Online Purity

Please Note:
Usually I try to keep this blog as "G" rated as possible, but the subject matter in this post is not.




Innocent Beginnings?

Sin begins innocent enough doesn't it? Case in point, I was going to recap our weekend by telling you how I'm no long welcome at Gopher hockey games due to the fact that I'm bad "luck". Or how much I love the snow and Bella hates it. Or how Mom and Dad Johnson and little sister Danae couldn't be with us this weekend due to the wonderful snow. But instead, I thought I tackle a horrible subject; pornography.

This morning, in my pursuit of looking for a picture from the Gopher/Husky hockey game, I was inendated with ads/pictures which embarassed me. I kept looking behind my shoulder just incase anyone coming up behind me I could explain why I had the picture above on my screen. (Yes I realize the irony of it since I am now posting that same picture.)

I am well aware of my own temptation and weakness concerning this particular sin. And at the same time, far too many people (guys and girls, saved and not saved), are slaves to this filth. This morning it really made me angry and upset knowing that all I was looking for was a simple Minnesota Gopher hockey picture and I kept finding this garbage! (I did eventually find one by the way.)

If you or someone you know is struggling with this, please don't let it consume you/them. First off, confess it to Christ. Never underestimate the power of prayer! Also, share the burden with a trusting friend, spouse, pastor, sibling etc. Let them help you with it.

After doing a very brief Google search of "online purity", these are just some sites that came up in no particular order.

• Pure Online: 30 Days to Purity
  
• Absolute Ministries: "treat young women as sisters with absolute purity" -Tim. 5:1&2
  
• Partners for Purity: Because sexual sin hurts
  
• Shelly Lubben: Transformed
  
• XXX Church: #1 Christian Porn Site
  
• Safe Families: Keeping children safe online
  
• Every Man's Battle: Sexual integrity programs
  

I can't endorse any one of these since I haven't done any research on them but at a brief glance they seem to have their hearts in the right place. Remember the best way to deal with this is constant, truely repentant prayer and the help of a loved one. It is a problem that no one wants or espesially wants to admit.

He who conceals his transgressions will not prosper,
But he who confesses and forsakes them will find compassion.
—Proverbs 28:13

On a much lighter and happier note,
HAPPY 52nd BIRTHDAY KEVIN!

—b

Monday, February 26th, 2007/1 Kings chapters 20-22 & 2 Kings 1 & 2

GOD'S MESSAGE FOR ME TODAY
Now behold, a prophet approached Ahab king of Israel and said, "Thus says the LORD, 'Have you seen all this great multitude? Behold, I will deliver them into your hand today, and you shall know that I am the LORD.'" —1 Kings 20:13

HOW DOES THIS APPLY TO MY LIFE?
The Lord will show His glory to us. Even those aren't His followers as king Ahab was not. The decision is up to us whether or not we will give Him credit and turn to Him or not.

Copyright 2007, City Vision / John A. Mayer
You can purchase a copy of the CityView Report here.

SPIRITUAL TWIN CITIES NOTEABLES
• Emergent/Gen-X/Post modern churches are being started at a rate of 5 per year.