I remember working with a beautiful girl who made a bad decision one night. She drank too much and agreed to do one of those “Girls Gone Wild” video. That video has made her life tremendously difficult. I remember talking to her about the pain it caused her–her family, friends, the gossip, the shame…..She tried to let it go, get on with her life, but because it was caputured on video, the nightmare perpetuated for her year after year; and I believe it probably still does to this day.

The decisions we make as teenagers affect us for the rest of our lives. When you are faced with these decisions, I pray you will stop and think. 

“Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things.”  Philippians 4:8

For those of us who have already made bad choices, remember that their is forgiveness in Christ. His love and mercy flow freely to all who believe in Him…

As believers, we are called to be sanctified–set apart from the rest. People should notice something different about us. This isn’t always easy in our pop culture soceity. From an early age, we all want to “fit in.” But as children of God we are called to be sanctified, to purify ourselves and become more like the Lord.  This ring is a reminder that sexual purity is only one important aspect of being pure. We are called to have pure thoughts and pure hearts at all times. This is so convicting–what a humbling reality of our need for a Savior.  I’m so thankful we have One.

May your Joy be Full~~~

Lisa

“…Our hope is that you would encounter Christ. Encounter Him, not just hear about Him, not just sing about Him, but truly, sincerely, encounter Him.”

The songs are so well thought and well written–they touch my heart! The song “Beloved” is amazing. I think it’s the most beautiful song I’ve heard. For any woman struggling with the concept of purity, (and for those of us woman who don’t THINK we’re struggling with purity issues) this song is a perfect reminder of Christ’s love for us; no matter what is in our past. He gives us complete forgiveness and hope. Check out their CD–it’s amazing. http://tenthavenuenorth.com/  You can also visit them on Facebook or MySpace. Thank you Tenth Avenue North!

Also, check out Emanuel Reiter. He’s a new upcoming artist from Germany who has his first single out called “Will you wait for me?” http://www.myspace.com/emanuelreiter   He’s committed to getting the “wait” message out there. Thanks Emanuel!

“O daughters of Jerusalem, by the gazelles or by the does of the field, do not stir up nor awaken love until it pleases.” Song of Solomon 2:7

“Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people.”  Ephesians 5:1-3

“Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” 2 Timothy 2:22

“Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body. Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.” 1 Corinthians 6:18-20

“Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. Put away perversity from your mouth; keep corrupt talk far from your lips. Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you. Make level paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm. Do not swerve to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.” Proverbs 4:23-27

“Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.” 2 Corinthians 7:1

“No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.” 1 Cor. 10:13

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things.” Philippians 4:8

“How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word.” Psalm 119:9

Please remember this–

“No matter what your past experience has been, God offers you total forgiveness when you repent. He also offers you complete healing and restoration of the areas that have been broken-either by your own sin or someone’s sin against you.” (Purity bible study by Karen Allen)

God’s grace is truly amazing!

“You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl our inequities into the depths of the sea.” Micah 7:19

We’d love to hear from you–Do you have certain struggles with purity? How has God helped you focus on Him in a culture saturated with impurities? Would you like to know more about forgiveness in Jesus Christ?

Many Blessings,

Lisa