Here are some things that would help the many teenagers that are going astray if they only knew about. This is what my parents and I have decided for both my sister and I. I hope this helps somebody. *All of this material is from Bill Gothard's Basic Seminar.
*Four Decisions between Fathers and Daughters
1. Decide that you want God's BEST concerning marriage.
2. Purpose to send potential partner to father for approval.
-You increase his appreciation for you: What a fellow works for, he appreciates more.
-You prove your father loves you.
-You give a man an opportunity to evaluate the motives of the fellow.
-You put the fellow in the right relationship with your authority.
3.Purpose not to discuss marriage with a fellow- but direct him to your father first.
4.The fellow must have 8 essential qualities before marriage:
-Must have genuine salvation
-Must accept himself
-Must accept authority
-Must have clear conscience
-Must know how to yield rights
-Must have moral freedom
-Must know God's purpose for his life ( the wife is supposed to be the help-meet, and she must
know if she is able to meet the needs of the man)
-Must have financial freedom
*Discerning God's Will Regarding a Life Partner
1. Only marry a Christian.
2. He must know his purpose in life.
3. No defrauding (1 Corinthians 7:5 "Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your inconsistency."
4. Must have harmony at home
5. Timing in marriage (If you have trouble meeting your own needs you can't meet his needs too)
-Parents consent
-Financial Preparation
-Purpose in life
6.Yielding right to marry
-Dedication to Service
*The Wisdom and Freedom of Courtship vs. Dating
The concept of courtship involves applying Biblical principles to this area of life, thus allowing young people to have greater effectiveness in their single years and a more fulfilling relationship with their partner in marriage.
Definition of Dating: singling out one person of the opposite gender and cultivating interest through thoughts, looks, notes, talks, or events.
*Why Dating Causes Conflicts
-The motive is wrong- getting vs. giving
-The goal is wrong- pleasure vs. commitment
-The idea is wrong-human nature vs. limitations
The results are wrong- hurts vs. edification
Definition of Courtship: Two fathers agreeing to work with a qualified young man to win the daughter for marriage.
Definition of Engagement: A daughter's agreeing to accept the proposed love and protection of a young man in marriage.
*The Rewards of Courtship
-Gives new freedom in friendships
-Avoids envy and jealousy
-Allows dedication to please the Lord (Dating violates 1 Corinthians 7:31-34 and it isn't based on the Lord, or the other person, but on one's self.)
-Promotes self-control and moral purity.
-Provides for objective evaluation
-Eliminates defrauding and bitterness
-Bases marriage on God's will (dating conclusions change).
-Honors the father's authority
*The Requirements of Courtship
-A life purpose bigger than marriage
-A "one-man, one-woman" commitment
-A restraint of affection (1 Cor. 7:1)
-A loyalty to parents
-An ability to deal with infatuations
-A readiness for marriage responsibilities
-An answer to "matchmakers" -"Thank you for your interest in my welfare. Right now, I'm learning to be content as a single person. If I'm not content as a single person, I'll not be fulfilled in marriage."
GOD
3. "I'll wait for Your timing." ^
2. "You know my needs." '
1. "Thank You for desires." '
INFATUATION '
GOD SAYS I DON'T WANT JUST PART OF YOUR HEART! I WANT ALL OF IT!
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
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I Have Been Blessed!!!!
THE ROOM
In that place between wakefulness and dreams, I found myself in the room.
There were no distinguishing features except for the one wall covered with small index card files. They were like the ones in libraries that list titles by author or subject in alphabetical order. But these files, which stretched from floor to ceiling and seemingly endless in either direction, had very different headings. As I drew near the wall of files, the first to
catch my attention was one that read "Girls I have liked." I opened it and began flipping through the cards. I quickly shut it, shocked to realize that I recognized the names written on each one. And then without being told, I knew exactly where I was.
There were no distinguishing features except for the one wall covered with small index card files. They were like the ones in libraries that list titles by author or subject in alphabetical order. But these files, which stretched from floor to ceiling and seemingly endless in either direction, had very different headings. As I drew near the wall of files, the first to
catch my attention was one that read "Girls I have liked." I opened it and began flipping through the cards. I quickly shut it, shocked to realize that I recognized the names written on each one. And then without being told, I knew exactly where I was.
This lifeless room with its small files was a crude catalog system for my life. Here were written the actions of my every moment, big and small, in a detail my memory couldn't match. A sense of wonder and curiosity, coupled with horror, stirred within me as I began randomly opening files and exploring their content. Some brought joy and sweet memories; others a sense of shame and regret so intense that I would look over my shoulder to see if anyone was watching.
A file named "Friends" was next to one marked "Friends I have betrayed." The titles ranged from the mundane to the outright weird "Books I Have Read," "Lies I Have Told," "Comfort I have Given," "Jokes I Have Laughed at." Some
were almost hilarious in their exactness: "Things I've yelled at my brothers." Others I couldn't laugh at: "Things I Have Done in My Anger", "Things I Have Muttered Under My Breath at My Parents." I never ceased to be surprised by the contents.
were almost hilarious in their exactness: "Things I've yelled at my brothers." Others I couldn't laugh at: "Things I Have Done in My Anger", "Things I Have Muttered Under My Breath at My Parents." I never ceased to be surprised by the contents.
Often there were many more cards than I expected. Sometimes fewer than I hoped. I was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of the life I had lived. Could it be possible that I had the time in my years to fill each of these thousands or even millions of cards? But each card confirmed this truth.
Each was written in my own handwriting. Each signed with my signature.
Each was written in my own handwriting. Each signed with my signature.
When I pulled out the file marked "TV Shows I have watched", I realized the files grew to contain their contents. The cards were packed tightly, and yet after two or three yards, I hadn't found the end of the file. I shut it, shamed, not so much by the quality of shows but more by the vast time I knew that file represented.
When I came to a file marked "Lustful Thoughts," I felt a chill run through my body. I pulled the file out only an inch, not willing to test its size and drew out a card. I shuddered at its detailed content.
I felt sick to think that such a moment had been recorded. An almost animal rage broke on me. One thought dominated my mind: No one must ever see these cards! No one must ever see this room! I have to destroy them!" In insane frenzy I yanked the file out. Its size didn't matter now. I had to empty it
and burn the cards. But as I took it at one end and began pounding it on the floor, I could not dislodge a single card. I became desperate and pulled out a card, only to find it as strong as steel when I tried to tear it.
and burn the cards. But as I took it at one end and began pounding it on the floor, I could not dislodge a single card. I became desperate and pulled out a card, only to find it as strong as steel when I tried to tear it.
Defeated and utterly helpless, I returned the file to its slot. Leaning my forehead against the wall, I let out a long, self-pitying sigh.
And then I saw it. The title bore "People I Have Shared the Gospel With." The handle was brighter than those around it, newer, almost unused. I pulled on its handle and a small box not more than three inches long fell into my hands. I could count the cards it contained on one hand.
And then the tears came. I began to weep. Sobs so deep that they hurt. They started in my stomach and shook through me. I fell on my knees and cried. I cried out of shame, from the overwhelming shame of it all. The rows of file shelves swirled in my tear-filled eyes. No one must ever, ever know of this
room. I must lock it up and hide the key. But then as I pushed away the tears, I saw Him.
room. I must lock it up and hide the key. But then as I pushed away the tears, I saw Him.
No, please not Him. Not here. Oh, anyone but Jesus. I watched helplessly as He began to open the files and read the cards. I couldn't bear to watch His response. And in the moments I could bring myself to look at His face, I saw
a sorrow deeper than my own.
a sorrow deeper than my own.
He seemed to intuitively go to the worst boxes. Why did He have to read every one? Finally He turned and looked at me from across the room. He looked at me with pity in His eyes. But this was a pity that didn't anger me. I dropped my head, covered my face with my hands and began to cry again.
He walked over and put His arm around me. He could have said so many things. But He didn't say a word. He just cried with me.
He walked over and put His arm around me. He could have said so many things. But He didn't say a word. He just cried with me.
Then He got up and walked back to the wall of files. Starting at one end of the room, He took out a file and, one by one, began to sign His name over mine on each card. "No!" I shouted rushing to Him. All I could find to say was "No, no," as I pulled the card from Him. His name shouldn't be on these cards. But there it was, written in red so rich, so dark, so alive. The name
of Jesus covered mine. It was written with His blood. He gently took the card back. He smiled a sad smile and began to sign the cards. I don't think I'll ever understand how He did it so quickly, but the next instant it seemed I heard Him close the last file and walk back to my side.
He placed His hand on my shoulder and said, "It is finished." I stood up, and He led me out of the room. There was no lock on its door. There were still cards to be written.
- Brian Moore
of Jesus covered mine. It was written with His blood. He gently took the card back. He smiled a sad smile and began to sign the cards. I don't think I'll ever understand how He did it so quickly, but the next instant it seemed I heard Him close the last file and walk back to my side.
He placed His hand on my shoulder and said, "It is finished." I stood up, and He led me out of the room. There was no lock on its door. There were still cards to be written.
- Brian Moore
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