure contributor to others.

Good words to ponder as we think through guard our hearts!

Some of you may think that I speak too much about this whole pornography issue. Well you are right! Another one of my good friends just had to step down from his ministry because he was caught in the seductive web of pornography. These next few days I am going to share 40 powerful reasons why we should AVOID pornography. They are taken from a brand new book THINK BEFORE YOU LOOK written by Daniel Henderson, published by Living Ink Books.

1. I enjoy the pleasure of a love relationship with God — Every day I will remember that the pleasure of my love relationship with God is more thrilling and rewarding than the empty ecstasy of pornography.

2. I fulfill my true identity as a child of God — Every day I will remember to fulfill my true identity in Christ as a child of God and choose to live above the meaningless masquerade of a private porn party.

3. I experience God’s provision of empowering grace — In my weakness I will rely on the strength of His advanced “tailor-made” grace to turn away from godly temptations and receive empowerment for right and rewarding choices.

4. I enjoy my spiritual freedom to its fullest — because I have been set free, I will enjoy the full privileges and fulfillment of my emancipation by steering clear of the self-imposed prison of
pornography.

5. I avoid a life pattern of deception — I will enjoy the peace and prosperity of living in the truth while refusing to carry the heavy load of lies and the depression of deception.

6. I cultivate a soft and sensitive conscience — I will cultivate a soft and sensitive conscience through consistent confession of my sin and resolve toward authentic purity.

Good thoughts to helping you guard your heart.

“A man sits alone with a choice before his eyes,
No one else is present as he wrestles with his lies.
A fire smolders once again from deep within his soul.
He can fuel its growing heat or choose to leave it cold.

Passion begins to flow with a force against his will;
Scenes that grip his mind bring the promise of a thrill.
Emotions rage, needs unfold from a weak and lonely heart;
In this very private moment, will he stop or let it start?

A lovely wife, terrific kids have blessed his simple life;
His gracious God and prayerful friends stand by him in the strife.
But out of sight is out of mind in this moment of clear choice;
Even the indwelling Spirit speaks with ever-fading voice.

Images entice his spirit as their beauty pierce his reason;
Setting aside real joy and peace, he indulges for just a season.
More brief and empty now seems the thrill once it is done;
Regret and shame overwhelm as the lies again have won.

He walks away so dirty, feeling lost in his defeat;
Everything he really loves he chose again to cheat.
Full of remorse in this return to the filth of where he’s been
If only he knew how to stop this madness, before it starts again.

written by Pastor Daniel Henderson in his new book THINK BEFORE YOU LOOK published by Living Ink Books

“And Jabex cried to the Lord . . . keep me from evil that I may not cause pain.” I Chronicles 4:10 May you purpose in your heart today to THINK BEFORE YOU LOOK.

A prayer from the book THE VALLEY OF VISION published by Banner of Truth

O FOUNTAIN OF ALL GOOD,

Destroy in me every lofty thought,
Break pride to pieces and scatter it to the winds,
Annihilate each clinging shred of self-righteousness,
Implant in me lowliness of spirit,
Abase me to self-loathing and self-abhorrence,
Open me in a fount of penitential tears,
Break me, then bind me up’
Thus will my heart be a prepared dwelling for my God;
Then can the Father take up His abode in me,
Then can the blessed Jesus come with healing in His touch,
Then can the Holy Spirit descent in sanctifying grace;
O Holy Trinity, three Persons and one God,
Inhabit me, a temple consecrated to Your glory.
When You are present, evil cannot abide;
In Your fellowship is fullness of joy,
Beneath Your smile is peace of conscience,
By Your side no fear disturb,
no apprehensions banish rest of mind,
With You my heart shall bloom with fragrance;
Make me meet, through repentance, for Your indwelling.
Nothing exceeds Your power,
Nothing is too great for You to do,
Nothing is too good for You to give.
Infinite is Your might, boundless Your love,
limitless Your grace, glorious Your saving name.
Let angles sing for
SINNERS REPENTING,
PRODIGALS RESTORED,
BACKSLIDERS RECLAIMED,
SATAN’S CAPTIVES RELEASED,
BLIND EYES OPENED,
BROKEN HEARTS BOUND UP,
THE DESPONDENT CHEERED,
THE SELF-RIGHTEOUS STRIPPED,
THE FORMALIST DRIVEN FROM A REFUGE OF LIES,
THE IGNORANT ENLIGHTENED,
AND THE SAINTS BUILT UP IN THEIR HOLY FAITH!
I ask great things of a great God.

AMEN

Have a blessed Lord’s day!

“My dear friends, you must keep a tender, close walk with the Lord Jesus Christ. Many of us lose our peace by our careless walk; something or other gets between Christ and us and we fall into darkness. Something or other steals our hearts from God and grieves the Holy Spirit, who leaves us to ourselves. Let me, therefore, exhort you who have found peace with God, to take care that you do not lose this peace.

I have paid dearly for backsliding! Our hearts are so wicked that if you fail to keep a constant watch, your wicked heart will deceive you and draw you aside. How sad to come under the lash of a correcting Father! Recall the experiences of Job, David and other saints in the Scriptures.

I am grieved with the casual spiritual walk of some professing Christians. There is little difference between them and other people that I scarcely know which is the true Christian. Such Christians are afraid to speak for God; they run with the crowd and talk of the world as if they were in their element. This you did not do when you first discovered Christ’s love! When the candle of the Lord first shined upon your soul, you could talk forever of Christ’s love. There was a time when you had something to say for your dear Lord, but today, although you can speak of worldly things boldly enough, you are afraid of being laughed at if you speak for Jesus Christ.

Take care not to be conformed to the world! What have Christians to do with the world? You should be singularly good and bold for your Lord, so that everyone who sees you may take note that you have been with Jesus.” from the writings of the famed preacher, George Whitefield

Taken from HOW GREAT THOU ART . . . a daily devotional published by Multnomah.

Good words to ponder as you prepare your heart for the Lord’s Day.

Some of you are familiar with the powerful words of ONE SOLITARY LIFE . . . penned about our great Savior . . .

He was born in an obscure village, the child of a peasant woman. He worked in a carpentry shop until he was thirty, and then for three years he was an itinerant preacher. When the tide of popular opinion turned against him, his friends ran away. He was turned over to his enemies. He was tried and convicted.

He was nailed on a cross between two thieves. When he was dead, he was laid in a borrowed grave. He never wrote a book. He never held an office. He never owned a home. He never went to college. He never traveled more than two hundred miles from the place He was born. He never did one of the things that usually accompanies greatness. Yet all the armies that ever
marched, all the navies that ever set sail, and all the governments that ever sat, and all the kings that ever reigned, have not affected life upon this earth as powerfully as has that ONE SOLITARY LIFE.

I am reading a new book entitled LEADING WITH BILLY GRAHAM. Author Jay Dennis quotes historian Philip Schaff — “This Jesus of Nazareth, without money and arms, conquered more millions than Alexander, Caesar, Mohammed, and Napoleon; without science . . . he shed more light on things human and divine than all philosophers and scholars combined; without the eloquence of schools, he spoke such words of life as were never spoken before or since and
produced effects which lie beyond the reach of orator or poet; without writing a single line, he set more pens in motion and furnished themes for more sermons, orations, discussions,
learned volumes, works of art, and songs of praise than the whole army of great men of ancient and modern times.”

Pastor Dennis continues to write that “the impact of this one man can be seen in the hospitals that have been built, the schools and universities that have been started, and the compassionate organizations and programs to reach out to the poor, injured, hurting, and homeless that have been started in His name. He elevated womanhood to its highest level and inspired people to found orphanages for children who have no homes. The list could continue. When this JESUS
lives within us, His resurrection power allows us to have influence on others!”

Hallelujah! What a Savior. Now what about you? Have you shared Him with someone else? Good words to ponder on this Friday, June 3, 2005.