Jesus said, "Beware of false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep but are really vicious wolves." ~ Matthew 7:15
Last night I came across an ABC news interview with Eckhart Tolle - the "spiritual leader" that Oprah almost single-handedly made famous in the US. I was in a Books-A-Million store on Saturday and saw his books all over the store. So I read this rare interview with interest. Give it a look yourself, and be sure to read it all the way through.
"But there were also false prophets in Israel, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will cleverly teach destructive heresies and even deny the Master who bought them." ~2 Peter 2:1
On a similar note, check out the comment Riverview (Karyl) posted on my post "Questions, Answers and Numbers."
Well ... at least I'm finally talking about something here besides lust and food, right? Was anyone else noticing that trend? :0)
I have 2 prayer requests if you're willing to pause and pray for me: 1) that I hear God's voice, follow His lead, and make significant progress on my book this month, and 2) that I get a handle on what to talk about in an upcoming teaching on lust.
(yep, circled back around, didn't I?)
Rachel, I will be praying for you.
ReplyDeleteAliceE.
The other couple of books to be aware of are The Secret by Rhonda Byrne and, as unassuming as it is, Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert. The first compiles various bits of wisdom from different sources, including the Bible, and presents them all as equally valid - pick what you like and leave the rest attitude. The second is a simple enough read, read it in a bookclub, but I noticed several areas where the author really pushes/endorses the idea that truth is just a matter of preference not absolute. Both of these books have been on bestseller lists and endorsed by well known people. Thanks for the links and info.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for praying for me, Alice.
ReplyDeleteTruly, thank you so so much sweet friend.
Rachel,
ReplyDeleteI loved the previous post on chocolate. You are funny and a wise one in the Lord.
Your prayer requests: Yes, we will hear what God is saying in Heaven and what piece of that will He anoint us to write. I'm working on a book also. Without Him, why bother?
Lust: I will pray for you and your husband as you delve into this mine field. Pray over yourself. Many of Christians want to imagine that we are not in spiritual warfare, but the Bible is clear that Satan wants to bring down anyone on the frontlines of battle.
One of my favorite pastors/writers is John Piper. He speaks profoundly on the subject:
John Piper: A N T H E M - Strategies for Fighting Lust. http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/TasteAndSee/ByDate/2001/1187_A_N_T_H_E_M/
My opinion:
Sex is God's gift. I recently heard a rabbi telling how he prays for the married couples in his temple to have wonderful exciting sex. Opinions entertain me; truth for me is contained in the Word of God and it is changeless. There is no problem with what God has to say about sex because He is quite clear.
BUT ... Sexual gratification outside of God’s boundaries to satisfy physical pleasure and lust; leads to STDs, AIDS, unwanted pregnancies, adultery, divorce. More than one pastor has paled when they asked me about the sexual issues. The Bible clearly states that sex is only blessed between husband and wife married to each other. That takes care of fornication; adultery; oral sex; films and internet; homosexuals...sin except between married man and woman, husband ... wife.I read recently that the fastest growing internet porn segment is freshman female coeds in universities.
Jesus covered sin with His blood. So for all of us...see I think we've all sinned with this one: in our minds we have fantasized; so none escape. We confess to God; we pray for forgiveness, cleansing and for Holy Spirit to indwell our minds where it all begins...all sins.
... Overcoming Impure Thoughts....
"...and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ."
-- 2 Corinthians 10:5
As a woman who coped with disappoinments in marriage with daydreams, I can tell you God will change you. As I prayed for the mind of Christ He moved into my mind and showed me how to "place" my mind on those thoughts that did not take away from my respect and honor and love for my husband and God. It is our choice in what we desire ... to be wholly God's or in compartments.
Keep it up...we live in the time when Lust and many other controversial subjects need to have the light of God shining brightly on them with voices of wisdom and pure love like yours.
You are in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteAsking God to give me the wisdom that I need for my children is a daily request for me. I just want to lead them in the right direction.
Rachel
ReplyDeleteYou are "on my list" but it is good to have something specific to pray about rather than not (remember Screwtape on specificity?).
One things occurs to me here, though, and that is whether Proverbs 31 Ministries or anyone else has thought of a public prayer list? Many churches have somewhere that you can put up a sticky note so those coming in after you can pray for you as well as their own concerns and now that so many of us are leading our lives in this virtual world it would be good to share this way.
PS My current request is for patience in trying to help a friend who refuses help. She thinks she should be able to cope with recently disabled husband, 2 kids, full-time work for the first time in her married life AND keep the house spotless - anything less is a reflection on her capabilities as wife and mother. Recently told by the doctor that her husband was doing too much her inward response was "what about me?" but she still won't let anyone in to relieve her burden. Needs a lot of prayer that God will show her - and all her many friends - how to accept His will in this situation.