The Dangers of Pornography

Virtual Reality Porn should be a 1 billion dollar business by the year 2025. In 2006 estimated revenue for sex-related entertainment businesses were just under 13 billion dollars on the United States. 28,258 users are watching pornography every second. $3,075.64 is spent on porn every second on the internet. 88% of porn scenes contain acts of physical aggression, and 49% of scenes contain verbal aggression. 1 in 5 mobile searches are for pornography. 

90% of teens and 96% of young adults are either encouraging, accepting, or neutral when they talk about porn with their friends. 55% of adults 25 and older believe porn is wrong. Teens and young adults 13-24 believe not recycling is worse than viewing pornography. 43% of teens believe porn is bad for society, compared to 31% of young adults 18-24, 51% of millennials, 44% Gen Xers, and 59% of boomers.

1 in 5 youth pastors and 1 in 7 senior pastors use porn on a regular basis and are currently struggling. That is more than 50,000 US church leaders. 43% of senior and youth pastors say they have struggled with pornography in the past. 64% of christian men and 15% of christian women say they watch porn at least once a month. Only 7% of pastors report their church has a ministry program for those struggling with porn.

A 2018 study revealed that nearly 27% of teens receive sexts. Around 15% are sending them. 57% of teens search out porn at least monthly. 21 % of male students and 32% of female students fist viewed porn before their teenage years. The fist exposure to pornography among men is 12 years old, on average. 71% of teens hide online behavior from their parents. A 2016 study on Canadian adolescents showed that 45.3 % admitted to problems of erectile dysfunction.

Young women from college campuses share about the effect f pornography on their intimate lives speaking of the feeling that they can never measure up, that they can never ask for what they want; and that if they do not offer what porn offers, they cannot expect to hold a guy. The young men talk about what is like growing up learning about sex from porn, and how it is not helpful to them in trying to figure out how to be with a real woman... "For the first time in human history, the images' power and allure have supplanted that of real naked woman. Today, real naked women are just bad porn." - Naomi Wolf

Pornography damages the sexual performance of the viewers. They tend to have problems with premature ejaculation and erectile dysfunction. Having spent so much time in unnatural sexual experiences with cyberspace they find it difficult to have sex with a real human being. According to Dr. MaryAnne Layden, pornography is raising the expectations and demand for types and amounts of sexual experiences; at the same time it is reducing their ability to experience sex.

68% of divorce cases involved one party meeting a new lover on the internet. 56% involved one party having "an obsessive interest in pornographic websites". 70% of wives of sex addicts could be diagnosed with PTSD.

Prolonged exposure to pornography leads to diminished trust between intimate couples, belief that promiscuity is a natural state, lack of attraction to family and child raising.

Sexual immorality is a sin. it is harmful for our bodies, our minds, our spirits, and our relationships with others. It is important to create a plan of actions when temptation comes into our minds. If we leave a lustful thought unravel, it will most definitely take over us. Be honest about your battle. When we tell people we trust of our struggles, it loses it's power. Have an accountability partner, memorize and quote scripture. Pin the problem immediately or it will take over and destroy your life.

Cycle

Expressions of love to the beloved
recorded images that tell a tale
as old as time
over and over again

In strength, we express feelings and emotions
have we done something wrong?
We are to be judged 
by the lawless

Shame is a good strategy
to entertain the children
The shamed become the shamers
it is all there, if you find it.

Poem: The View From Here

A red wall
coming from the outside
I hear birds chirping
I experience it in my gut

A gray wall
in isolation
I have all the tools to interact 
I decide not to act

There is a wall
it is blocking my view

The Pursuit of Happiness

Humans believe that by getting God out of our lives, we will be free. Instead what we do is unravel the virus of hopelessness, which renders us to ask ourselves, what's the point? We would think that in a time in which humans have been able to acquire endless possessions, peace would be an established fact. But we know that peace has never been more frail.

We think we can solve our problems if we could just unite and think like a beehive.

These are of one mind, and they hand over their power and authority to the beast. Rev. 17:13 

Because we are unable to stand our everyday lives, we submerge ourselves in our imaginary loves through Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Netflix, TikTok, etc. We can't stand silence, much less being in the company of our own selves, myself included. With the arrival of 5G, data mining will be endless and it will be as if all of us were of one mind, one big organism.

Last time humans united with a single purpose, they did it to rebel against God. They were judged, and their language was confused so they couldn't understand each other anymore and they couldn't conspire. This time it wont be different. In the name of progress, the sin virus spreads all around, separating us from God and leading us on to our deaths.

Artificial Intelligence has been noramlized. We used to pay with dollars and coins but now, there is cryptocurrency. People have started to worship the creation instead of the Creator. We have Earth Day, we call planet Earth, Mother Earth.

We have redefined family, life, and sexuality. We have normalized lies, and violence. We are slaves to the economy, which has become apparent in the current coronavirus Pandemic. The majority of our lives is spent looking for money to put food on our tables.

We know how the story ends. We know hard times are coming. People who haven't read the Bible will think that all is well. That things just happen. That all will be back to normal eventually.

For behold, the day is coming, burning like an oven, when all the arrogant and all evildoers will be stubble. The day that is coming shall set them ablaze, says the Lord of hosts, so that it will leave them neither root nor branch. Malachi 4:1

In that day the remnant of Israel and the survivors of the house of Jacob will no more lean on him who struck them, but will lean on the Lord, The Holy One of Israel, in truth. A remnant will return, the remnant of Jacob, to the mighty God. For though your people Israel be as the sand of the sea, only a remnant of them will return. Destruction is decreed, overflowing with righteousness. For the Lord God of hosts will make a full end, as decreed, in the midst of all the earth.  Isaiah 10:20-23

Without God life is meaningless. We spend our lives in misfortune and then, in the second death, eternal torment follows. Was it all in vain? But for the remnant:

... and the lame I will make the remnant, and those who were cast off, a strong nation; and the Lord will reign over them in Mount Zion from this time forth and forevermore. Micah 5:7

Remember the scriptures assert that, life as we know it will come to an end. Nothing that we see today, will remain. We must remember this every day of our lives to that we can discern the eternal from the perishable.

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. Rev. 21:1

For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth, and the former things shall not be remembered or come into mind. Isaiah 65:17 

Love

Never has she ever loved anyone. That doesn't mean she hasn't tried. She had a long string of failed attempts, much like a Taylor swift song. But she never really knew what she wanted which is why it never worked.

Now she thinks she knows what she wants. A man with a big chest. Not literally, but figuratively. A man who has been through hell and back and has not shied away from it. A man who was as much a warrior as he was a lover. A man who would give his life for her. A man that would make it his life mission to protect her and their family. As Christ lay down His life for His bride, the Church, so does this man will, of it came to it, lay down his life for his love. 

Then the Lord God said, "It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him." Genesis 2:18

She will most definitely submit to his leadership, because he is a good head to the body.  She will be an ideal companion and helper. She will have respect for him and will be his wise advisor. They will be in perfect harmony.

She is tired of pretending she is enough. That self love will fulfill her. She is tired of pretending to be a man. She is a woman. With amazing gifts bestowed upon her by God to allow her to nourish and care for others including, if it is God's will, her family.

Both of them will put each other's needs ahead of their own. Which will take care of all they desire for and from each other. Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude; it does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, endures all things. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

Many waters cannot quench love, neither can floods drown it. If a man offered for love all the wealth of his house, he would be utterly despised. Song of Songs 8:7 

Man is Evil

The Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. Genesis 6:5

On August 9, 1969, at 8:40 a.m. Susan Atkins, joined by the rest of the Manson family, participated in the murders of five people:

• Sharon Tate: Actress, 26 years old, and 8 and a half months pregnant. She begged for the life of her unborn child to be spared.
•  Voytek Frykowski: Polish actor and writer, 35 years old, boyfriend of Abigail Folger.
• Jay Sebring: 32 years old, celebrity hairstylist. He managed to escape the house, but was later shot and stabbed on the house front lawn.
• Abigail Folger: 25 years old, heiress to the fortune of her family’s coffee brand, civil rights activist, and volunteer at different charities. She managed to escape to the backyard but was stabbed.
• Steven Parent: 18 years old. The only reason he was in the house was because he was trying to sell a Sony Radio to the person who was living at the property guest house. He was just about to leave,when Tex Watson shot him in his car.

These and other murders and attempted murders were attributed to the Manson family. The mastermind behind it was Charles Manson, who preached Helter Skelter, the apocalypse who would be outlived by the Manson family and his chosen people with him as the chosen one to save the world.

Susan Atkins was born in a Christian home, but there were life events that led to her doom. After participating in an event with Anton LaVey, founder of the Church of Satan, and recovering from gonorrhea after just near death, Atkins met Manson and soon became part of his family.

Manson kept his family “high” on acid, which made them susceptible to his mind control. His family was convinced that he was Christ. Manson would constantly twist scripture until he convinced them to commit the massacre. They loved him and would do anything for him.

After a life sentenced to prison, no acid, and so much time in her hands on her lonely jail cell, Susan’s mind began to clear. Her mind took years to go back to normal. Once a lady sent her a bible, which was forgotten in a box on her cell for years. One day, she received a letter from Old Bruce, a former family member of Manson. In his letter he challenged her to read the word of God. After a while she had a dream, both instances made her open the bible which landed on Isaiah 43:25:

I, I am he who blots out your transgressions for my own sake, and I will not remember your sins. She then spoke to the real Christ and asked Him to reveal Himself to her and she continued reading her bible until satiety.

Atkins felt frustration towards Israel, for their transgressions toward God. They didn’t deserve mercy, she thought. Until she realized that she was very much like the Israelites. She had broken every single one of the Ten Commandments. Manson didn’t make her, she did it on her on accord. So Atkins prayed for Jesus to come into her life and that was how she became born again.

She dedicated the rest of her life to preach The Gospel. She got baptized in 1975, after six years in prison. In 1977 she published her book “Daughter of Satan, Daughter of God” and the earnings from the book were used for the Life Foundation, to help abused women. She founded a ministry in jail, to reach the youth with the word of God. 

Ten years later, in 1987 Atkins married lawyer James Whitehouse, who represented her in her parole hearings on 2000 and 2005. She died while her husband read psalm 23 to her, which she couldn’t do anymore because cancer had paralyzed 85% of her body.

When a believer comes to Christ, he understands he must depart from evil. 

Let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it. 1 Peter 3:11

Would we be able to depart from evil without the Holy Spirit?  Would we be declared righteous before God without the blood of Jesus Christ? What is good in our eyes isn’t always what aligns with God’s definition of good. 

And he said to them, “You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is exalted among men is an abomination in the sight of God. Luke 16:15

Lead others to Christ, is their only hope to be declared righteous before God. Do not let your guard down, you my fellow believer, are not the exception of the rule. You will be tempted, and you will fall into temptation. Satan will build a fortress inside of us if he finds an opportunity to do so. Human evil is broad: stealing, pornography, drunkenness, rage, lies, blasphemy, etc.  Hideous acts, like the one Susan Atkins committed, are not the only ones who make you lose your soul. It’s the little things that lead eventually to the big atrocious acts.

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God and are justified by his grace as a gift, though he redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be the just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. Romans 3:23-26

What is Truth?

Christians around the world, who follow the same God, and read the same bible, are unable to come into agreement when it comes to most biblical interpretation. There are hundreds of different christian denominations, and many leave the christian faith and turn to the hundreds of other options out there. New age, Buddhism, Islam, Scientology, Judaism, and so many others. From christian believes, there have come movements like the Black Hebrew Israelites, Jehovah's Witnesses, Mormonism, Christian Science, The Way, the Unification Church, and many others.

From Orthodox Christianity has emerged progressive Christianity and conservative Christianity, unitarianism, trinitarianism, pre tribulation rapture, post tribulation rapture, women can't be pastors, women can be pastors, tithing, no tithing, masturbation is ok, masturbation is not ok, theonomy,  gay christians, pro abortion christians, no cursing is ok, cursing is ok, creationism, youg earth theory, evolution, nothing but the believe in Jesus for salvation, faith in Jesus plus baptism for salvation, believe in Jesus plus baptism of children plus works, follow Torah, don'd follow Torah, follow only the moral law, celebrate Jewish ceremonies, etc.  

The list of issues is interminable. The list of interpretations, pastors, teachers, elders, and believers in particular is endless. So then, who is right? Which of them has the Truth. Jesus said in John 14:6 I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. Some people affirm that Jesus is the Messiah but not God. Some people say He is the second person of the Trinity. Some people believe the Holy Spirit to be a person and others believe it is an energy or the breath of God.

So what do we do with this? Shall we just go on to try and convince others of our view of the Bible or do we just stick to "our truth" and don't mind the rest because  we are called to love and respect each other? Is truth always truth? Or is it changing with the times? Will truth be truth regardless of what we believe?

The truth is human beings have faulty perspectives. This is an  inevitable psychological phenomenon. Knowledge, social events, biology, and many other factors intervene in the way we perceive and process information coming into our system through our senses. Humans also have a tendency to argue a point and to see evidence that, in his or her mind, supports this point. 

People see and interpret the world like they want to instead of how it really is. So, no wonder why there are so many points of view. I'll share what I believe to be unshakable truth. Jesus is the begotten Son of God the Father, He loved us and died for our sins. We must repent of our old unbelieving ways and accept the Holy Spirit as our life's guide. No turning back. Enjoy the ride! We are all on a journey and the Lord will guide us If we allow Him to do so, and stop our preconceived ideas of what things should or shouldn't be like. Most importantly this journey will look different to each and everyone of us, and that's ok.

If you read the Bible for yourself, without having no prior knowledge or interpretations, what do you believe it would say? Many of us are influenced by other's views and interpretations. Sometimes we event quote sayings and Bible verses that aren't biblical just because we heard them somewhere or from someone else. Experience your relationship with God by yourself with the Bible and let the Holy Spirit guide. Ask God for wisdom and He will give it to you abundantly.

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. James 1:5

By Faith

My dear reader, I encourage you to read Hebrews chapter 11 in its entirety. I will not transcribe the chapter here, although doing so would make this post perfect, since the word of God is the most eloquent in the universe, beyond compare. I will start with the definition of faith:

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1

Humans rely very much on tangible things. If there is something we can't see, it is very difficult for us to believe in it. Although people may bring up examples of invisible things we don't see but believe in, like the wind or the law of gravity, these are things we don't see but in one way or another, perceive through other evidence such as, the feeling of the wind on our skin or the witness that everything that goes up always comes down.

So when we are asked to believe in the invisible God of the Bible, we come to a dilemma. We say, "oh there is no evidence that God exist". But people who make this assertion are not watching their surroundings carefully. As Paul affirms in the Book of Romans:

For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. Romans 1:20

Once we have overcome that obstacle, we can witness wonders in the lives of the people who had faith in God and in His promises. Abraham was willing to sacrifice his son because he believed God could raise him from the dead, and he knew God already promised him descendants through his son Isaac. Noah built the ark, and most likely, rain wasn't even a thing before the flood. Moses went back to Egypt, confronted Pharaoh, and got the Israelites through the sea. An like that, many other amazing examples are given in this chapter. 

These men had it tough but they kept pressing on because they knew they were dealing with God Almighty.  Some of them died without seeing their promises fulfilled, and yet they all came to be. We are all descendants of Abraham, thru Jesus Christ. All people perished in the time of Noah, except his household. Israel entered the promised land. God was faithful.

Has God given us any promises? The Bible is filled with them. My personal favorite being:

And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9

Sometimes I get discouraged in my walk with God because what I see interferes with what God has promised His elect. It's tough but, Galatians 6:9 revives me and so does Hebrews chapter 11. Our lives are meant to be lived at the service of the Almighty regardless of our current circumstances.

“Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people,and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”

And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” And he said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment. The one who conquers will have this heritage, and I will be his God and he will be my son. Revelation 21: 5-7

Avoidance and the Willingness to Feel

I was watching Dr. Emma McAdam in a video on her YouTube channel, Therapy in a Nutshell. The topic she touched on was fascinating and I wish to share it with you in this blog post. When we avoid the "negative" we also limit our ability to feel and enjoy "positive" emotions like joy. Many of us, when hurt, stop caring about the things that use to matter to us. We must certainly become aware that it's not what happens to us that makes us depressed, but how we respond to painful emotions.

The antidote to our apathy, which is a symptom of depressed folks, is to get better at feeling instead of just trying to feel better though the technique of avoidance. Willingness is opening up to all thoughts and feelings, whether painful or pleasant, when doing so takes you in the direction of building a meaningful life.

“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.”

― Theodore Roosevelt

"I want to be in the arena. I want to be brave with my life. And when we make the choice to dare greatly, we sign up to get our asses kicked. We can choose courage or we can choose comfort, but we can’t have both. Not at the same time. Vulnerability is not winning or losing; it’s having the courage to show up and be seen when we have no control over the outcome."

— Brené Brown

Willingness means the ability to sit with and experience what you are currently experiencing. Avoidance is all about trying not to think about the "unpleasant" emotions but instead trying to distract yourself. Avoidance labels things that are painful or uncomfortable as bad. Escape, avoid, shut down.

The Bible encourages us to feel the bad feelings and it promises restoration afterwards. 

Revelation 21:4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.”

2 Corinthians 1:5-6 For the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ. Even when we are weighed down with troubles, it is for your comfort and salvation! For when we ourselves are comforted, we will certainly comfort you. Then you can patiently endure the same things we suffer. We are confident that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in the comfort God gives us.

1 Peter 5:10 And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.

Psalm 50:15 Call to me in times of trouble. I will save you, and you will honor me.”

Do not avoid your pain, but embrace it with open arms because it is sanctifying you and bringing you closer to the Lord. If we do not limit the scope of the bad days we will be able to fully feel and enjoy the good days as well. But, if we avoid the bad, we won't have the good either. 

MICHAELA

The Godless v. The Eternals

Ecclesiastes is someone who invokes others to come outside. Eklesia  is the greek word for assembly. Ekklesiastes is the official spokesperson in an assembly. The book of Ecclesiastes presents a pessimist overview of life, away from God.  The never ending cycles of life: nature, wisdom, pleasure, and work, which are meaningless.

I- The Crisis of the Human Being

a. The pursuit of purpose and meaning :

Because of this longing, humans have developed many religions and philosophies like Buddhism, Islam, Taoism, Satanism, Stoicism, Marxism, etc. King Solomon had the best of everything. There wasn't a person wiser or richer than him. So he embarked in the quest of searching and finding answers for the crisis of men. There isn't a better philosophy read than the book of Ecclesiastes in the Bible.

II. The Book's theme: Vanity

Something that is vane is useless, futile, frustrating, and transitory. Mataiotes, the greek word for vanity, means an excessive believe and trust in one's own abilities or the attraction cause towards others. It's synonyms with arrogance, spoiled, and an exaggerate pride or arrogance. Vanity makes us put our trust in earthly things. It makes of feel we don't need God because our strength is sufficient, that we are wise.

The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem. Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher, vanity of vanities! All is vanity. Ecclesiastes 1:1-2

III-Cycles: Humans live worried 

What does man gain by all the toil at which he toils under the sun? A generation goes, and a generation comes, but the earth remains forever. Ecclesiastes 1:3-4

The unwise work and work. It is an obsession for them. In the end, they won't be able to take the riches they have acquired to the tomb. His or her sons and daughters will end up spending the money they have accumulated over many years of toil.

For to the one who pleases him God has given wisdom and knowledge and joy, but to the sinner he has given the business of gathering and collecting, only to give to one who pleases God. This also is vanity and a striving after wind. Ecclesiastes 2:26

As he came from his mother's womb he shall go again, naked as he came, and shall take nothing for his toil that he may carry away in his hand. Ecclesiastes 5:15

But the  wise man works towards eternity. The meaning and purpose of this life are the hope we have for the next life. Therefore in this life, we persevere in the process of sanctification, after coming to Christ.

So if a person lives many years, let him rejoice in them all; but let him remember that the days of darkness will be many. All that comes is vanity. Ecclesiastes 11:8

We  must find, in the Lord, the satisfaction of our lives because nothing in this world could satisfy us. Think about it: sex, food, new things, riches, all things imaginable could make us happy for a little while but never in the long run. These things are more of a distraction and a waste of time.

IV-Humans are like plants

for “All flesh is like grass and all its glory like the flower of grass.The grass withers, and the flower falls, 

25 

but the word of the Lord remains forever.” 1 Peter 1:24-25

King Solomon had the best of everything, but he became tired of all pleasures, even  laughing. 

 I said of laughter, “It is mad,” and of pleasure, “What use is it?” Ecclesiastes 2:2

V- Conclusion 

Ecclesiastes is a warning against hedonists. 

Rejoice, O young man, in your youth, and let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth. Walk in the ways of your heart and the sight of your eyes. But know that for all these things God will bring you into judgment.  

Remove vexation from your heart, and put away pain from your body, for youth and the dawn of life are vanity. Ecclesiastes 11:9-10

Lesson 1:

Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come and the years draw near of which you will say, “I have no pleasure in them”; before the sun and the light and the moon and the stars are darkened and the clouds return after the rain, Ecclesiastes 12:1-2

Lesson 2: 

The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil. Ecclesiastes 12:13-14

Expedient v. Eternal

When I became a vegetarian, almost 6 years ago, people around me were worried about me because they thought I was sacrificing too much. What do you even eat? People used to ask me that all the time. If was as if people forgot that grains, legumes, fruits, and veggies, etc. surpasses the amount of animals we eat. 

At that moment my intentions weren't the right ones, and after I came to Christ, I did sustain a vegetarian diet for a while, for different reasons. Yogis believe that killing animals makes you a murderer and that your fridge is like a graveyard. Human life is far more important that an animal. The reason? We were made in the image of the living God. Animals were made for us.

When I came to Christ, on January 7, 2017, people around me were worried about me because they thought I was sacrificing too much. So, you're not going out anymore? You're not drinking alcohol anymore? So, you're gonna use long skirts now? How in the world are you going to meet a man if the only places you got to are work and church? You need to go to parties to meet new guys. Christians are very old fashion! Are you not a liberal anymore?

Completely ignoring that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life, that He died for my sins, in my place (because I was the one who deserved the punishment that was bestowed upon Him, and He took it upon himself, for me). He is preparing an eternal home for me. He has gifted me the joy of salvation, He has given me peace, He has delivered me from my sins, and from the claws of the enemy. Ignoring completely that the blessings in my life supersede the things this world has to offer me, which are nothing more that empty promises, fleeting things that come to an end. Things which are damaged by moth and urine.

Matthew 6:19 says: “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

I haven't lost anything but that which brings anguish to my soul and made me feel completely empty. I've gained freedom, eternal life in glory, mercy, and true love.

Philippians 3:8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ.

 We look to satisfy our own wants and needs, like hedonists, when it has been proven that we are the happiest when we give to others and not to ourselves. We do ourselves, disregarding the consequences. My dear reader, disregard temptation and be a servant to others. Put others first, and consider everyone as superior to yourselves.

James 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

Today, I am fully aware of who I am and where I'm going. I'm a child of God who is meant to live forever in His presence. Sorrow and evil will not be a part of my life ever again.