Let your light shine in a different way

Sometimes we fear open discussion of sexuality issues with straight guys because of past hurts. Of course, there are some straight guys who are willing to deal with these things in a friendly way.

A few weeks ago I was eating dinner with two of my friends who also struggle with same-sex attraction. We were openly discussing sexual subjects and, uh, …maybe not appearing very masculine to the waiter in the process… The waiter was an obviously straight ex-marine who had served in Iraq. He actually stayed and talked to us after we got up to leave, even asking us questions as we talked about Christianity, freedom from legalism, and a real relationship with God.

Sometimes even tough guys can be open in these situations. We just need to create a normal, trusting environment and encourage 2-way conversations.

Matthew 5:15-17 (NIV) Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

Earth's best will fail, but God will not!

Thy Word commands our flesh to dust,
“Return, ye sons of men:”
All nations rose from earth at first,
And turn to earth again.

The busy tribes of flesh and blood,
With all their lives and cares,
Are carried downwards by the flood,
And lost in following years.

Time, like an ever rolling stream,
Bears all its sons away;
They fly, forgotten, as a dream
Dies at the opening day.

Like flowery fields the nations stand
Pleased with the morning light;
The flowers beneath the mower’s hand
Lie withering ere ‘tis night.

Under the shadow of Thy throne
Thy saints have dwelt secure;
Sufficient is Thine arm alone,
And our defense is sure.

Before the hills in order stood,
Or earth received her frame,
From everlasting Thou art God,
To endless years the same.

-Isaac Watts (1719)

Coping with Singleness

This entry is from an email I sent to a friend. I removed a few details to hide who he is, but it is essentially intact. He had expressed to me that he was facing the possibility of living the rest of his life without sex. I thought others might appreciate my response, so here it is:

You said "I am beginning to feel." I want you to know that I have been praying for exactly that for you and I am so glad to see God answering so quickly. I know what it is not to feel as I should. There was a time when I had not cried in years. For me the process of starting to feel was extremely painful, but SO worth it!

As you know, mere logic is insufficient to persuade people. You are very skilled in presenting arguments clearly and logically, but you can only convince people to change when you feel deep inside how important the truth is that you are communicating. One such moment happened for me at the restaurant when we had breakfast. I don't know if you could feel the depth of my emotion, but I remember looking you in the eye and telling you that the only way to happily live single is to look beyond this life and into eternity! I was being powerfully affected by the beauty of glorifying God eternally and expressing His love through denying myself, taking up my cross, and following Jesus. Eternal rewards are so much better than earth's best!

It is a great blessing to hear that some of the Psalms in your Bible are stained with your coffee. I pray that soon they will be stained with your tears of joy! When you experience the depth of beauty found in God, you will gladly give your life to showing Him to others. I pray that many will turn to Jesus because they believe the truth you speak and feel the beauty you feel!

God's Amazing Forgiveness

I know God forgave much when He forgave me! I am so glad He loves His children like that.
This hymn below says it so well:


Depth of mercy! Can there be
Mercy still reserved for me?
Can my God His wrath forbear,
Me, the chief of sinners, spare?

I have spilt His precious blood,
Trampled on the Son of God,
Filled with pangs unspeakable,
I, who yet am not in hell!

Whence to me this waste of love?
Ask my Advocate above!
See the cause in Jesus’ face,
Now before the throne of grace.

There for me the Savior stands,
Shows His wounds and spreads His hands.
God is love! I know, I feel;
Jesus weeps and loves me still.

Now incline me to repent,
Let me now my sins lament,
Now my foul revolt deplore,
Weep, believe, and sin no more.

- Charles Wesley (1740)

Money

Matthew 6:19-21 (NIV) "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

- Jesus Christ


"Money never stays with me…. I throw it out of my hands as soon as possible, lest it should find a way into my heart. "

- John Wesley

The Problem with Science

"That's the problem with science. You've got a bunch of empiricists trying to describe things of unimaginable wonder."
- Calvin (Hobbes' friend)

The vastness of the galaxies and the intricacies of the atom are worthy of poetry, not just numbers. They point us to the greatness of our Creator!

The Least of These

My friend Randy in his blog referred to an article here. Again, I thought you readers would appreciate my comments on it:

Yes, that was a great article. The main point that I found to be true is that I should gladly give myself to helping the sick, the poor, the drug-addicted, the schizophrenic, the depressed... When I show my love for God by loving others that way, I actually find healing and great fulfillment for myself.

A few weeks ago I spent an evening with a deluded and quite paranoid friend. He thought he saw someone watching him - that person was definitely not there in reality. He warned me that there were hidden microphones in my car. He was absolutely tortured with fear. Somehow, I found it very satisfying to respond to his bizarre comments by showing him love, listening, telling him that God was there for him, and praying with him. My friend, who btw is very straight, hugged me and told me I was a true friend to him.

We don't find healing in pursuing heterosexuality, we find healing in pursuing God! One way He has given us to pursue Him is to show love to "the least of these".

Matthew 25:40 (ESV) And the King will answer them, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.'