Liberty and Justice for All--how are rights and freedoms protected?

   The real glory of a nation comes from its people: the individual persons’ intelligence, honesty, industriousness, and Christian Character; without these a country will lose its liberty. This glory is not assured in having an abundance of art, libraries, galleries, or wealth in a nation’s cities; but rather, in the loyalty, industriousness, and upright character of the people. The sound of an industrious peoples’ work brings dignity, honor, and exultation to their country. Similarly, the nation’s safety is not just founded upon the wisdom or bravery of its citizens, but the righteous character of the people. In their Christian homes, safety is created. It stands for the right things and receives the blessings of truth and righteousness in return. The genuine glory of a nation is also clearly modeled in the villages, with their Christian schools, restless prayer, and faith in God–all these bring a nation glory.

Thought 241: Porn from Ryan's devotional book series Thoughts

Thought 241

Porn

  I have read many articles and testimonies from boys and men that have battled with this ugly monster. But let me assure you, most of the things that I have learned; any wisdom that my soul might now cling to, has come from using the gifts of my ears and eyes to listen and to read and using my mind to muse over something and consider the matter. God is the only way out of an addiction to pornography.

 God accepts me despite my failures and despite all my sins and all my miserable shortcomings. If He can accept me, one of the worst sinners, then He can accept you as well.

 If you struggle with the sin of pornography, first recognize that you cannot be free in your own strength, but the Lord’s Spirit in you can give you the power to become free. Believe—have faith—that the Lord will free you from this. It is not His will for you to stay in sin and if you are willing He will delight in helping you out.

 Read these Scriptures and stand on their promises—memorize them, know them, quote them when temptation comes: 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5, Ephesians 5:3-4, 1 Thessalonians 4:3, Psalm 24:3-4, James 1:12-16, Psalm 119:9-11, Philippians 4:13, James 4:7-8, Matthew 1:21,   Hebrews 2:17-18, 1 John 2:14, Psalm 101, Job 31:1, 2 Timothy 2:20-21, 1 Cor. 10:13

Thought 224: A Purpose Driven Life from Ryan's devotional book series Thoughts

Thought 224

A Purpose Driven Life

  A life needs a purpose; otherwise there is no reason for that life to exist, right? No, God doesn’t create mistakes. You might not think that you look the best or are the smartest, but God created you to be you. He loves you and He cares for you.

Read Job 31:15; 1 Corinthians 8:6; 1 Thessalonians 1:4; and 1 John 4:16

The Lord created you for a reason (Psalm 139:13). God wants you to wholeheartedly pursue Him (Matthew 6:33): a fruitful life reflecting Christ will be developed as you intentionally live each day following Jesus (Luke 9:23).

For most of my life I didn’t have a purpose, or at least I felt like it. I would play army men, Legos, and video games for hours on end. Around my freshman year of High School it dawned on me that buying and playing the newest and “greatest” games, chasing “cute” girls, and pursuing having fun had no real meaning or lasting value to my life. My friendships were many and empty: there was no depth, no true understanding or growth for the good of both parties. But one day, the Lord spoke to my heart as I was sitting in my basement writing or reading that He had a plan for me—I had purpose!

You have a Purpose!

Thought 222: Christian Freedom from Ryan's devotional book series Thoughts

Thought 222

Christian Freedom

“You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. The entire law is summed up in a single command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” If you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.”  Galatians 5:13-15 (NIV1984)