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Thursday, September 15, 2005

"No Vile Thing"

"I will be careful to lead a blameless life … I will set before my eyes no vile thing" (Psalm 101:2a,3a)

Last Friday's message challenged readers to moral purity. It was a condensation of a message I shared at a men's retreat this last weekend. I used an illustration when I shared the message that is admittedly distasteful. Skip the next couple of paragraphs if these things bother you. I have used many illustrations in my ministry, some better than others, but many were quite memorable.

The retreat (really it was a campout) was held at a hunting camp in the mountains. It was very rustic and there was one outhouse for the 40 men and boys who attended the camp. Prior to speaking I had asked one of the teenagers to collect some appropriate looking material from the muddy creek and place it in a big styrofoam cup.

I began my message by telling the men that I had asked the teen to collect this material from the outhouse and I asked them if any would like to try it out. Now I know that's disgusting! No one at all tried it. (Of course I explained to them afterwards it was just muddy water.)

I went on to challenge them that anytime they faced a temptation to sexual immorality and pornography that they recall this illustration. For partaking of sexual immorality and pornography is spiritually far more disgusting, devastating and destructive then even drinking from that "supposed" vile cup would have been!

The daily verse is a portion of a psalm of David. He expresses his heart's desire: "I will be careful to lead a blameless life." Leading a blameless life does indeed require great care. (And Scripture records David's moral tumble at one point in his life).

The expression "I will set before my eyes no vile thing" is a powerful commitment for all ages but especially in our own, with vile images abounding. Last Friday's challenge used the verse from Job 31:1 which states, "I made a covenant with my eyes not to look lustfully at a girl" (Job 31:1). These two verses provide a powerful deterrent to what is normally the first step into any sexual immorality. In fact David's greatest recorded sin began when "he saw a woman bathing" (2 Samuel 11:2).

Today I encourage all to again consider God's call to purity and holiness and make a renewed commitment that, "I will be careful to lead a blameless life."


Be encouraged today,


Stephen C. Weber

Brooksyne's prayer - Jesus, You are the pure and blameless Lamb of God.  Though you were tempted in everyway, just as we are, You stood the test.  While fasting in the wilderness each time Satan tried to lure You into his trap, Jesus, You stood firm as You quoted the Word of God.  Increase my desire to read, memorize and meditate upon the Scriptures that I might not sin against You.  Help me not to set anything vile before my eyes, Lord, and help me not to be a source of temptation to others.  As I look at my apparel in the mirror or as I shop for new clothing remind me to use Your Word as my guide.  May modesty and moderation be the guidelines of my clothing selection rather than the fashion designers who disregard the moral temptations that my brothers and sisters face daily.  May my clothing and my body language honor You and not be a snare to those around me.  May the words of my mouth, the meditations of my heart, and my outward appearance please You and be a testimony of Your saving grace in my life.  In Your Name I pray, Amen.



Preaching moment
Here a rather out of focus photo of that preaching moment last Saturday evening!



Here's last Friday's message titled "Keep yourself pure"
In this message I also listed a number of resources available in regard to the issue of moral purity.

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Scripture references are from The Holy Bible: New International Version. © 1984 by International Bible Society; NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, Copyright © 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission; and the King James Version.

Personal Mission Statement: "I am created by God to bring Him glory. Through God's Son Jesus Christ I have been redeemed and I make it my life's goal to please the Lord. My mission in life is to honor God through my faith and obedience and to prepare myself and all whom I may influence for eternity."

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