Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Internet Chat Rooms

In the next few weeks, I want to cover many topics of entertainment. This will cover topics such as, internet activity, television and music. My hope is to inspire many of you to take the time to consider how you spend your free time. What things to you fill your void with?

Psalms 101:2-3
I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. O when wilt thou come unto me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart.
I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me.

Today, we will cover the internet chat room.

I was taken back with this research. To complete my research I had to actually jump into a chat room, just to see what it was all about. So I decided to go into a “Christian” chat room.

Upon entering, I saw many things that I saw displeasing.
1. Professing Christians using God’s name in vain.
2. I saw people trying to fire them up, just to trip them up and make them argue.
3. I saw Christians name calling of the ones that obviously came in for a fight.

Those are but a few of the many things that grieved my heart. I sat and watched not typing a word. However, I knew I could not leave the room without saying something, but what?

There was no conversation about Jesus and the grace that forgives sin. I must admit to feeling guilty of even sitting before a chat room.

I then asked them why they were arguing over pointless things, when one of the trouble makers was quick with words to me. I could not help but roll my eyes and type in a quick thank you, and how they were a sweetie. Well, what was next was amazing..as they thanked me.

My response, “And that folks demonstrates how a soft answer turns away wrath.”
From there, I left as I felt my research was completed.

Now with that said, I want to break down the chat room for you.


1. When you enter a chat room, one thing is certain, everyone has a cool name to represent what they want you to see of them. Their name is their identity.
2. There is ALWAYS 1 or 2 people that control and lead the room. Their mood and demeanor will control how the room goes. If they feel down and depressed, the room will be down and depressed all the same. People work to please these people.
3. You will have lurkers that come in just to watch. Make no mistake, the regulars are checking out their profile to see just WHO they are.
4. Once you’re a regular you will be greeted with “cyber hugs” a cyber hug looks much like this. (((((your name here)))))

There are many dangers in a chat room. I want to share with you many here.
1. People can be who and what they want to be. I have seen the old be young, the young be older. Basically in the net, you can who and what you want to be, of which you can not be in real life.
2. If it sounds too good be true, it often is. For instance, a professional model will not spend 10+ hours a day on the internet.
3. Many people find victims on the internet. It is easy to feel connected to someone you have never met in real life. I have seen marriages and friendships dissolve because someone has met another on the internet. You may think you are too strong for this, and that it will never happen to you. HOWEVER… you got to remember, no one jumps on the internet thinking they will be a victim.
4. People are not as they seem. Many people have lost lives to meeting people on the internet. I once read of a man that abducted a girl that decided to meet her internet friend. Praise God she was found. If you do a search on internet related crimes it can be a very dangerous way of meeting friends. NOTE: I am not saying that everyone is a fraud on the internet. I have met a few wonderful people in that way and plan on keeping them close friends for a lifetime.


Another awful thing I am seeing is Christians using the internet to find new ways of fornication. Let me tell you one thing.. GOD REVEALS SIN! Even those awful things you decide to do on the internet. Be it looking at pornography, or flirting.

Proverbs 23:7 For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee.

I want to give you all a word of caution of a chat room. You may not think right now that the worse can and will happen to you, but there is no new sin… none… nada!!

Remember our opening verse….

Psalms 101:2-3
I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. O when wilt thou come unto me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart.
I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me.

Ask yourself, are you behaving wisely, in a perfect way. Are you doing things in a perfect heart? Are you turning away from what is wicked as well as the works of them that are wicked?

Always remember, God is watching ALL you do. He knows your heart. He knows your very thoughts.

Sunday, December 21, 2008

It's called CHRISTmas..Get it? Got it? GOOD!

It's called CHRISTmas...got it? GOOD!

With all the retailers forbidden to say.. "Merry Christmas" I have decided to take my CHRISTmas shopping in stride..making sure to be extra polite so I can tell others.. "Merry Christmas."

So far, I have gotten "Merry Christmas" out of Walmart employees, Dollar General employees, Bi Lo Employees, and sporadic people in general.

I always make sure I start with a smile...and I watch for the cashier to speak to wish me a happy holiday season..when I blurt out..with a smile, "You Have a Merry Christmas now!"

This holiday season is the celebration of the day Jesus Christ was born.. to shed his blood and die on the cross for our sin. Now I know many out there will scoff of what I say..and that is fine too. If your reading this..I know HIS word will not return void.

This week is not about the presents under the tree. It is not about the turkey, the ham..or the deserts. It is the day of the Lord Jesus Christ.. HIS birthday.

So to all of you out there..from our family to yours........
I pray God blesses you with a wonderful CHRISTMAS! Remember, it is not about us...it is about HIM!

Be bold..be radical..but don't be left behind!