Southeast Texas Abstinence Ministry – Armed and Virtuous
Many Southeast Texas parents struggle with how to effectively and appropriately deliver an abstinence message.
Southeast Texas abstinence ministry Armed and Virtuous would love to assist you.
Psalm 37:23-24 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD, And He delights in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; For the LORD upholds him with His hand (NKJV).
Ever made a mistake? We all have. It happens when you least expect it. You try something new and fail. You attempt to put something together without reading the instructions and mess up. It could be that moment when you realize you just put your foot in your mouth . . . in a major way. Or, if you’re like me, you could get lost driving somewhere new, with scanty directions and no GPS!
Ever made a big mistake? We all have, or we all will. What happens first? You become aware of your big mistake. What happens next? The devil leaps upon the scene and begins to whisper in your ear. He says things like “You’re a failure! You’re worthless! There’s no hope for you anymore. You’ve let everyone down.” Because we’re already disappointed with ourselves, we take his words as truth. We beat ourselves up, we withdraw from our friends and loved ones, and we try to hide.
We hope today’s feature helps you launch an abstinence ministry for your church – or your family!
Sin is like that; it’s shameful. Adam and Eve tried to hide their sin, too. Did it work? No, God knew immediately what had been done and the resulting consequences. However, even as He was laying out the punishment for their sin, He was also providing a rescue plan. In Genesis 3:15, God speaks, for the first time, of the coming Messiah; the One who would help us when we could not help ourselves.
If you’ve made mistakes, particularly sexual mistakes, it’s very easy to remain trapped in the chains of guilt, and even repeat your sin. Because sexual behavior is so personal, it’s easy to believe Satan’s lies. The devil wants nothing more than to keep you down, and what better way to do this than to echo the guilty feelings already in your heart? The truth, however, is that sin is sin. All sin is equally repulsive to God, and all sin separates us from Him.
What’s the solution, then? First of all, talk to God. Tell Him that you’ve disobeyed Him, that you’re sorry, and ask His forgiveness. God never intended us to remain trapped. It was not His plan for Adam and Eve, and it’s not His plan for us. Even if you don’t feel forgiven, if you have asked in sincerity, God declares you forgiven, righteous, and free. Then, get back up, and start moving forward with your life as God directs you.
Teens: Do you have questions about abstinence? Talk to your parents, your pastor, or a trusted teacher.
Will it be a struggle? Yes. Will others be judgemental? Quite possibly. But, who is your ultimate judge? It’s not the world, it’s not your friends, it’s not your church; it’s Jesus, and according to John 8:36, . . . if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed (NKJV).
If you have been fortunate enough to have remained sexually pure so far, then thank God for His protection. However, before you start acting judgemental of others, realize that you are equally guilty. We have all sinned, and we all need Jesus’ blood to wash us clean of sin. Heaven is going to be filled with sinners one day; sinners who have been saved by grace. There will be only one truly righteous person in heaven, and ironically, He will be the One wearing the scars of our sin.
So, hang on to this thought: God delights in our relationship with Him! He knows that we will make mistakes, but He will not allow us to be completely cast out. Instead, He will give us a helping hand up. All we must do is tune out the devil and reach for His hand.
If you don’t know God, and would like to learn about Him, I recommend that you read our Find Your True Love page.
My name is April M. Anderson, and I’m just a girl with a story. God laid a burden on my heart to pray for my husband when I was in the sixth grade. I prayed and waited for him for six years, dated him for three, and we’ve been married for 15 years. By God’s grace, both my husband and I were virgins on our wedding day and we’ve been living out our “happily ever after” from that day on!
Armed and Virtuous Abstinence Ministry encourages young Southeast Texas women to save themselves for the husbands God is preparing for them.
If you find it challenging to talk to your child about abstinence, the Armed and Virtuous Southeast Texas abstinence ministry can truly be a blessing.
We hope you enjoyed today’s feature Southeast Texas Abstinence Ministry – Armed and Virtuous.
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