I NEED SOME ADVICE.

As my friend and I talked, it became quite clear that we were not on the same page. We were both raised with moral values and love for family. I had difficulty understanding why we were so far apart on core values. My friend was raised in what appeared to be, a normal family situation; two parents and siblings. The parents did expose their kids to the religious experience; attending church on a regular basis.

About the same time, on “the other side of town”, I was also raised with moral values in a family with both parents and siblings, as well. We were not spoiled with too much, nor were we starved with too little; pretty much middle of the road riches, I suppose.

In a recent discussion about moral values and where we stood on certain issues, my friend made the statement that even though we can differ in our thinking, in my friend’s mind, to go and sin, or be with sin, is discounted in their circle of friends. As we know, this is a promiscuous world where a couple living together outside of marriage is quite common. In fact, it frequently occurs prior to marriage so as to “try it out” before the “I do’s” are said.

As we discussed the moral implementations; whether or not this was right or wrong; acceptable by God, or not, my friend’s values seemed to drift towards trying to convince me that God was okay with that. Their circle of friends has the same opinion, so it’s not surprising to hear what I heard. The majority rules….right? If all agree, then it must be so.

The Ten Commandments are certainly not the Ten Suggestions. God doesn’t say “Be Holy because I am Holy……..if you want to”. He doesn’t say “Love your neighbor as yourself…….unless he’s a Jerk!” He doesn’t say, “You shall not have sex outside of marriage….unless it’s with someone you really care about!”

Somewhere along the way, this particular circle of friends has either gotten the wrong message of how to live a holy life, or they have simply compromised their value system and decided FOR GOD how He should rule. It seems to me that tempting God is a no-no! He does make that quite clear in His Book!

Is this really a big deal, or not? It seems clear to me that sin is sin no matter how we slice it; no matter what color we paint it! We can call a Duck a Chicken…. But it still quacks!

So my dilemma is to figure out how to deal with my friend without hurting the feelings too much. I fully realize that God gives Grace to the Humble. Am I “humble” if I continue to commit the same sin? I know He can forgive because he forgave the “Woman at the Well”……although He DID tell her to “go and stop sinning”! What if she didn’t stop??

I love my friend and I know my friend loves me. I really feel like this is a bad sin and my friend is in jeopardy of condemnation. It’s like watching a little toddler walking out towards a busy street between the shrubberies, not suspecting the danger lurking ahead, as I sit in a wheel chair unable to get up and run to get him. It’s a helpless feeling.

So I’m just trying to figure this out.

What advice would you give me??

CLASSIFIED

INTELLIGENCE BRIEFING for March 2, 2008

For those of us fortunate enough to have been assigned to guard duty, last night was a very long and busy evening!

Apparently, every sector of our Compound came under heavy enemy fire during the night. Fortunately, during the battle, our Prayer Warriors responded quickly to our call for Back-Up. Their prayers spurred on our Forces to greatness and chased the enemy back to the front lines. This was perhaps the most powerful exhibit of teamwork we have seen in a long time!

Causalities were, however, heavy. The Wilson’s claimed “Foul” and have stopped participating. The Clifton’s…..well…..bad news about the Clifton’s: They have defected to the other side. Joe Bailey, the Smith’s, Angie Que and the Paul’s have been reported as missing in action. We have not seen them and do fear for their safety. Search teams are to begin looking for them at first light.

My order for you is to remain at your posts. Maintain confidentially. Keep your eyes open. We will make it through this rough time. We are confident of victory!


Operation FIREFLY begins tomorrow night at 1900. Remember to wear appropriate clothing as this could become intense. Bravo and Delta Forces will be on the front lines at 2100 hours. Remember, put on the whole armor as everything will be needed for this encounter. Don’t forget to sharpen your swords this evening. We ARE ready for this! Do not fear! Do not be afraid! This is what we have been studying and planning for. I am not at liberty to share with you the details of this operation, but I will say this, “We have direct access to a Divine Weapon that will surely bring us ultimate victory”. Unfortunately, there will be casualties. Any questions? Yes, helmets ARE required.
Alright then……..Keep your eyes open out there!

Ever feel like you are in a battle with an unseen enemy? The Bible tells us about the forces of evil in the spiritual realm. Satan isn’t at full liberty to do anything that he wants to do with us, but he does his best to take advantage of the footholds we give him. Because of Job’s faith, Satan asked God to let him “sift him as wheat”. Satan would have had no power to “sift” Job if God had not allowed it.

There is no doubt our enemy is “out there”, prowling around like a hungry Lion looking for his next meal.

Keep your eyes open! Don’t be a casualty!