Girls Chat Last night....

Last night Naples Girls got together to discuss the last two chapters from Carolyn Mahaney's Book "Feminine Appeal" We discussed self-control and purity. Here is an overview of the discussion. If you have a thought to add you can join our talk through e-mail. (Girlschat@gmail.com)

The first question we addressed was one area in our lives where we are in most need of self-control. Some of the answers dealt with food, shopping and "loosing" control. As we talked more about these issues we discovered we can't control these weakness on our own. Some of our weakness such as food and shopping have a physical gratification...we actually "feel" good when we succumb to them. Our emotions get a "high" and things feel great. To combat these temptations we must use spiritual warfare. We talked about "knowing the Word of God" so we can fight those feelings. Knowing that "He is greater in me than he who is in the world" 1 John 4:4. Meditating on Scripture has a way to diffuse the intensity of the attack and we can be victorious. Let me ask you...are there verses you cling to combat temptation you could share with us?

We also talked about Purity. How are all the world systems (materialism, sexuality, economics, relativism, post-modernism and entertainment) influencing our view of Purity? We discovered that alot of wordily thinking has crept into our view of purity. We have been deceived in calling sin by so many other names to make it less offensive. Alternate lifestyle, choice, open marriage and many other names. But it is important we call it by its real name "sin" and that we teach our children what sin is. We discussed how worldly thinking sets itself up against God's Holiness and Truth. We were encouraged to discover that being Holy is being set apart to God. Just as God is Holy, because there is no one like Him, we are called to be Holy and called out from the world. That means separating ourselves from the world's ways. We came to the realization that as much as we are discovering about God and His standard the more we need to change. The closer we draw to Him the more we see our sinfulness. "To whom much is given much is required. "

Finally the overall conclusion was that on our own power we can not change. That is why we need and HAVE a Saviour. He came to save us from ourselves and the power sin has over us. "You are no longer slaves to sin but righteousness" Romans 6:18. We give Him glory when we testify about His power to change us and bring us out of the world. Yvette gave a beautiful testimony of her changed life...it takes time but what God began He will finish.

Let me encourage you that wherever you are struggling with purity or self-control, God can rescue you! Look to the Saviour...with Him all things are possible!

Yvette writes:
Verses that help me stay focused on God.
"Nevertheless when one turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Now the Lord is the spirit; and where the spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. but we all with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord are being transformed into the same image from the glory, just as by the spirit of the Lord." 2 Corinthians
Psalm One 1-6
"Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. but his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. The ungodly are not so; but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away. Therefore the ungodlyshall not stand in the judgment, not sinners int he congregation of the righteous. For the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous; but the way of the ungodly shall perish."
"Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. " Romans 12:21
It helps to post them up where you can always see them.

Great thoughts Yvette...thanks so much! Keep the verses coming! janet