"Casting" Your Cares

 By Kenny Moorer

The Psalmist said, “What time I am afraid, I will put my trust in thee.  In God (I will praise His word), in God have I put my trust, and I will not be afraid; what can flesh do to me?” (56:3-4). Aren’t there times in your life when you are afraid? I’m not talking about the early years when thunder and darkness (and girls) were the main culprits of fear.  I’m talking about the “adult” fears we face like death, sickness and the future. The Psalmist David was a man of God, but still had to deal with his fears on a regular basis.  There were even times in his life when he acted cowardly and dishonorably (1 Samuel 21:10-15).  I can certainly relate to that. Can’t you?  Worry, fear and anxiety can overwhelm us.  I know from experience as do many of you!

Jesus said, "Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? (Matthew 6:25-30).  Jesus concludes this statement with the cause of worry, anxiety and fear when he says, “O you of little faith.” I love to be reminded of Peter’s words in 1 Peter 5:7, “Cast all your anxiety on Him, for He cares for you.

”The past few weeks have been especially tough for me to face.  Looking back, I think it was a lack of faith.  I have prayed that the Lord would help me increase my faith.  My prayers appear to have been answered for which I am most grateful.  I’ve “casted” a lot lately. How about you?

"I'm Cold Blooded"

 By Steve Patton

That was Ariel Castro’s description of himself last week.  I doubt anyone would disagree as we have all watched with horror as the story of his kidnapping, rape and abuse of three women unfolds before our eyes.    As Castro allowed himself to become a slave to his own lusts Satan turned him into an instrument of cruelty and depravity the depths of which can hardly be imagined by civil people.  Sadly he is not alone in his depravity.  More like him are too often found in our society.

I am reminded of Paul’s words: “They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, with a continual lust for more” (Ephesians 4:18-19).

In a world that is saturated with lust and illicit sex, monsters like Ariel Castro are going to become more commonplace.  But perhaps the best lesson for us to learn is to look at ourselves.  As we judge Ariel Castro for his depravity do we engage in our own secret lustful sins?  Men do we ogle beautiful women entertaining lustful thoughts without control?  Do we go to internet websites designed to incite such lustful and even depraved desires?  Women do you dress and act in ways that encourage such desires in men?  Where do we draw the line?  Is it only when someone acts out like Ariel Castro?  Should we not, as Christians, be teaching and practicing purity of thought, word, dress and behavior?  Shouldn’t we be encouraging purity of heart in every way we can?  It is more important today than ever! 

Do not compromise your morals.  Do not sacrifice virtue just because society has.  Seek God’s help to control lust in your life.  Be pure in heart.  Those are the ones that shall see God (Matt. 5:8).

Tuesday May 21 2013