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Sunday, February 10, 2008

It's a Jungle Out There

This is a post I wrote last year.
My heart is burdened over the way infidelity and immorality are celebrated these days.

Ladies, please be on your guard because you are marked by an enemy that wants to trip you up any way he can. I loved Missy's post (Feb. 9) and I believe this falls right in line with what she was saying also.

I think the Lord is trying to tell His ladies something... don't look to the latest TV show for an example of happiness, look to His Word and truth- He will never steer us wrong.


Isn’t it cute? Don’t you just want to pick it up and snuggle it?

This lion cub is a metaphor for what sin can represent to us. It starts out seeming so sweet and cuddly and safe, but when it grows up- and it will- it can destroy us.

I have sat with a few different women who were involved in an adulterous affair or on the threshold of one. They would tell me how wonderful this relationship is, that it makes them feel so good and how could anything that feels so good be wrong?

Ladies, any time we are entertaining the thoughts of another man and how much we enjoy spending time with him and look for ways to connect with him- it is dangerous!We have to recognize that satan doesn’t come in like an attacking lion- he comes in like a sweet, wonderful, playful little lion cub. He says to us, “What harm could it do?”

John 10:10
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. NIV

There’s nothing sweet about sin. It is bitter all the way to the grave.

Unforgiveness and gossip are just as dangerous. Our words can seem so harmless, but they can lead to bitterness which can harden our hearts and render us lifeless and devoid of the fruit of the Spirit; peace, love, joy…

Acts 8:23
For I see that you are full of bitterness and captive to sin." NIV



1 Peter 5:8
Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. NIV

Ladies, I woke up at 4 AM and this was stirring in my heart. I knew I was to share it with you. I pray that these images will stick with you and remind you of the fact that when the enemy is tempting you with sin that seems so sweet- it’s ultimate goal is to “grow up” and destroy your life.

Thankfully, we have a Savior that died to set us free- then He raised up from the grave and gave us victory over the sin that satan wants to hold us captive with!

Gal 5:1
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. NIV


Father, I pray that you would open our eyes to the traps that satan sets for us. Like Jesus Himself prayed, “keep us from temptation” and help us to walk in the freedom purchased for us at the cross. Lord, we desire to do Your will, give us wisdom and discernment in all situations. We love you Lord. In Jesus name we pray, amen.


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15 Comments:

Blogger Missy said...

Wow, Sue. Powerful stuff.

That lion cub reminds me of something a preacher said once that has stuck with me: "Of course sin is always fun. Ever been tempted by something not fun?"

That little lion cub seems so cute and fun...til he grows and grows and devours us.

Yikes.

February 9, 2008 at 11:51 PM  
Blogger Denise said...

This is so awesome, and so very true. Thanks for sharing.

February 10, 2008 at 12:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Amen and amen! The pictures certainly show the truth of His words. Thanks.

February 10, 2008 at 1:37 AM  
Blogger Lisa @ The Preacher's Wife said...

Excellent word, Sue.

One of my soapboxes that I get on regularly is the danger of women forming friendships with men outside of marriage. That innocent lunch turns into confiding our husband's faults. The grass begins to look greener and greener until a decision is made to jump the fence to wallow in that pasture.

And it may seem so exciting and romantic - until you start picking up the new guys underwear out of the floor and he cheats on you the same way he cheated with you.

Girls, men are not your best friends! They are not after great conversation! When are we going to get they are wired for a different kind of intimacy and are willing to say anything to get it? Be aware, just like Sue said. That baby cub will eventually leave you wounded and bleeding.

I'm just sayin'.

Sorry for the rant, Sue...:)

I have a godly jealously for you girls and I'm not letting you go without a fight. :)))

Much love,

Lisa

February 10, 2008 at 7:44 AM  
Blogger Praise and Coffee said...

Missy, So true! Great words by your pastor.

Lisa, LOVE the rant! I think we probably have a passion about it because we've both seen it go full circle as ones who've tried to pull women from this fire.

February 10, 2008 at 8:00 AM  
Blogger Mocha with Linda said...

Great, great words, Sue.

And how immune we become to this through what we watch and read. Years ago in my romantic, unmarried youth, one of my favorite movies was Camelot. Until I realized that I was rooting for Lancelot and Guinevere (albeit I was conflicted 'cause I liked King Arthur too). Romanticized adultery in musical form.

I haven't watched it since.

February 10, 2008 at 8:51 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Preach it Sue!!, Like slowly falling into a pit! Satan comes as the light to steal kill and destroy!! You! If he is cheating with you, He WILL cheat on you!, What does that say about you? Hmmm?? Great Boldness, I love it:) Have a great week.

February 10, 2008 at 10:08 AM  
Blogger 2nd Cup of Coffee said...

I remember this post! It's a great reminder and the pictures are great visuals.

February 10, 2008 at 10:38 AM  
Blogger windycindy said...

Hi, Another thoughtful post! It would most definitely be easy to slip into an affair. I think low self-esteem can make it even more tempting! I appreciate your comments. Cindi
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

February 10, 2008 at 12:53 PM  
Blogger Amico Dio said...

This is a great reminder and one that needs to be spoken of time and time again. Great Word, Sue!

February 10, 2008 at 1:55 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Sue,
You always speak with such wisdom and conviction concerning marriage. I know your words to be true because I've had a front row seat in that "arena" before. Keep shouting it from the rooftops! Many women need to hear it.
Darnelle

Lisa - I LOVED your 'rant'! Most women simply don't know the truth concerning "friendships" with men. You keep shouting it too, Sister!!
love ya both,
Darnelle

February 10, 2008 at 2:30 PM  
Blogger Zaankali said...

Well said. Thank you for sharing that with us.
I may have mentioned this before but it is worth repeating. I really appreciate that you include all of the scripture verses.
Smiles!

February 10, 2008 at 2:56 PM  
Blogger happyhome said...

Great visual image Sue. Thanks for boldly speaking the truth.

Blessings,

Angela
the-potters-hand.blogspot.com

February 10, 2008 at 2:56 PM  
Blogger Susan Skitt said...

Sue, like you, I have walked (and cried and prayed) with a very dear friend who was in a situation like this.

Satan is a deceiver and a liar, seeking to destroy.

Oh may each of us daily take all of our thoughts captive to the obedience of Christ. Yes, there is forgiveness in Him, but sometimes God allows us to live with the consequences of our choice to sin. I pray that each of us will walk away from our lusts and run into the arms of Jesus.

James 4:7 says to submit ourselves to God, resist the Devil, and He will flee from us!

February 11, 2008 at 5:15 PM  
Blogger Christi S said...

Oh, yes, I agree, Sue! I had a bad dream about being in an adultrous situation, and even the dream disturbed me so much, I had to pray myself back to sleep. Sin is scary business! I pray that this message reached those for whom God intended it!

February 12, 2008 at 2:23 PM  

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