Since beginning the blogs on sexual abuse I have received an overwhelming repsonse from people that have been sexually abused, that have shared their story with me and how God has helped them through such a difficult time...this next story that I am going to share with you is actually a couple of stories. I have removed names, places and changed ages for obvious reasons. I pray that this story will help you as you are trying to make sense of what has happened to you.....
The following is the story I received;
"I'll start with my mother. My mother was 6 years old when the husband of a family friend of my grandmothers began molesting her and my aunt who was 7 at the time. During the summers the 2 of them were sent to stay the summer with them. The abuse was so bad that they would sleep in the crawl space under the house because it was the only place he couldn't reach them. When my mother couldn't take it anymore, she told. She was slapped so hard it literally thru her across the room and into the wall and she was told to quit making up those lies and to never tell another living soul. The man who was doing it to them was a very well liked deacon in a chuch in their town, and the woman my mom told was also in the church. It was covered up. (this is the hardest for me because it has left her with hard feelings for the church) Fast forward to 1981 and my mom is pregnant with my brother when she begins having nightmares. The things that were done to her she had blocked out, but now they were coming back. They threatened her ability to lead a normal life, her marriage, her everything. She has been thru her share of counseling and is better, however, it never goes away. At 6 years old she started to stutter one day while talking and nobody knew why. She had never done it before. Now, to this day, she has a problem with that and doctors relate it to the trauma she went thru. I have heard bits and pieces of the things that he did to them and they are enough to rip my heart out. I pray for her daily. Thats all I can do.
Now, I will share my story with you. I was 17 years old. It was a few weeks before graduation. I was at a party with some friends and started talking to a guy who went to a neighboring school. A little while later he asked me if I wanted to go with him to give a ride home to a guy that I knew from my school and come right back. I said sure and we left. We dropped off the other guy and headed back. Next thing I know he has pulled the truck over and is climbing all over me. I will admit, at first I kissed him back. Then he was trying to pull off my pants and I said NO. He said he would leave me there if I didn't and I had no idea where i was. He pulled my clothes off and raped me as I begged him to stop. Then he drove me back to the party and I got in my car and went straight home. All I wanted to do was wash his smell off of me. I never told.I have been in therapy and they tell me that crimes like this will make a person go one of 2 ways. You will either draw in, or you will act out. You will push people away and remain a very secluded person, or you will become wild and reckless with your life. I my self acted out. I thought that nobody would want me if I didn't have sex. I thought that was all I had to offer. That put me into a very promiscuous life style that could have ultimately ended my life. Apparently, that is normal. I have another dear friend who was molested by a family member, and she was one who drew inward.
The only thing that helped me was some good therapy and GOD. GOD can heal you, but I personally believe that you need someone else who knows what you are feeling and can help you to process it. Otherwise you carry it around and it consumes you and your life in ways you could never dream. I found that you could be acting out of anger, or hurt, or confusion and never realize that the decisions you are making are a result of the trauma that occured in your life that was never resolved. "
Let me just add this, GOD WILL heal you!!! If you are going to go to a counselor I suggest you find a good, Godly Christian counselor, because they will make prayer a part of the process and God is THE healer!!
Nathan
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Sexually Abused III
I received this e-mail from a young lady, she shared with me how being sexually abused affected her and the way that she viewed life. I asked her if I could share this with you and she said she would be more than happy to share this, her and I both hope that this helps someone out there who has been dealing with the grusome reality of sexual abuse, and if you know someone that has been sexually abused and is having a hard time right now, please tell them about this blog, or simply share this story with them.
Here is the e-mail I received;
"Absolutely abuse continues to haunt you the rest of your life... I think for me it changed not only how I viewed the world but it made you view yourself as an object. Certainly the world and the media objectifies you already so it becomes dare I say "normal" to see yourself as an object. Thus destroying your self esteem and before you know it you see no value yourself. This is why some people that are abused can become more promiscuous."
I know without a doubt this is how many of you feel, the only way that you see value in yourself is by resorting to a life of promiscuity, the reason for this is because this is the only way that you think you have value and it is the only time that it gives you a feeling of self-esteem or a feeling of self worth.
Know this, God sees value in you, no matter what has happened to you and no matter what you have done, the scripture says this, Romans 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. It also says Luke 12:6, 7 Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows. (emphasis added)
You are valuable to God, he loves you, it is not your fault what happened to you!!! Cry out to God and he will hear your cry and will bring healing to your life!!! Psalms 147:3 He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. God wants to heal your broken heart, just cry out to him he will hear your cry!!
God, We come before you today humbled by your presence, God I pray in the name of Jesus today that you will hear the cry of those who are crying out for healing in their heart and mind...God I pray that they would begin to feel the healing taking place now, and that they will know that they can call on you and you will hear their cry!!! God, I pray that they will cast their cares on you, for you care for them, in the name of Jesus, Amen.
He will take the pain away, I know, he will take the pain away!!!
God Bless,
Nathan
Here is the e-mail I received;
"Absolutely abuse continues to haunt you the rest of your life... I think for me it changed not only how I viewed the world but it made you view yourself as an object. Certainly the world and the media objectifies you already so it becomes dare I say "normal" to see yourself as an object. Thus destroying your self esteem and before you know it you see no value yourself. This is why some people that are abused can become more promiscuous."
I know without a doubt this is how many of you feel, the only way that you see value in yourself is by resorting to a life of promiscuity, the reason for this is because this is the only way that you think you have value and it is the only time that it gives you a feeling of self-esteem or a feeling of self worth.
Know this, God sees value in you, no matter what has happened to you and no matter what you have done, the scripture says this, Romans 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. It also says Luke 12:6, 7 Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows. (emphasis added)
You are valuable to God, he loves you, it is not your fault what happened to you!!! Cry out to God and he will hear your cry and will bring healing to your life!!! Psalms 147:3 He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. God wants to heal your broken heart, just cry out to him he will hear your cry!!
God, We come before you today humbled by your presence, God I pray in the name of Jesus today that you will hear the cry of those who are crying out for healing in their heart and mind...God I pray that they would begin to feel the healing taking place now, and that they will know that they can call on you and you will hear their cry!!! God, I pray that they will cast their cares on you, for you care for them, in the name of Jesus, Amen.
He will take the pain away, I know, he will take the pain away!!!
God Bless,
Nathan
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Sexually Abused II
When I first felt like, after praying extensively, that the next topic to blog about would be sexual abuse. That I know of, there are 3 close family members that have been abused sexually. As I began to think and pray for those who have been sexually abused, I figured that in the first blog that I would write a blog with many statistics and facts and lay the foundation so that people who had not been abused would "understand" the torment, pain, and suffering that those who have been abused, go through.
But, God had a different plan...tonight as I was praying at Bible Study, I felt a burden so heavy I could not speak, I began to cry uncontrollably and felt a grief, pain, and sorrow that I have never felt before. Immediately I knew that this is only a brief glimpse of the pain that those that have been abused feel.
I want you to know, if you have been sexually abused, there is hope, there is healing. God has sent people like myself and many others to let you know that God Loves You and he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. God has sent us here to tell you that there is healing. Luke 4: 18The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,
It is not your fault, there is nothing that you have done to deserve this and God wants to heal you of the hurt and pain that you are experiencing. We will be praying for each and everyone of you, stay tune as we will continue to address the issue of sexual abuse...In the next few weeks we will have some testimonies of those who have been sexual abused and some words of hope from those same people about the heaking power of God.
God Bless,
Nathan
But, God had a different plan...tonight as I was praying at Bible Study, I felt a burden so heavy I could not speak, I began to cry uncontrollably and felt a grief, pain, and sorrow that I have never felt before. Immediately I knew that this is only a brief glimpse of the pain that those that have been abused feel.
I want you to know, if you have been sexually abused, there is hope, there is healing. God has sent people like myself and many others to let you know that God Loves You and he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. God has sent us here to tell you that there is healing. Luke 4: 18The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,
It is not your fault, there is nothing that you have done to deserve this and God wants to heal you of the hurt and pain that you are experiencing. We will be praying for each and everyone of you, stay tune as we will continue to address the issue of sexual abuse...In the next few weeks we will have some testimonies of those who have been sexual abused and some words of hope from those same people about the heaking power of God.
God Bless,
Nathan
Monday, September 8, 2008
Sexually Abused...
Do you know anyone that has been sexually abused? Have you yourself been sexually abused? How does being sexually abused affect someone's mind in regards to sex? These are all questions that I have been asking myself and will be researching over the next few weeks, there are several people that I am close to that were victims of sexual abuse and I have seen the effects that abuse can have on someone throughout their life.
Over the next few weeks I want you to continuously check back in as we go through and really search out this dispicable wrong that is, sexual abuse. When I say sexual abuse I am talking about rape, molestation, etc.
I want to know how this effects future relationships, marriage, sexual relationships, self-esteem, etc. If you have or you know anyone that has been sexually abused, please contact me with the best answers that you can give to these questions. Toward the "end" of this series of blogs, we will also go to the Word of God and see what encouragement God has for those who have been done wrong and what steps you can take to get the healing that God has for you, so that you might have life and have life more abundantly!!
Over the next few weeks I want you to continuously check back in as we go through and really search out this dispicable wrong that is, sexual abuse. When I say sexual abuse I am talking about rape, molestation, etc.
I want to know how this effects future relationships, marriage, sexual relationships, self-esteem, etc. If you have or you know anyone that has been sexually abused, please contact me with the best answers that you can give to these questions. Toward the "end" of this series of blogs, we will also go to the Word of God and see what encouragement God has for those who have been done wrong and what steps you can take to get the healing that God has for you, so that you might have life and have life more abundantly!!
Thursday, August 28, 2008
4%???
I was just listening to a preacher this morning talking about passing the torch to the next generation, he stated that a study showed that in 4 generations, starting with the "builder generation," has went from 60% evangelical christians to 4% in our generation, let me explain.
The "builder" generation was born between 1927-1945, of this generation 60% are evangelical christians, the next generation is the "boomer" generation 1946-1964 and 35% of that generation are evangelical christians. The "buster" generation 1965-1983 and 16% of that generation are evangelical christians the next generation, this generation is the bridger generation 1984-present only 4% of this generation are evangelical christians!!! 4%?!?!?!?
ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!?!?
This is crazy!!! We have more programs, more technology, more churches, more preachers, more bible studies, more books, more denominations than any other time in history and only 4% of my generation has chosen to live for God?? So, what is the problem?? Why are we choosing to be the church only on Sunday? Why are we only being the church inside the 4 walls of our comfortable buildings?? Why have I wasted so much of my time on foolish endeavours chasing after things that will amount to nothing when I stand before Almighty God? Why? 96% of this generation, 96% of people 24 and younger are living a life without Christ, living a life of hopelessness, living for today, not knowing the eternal ramifications of their lifestyles....
It is time for the 4% that are sold-out to God to stand up and say I will pick up the baton that was handed down to me, the faith that my father and his father so earnestly contended for and say like the disciples that walked with God, WE WILL TURN THIS WORLD UPSIDE DOWN FOR CHRIST!!!
I will not tell my friends and family things that will tickle their ears and make them feel good about themselves, I will tell them of the judgement of God against sin, and I will let them know that God's love has been extended to them, that he stands at the door and knocks!!! That he waits for them with open arms and nail scarred hands that bore their sin, that his blood was shed on an old rugged cross to heal them of their sickness, that his side was pierced and blood and water flowed from his side that we might escape the judgement of Hell and live with him forever more in Heaven!!! That 96% must hear this message, what is holding you back from telling them?
That is what a life "without dilution" is really all about!!
God Bless,
Nathan
The "builder" generation was born between 1927-1945, of this generation 60% are evangelical christians, the next generation is the "boomer" generation 1946-1964 and 35% of that generation are evangelical christians. The "buster" generation 1965-1983 and 16% of that generation are evangelical christians the next generation, this generation is the bridger generation 1984-present only 4% of this generation are evangelical christians!!! 4%?!?!?!?
ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!?!?
This is crazy!!! We have more programs, more technology, more churches, more preachers, more bible studies, more books, more denominations than any other time in history and only 4% of my generation has chosen to live for God?? So, what is the problem?? Why are we choosing to be the church only on Sunday? Why are we only being the church inside the 4 walls of our comfortable buildings?? Why have I wasted so much of my time on foolish endeavours chasing after things that will amount to nothing when I stand before Almighty God? Why? 96% of this generation, 96% of people 24 and younger are living a life without Christ, living a life of hopelessness, living for today, not knowing the eternal ramifications of their lifestyles....
It is time for the 4% that are sold-out to God to stand up and say I will pick up the baton that was handed down to me, the faith that my father and his father so earnestly contended for and say like the disciples that walked with God, WE WILL TURN THIS WORLD UPSIDE DOWN FOR CHRIST!!!
I will not tell my friends and family things that will tickle their ears and make them feel good about themselves, I will tell them of the judgement of God against sin, and I will let them know that God's love has been extended to them, that he stands at the door and knocks!!! That he waits for them with open arms and nail scarred hands that bore their sin, that his blood was shed on an old rugged cross to heal them of their sickness, that his side was pierced and blood and water flowed from his side that we might escape the judgement of Hell and live with him forever more in Heaven!!! That 96% must hear this message, what is holding you back from telling them?
That is what a life "without dilution" is really all about!!
God Bless,
Nathan
Monday, August 25, 2008
Without Dilution Purity Conference '08
Friday night was AWESOME!!! The first ever Without Dilution Purity Conference was a great success, the music was awesome, everyone that helped stepped up to the plate and knocked this one out of the park!! The people that helped with the Illustrated sermon did a great job, and MOST importantly the presence of GOD was there!! At the Altar Service God came by and really touched the lives of the young people that came up to make a committment to purity and came up for prayer, there were broken hearts that were healed, there were lives that were living in bondage to sexual sin and had those chains broken, and experienced freedom and victory!!!
In total there were 14 committments to purity made, and there were several youth pastors that came up to us afterward and let us know how much they appreciated the event Friday night, I am so excited to see what God is going to do next!!
If you are visiting this blog and you were there Friday night, Thank you for coming!!!! We have added something new to the blog, over to the right side on the blog is a chat window, if you have any questions or comments you can do that there and if I'm not online I will get it next time I log in.
Stay tuned, in the near future we will have some video of the purity conference, for those of you that can't wait till next year, and also for encouragement and strength to remain "without dilution," in a world full of impurities!!!
Thank you and God Bless,
Nathan
In total there were 14 committments to purity made, and there were several youth pastors that came up to us afterward and let us know how much they appreciated the event Friday night, I am so excited to see what God is going to do next!!
If you are visiting this blog and you were there Friday night, Thank you for coming!!!! We have added something new to the blog, over to the right side on the blog is a chat window, if you have any questions or comments you can do that there and if I'm not online I will get it next time I log in.
Stay tuned, in the near future we will have some video of the purity conference, for those of you that can't wait till next year, and also for encouragement and strength to remain "without dilution," in a world full of impurities!!!
Thank you and God Bless,
Nathan
Sunday, August 17, 2008
The 22nd is coming soon!!!!
Well,
We are right on the first ever "Without Dilution" Purity Conference, and we are extremely excited!!!! We are watching God bring this whole thing together and it has been simply amazing!!! If you are anywhere near the Northwest Arkansas area, please come and be with us, God is going to do something amazing!!
Please pray for us in Friday night!!! God Bless you and we look forward to seeing you there!
Nathan
We are right on the first ever "Without Dilution" Purity Conference, and we are extremely excited!!!! We are watching God bring this whole thing together and it has been simply amazing!!! If you are anywhere near the Northwest Arkansas area, please come and be with us, God is going to do something amazing!!
Please pray for us in Friday night!!! God Bless you and we look forward to seeing you there!
Nathan
Thursday, July 10, 2008
NWA Purity Conference
Hello,
Well we went to the Arkansas District Pentecostal Church of God Youth Camp about three weeks ago and spoke on Purity, it was simply amazing the things that we watched God do that week!! We were so humbled to be able to be the vessels that God used to make a difference in the lives of the young people that were in camp that week. At the same time we had a blast, there was a campers vs. staff dodgeball game and I was the last one still in against about 20 teenagers, needless to say after about a 10 minute standoff between myself and one of teenagers there the staff lost the dodgeball game.
We are still preparing and praying for the Purity Conference that is coming up very soon!!! August 22nd at 7:30 pm at the White Auditorium on the campus of Northwest Arkansas Community College(NWACC). We want to give God the glory, we have had all of our design work and most of our printing done for free so this has made the budget for the Purity Conference much smaller, but we are still in need of financial assistance, so continue to pray with us that God will continue to provide and open up doors, as we know that he already has.
We have been getting a good response back from the churches in the area, and look forward to working with the Youth Pastors and churches in this area to make a difference in the lives of young people. Also, pray for the night of the purity conference, that God would open the hearts of the young people that are there to accept the truth of God's Word and be delivered from the sexual sins that are binding them.
God Bless you,
Nathan
Well we went to the Arkansas District Pentecostal Church of God Youth Camp about three weeks ago and spoke on Purity, it was simply amazing the things that we watched God do that week!! We were so humbled to be able to be the vessels that God used to make a difference in the lives of the young people that were in camp that week. At the same time we had a blast, there was a campers vs. staff dodgeball game and I was the last one still in against about 20 teenagers, needless to say after about a 10 minute standoff between myself and one of teenagers there the staff lost the dodgeball game.
We are still preparing and praying for the Purity Conference that is coming up very soon!!! August 22nd at 7:30 pm at the White Auditorium on the campus of Northwest Arkansas Community College(NWACC). We want to give God the glory, we have had all of our design work and most of our printing done for free so this has made the budget for the Purity Conference much smaller, but we are still in need of financial assistance, so continue to pray with us that God will continue to provide and open up doors, as we know that he already has.
We have been getting a good response back from the churches in the area, and look forward to working with the Youth Pastors and churches in this area to make a difference in the lives of young people. Also, pray for the night of the purity conference, that God would open the hearts of the young people that are there to accept the truth of God's Word and be delivered from the sexual sins that are binding them.
God Bless you,
Nathan
Thursday, June 5, 2008
That I may know Him...
We have been very busy here the past month and a half or so, at work we have had project after project and have been getting more. At Church we have had more than a few visitors, a wedding in the Church, and many other things to keep us going. At home, we have a near six-month old son, nothing more needs said there!! And with our ministry we have been preapring for the Purity Conference in August, and God has opened the doors to speak at a Youth Camp next week!!! Busy, Busy, Busy!!!
Last night at Bible Study we began to talk about the Presence of God, and how when at the beginning of the year, during our Daniel Fast, the Presence of God seemed more powerful, and his Spirit seemed to be poured out in a more "emotional" way. Our Pastor began to talk about how we have times of refreshing in God, times where He pours His Spirit on us in a powerful way. As we discussed this, I began to think about why it is that there are these times of "refreshing," where God seems more real than others.There are so many things that can put within us a desire to know Him more and to draw closer to God.
Alot of times, when a person goes through a time of heartache after losing a loved one there hunger for more of God is increased, this is good, we need to run to God when our heartaches.For some, when they are put under heavy amounts of stress at work, their hunger for God is again increased. For others, it can be a life-changing decision that will increase their hunger for God.These are absolutely some of the best times to get to know God more, because it is during these times that God will reveal himself to you in ways that he cannot do when the world around you is picture-perfect.
But, what-if we got hungry for God because we simply wanted to know Him? Can you imagine?
Last night at Bible Study we began to talk about the Presence of God, and how when at the beginning of the year, during our Daniel Fast, the Presence of God seemed more powerful, and his Spirit seemed to be poured out in a more "emotional" way. Our Pastor began to talk about how we have times of refreshing in God, times where He pours His Spirit on us in a powerful way. As we discussed this, I began to think about why it is that there are these times of "refreshing," where God seems more real than others.There are so many things that can put within us a desire to know Him more and to draw closer to God.
Alot of times, when a person goes through a time of heartache after losing a loved one there hunger for more of God is increased, this is good, we need to run to God when our heartaches.For some, when they are put under heavy amounts of stress at work, their hunger for God is again increased. For others, it can be a life-changing decision that will increase their hunger for God.These are absolutely some of the best times to get to know God more, because it is during these times that God will reveal himself to you in ways that he cannot do when the world around you is picture-perfect.
But, what-if we got hungry for God because we simply wanted to know Him? Can you imagine?
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Forgiveness
Summer, is finally here!!!! I was getting tired of all that cold weather! As you can see we have updated our page a little bit more, thanks to Calotype Photography!!! You can find them at http://calotype-photography.blogspot.com/ we greatly appreciate all of the work that they have put into the design already and thank them for the work that they continue to do with us to do what God has given us to do with excellence!!!
I have been thinking alot lately about forgiveness, as this is a very important part of the message that we bring to you, because no doubt there are young people that come to this page and you have already made mistakes. As I began to look through the Bible to see what the Word of God had to say about forgiveness, I noticed that there were a couple of things that must come before one is to be forgiven of sin and wrongdoing.
2 Chronicles 7:14 says this, If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. (emphasis added)
James 4:6 says, But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. (emphasis added)
Psalms 51:17 says this, The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise. (emphasis added)
What the scripture is saying here is that before there can be forgiveness there must be a true heartfelt sorrow for the sin that has been committed, not a sorrow or guilt because you were caught and aren't looking forward to the consequences. No, what God is looking for is heart that realizes that I have sinned against God, and the only way that I can obtain forgiveness is to come before God with a broken and contrite heart!! The definition for contrite is this, filled with a sense of guilt and the desire for atonement; When a person is truly sorry for what they have done, they will do what is necessary to atone for the sin that they have committed.
I remember very clearly when I told my Parents and Pastor what I had done, I remember feeling an incredible weight on my shoulders and there was nothing that I could do to get rid of the guilt that plagued my mind. Sleepless night after sleepless night, I carried this weight. Then one day I decided that I had lived with my sin long enough, I approached my Mother and told her, she was so disappointed, I cried myself to sleep that night, but that night it was because of the look that was in her eyes when I told her what I had done. The next day my Mom, Dad, and I went to the Church and told my Pastor. I was truly sorry for what I had done, and not very long into the meeting I began to weep, I distinctly remember my Pastor telling me that was exactly what he wanted to see, brokenness, that wise Man of God knew that in order for there to be forgiveness there had to be a true heartfelt remorse.
The next step in forgiveness is repentance, in the above scriptures we see that after humbling yourself, you must turn from your sin. Turning from your sin is called repentance, what that literally means is to do a 180, to intentionally turn yourself away from sin!!
Acts 3:19 says this, Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;
If you have humbled yourself, turned from your sins(repented), and asked God for forgiveness, you are forgiven!!
Psalms 103:12 says this, As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.
Once God has forgiven you he casts your sin as far as the east is from the west, to be remembered no more!! So if you have been forgiven of God, why not forgive your self??
God Bless,
Nathan
I have been thinking alot lately about forgiveness, as this is a very important part of the message that we bring to you, because no doubt there are young people that come to this page and you have already made mistakes. As I began to look through the Bible to see what the Word of God had to say about forgiveness, I noticed that there were a couple of things that must come before one is to be forgiven of sin and wrongdoing.
2 Chronicles 7:14 says this, If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. (emphasis added)
James 4:6 says, But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. (emphasis added)
Psalms 51:17 says this, The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise. (emphasis added)
What the scripture is saying here is that before there can be forgiveness there must be a true heartfelt sorrow for the sin that has been committed, not a sorrow or guilt because you were caught and aren't looking forward to the consequences. No, what God is looking for is heart that realizes that I have sinned against God, and the only way that I can obtain forgiveness is to come before God with a broken and contrite heart!! The definition for contrite is this, filled with a sense of guilt and the desire for atonement; When a person is truly sorry for what they have done, they will do what is necessary to atone for the sin that they have committed.
I remember very clearly when I told my Parents and Pastor what I had done, I remember feeling an incredible weight on my shoulders and there was nothing that I could do to get rid of the guilt that plagued my mind. Sleepless night after sleepless night, I carried this weight. Then one day I decided that I had lived with my sin long enough, I approached my Mother and told her, she was so disappointed, I cried myself to sleep that night, but that night it was because of the look that was in her eyes when I told her what I had done. The next day my Mom, Dad, and I went to the Church and told my Pastor. I was truly sorry for what I had done, and not very long into the meeting I began to weep, I distinctly remember my Pastor telling me that was exactly what he wanted to see, brokenness, that wise Man of God knew that in order for there to be forgiveness there had to be a true heartfelt remorse.
The next step in forgiveness is repentance, in the above scriptures we see that after humbling yourself, you must turn from your sin. Turning from your sin is called repentance, what that literally means is to do a 180, to intentionally turn yourself away from sin!!
Acts 3:19 says this, Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;
If you have humbled yourself, turned from your sins(repented), and asked God for forgiveness, you are forgiven!!
Psalms 103:12 says this, As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.
Once God has forgiven you he casts your sin as far as the east is from the west, to be remembered no more!! So if you have been forgiven of God, why not forgive your self??
God Bless,
Nathan
Monday, May 19, 2008
We're going to Camp!!!
"Without Dilution," has been asked to speak at a youth camp in Arkansas!! This camp will be taking place June 9th-13th, so please be in prayer for us as we take the message of Purity to these young people. Our hope and prayer is that by the end of the week, not only will they see the need for sexual purity in their lives, but also the need for purity in their hearts and the ones that realize the value of purity in their hearts, will leave changed!!! Again, please pray with us that God will give us wisdom and courage to speak the word that he has given us!! God Bless you.
Nathan Sherer
Nathan Sherer
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Filling the Void Inside
I was just reading a book the other day that was talking about the fact that there is something more out there than the lives that we live here on earth. The author, in this particular chapter was talking about the reason there are so many alcoholics, drug addicts, prostitutes, etc. The reason he said, was because all of these people were searching for something to fill the void that they felt inside, I could not agree more, as I read this book, I realized just how true it is, when people are searching for God, they usually try other things first. My hope is that by the end of this blog you will realize that sleeping with that one more person will not fill that void inside of you, changing your sexual preference will not fill the void inside of you, that one more look at Pornography will not fill the void inside of you. My hope is that you will see the only thing that will fill the void, is making Jesus Christ the Lord and Savior of your life. That is the only way that you will ever know peace in your life, the only way that you will ever feel accpeted, the only way that you will ever feel that someone loves you for who you are and not something you pretend to be. (John 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace.)
As I began to think about people who are searching for something more out of life than simply existing, my thoughts were turned to a time when my Uncle who was addicted to drugs, came to live with us for awhile to rehab. It was of course pretty scary at the time, but I can remember the look on his face, he always seemed to look lost, as if he knew that there was something else, but he did not know what it was he was looking for. I remember that he was always looking for something to do, TV to watch, a magazine to look at, always looking for something to fill his mind.
The Bible talks about people such as this, James 5:5 - Ye have lived in pleasure on the earth, and been wanton;..... The definition for the word wanton is this; without regard for what is right. This scripture is saying that you have done what has felt good, you have done what you think is right in your own eyes. (Proverbs 14:12 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.) But now you have been found to be without regard for what is right, and the way that seemeth right to you, leads to death.
Seacrhing, however can be a good thing, when you know what you are searching for. Matthew 7:7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. So, we see that the Bible encourages that you seek after God. When we seek after God we are sure to find him because the Bible also says in James 4:8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. So we know that when we take that step of faith towards God, that God in turn will draw nigh to us. Wow, that right there is powerful, to know that the God that created the heavens and the earth, that spun the galaxies into motion, the God the breathed life into Adam, will draw close to you when you take that step towards him, it is simply humbling to think about!!
If you are searching today for something more, if you want something more than the gaurantee of heartbreak and sorrow, physical pain, and emotional hurts. I want you to know this, you don't have to search any longer, Jesus Christ wants to come along side you today and fill the void that you feel inside of you. Pray today and ask Jesus to become the Lord and Savior of your life, and I gaurantee that the void that you feel inside of you will be filled today and you will know what it means to have peace.
Please, if you have any questions or comments, leave them and I will try to answer the questions as best that I can, Thank you and God Bless.
Nathan
As I began to think about people who are searching for something more out of life than simply existing, my thoughts were turned to a time when my Uncle who was addicted to drugs, came to live with us for awhile to rehab. It was of course pretty scary at the time, but I can remember the look on his face, he always seemed to look lost, as if he knew that there was something else, but he did not know what it was he was looking for. I remember that he was always looking for something to do, TV to watch, a magazine to look at, always looking for something to fill his mind.
The Bible talks about people such as this, James 5:5 - Ye have lived in pleasure on the earth, and been wanton;..... The definition for the word wanton is this; without regard for what is right. This scripture is saying that you have done what has felt good, you have done what you think is right in your own eyes. (Proverbs 14:12 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.) But now you have been found to be without regard for what is right, and the way that seemeth right to you, leads to death.
Seacrhing, however can be a good thing, when you know what you are searching for. Matthew 7:7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. So, we see that the Bible encourages that you seek after God. When we seek after God we are sure to find him because the Bible also says in James 4:8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. So we know that when we take that step of faith towards God, that God in turn will draw nigh to us. Wow, that right there is powerful, to know that the God that created the heavens and the earth, that spun the galaxies into motion, the God the breathed life into Adam, will draw close to you when you take that step towards him, it is simply humbling to think about!!
If you are searching today for something more, if you want something more than the gaurantee of heartbreak and sorrow, physical pain, and emotional hurts. I want you to know this, you don't have to search any longer, Jesus Christ wants to come along side you today and fill the void that you feel inside of you. Pray today and ask Jesus to become the Lord and Savior of your life, and I gaurantee that the void that you feel inside of you will be filled today and you will know what it means to have peace.
Please, if you have any questions or comments, leave them and I will try to answer the questions as best that I can, Thank you and God Bless.
Nathan
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Void of Understanding
Proverbs 7 talks about a young man that falls victim to sexual sin, because he is "void of understanding." I was reading an article on the Internet the other day about how pre-marital sex is common in our society. At one point in the article the author stated, that the research he had done was "reality-check reasearch," and "Pre-marital sex is normal behavior for the vasy majority of Amercians, and has been for decades." He also stated that eventually everyone will be having pre-marital sex. As I read this article my heart was broken, because I realized that as I look at young people, they are like the young man in Proverbs 7. Through articles such as the one i previously mentioned and the sex-driven society that we live in, most young people have become, through no fault of their own, "void of understanding."
The Bible says that Satan has come to steal, kill, and destroy. ( John 10:10) He wants to steal your virginity, steal your purity from you, to steal your self-esteem, to steal your feelings of self-value. He wants to kill your dreams of a happy marriage, without any extra "emotional baggage" from scars left from previously sexually active realtionships. He wants to destroy your life by riddling your body with AID's, by covincing you that aboriton is the only way to go, but only leaves you with guilt so strong you feel like you want to end your life.
The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 16:8 to "Flee from fornication...." if you are reading this blog you are no longer "void of understanding." Please make the right choice with the knowledge that you now have.
God Bless you and I sincerely pray that through this blog, God will speak to your heart, and your life will be changed.
Nathan
The Bible says that Satan has come to steal, kill, and destroy. ( John 10:10) He wants to steal your virginity, steal your purity from you, to steal your self-esteem, to steal your feelings of self-value. He wants to kill your dreams of a happy marriage, without any extra "emotional baggage" from scars left from previously sexually active realtionships. He wants to destroy your life by riddling your body with AID's, by covincing you that aboriton is the only way to go, but only leaves you with guilt so strong you feel like you want to end your life.
The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 16:8 to "Flee from fornication...." if you are reading this blog you are no longer "void of understanding." Please make the right choice with the knowledge that you now have.
God Bless you and I sincerely pray that through this blog, God will speak to your heart, and your life will be changed.
Nathan
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Without Dilution Purity Conference
The first ever "Without Dilution" Purity Conference will be held on August 22nd at 7:30 P.M. at the White Auditorium on the campus of Northwest Arkansas Community College in Rogers, Arkansas. It's going to be awesome and you will definetly want to mark that day down on your calendar and make sure that you are there. I will keep everyone posted on the progress of getting this Conference together, so come right back here to stay up to date on the latest!!!!
God Bless you,
Nathan
God Bless you,
Nathan
Monday, March 17, 2008
A heart without dilution
There are many abstinence programs, purity conferences, and churches that deal only with the acts of sexual impurity, and while this is positive and can be very beneficial, it's not dealing with the root of the problem. Let me say it like this, if you notice there is a leak in your ceiling, but only replace the sheetrock, what happens? You will see that stain reappear very soon and more than likely it will be worse the next time, but if you repair the roof and then the ceiling, your problem will go away.
You may be wondering, what does a leaky roof have to do with sexual impurity?
Simply this, sexual immorality, and any sin for that matter, is caused by a heart issue. The Bible says this in Psalms 24:4-5; 4He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.
5He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.(emphasis added)
In verse 4 he says "he that has clean hands," and he has clean hands because he has a "pure heart." You may be asking, how if I am so dirty from all of my sins, so how do I make myself clean? He tells us in the very next verse, "from the God of his salvation."
First, you must realize that you cannot make yourself clean, the Bible says this in Isaiah 64:6, "But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away." So we know that purity cannot come from ourselves or anyone else because we are all sinners.
Second, you must realize that everyone has sinned, Romans 3:23, "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;" And that the punishment for sin is death, first spiritually(separation from God for eternity is spiritual death), and physically(everyone will die at some point). Romans 6:23, "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."
The second part of that verse lets us know that we can live our life, without the fear of spiritual death, and that God is offering us the gift of eternal life through him. We cannot earn that gift, we just simply receive it, and here is how. Romans 10:9,10,and 13, "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."(emphasis added)
If you are reading this blog and you want to be saved, and be truly pure of heart, I encourage you today don't hestiate, confess your sin to God, tell him that you believe, and accept him as the Lord of your life. You will not regret it, and you will be on your way to a heart and life without dilution.
God Bless you, and if you know someone that is struggling with this issue of sexual immorality, please tell them about this page!!
You may be wondering, what does a leaky roof have to do with sexual impurity?
Simply this, sexual immorality, and any sin for that matter, is caused by a heart issue. The Bible says this in Psalms 24:4-5; 4He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.
5He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.(emphasis added)
In verse 4 he says "he that has clean hands," and he has clean hands because he has a "pure heart." You may be asking, how if I am so dirty from all of my sins, so how do I make myself clean? He tells us in the very next verse, "from the God of his salvation."
First, you must realize that you cannot make yourself clean, the Bible says this in Isaiah 64:6, "But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away." So we know that purity cannot come from ourselves or anyone else because we are all sinners.
Second, you must realize that everyone has sinned, Romans 3:23, "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;" And that the punishment for sin is death, first spiritually(separation from God for eternity is spiritual death), and physically(everyone will die at some point). Romans 6:23, "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."
The second part of that verse lets us know that we can live our life, without the fear of spiritual death, and that God is offering us the gift of eternal life through him. We cannot earn that gift, we just simply receive it, and here is how. Romans 10:9,10,and 13, "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."(emphasis added)
If you are reading this blog and you want to be saved, and be truly pure of heart, I encourage you today don't hestiate, confess your sin to God, tell him that you believe, and accept him as the Lord of your life. You will not regret it, and you will be on your way to a heart and life without dilution.
God Bless you, and if you know someone that is struggling with this issue of sexual immorality, please tell them about this page!!
Monday, February 25, 2008
Without Dilution?
You may be asking, without dilution??? What in the world is that supposed to mean? Let me explain the purpose of this blog......
The purpose of this blog is to inform young people of the dangers of pre-marital sex, and the pure, undiluted life that you can live being free from the bondage that this act of sin will place on your mind, your emotions, your body, and your spiritual body. The definition of purity is this; being undiluted or unmixed. Being diluted means this; A dilute or weakened condition.
That really caught my eye, a "weakened condition," isn't that how it feels after you you've had pre-marital sex and there is no way to change what you have done? You feel dirty, nasty, and you don't know why?
I know how that feels, I have been in your position, I know how it feels to feel dirty, to feel "weak."
We want to inform you of the consequences of pre-marital sex, again in the areas that I previously mentioned, how many would agree that in the "mainstream" movies, TV shows, and music sex is made up as something that is ok before marriage? Sure Hollywood will show you how much fun it is, and how good it will feel, but what they won't show you is that man or woman whose body is riddled with AIDS, or whose mind is constantly wondering if their partner is cheating on them, they won't show you the young girl that is pregnant and has no idea what to do, so she aborts the baby without second thought, because after all it is her body. They won't show you that same young girl that later on commits suicide because she can't live with what she has done, they will not show you these things, why??? Because sex sells, that's why. I want young people to remove the blinds that have been placed over there eyes and see the pain and suffering that they will cause themselves and others from this sin, I want young people to see that they are deluded, you are being deceived, they are delusional.
Therefore the name "without dilution" My hope and prayer is that through this blog you will see the importance of a life of purity, through medical statistics, through testimonies from individuals of what this can do to your mind, and from the Word of God of what happens to your Spiritual Man, and we will be praying that through this blog you will also come to know Jesus Christ as your Savior.
Also, this blog is meant to be interactive, so feel free to leave comments or questions!!
The purpose of this blog is to inform young people of the dangers of pre-marital sex, and the pure, undiluted life that you can live being free from the bondage that this act of sin will place on your mind, your emotions, your body, and your spiritual body. The definition of purity is this; being undiluted or unmixed. Being diluted means this; A dilute or weakened condition.
That really caught my eye, a "weakened condition," isn't that how it feels after you you've had pre-marital sex and there is no way to change what you have done? You feel dirty, nasty, and you don't know why?
I know how that feels, I have been in your position, I know how it feels to feel dirty, to feel "weak."
We want to inform you of the consequences of pre-marital sex, again in the areas that I previously mentioned, how many would agree that in the "mainstream" movies, TV shows, and music sex is made up as something that is ok before marriage? Sure Hollywood will show you how much fun it is, and how good it will feel, but what they won't show you is that man or woman whose body is riddled with AIDS, or whose mind is constantly wondering if their partner is cheating on them, they won't show you the young girl that is pregnant and has no idea what to do, so she aborts the baby without second thought, because after all it is her body. They won't show you that same young girl that later on commits suicide because she can't live with what she has done, they will not show you these things, why??? Because sex sells, that's why. I want young people to remove the blinds that have been placed over there eyes and see the pain and suffering that they will cause themselves and others from this sin, I want young people to see that they are deluded, you are being deceived, they are delusional.
Therefore the name "without dilution" My hope and prayer is that through this blog you will see the importance of a life of purity, through medical statistics, through testimonies from individuals of what this can do to your mind, and from the Word of God of what happens to your Spiritual Man, and we will be praying that through this blog you will also come to know Jesus Christ as your Savior.
Also, this blog is meant to be interactive, so feel free to leave comments or questions!!
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