What's moral or immoral concerning sexual behavior?

 I was thinking of the obvious downward spiraling decline of morals regarding sexual behavior in this country and around the world.  Sexual exploits are more common happenings, but worse, what used to be considered immoral acts are now being given legal status.


Photo credit: wallyir from morguefile.com

 
For example... deviant sexual behavior used to legally be considered immoral behavior in many state statutes.


First, what is the definition moral behavior?

  This person describes moral behavior as having a 'good', favorable outcome to the persons and society at large.      
You will have to quality what is 'good'.

  This dictionary says what is moral is conforming to a standard of 'right' behavior.
You will have to quality what is 'right'.

 This is what the Bible says moral behavior is concerning sexual acts and is listed in every scripture  mentioning fornication.
You will have to determine whether God created people to be born 'gay' in light of His Word clearly stating homosexual acts are an abomination, and, if deviant sexual behavior, so blatantly glamorized in the media makes this behavior 'acceptable' for you or not.

This site comments on three same-sex relationships in the Bible.
You will have to read, do and extensive study and pray to determine whether the authors have interpreted and shed light on the truth or not regarding the messages for us in God's Word concerning these three relationships. Anyone can insert their beliefs, but what's best is using scripture to interpret scripture. I believe only spiritual scripture can shed light on spiritual scripture.

The Bible calls for you to practice and strive for moral excellence.
This is the way. This is the overall theme of the entire Bible- We are stuck in our flesh, but we are to live according to the spirit. And we have our example of Jesus whom was sent to us, who walked in the flesh, but lived according to the spirit, and whom God was well pleased. He's whom we should model our behavior after.

Only if the truth of one passage rules out the truth of another passage can there be contradiction as this author states and gives heed that you need to seek more in depth study. Bible scripture is God's Word and God's Word does not contradict itself.

 I say, if you find a contradiction, it's because you need to do further study into the Word to
understand the meaning and translation. Remember the Bible is unique in that it's books were
 penned in different languages over centuries and on different continents. After all that, it's amazing
the books have a common theme and it all comes together following the Hebrew people and the awaited Messiah and how they disobeyed, and worshiped idols, then returned over and over to God when they suffered from their disobedience.
Wouldn't it behoove us to learn something from history so as not to repeat their costly mistakes?
 
God's Word is alive and active and sharper than any two-edged sword.. (Hebrews 4:12). It also says scripture penetrates the soul, the spirit and the body and judges the thoughts and attitude of the heart. So without a heart or an attitude 'right' with God, it will judge. Best to be right with God to not be judged and to be able to receive without being deceived by Satan, the Deceiver, and Master of all Lies, wants you to be unclear in understanding of God's message of his Word to you.

God's clear message for YOUR best interests and well-being is intact and a solid, unchanging, righteous foundation you can rely upon without doubt .
It wouldn't make sense at all for His message to read He dislikes with a passion sinful acts and then have made mankind to fall back on the excuse that sin is moral and okay with Him.
That's rubbish to think.

It's really best that you read and study the Word for yourself and quit relying on others to give you their interpretation.
 They could be feeding you untruths and misguiding you down the wrong road heading to a destination you will not like to end up. 

Studying God's Word is a life-long pursuit with your spirit to grasp what God wants to reveal to you.

The Bible is a spiritual book and has to be studied with spiritual eyes, and most importantly, unless your spirit alive, you can't understand or receive the message per the Holy Spirit.



Now, what is the definition of immoral  behavior?

Here, different people answer and some state it has to do with your conscious, or what is dictated in society, or in the Bible. 

Check this list of what the Bible tells us about sexually immoral behavior.

You will have to determine and act accordingly to what you believe sets and determines what's moral from immoral behavior. Mankind has a history of changing his definition on this matter. However, God's Word remains firm and unchanged. With that fact in mind, you will have to decide what's moral or immoral? Is what's moral or immoral behavior never, sometimes, often, always or conditionally acceptable and changeable?

In my opinion, what's right and moral should be standard across the board. I don't think immoral and moral behavior can mix or be interchangeable.


Bottom line

God Word tells us what is immoral and immoral. That's the highest standard of living to be pleasing to God in a  nutshell. He calls the shots since he created us and everything we have.
                     Either choose to obey or not obey.
 Either try to go about leading a life according to God's Word, or to what mankind says is fine.

Consequences of your choice will be absolutely just and righteous in the Day of Judgment. Choose wisely knowing full well the price of choosing to be out of the will of God will cost you an eternity in miserable darkness without any chance of hope. Splendor and glory in heaven would be much better.



Until next time, on the straight and narrow path, without traffic, getting closer to that Light that shines so pure and bright.

A brand new life

I keep returning to this video to see these recently freed three young ladies.

They look and sound positive, bright and eagerly looking forward to their futures.

Smiles on faces celebrating new life

Photo credit: mantasmagorical from morguefile.com
 

Their expressions of thankfulness come across as genuine.

 The fact they even wanted to speak out sends a very positive message and gives insight of their recovering from their long ordeal. I'm sure they're supporting and leaning on each other as they're emotionally distancing themselves from the sexual abuse and 'living hell' they escaped.

These young ladies bless me more every time I see their beautiful smiles.  After all they've been through, listen to their positive words.



People are donating to help these young ladies get a good start on their liberated lives.
 The Cleveland Courage Fund  set up for Amanda, Gina and Michelle, is growing and I imagine will continue to grow in the coming months up and through the trial for the man accused of holding them prisoners and abusing them in his home for over a decade.

I've calculated so far $94 is the average donation to their trust fund.

This gentleman took to the road to raise awareness about sexual abuse.


It's very pleasing to know these three young ladies are strong of character. Their families have got to be so thankful as well.  Michelle was very good in expressing she places her hope in God to be the final judge. She's correct about that. And, she knows she endured to utilize her experience to help others.

What the Bible says about abuse.

These courageous souls finally are having their mornings of freedom with nothing but happiness in their hearts. I'm so happy for them. Thank you Lord for seeing them though, and have mercy upon
the soul of the man responsible.  He was lead and chose to follow the 'wrong direction' and now he has to live with the consequences. I pray your will be done in his life and this situation, Lord.

Some celebrity struggles make for awesome testimonies!

Celebrities giving their testimonies how at the end of their strength and hope came about asking Christ into their lives. Their lives changed. Freed. Unshackled. Click the link, listen to their testimonies and be awestruck like I was and nodding my head of the unlimited love God extends to anyone to win the battle over any struggle in this life.

Celebrities deal with personal struggles like the rest of us

Photo credit: krosseel from morguefile.com

Celebrities are known widely of their craft or talent by way of media or marketing. 
These classified as beautiful, mega-talented people marvel and entertain us with their talents of acting, instrument playing, magic trick performances, riding a surfboard, hitting, kicking or throwing a ball, writing, or just about anything that can be done above the general abilities of the average person.

But celebrities are not immune to the struggles of life.
Beauty, talent and riches don't give them a life that's demon-free.

Celebrities might have it worse than when they face a difficulty or are faced with a life-changing event. Their lives are much more transparent than ours. They don't have the privacy we  have- whatever can be found out negative gets plastered all over the media for the world to see. Plus they are pressured to stay on top of their game,  never look aged, and keep producing and performing to afford their lifestyle and fame. With the cameras flashing and fans screaming and money and all that's associated with being a celebrity, I'm sure it's easy to acquire a sense of power and importance and self sufficiency. And, once that happens, more is wanted in order to keep the image of success before the public. 

But people are all born the same. Strip away the stuff and celebrities struggle with the same things
all people struggle with. However, perhaps celebrities struggle to a higher degree because they can easily afford many things they desire. Their prison has thicker, taller walls and bars.
  This list of celebrities didn't win with substance abuse.  Each had successful careers with undoubtedly continued success in their futures had they lived. But they couldn't break free from
the internal struggles which kept them unable to break from drugs and alcohol.

God can take you just as you are. All you have to do is reach out and ask for help and receive it.
So scroll through the many videos till you see a familiar face or name and listen to them tell their story.

Remember, God loves you regardless of your star quality and is patiently waiting for you to call
upon Him. He's willing and able to change your life, turn your struggles around and fill the void you're longing to have filled which only He can fill. The first step is admitting your inadequate to
face your demons without help.  Ask. Believe, Receive. And the journey begins on a different road.
The road isn't easy, but don't give in to the lie that it's impossible. God is a big and mighty God if
you hook up with Him, your constant helper, the Holy Spirit, will be at your disposal 24/7.

If you want it, God's willing to give you the help to change your life around for the better. There are bright days in the forecast if you will reach out.

And speaking of a celebrity, it's my belief  Miss Lindsay Lohan's life could change for the better,
or at least be out of the tabloid headlines  and courts because of her drug and or alcohol abuse.
I wonder if she's content being in and out of the courts and substance treatment centers?

I'd like to see and hear her testimony of her life change when it happens.



Until next time, I'm on the straight and narrow road, and enjoying the journey with my Guide
leading the way.

Family member 'killers' need love

We're supposed to be safe amongst family members. That isn't always so.
Lately, killings we might hear about happening during a burglary, robbery or
some gang activity aren't the only stories making the headlines in the news.  
When the news is about a family member killing another family member, most of us, or me at
least, find this to be horrendous. Unthinkable and unimaginable come to mind when I hear the news story reporting the killer is a child.
Are kid-killings on the increase? I sure hope not. This isn't exactly the first time a child has killed
another family member. The very first murder mentioned in the Bible was committed by a sibling.
Abel died at the hand of Cain, his brother.


Here are news stories of recent killings by family members.

Killing by the hand of a child

Photo credit: chelle from morguefile.com

 
How does one manage to move on with life after this sort of tragedy has affected your family?
 It's bad enough when a stranger invades your home and takes a life. But how does one manage
when child purposely takes the life of other family members?
I can only imagine the grieving after such a tragedy lasts for a long, long time for the lives
cut short, and for the life, forever changed for the child who chose to kill.


It wasn't told to us in the fourth chapter of the Book of Genesis, how Adam and Eve reacted
after Cain killed his brother. But we can gather reasoning why Cain chose to kill.  I like this 
persons explanation.
 Then, Cain was banished to wander as an outcast as part of his punishment. And he wore the
mark so he would be recognized and left alone.
So, Adam and Eve lost two sons. It must have hurt them on a level similar to when they were banished from the Garden of Eden, symbolic of 'spiritual death' from their disobedience to
God concerning their partaking of the fruit of one
certain tree. They had freedom to all the other trees, but they chose to disobey and the resultant consequences followed.

Links to articles on the subject of child killers-
Why kids kill their parents.
What makes a child kill.
Case studies into what motivates a child to kill.


Children learn by modeling what they see. If they see violence, then they learn violence.
Have adults been modeling and teaching children violence as the manner in which to express
anger and frustration?
If children aren't taught healthy coping skills, they'd be less prone to resort to harming those
whom they can vent their disappointments on whenever they don't get their way. 


It's my belief that the following have some involvement in why children choose to kill:
  They're void of 'Love' within their hearts,
  They're emotionally disconnected from people.
  They hadn't been shown how to properly react to their feelings of anger.
 They've been abandoned to 'grow up' in a 'digitally, emotionally-void world,
 and, the spirit of 'self entitlement' in full bloom within their soul.

The spirit of 'love for one another' is slowly being snuffed out and replaced with a spirit of 'worshiping self'. In other words 'self' is above all else, self is #1.


I've read that child killers believe they're 'justified' in killing their siblings or parents.
To them killing was the better choice. And, they show no remorse, or guilty conscious about
what they did. That's heartlessness.


What's becoming of our children?
Are hearts turning hideously darken earlier and earlier?

This problem doesn't have to get any worse. Love can overcome and prevail. Without Christ, the heart has 'unbridled potential' to do 'evil' and not even be aware of any 'wrong-doing'.

A 'new heart', one with potential for going the things of Christ can be found in Jesus, our Redeemer and Savior. The Holy Spirit can do a miraculous surgical procedure on the heart in an instant. I can testify about that.

Bottom line- All hearts need Christ to heal from within, and to gain internal strength for supporting and loving those who will live with the aftermath of the gruesome actions they committed upon
those who were their family.

 Love covers a multitude of sins. 


I pray for the return of 'innocence' in children and like a child, they somehow come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. Love is the greatest, and so many are existing without  'agape love' in their lives.

(I'm not a psychiatrist, psychologist, or a relationship professional. My opinions are based upon
my observations and my knowledge of what sin is capable of acting out if sin is allowed
to take control and reign without any conscious of wrong doing).                                                                                  

Promises, expect good ones from God, and lots of 'em

You may be wondering and thinking, "What's promised to me? What good can I expect from God?"
 Let me tell you, you can expect a lot of promises which are all good. And I mean good in terms of lasting worthiness for right now and on into eternity. God's promises are like a loving, caring Father being good and loving to his beloved children.

God keeps his promises- He's good for them ALL,  like the rainbow

Photo credit: kconnors from morguefile.com


God tells you point blank, without question just what you get when you trust Him. And if you think it's a small list, be prepared to be surprised.

No other god can promise these things to you. No way. So why would anyone bother with other gods when they can be assured of the good things promised by the heavenly, holy, Father?

So if you want to be the recipient of the mighty-fine promises, which are each and collectively very worthy of being promised to have, take heed....the only thing required of you is a little trust and faith in God's free gift to you. Believe it and you can receive them all.

God can't lie. It's not within or of his nature to lie. He's not into lying to you. There's no sin or unrighteous within Him. He is sovereign and holy.  His Word is true and can be trusted. Unlike man,  God swears of himself because there is nothing higher, or more sure than himself to swear by. In other words, God's promises can surely be believed.

So, don't be left out. It's a matter of taking a small leap, actually a small step of faith, and go from there. The hard work has already been successfully completed. And when you make your choice toward God, the Holy Spirit will be doing his miraculous work on the inside of you within your heart.

All you have to do is invite Jesus into your heart. Your act of faith on believing Jesus to be the Son of God, who willingly came down from heaven to be born of a virgin female so he could be like us, flesh and bone, live without sin, then fulfill his ultimate goal and purpose to die. His being sacrificed on a cross made him the sacrificial lamb of mankind. He finished it and his death satisfied God. He was raised from the dead and seen by hundreds while he ate and drank with them. He conquered the power of death which sin brought onto mankind. We can be saved from spiritual death. Jesus ascended back up to heaven and is interceding for us to the Father until his return for his children, those who've invited Jesus into their hearts and lives. 

Jesus, part of the Godhead, made him qualified as a pure, blemish-less sacrifice to acceptably be received of God as a sacrifice. His blood was unstained by sin. Jesus was human, to be the sacrifice for Mankind. Animals without blemish were given by a family or person to the Levite priests for the temporary atonement for ones sins. Jesus did away with all that.
Your sins and my sins have been paid for by Jesus once and for all.

Believing in the person of Jesus, and the fact that you can't pay the penalty for your sins yourself because you are not perfect,  but Jesus is. So, by placing your trust and faith in Jesus and by faith accepting him as your Savior ,and inviting him into your heart, as an act of love for what he's done for you, you are spiritually made an heir to the promises of God. You spirit is no longer dead, but alive. Your redemption is complete and God, the Father sees you as his child and He has some very good things for his children. You are not longer under judgement because your sins have been forgiven, thanks to Jesus. Judgement Day is no longer in your future.

God is a good, loving, caring, wonderful, heavenly Father.

Click here to read the promises that  await you and the attitude God has for His children.

Rich in faith- James 2:5

You can expect ALL things to work together for good to those who love him-Romans 8:28

And read these 10 promises from God has wonderful plans for you, he'll be supplying your needs,  he has peace, saftety, and gives assurance of your salvation from spiritual death, and more..



Until next time....

I'm further along on my wonderful journey on that straight and narrow path continually discovering how good my God is.  

Precious, precious oils

In 1996, I was introduced to the world of essential oils and began learning about their healing properties. Not just pure, cheap-quality essential oils, but certified, therapeutic-grade essential oils. (ISO and AFNOR standards) Quality is important to receive the best benefits of essential oils. If the oils are adulterated in any way with fillers, or sub-standard practices in growing, harvesting, or the distilling of the plants, the quality of the essential oil will be quite evident as seen in the sub-standard results you'll receive. Wanting the best results for my patients and myself,  I wanted to use the best quality oils I could obtain. (I was practicing chiropractic and therapeutic massage),

from plants come natural compounds 

photo credit: Vietnam Plants & The USA. plants via photopin cc

 
Essential oils are natural, complex compounds extracted from plants. These compounds are the life of the plant, like blood is the life of humans and animals, carrying vital nourishment to every cell, including nutrients for growth, protection and reproduction.

Children can surely be expressive

photo credit: tarotastic via photopin cc


ESSENTIAL OILS CAN MAKE A BIG IMPACT! No lie. They can and do.
 
I want to share one true story how wonderfully effective essential oils have affected a family- changing their lives for the better without pricey drugs or negative side-effects. One young member of this family is affected by ADHD. It's estimated 5% of boys and 2% of girls at school age are affected.  

Click here - for the story how the use of essential oils has been a God-send in calming ADHD. This blog is written by a mother about her son, Jeddy, diagnosed with ADHD. She's created an essential oil blend to help calm Jeddy, and it works. Read the testimonies from other parents who've used the blend of essential oils, called Jeddy's Blend, and view the short videos. (I like the cute little dinosaur in the background). Children seem to like what Jeddy's Blend does for them.  That alone speaks volumes.

No pharmaceutic drugs (other than maybe a strong sedative or anesthesia) works as fast as essential oils without negative side-effects. Just apply Jeddy's Blend as directed.
I like breathing essential oil aromas.
(The use and application of essential oils for receiving benefits to the mind, body and spirit, is called aromatherapy).


Natural essential oils, in their purest, unaltered form, in my opinion ranks up there on the list included as some of God's greatest gifts for us to use as needed on physical, mental, emotional and spiritual levels.
I've utilized and have studied essential oils for years and have an entire bookshelf of books on the subject. I diffuse essential oils in my home to breathe the therapeutic aromas to support my health, or to help my mind focus and concentration when I'm writing or studying. I've used essential oils on my toenails to kill nail fungus, on my skin to ease insect bites and about the house to disinfect. Even my pets have received benefits. I've applied essential oils to keep flying pests away, and on a wound to protect it from infection and aid in healing, and even when a pet has a drippy nose, they get the oils and they seem to know it's good for them.

Now this is neat. Essential oils are composed of natural chemicals which viruses and bacteria can't form immunity against. One essential oil can be composed of dozens to hundreds of chemical compounds that slightly changes from harvest to harvest, depending upon the climate, and soil conditions, etc, thus tricking bacteria and viruses so there's no way they can for a resistance against. It's like changing the password to your email account from time to time making it nearly impossible to be hacked. This is the very reason why antibiotics are becoming less and less effective against bacteria- over time bacteria have cleverly been changing and strengthening their code of armor to build up their resistance to antibiotics.  But nature's 'chemical code' is slightly changed so bacteria can't form resistance against essential oils. Essential oils win every time. So very clever of our creator to devise his 'natural' pharmacy with a built- in 'fail safe'.

 There are hundreds of chemical constituents which form one essential oil). It's a 'God-only' perfect design original. Essential oils carry the fingerprint of our creative, wonderful creator all over them.  Sorry, but I seriously doubt the Big Bang theory can account for such a marvelous design as essential oils. 
There had to be something to make a big bang. A sound doesn't happen unto itself or from thin air or no air. Is there sound in outer space? Something had to be in order for a 'bang' to 'bang.' Can intelligent life, even a single cell, come from a bang?
 Or, perhaps God could've spoken with a galaxy-shaking shout, sending reverberations throughout the orbits, "Let there be Light!" and bang! all of a sudden, light came into existence. Okay enough of that and back to essential oils.

Essential oils to me are the best of all natural products to use because they can positively affect on all planes- physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual.  I know of no other single substance which can claim to do as much.


A note of caution......

Use essential oils according to recommended usage practices, especially on the young, elderly and sick.
Keep away from eyes and mucus membranes and do not ingest unless you really know what you're doing.
If in doubt, don't.
 If there's any sensitivity or burning on the skin, cover or coat the area with vegetable oil from your kitchen. Do NOT use water to soothe or ease essential oils on the skin. If the burning sensation persists, call 911 or get to urgent care facility right away.
Essential oils are very potent and very concentrated. Do not play around with them.
To be appreciated like any other substance, essential oils need to be used correctly or not at all. They can be harmful if utilized improperly.

In conclusion.....

I stand and applaud Jeddy's mother and wish all parents consider using this oil blend to see if their child diagnosed with ADHD might be helped as well. It can't hurt if one uses the oils in the correct and proper manner advised.

(I've been thinking for some years that essential oils with a calming affect {lavender} be diffused in buildings housing prisoners, or, any building where you'd want people to be 'calm'.)

 Essential oils have been proven effective. I'm proud to have been introduced and witnessing the positive effects of these oils when used. They've enhanced my life and been just the thing I've needed when nothing else would do. Thank you Lord!



Until next time,  I'm constantly in awe of His wonderful surprises.

In spirit and in truth

I was thinking how to describe how to worship in spirit and in truth. I think I'll share some of how others have already said it.

Worship should involve your heart and soul

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1. Here, 'How to worship God in spirit and truth' is listed in nine steps with tips.

2. Here, this author of 'Worship God in spirit and truth' expounds that we're not to worship any old way. We must worship a certain way as described by Jesus.

3. Here, this author of "Are you worshiping God in spirit and in truth,' starts with the purpose of worship of a 24 lesson study.

4. 'What does it mean to worship the Lord in spirit and truth," is written about and then answered.

5. Here, a dozen or so answer the question of what it means to worship in spirit and truth. The answers touch 'in' spirit, not 'with' spirit, genuineness, of the Holy Spirit, and not with some image or limited to a certain time or place.

6. Here, 'Worship in spirit and in truth,' tells it's how we live our daily lives is the most meaningful act of worship we can have towards our God.

Worship should feel natural & it can abrupt spontaneously

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Worship- your spirit 'hooking up with' The Spirit

photo credit: kelsey_lovefusionphoto via photopin cc


So go ahead. Worship. Inside, outside, quietly, with music, on your knees, with dancing, with palms up or arms up. Just as long as your worship is in spirit and in truth.  God bless you.


Until then, my journey on that narrow path keeps growing sweeter to be on.