What do you stay awake for?

I saw this in a coffee shop the other day and my heart echoed its message. May Jesus be our reason to live and breathe!

"...Jesus Christ, Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him." 1 Thessalonians 5:9-10

Purity Conference Follow-up - Week 4 - A Call to Transforming Purity

“Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” 1 Timothy 4:12

So, my friends, the question remains - “What are YOU going to do with the call to purity?”

It is a personal call and you must choose to respond. Embrace a life that is set apart for Christ. Have a total commitment to purity in every area of your life - no matter the cost. Remember the purpose and promised results - to see the Lord and make Him known. Matt. 16:24-25, Rom. 12:1

Start today.
Keep pursuing Christ with all that you are. (See Follow-up Week 1.)
Allow Christ to continue His work in you.
As He works in you and purifies you, He then will increasingly be able to work through you to reach a needy world for Himself.

Allow the Lord to use you wherever He has you - view LIFE as a ministry! Matt. 5:16 (We will be looking at ways that you can serve the Lord in mighty ways right where you are in the days to come!)

Don’t settle for anything less than the Lord’s best for purity, your walk with Him, and His work through you! Phil. 3:14

As a result, your life, others’ lives, and eternity will never be the same!

Will you embrace Christ’s call to a life of purity for His glory?

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” Matthew 5:8

Announcing the 2010 Summer Devotions Challenge!

The 2010 Summer Devotions Challenge will be starting on June 1st and running through August 31st. We would love to have you join us for an amazing summer of seeking the Lord! Check back for more information coming soon and stay posted on the website at www.lovingthelordministries.org!!!

Purity Conference Follow-up - Week 3 - Relationships, Your Future, & the Will of God

“The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil ALL the days of her life.”
~ Proverbs 31:11-12 (Emphasis added)

God has an amazing design for relationships. Remember the Chief End of Man - “To glorify God and enjoy Him forever.” Human relationships are designed to encourage us to glorify God and enjoy Him! The Lord knows how we can best do this - married or single!

Having a pure heart and being fulfilled in Christ will enable you to have healthy, God-honoring relationships with young men. When you are in this place is when you experience the freedom of seeking and serving the Lord in the way for which we were intended. Then everyone is challenged on in the Lord and HE is glorified, as a result!

This area is safest and best when given and trusted to the Lord.
It is safest in His hands! The Author of our faith, the One who IS LOVE, and the One who designed romance - can be totally trusted. He writes the best love stories.
Surrender it to God. Leave it in God’s hands. He will fulfill His best for you.

Remember: “God always gives His very best to those who leave the choice with Him.” Hudson Taylor

Application:
Try applying some of the practical application steps we talked about as you approach guy relationships:
- Seek to point everyone to Christ vs. yourself.
- Be a “one-man woman.” Save yourself - heart, mind, and body - for your future husband.
- Remember that each one is someone’s future husband.

Seek the Lord and:
- Know where you stand on your commitment to physical purity.
- Decide with your parents on the approach you will take in considering relationships.
- Make a list of qualities that would be critical in a potential husband. (Go for things like “a deep love for God” vs. “hates broccoli” or “looks amazing”!)

Give those this area of your life to the Lord, focus on loving and living for Him, embrace this season that you are in with all of your heart, trust Him for your future, and see what beautiful things He does!

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Personal note from Amy:
This was an amazing session with you all! It is such a deeply important topic and I think we all (me included) experienced everything from deep conviction to laughing until we cried. (I will never forget the moment of meeting “Mr. J. Butterpickle!”) Your hearts to glorify God in this area blessed me so much! May He richly bless you as you seek His best!!!

“Therefore know that the LORD your God, He is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and mercy for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments."

~ Deuteronomy 7:9