This is Erona after a long time but am getting on well. I'll write in detail pertaining the latter, some other time. I read an interesting article of a popular young Ugandan lady who found love on the internet. At one point in her story she said many of her relationships had failed probably because of her principles as a born-again. She said that when her date arrived in the country they shared a room in a motel but did not make love but along the way, she stated she had kissed her date because he looked nervous. I was baffled. Was it OK for her as a Christian? Did she want to mean that he wanted her date to feel at ease? Can someone help me on this? Am confused.

Erona,

First of all you really don't know if she or he is saved and serving God with submission.
If we serve Christ we want to have sacred communion with Him and ask Him to lead us in all decisions. Only the Lord knows were her heart is and what she wants in life. I pray that she is following the Light and not her own desires of her heart. As a Christain or non- Christain it is hard not to fall into the trap of temptation. First of all my opinion, is they opened the door for evil as soon as they got a room together. I believe it's fine to have relationships. You just have to be in complete submission with Christ. I don't think she was right by kissing this Guy because it will only bring temptation.I have myself fell in this trap while I was single and serving the Lord. I had conviction big time from the Lord. I was doing ministry work for the Lord with my desires of my heart, instead of listening to God's Word. I asked myself; How am I going to minister to anyone with temptations & bondages,hoovering over me. I decided to get right with God again and the Lord bless me with a wonderful woman name Lorena a year later.If I could start over I would listen to what the Bible teaches. I asked Jesus to cleanse me from the defilement of the world and I asked the Lord to cleanse me from any defilement I have experienced.

I pray that the Lord would guide her in the decisions she makes in her Life. May the Lord protect her and guide her. May she experience a devine touch from God. May the Lord supply her with a sound and biblical man. If this is the Man God knowns.

Remember this is only my opinion.

God Bless and may the Lord bring you through everything!!!!



I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith. Romans 1:11-12

John Trevino

[This message was edited by JOHN TREVINO on July 07, 2003 at 02:46 PM.]

Hello Erona,

We can certainly learn from others perceived mistakes. Many details of the friends date with the man are not known, but from what you describe, your friend's first mistake was to let her date take her to a single motel room. That is not a date, it is a trap for sexual temptation, like John has said.

More over, in 2 Corinthians 6:3, God tells us to

"put no stumbling block in anyone's path, so that our ministry will not be discredited."

The testimony of each believer is what we have to show forth the glory and power of Jesus Crist in our lives. Although your friend says she did not have sex with this man, those who know of her night with him have no idea what the truth is. Presumably they would suspect the worst, and her testimony was then hurt.

Is a kiss sinful or wrong? Certainly not in our society in many situations. In this case, we cannot say, as we do not know type of kiss, context, or what. It is unwise for us to presume to know whether the kiss was right or wrong. At best, your friend used unsound wisdom in going to the motel room. She should have known enough about the man when he suggested or agreed to go to the motel. At that point, she should have concluded the evening and the relationship and said good bye.

Finally, it is easy for all of us to pass judgement on these things. We must use the word of God to the best of our ability to provide our path of behavior. Neither can we be too quick to pass judgement on anyone until we are willing to first look at our own lives in the same perspective and with the same looking glass.

The soiling of Christian testimony is to me possibly the most endearing sadness of our age. Worldliness life styles are consuming the Christian walk for millions all over the world, especially here in the US. We who have so much exposure to God's teachings and worship opportunities are perhaps the worst offenders of soiling Christian testimony in the world. We can say that is is wrong for a single lonely woman to visit a motel room with a man she just meets, but are we willing to also look at our own walk, at the movies, television, church music, and reading material that we let into lives? How about how we allow our teen age daughters to dress? Are we willing to take a stand on prayer in society, abortion, euthanasia, pride, selfishness, gambling, drugs, alcohol, homosexual perversion, and immumerable other vices that wrack our towns and cities? Perhaps I am going on too long here, as this was not the entire context of Erona's question.

When each of us applies 2 Corinthians 6:3 to our lives, we will see that the womans lack of wisdom is also our own.

Thx Nick. I was at the verge of screaming that nobody has responded apart from the two of you. Still, not good work at the GDW Message Board. Am abit discouraged; that though 42 have viewed only 2 have responded. Was this question boring or irrelevant? Thx all the same Nick. God bless

ONCE AGAIN WAS MY CONCERN BORING OR IRRELEVANT? SORRY THAT I SOUND VERY DISAPPOINTED. I must say that it is thru' this media where everybody gets moral, emotional, etc. kind of support; but when it seems like the world has ignored you am afraid we go astray! One good example. I wrote here questioning about "Gifts or Gambling" and I got only one response AND ONLY WHEN I'D GOTTEN INTO THIS TRAP OF "GIFTING". I lost money and had myself to blame but on the other hand I still maintain & insist that if I'd probably got more advices from here I would not have fallen that trap. Am hoping this letter can get the audience I desire. Steve, John T. Pax and all you here thx for the good work you are doing. At least I was healed of a bad relationship. The board helped me alot. At the time of hurting they were other members here hurting with the same problem and I was lucky to pick on one of them and continued communicating to which it also really, really helped me alot. God bless you all - continue with the good work remembering those who are hurting.

Erona,

We are here for you in prayer and in confidence that the grace and love of our Lord will get you through everything. I am sure there are many silent partners on the message board that pray or else they wouldn't be searching through our board. I pray the Lord would continue to examine our hearts and teach us daily to speak from our hearts. May God reveal to us truth and guidance in everything we do! We live daily dealing with circumstances knowing that the Bible has the power to transform anyone, anywhere- high or low, the rich or poor, the educated or illiterate. We can trust and believe what evangelist Luis Palau once said remember when The Lord Jesus prayed to His Father in the Garden of Gethsemane, " Sanctify them by truth; your word is truth" (John 17:17). His Word cleanses us (John 15:3). It isn't enough to know the Scriptures" are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus" (2 Timothy 3:15). Paul goes on to say in verse 16, " All Scriptures " is God - breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness" The Word immediatley points out the sinspots on the altar of our soul. We need to come together on this message board realizing this Ministry is a blessing from God and hold on to the grip of our faith that many that visit come with their praying heart giving all praise and glory to Him. What a true blessing it is for us to bring our request, burdens, sins etc.. to a ministry driven by a vision Steve was given by God!!!!

May the peace of God be with You!

Thank You for putting your request on the board!

I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith. Romans 1:11-12

John Trevino

Dear Erona

Don't become discouraged when people don't reply straight away - I don't think everybody has the time to reply. It doesn't mean though that the people that are members here doesn't care.

Persevere in your requests, here and before the Lord. If people don't reply soon enough, go on your knees and ask the Lord to provide somebody with an answer for you. Ultimately, trust Him. And find encouragement in His Word. The Psalms are great for that.

Also, if you have the means, try and get a good study Bible (if you don't have one already) which will help you a great deal in getting to know and understanding God's word. But it means you need to spend that time with Him studying His Word. It won't come by itself, you need to make the effort, pray about what you have studied, and ask for grace to apply it.

Otherwise, I agree with the two replies that you had received on your initial topic. And they were good replies too.

Stay focused, sister in Christ. Don't give Satan a foothold by becoming discouraged because of your concern. Bring all your concerns before the Lord, in prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, then His peace that surpasses all understanding will reign in your heart and mind.

With His love.

Anthony

PS. Now I must go home, my wife is waiting for me since I am almost an hour late from work.

PHP 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

PHP 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.

Hello Erona,

Praise Him big! I like that phrase. I re-read your question on "gifting" and you began your question with that nice praise. I praise Him that He is sovereign over us, the events that occur in our lives, and the those in others lives. I praise Him that His love is over us like a huge umbrella. I praise Him that He loves us.

Your interesting question was not boring or irrevelant. As you noted in your message, many people viewed your question. Several responded. Why not more? I can tell one you one thing for certain, the number of responses to any question on this message board is not reflective of the nature of the question. It is not reflective of you personally, or whether the question of "boring".

Unlike some Christian message boards that I have viewed with greater numbers of members and potential responses, I believe God has a special annointing on this ministry and the message board that is a part of it. God has led you here for His purpose. He leads some people to view the message board and some to respond to the messages presented. Remember, God is sovereign, right? Amen.

When I read a message or question, I first pray to ask God for direction as to whether I should respond. I am sure most people do that. Some messages I do not respond in word, but in prayer and I believe that each message posted on this board results in many prayers for the person in need. I pray that the Lord would open the heart of someone with His wisdom and knowledge, if not me then someone else. I pray that my opinion, which is actually worth very little, would not be a factor, but that His wisdom would be manifest in all.

Some messages get a very few responses, not because the question is irrevelant or boring, but perhaps because the responses that have be made answer the question and others have nothing to add. Other times, people who do not answer simply have no word for the question at that moment. Personally, sometimes, I know the Lord simply reveals nothing to me to share on the question or topic. I pray then for the person and ask that the Lord would assist someone else to respond.

Erona, don't allow the number of responses to be a factor in your mind. Praise Him Big for the responses that do come in, know that many more are praying for you and the situation, and know that more than anything else that God loves you.

Hello Erona,
Like some has said don't be discouraged when others don't respond to a particular topic. When I first posted a prayer I just thought instantaneously some one would respond right away, I too became fustrated. Sometimes people have to get there mind and hearts open to respond in the way God will have us to. I read alot of these messages and right off I dont know what to say,but I ask the Lord to guide my way.

In response to "confused", In my opinion I think that your friend shouldn't have agreed to go to the room with her date. Being a Godly woman, no she shouldn't have. There are many other places that you can go out on a date- besides a motel room-maybe she didn't mean any harm but the world today will make it harm. We must not give place to the devil because he is looking for any situation he can to destroy it.
The kiss however, by her giving it in the room like that may have caused the guy to think "other thoughts", but like you said nothing happened, he may have had a thought about next time (if it be one), that oh yeah, she kissed me and maybe Ill act even more scared and then.... well you know what I mean. I'm married now and still guys will try to run that "line". I was single and trying to live a Godly life and it was hard for me to date without the devil trying to step in.

Tell your friend to keep the faith and keep praying that God will send her someone special.

I will keep you all in my prayers.

Terri

Erona
I am so sorry that I have hurt you. I hope and pray that you forgive me. I should have responded to your second post at least. When your first post appeared, I thought John and Nick's replies were great and sufficient for your needs. I usually pray and seek God's wisdom and guidance before going on the board. I didn't have anything to add but I should have tried to encourage you. I miss God's will sometimes. Be encouraged. There are many prayer warriors on here who pray but don't post. I pray daily for the people on here. Also, I don't always reply to every post that is not a prayer request..Sometimes I get nothing from God in my spirit to say or I don't have enough knowledge or wisdom to deal with a particular post. I pray you give us a chance again. I'll be praying for you to be blessed with God's best and his peace and love to be yours in abundance....your friend, I hope, Pax

Erona
Ps.......Please pray for me too.

Erona,
In 2corithians6:14-15 the word of God says "Be not unequally yoked with unbelievers,for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness?and what
communion hath light with darkness?
And what accord hath Christ with Belial?or what part hath he believeth with an infidel"From this bible passage i believe the relationship is not okay if the lady is really born again,
if she's really a child of God the spirit of God in her will not lead her to do anything that will not glorify God.
As children of God our body is the temple of the holy spirit and it should not be defile with unclean things.
Kissing the guy can lead to some other things which are sinful.
Personally,i doubt the christian stand of the lady though i'm not jugding but there are some things you dont just expect from a child of God.
The lady needs prayer.
I pray that the Lord will open her eyes to be able to discern between the truth and lies of the devil.