You're Saved, You're Sexual ... You Struggle, Let's Talk
“So maybe my nature does draw me to you. That doesn’t mean I have to go with it. I can say yes to some things, and no to some things that are gonna ruin everything. I can do that. Otherwise, you know, what good is this life God gave us?” -from the film “Moonstruck” Continue Reading
When you discover an intense experience, it becomes yours. You adopt it, mentally and permanently. And once it’s adopted, it stays in your memory as a part of your experiential history. Continue Reading
“Keep in mind that when sin is viewed superficially, it is dealt with superficially.” -Erwin W. Lutzer When something gets me really mad, or really scared, I do something about it. When something seems technically wrong but excusable, I shrug it off. So what I deal with seriously, combining decision and action, tells you a lot about what really matters to me and what doesn’t. Continue Reading
A couple years back a notorious kidnapping rapist, about to be sentenced, tried explaining his horrendous actions away by pulling out his abusive childhood. When asked to rise before sentencing, he began explaining that he’d been sexually abused as a child when the judge cut him off. Continue Reading
"If you have no temptations it is because the devils are your friends, your leaders, and your shepherds. And by allowing you to pass your poor life tranquilly, to the end of your days, they will drag you down into the depths." -St. Gregory Continue Reading
Being virtuous is no feat once temptation ceases. - Arnold Glasow When I asked God to remove my temptations, He answered by allowing more of them to come, and in stronger forms, and more often. I said, “Thanks a lot” and I could swear I heard the Holy Spirit say, “Anytime, Kid.” But He also did a major, life-changing work in me. He empowered me to deal with temptation, rather than remove it, and I got stronger and humbler in the process. Stronger because my resistance abilities grew; humbler because my reliance on Him becomes clearer than Continue Reading
Let’s revisit an amazing story which, I think, has a lot to say to a Christian guy struggling to keep it clean. Fresh off one of history’s most triumphal luncheons (see Matthew 14:16-21, where five thousand dined on two loaves and three fishes) the disciples, at Christ’s specific command, took off in a boat for the other side of the lake around sundown. (vs.23) Their obedience drove them straight into the arms of catastrophe. A storm hit, the waves swelled, and by 3am they were still only midway across, exhausted and bewildered. Jesus Continue Reading
Several years ago I was teaching a five day seminar on purity for men. The location was a seaside resort town, the venue was a hotel, the meeting room overlooked the beach, and I think you see the problem. Continue Reading
And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. -Galatians 6:9 I’m going into training for the April Bike-A-Thon our church sponsors every year. Proceeds go to send abused kids to camp, and I’m always blessed and proud to participate. Continue Reading
I was driving in the front seat trying really hard to be the driver Thinking that I was making real good time But always winding up a late arriver But now I’ve been riding in the back seat and I find it is a very great relief Now I’m trying out the back seat And I’m leaving all the driving to The Chief. - “Front Seat Back Seat” by Chuck Girard and Tom Coomes” That was a popular Christian song when I was a kid, and it still speaks to me. Because not a day goes by without my feeling challenged to decide who’s in charge and act Continue Reading
A happy marriage is the union of two good forgivers. -Ruth Bell Graham Continue Reading
“So maybe my nature does draw me to you. That doesn’t mean I have to go with it. I can say yes to some things, and no to some things that are gonna Continue Reading
I’m a logician. No matter how wrong I am, I can always convince myself I am right. -Jarod Kintz Continue Reading
Then said Evangelist, 'If this by thy condition, why standest thou still?' He answered, 'Because I know not where to go.' -Pilgrim's Progress Been Continue Reading
“For the wrath of man does not work the righteousness of God.” - James 1:20 Some stories put me in touch with my inner murderer. This one’s a pretty Continue Reading
{ Fascinating coverage, Joe. I'm curious to know more about what can/has been done to change the mental state (versus physicality) of people with gender dysphoria,... } – Apr 27, 3:50 PM
{ Your ministry and perspective is a tremendous blessing. Thank you for sharing your struggle and what God has taught you through it. As a compassionate... } – Apr 26, 9:38 AM
{ Joe- as always, excellent writing and research! And I love how you always remember to talk about the heart of God. I can't imagine what... } – Apr 25, 7:12 PM
{ I WAS SICKENED WHEN HE TOLD THE STORY OF HOW GOD MADE HIM & LOOKED DOWN & DECIDED HE WOULD GIVE HIM THIS GENDER ISSUE... } – Apr 25, 6:49 PM
{ Your honesty, and courage are as phenomenal as your insight Mr Dallas. Thank you Sir. } – Apr 25, 2:51 AM
{ Joe, that is why we love and respect you so much: you always speak the truth in love and have always been transparent about your... } – Apr 25, 12:48 AM
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