I was given a non-fiction book to read by an acquaintance of mine. I am pretty careful and very particular about the materials I lay my eyes on, as well as what ideas I allow into my head. I refused the offer at first, but then was persuaded that the book didn’t have questionable subject matter in it. So, I went ahead and took it home. It’s been quite some time since I’ve read what some would call “a fun book”. I try to always read books that strengthen my faith or plumb the depth of my soul in order to enrich my spirit, because I need to, have to, want to.

On one of my free weekends, I let down my guard and opened the book to allow my imagination to be taken to new places. Ugh… After several chapters into the book, I realized I didn’t want my imagination to be taken where this author wanted it to go. The temptation was there. To continue on, or not. Who would know? But I know. I know the voice of God intimately and could hear Him say, “This is not for you, Kerry”. I wish I could tell you that I instantly dumped the book in the trash. But I allowed the temptation a foothold by keeping the book on the table next to my bed, trying to decide if I should read on or take it to the trash. I admit that this indecision comes from one who has been called to walk in holiness.

As a widow, I still ache for my husband’s soft words and gentle touch. There are many times I just want to close my eyes and allow memories to flood my body, soul, and spirit. But those are “our memories.” Memories of a husband and wife who were joined together in one body in the name of Christ, and its these memories that shall always be relished--but I am not to daydream of another person or of some other couple.

We are all faced with the struggle for personal purity in some way. For some it may be sites you go to on the computer, T.V. shows, words in some songs, or the type of books you read. Maybe its allowing certain conversation, or off color jokes to be told around you. The Lord has given us free will to daily choose what we will allow into our hearts. Jesus is my husband and He has asked that I have a heart that is fully surrendered to His heart and to have eyes for only Him. It is not His will for me to allow distractions that lead me off the path of my journey in becoming more like Him. He is your husband too, whether you are single or married. What is He telling you? Scriptures say that it is the pure of heart that see God. I know I never want to have my heart step off the path, or take my eyes off Jesus. Are there ways the enemy might be leading you adrift, numbing your conscience, and maybe causing you to sin against God?

We need to put a firm and proactive barrier up, to prevent the enemy to get a foothold by his temptations. He knows each of our own "pet" sins and will try to use that to turn us from the Lord. We are the temple of a holy God and it is within our sanctuary that the Lord dwells. We must never allow the unholy into the holy sanctuary. Always remember that our soul lays naked before an all knowing God. We can replace thoughts that are of no virtue, with the washing of God’s Word. Then spend time in His presence, allowing His Holy Spirit to flow freely with His truth inside our body/soul/spirit. Realize that we are given the grace to help make right choices. And we will also discover that after a time of repentance, our spirit is once again refreshed.

Lord, You are a Holy God, let us never forget that. May we never measure ourselves with the standards of this world, but instead, measure by Your Holiness. We thank You for sending Your only Beloved Son to make a way for us- otherwise we could never measure up to You. We are forever humbled by Your mercy, what Jesus did for us on the cross, and the tearing of the veil. You love us that much! Thank you for loving us right where You found us…. and thank You for loving us enough to want us to live holier lives. Your patience is astounding! We know we could not walk rightly without the grace that You have extended our way. We also know it is out of Your love for us and our love for You that a flame of purity keeps burning within us. May we never allow anything to blow that flame out. Amen.

 

 

May it be our desire that we be women who live in the present and are aware of the world around us. May we take notice of the blessings God gifts to each of us, and always long to hear His whispers. Shall we also pray with a more purposeful focus on God’s will? And as we stay connected in our relationship with Christ, we will become more thankful followers. Let us commit to doing this together! Close your eyes…Open your heart, let God’s Spirit empower you today.