media influence
How Violent Media Affects the Brain
by Steve Jordahl
The blank look on a teen's face when watching a game like "WWF Smackdown" might be a reflection of what's going on in his brain — and a warning sign of things to come.
Indeed, for several years child psychologists have been warning parents about the dangers of repeated exposure to violent video games. Now, there may be medical evidence to back their claims.
Researchers in Indiana have measured the effects on a brain scan. The study's principal investigator, Dr. Vincent Mathews, said prolonged exposure to violence actually affects brain function and behavior.
"The parts of the brain we looked at are the frontal lobes — the areas of the brain that are involved in emotional control, inhibition of behavior and that sort of thing," Mathews said. "The idea is that those parts of the brain don't work as well (after prolonged exposure to violence), and because of that they don't control their behavior as well."
Given an adolescent's natural hormonal mood swings, adding a steady diet of violence is like pouring gasoline on a fire, according to Dr. David Walsh, of the National Institute on Media and the Family.
"There are two things going on," Walsh said. "One is the anger is getting amplified by the ... repetitious acts of violence in the game; then at the same time the buffer to that is less active."
He said the content of most popular games today has no positive value and might shock most parents.
"What good could possibly come from having a 15-year-old spend hours and hours and hours decapitating people and organizing drug rings and murdering prostitutes?" Walsh asked.
More than two-thirds of all children live in a home with a video game system.
To find out more about the study, see the Web site for the Indiana University School of Medicine. http://www.medicine.indiana.edu/news_releases/archive_02/violent_games02.html
Copyright © 2002 Focus on the Family.
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Monday, June 29, 2009
Video Game Ratings Explained
I wanted to post this article on ratings for video games. Please be sure to visit the page of which I Have gotten these ratings from.
I will share more on video games in a follow up post.
media influence
Video Game Ratings Explained
by Dr. Bill Maier
The average American child spends 44.5 hours a week in front of a screen, and 83 percent have a video-game console.1 Many have several kinds of game systems, and this form of entertainment is growing steadily for both children and adults.
Because video games are so pervasive, parents need to be involved and informed. A useful parental tool is the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) rating system:
EC (early Childhood): Content is suitable for ages three and up.
E (everyone). Content is suitable for ages six and up.
T (teen). Content is suitable for ages 13 and up. May contain mild language, violence, and sexually suggestive themes. Parents should use discretion.
M (mature). Identification required for purchase. Games rated M are sold only to gamers over the age of 17. Material in this category may include sexual themes, violence, and strong language.
AO (adults only). Identification required for purchase. These games are restricted to persons over 18 and are often sold only in specific game stores. Material may include graphic sexual scenes, strong language, and intense violence.2 Seriously consider whether this material is appropriate even for you or your spouse.
Remember, as the parent you want to model good decision making to your children. In spite of the availability of ratings, 90 percent of teens say their parents "never" check the ratings before allowing them to buy or rent video games.3
Control is the key. The video-game phenomenon can add to your family's life if used in a controlled setting, or it can invade your home and take over the lives of vulnerable family members.
1 "MediaWise® Video and computer Game Report Card/A Ten Year Overview," The National Institute on Media and the Family. http://www.mediafamily.org/research/report_10yr_overview.shtml.
2 "ESRB Game Ratings," Game Rating and Descriptor Guide, http://www.esrb.com/esrbratings_guide.asp.
3 David Walsh, et al., National Institute on Media and the Family, "Interactive Violence and Children," Statement to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, United States Senate, March 21, 2000.
Excerpted from Help! My Child is Hooked on Video Games, a Focus on the Family book published by Tyndale House Publishers. Copyright (c) 2006, Focus on the Family. All rights reserved. International copyright secured.
I will share more on video games in a follow up post.
media influence
Video Game Ratings Explained
by Dr. Bill Maier
The average American child spends 44.5 hours a week in front of a screen, and 83 percent have a video-game console.1 Many have several kinds of game systems, and this form of entertainment is growing steadily for both children and adults.
Because video games are so pervasive, parents need to be involved and informed. A useful parental tool is the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) rating system:
EC (early Childhood): Content is suitable for ages three and up.
E (everyone). Content is suitable for ages six and up.
T (teen). Content is suitable for ages 13 and up. May contain mild language, violence, and sexually suggestive themes. Parents should use discretion.
M (mature). Identification required for purchase. Games rated M are sold only to gamers over the age of 17. Material in this category may include sexual themes, violence, and strong language.
AO (adults only). Identification required for purchase. These games are restricted to persons over 18 and are often sold only in specific game stores. Material may include graphic sexual scenes, strong language, and intense violence.2 Seriously consider whether this material is appropriate even for you or your spouse.
Remember, as the parent you want to model good decision making to your children. In spite of the availability of ratings, 90 percent of teens say their parents "never" check the ratings before allowing them to buy or rent video games.3
Control is the key. The video-game phenomenon can add to your family's life if used in a controlled setting, or it can invade your home and take over the lives of vulnerable family members.
1 "MediaWise® Video and computer Game Report Card/A Ten Year Overview," The National Institute on Media and the Family. http://www.mediafamily.org/research/report_10yr_overview.shtml.
2 "ESRB Game Ratings," Game Rating and Descriptor Guide, http://www.esrb.com/esrbratings_guide.asp.
3 David Walsh, et al., National Institute on Media and the Family, "Interactive Violence and Children," Statement to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, United States Senate, March 21, 2000.
Excerpted from Help! My Child is Hooked on Video Games, a Focus on the Family book published by Tyndale House Publishers. Copyright (c) 2006, Focus on the Family. All rights reserved. International copyright secured.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Heads up on the New Transformers movie.
Now I want to make it clear I have not seen this movie. I know the transformer toys are in the Burger King Kids meals, so I did take the time to read the revies before taking our son to see the movie. I want to post the link to the review for all to see here.
Please take the time to read this review before taking your kids to see it. Negative Content.
Drug Use by a Mother
Profanity
Sexual Content
God's Name in Vain
I hope this helps some parents in knowing this is one to be cautious of.
Please take the time to read this review before taking your kids to see it. Negative Content.
Drug Use by a Mother
Profanity
Sexual Content
God's Name in Vain
I hope this helps some parents in knowing this is one to be cautious of.
Coraline..Another one not for kids.
I watched this movie the other day and certainly it was one that got me thinking just how bad entertainment has gone. First read this movie review before you go any further.
The movie starts out of a girl hungry for attention, her mother and father are both too busy for her. The family had moved into a new house.
The opening of the movie, Coroline is using a divining rod to find water when she runs into a young boy in a skeletal mask. Turns out she has chosen poison ivy. As the movie progresses, you can see how hungry she is for her parents love when she finds a door that takes her to a "Alter Reality" of sorts. A new mom, and a new dad that not only gives her attention, but it is the world of her dreams.
Her new mother cooks, cleans and gives her all kinds of gifts as does her dad. But the dream comes with a high price...she must sew button eyes into her own to stay. Everyone from the other reality is there and she loves it. However when she finds she must sew on button eyes she finds there are other children there as ghosts and she must save them from their doom. Also her parents were kidnapped into a snow globe and she must save them as well.
A few times, God's name was used in vain.
The worse part to me, was when the eccentric older women were putting on a show and one comes out in a G-string and pasties. As she moves around her chest wiggles and jiggles..and yes she is quite busty at that. Coroline even looks to her friend and laughs saying, "She is nearly Naked" To me, as a childrens movie, I was quite shocked in the content, crude humor.. and vulgarties of this one.
On the above link, you can see where many parents did walk out of the theatre in this one quite shocked of the images on the screen.
So once again, this is one that people need to research before letting your children watch it.
The movie starts out of a girl hungry for attention, her mother and father are both too busy for her. The family had moved into a new house.
The opening of the movie, Coroline is using a divining rod to find water when she runs into a young boy in a skeletal mask. Turns out she has chosen poison ivy. As the movie progresses, you can see how hungry she is for her parents love when she finds a door that takes her to a "Alter Reality" of sorts. A new mom, and a new dad that not only gives her attention, but it is the world of her dreams.
Her new mother cooks, cleans and gives her all kinds of gifts as does her dad. But the dream comes with a high price...she must sew button eyes into her own to stay. Everyone from the other reality is there and she loves it. However when she finds she must sew on button eyes she finds there are other children there as ghosts and she must save them from their doom. Also her parents were kidnapped into a snow globe and she must save them as well.
A few times, God's name was used in vain.
The worse part to me, was when the eccentric older women were putting on a show and one comes out in a G-string and pasties. As she moves around her chest wiggles and jiggles..and yes she is quite busty at that. Coroline even looks to her friend and laughs saying, "She is nearly Naked" To me, as a childrens movie, I was quite shocked in the content, crude humor.. and vulgarties of this one.
On the above link, you can see where many parents did walk out of the theatre in this one quite shocked of the images on the screen.
So once again, this is one that people need to research before letting your children watch it.
Friday, May 29, 2009
How to keep Small Children safe in public and with friends.
Keeping Small Children safe in public places and with friends.
When I was a young girl, it was safe to go look in the toy isle of your local store. However with the changing times and increased abductions, parents have gone to radical ways of keeping our children safe. In our area 2 weeks ago a man was unsuccessful of abducting a small girl. He even told he judge what he had planned to do to the child. Yes, it would have been every parents worse nightmare.
Last night on our local news, a 70 year old man was arrested after a child came forward over him molesting her.. 3 more have come forward since then and the investigation is ongoing.
On just those 2 local events, I have decided to publish my ways of how I keep my children safe in public places.
1. Start young
It is never too early to teach your children that there are people out there that are not nice. However, they might not understand at very early ages.
2. Mean what you say, and say what you mean!
When my children were old enough to walk beside the shopping cart I devised a rule. Both my children are only months apart. Rule Number One.. One hand on the shopping cart at all times. If you walk away from the shopping cart.. hold their hands. Have them walk with you! Involve them in picking up items.
For instance: A regular day of shopping would include me and both children, each with a hand on the cart.. and me pushing the cart.. When we stop the cart to pick up a item.. I have them come with me and point to what I need and tell them. They in turn pick it up and put it in the shopping cart.
Now, I have been asked how I devised this. The first time trying to incorporate this was not a easy process. I did warn them before we even went in that if they did not obey the rules we would leave everything there and go home. It only took one time of doing just that till they understood, I meant what I said.
3. Reward good behavior!
Implement rewards when they follow the directions of shopping! I can be anything from a piece of candy, a small toy, gum.. Praise them as they learn the rules of shopping.
Now on to the next issue.. Friends.
It is impossible to always know what goes on in the house of a friend that our children play with. It is very important to check this out. I develop friendships with the parents of my children's friends. Do not always assume that every parent is as conscious as you are in health, entertainment etc. I know kids in Elementary school that have done drugs and alcohol because they knew where their parents keep it at. Easy access of these elements intensifies the temptation and pressure set forth by other children.
Check up on your kids
There is nothing wrong with making a surprise visit to make sure you children are safe. Any decent parent would understand the need to check in on a play date.
Lastly
Teach your children right wrong.. and consequences to wrong..and the benefits of right. Be a example for them.
As kids watch us as parents, they are learning future behavior. For instance, kids will often mimic how you do or say different things in your every day life. If they will mimic how you toss your head to the side to remove hair out of your eyes, they will mimic even those distasteful things we do as well.
I once talked to a mom at our local bus stop, and her language was littered with profanity in front of her 2 year old little girl, however when the little girl repeated those words she had used, she became very angry at her. Yet.. this is what that little girl was learning in the home.
Morals begin in the home. Morals begin with the parent... Morals are taught.. and learned..
When I was a young girl, it was safe to go look in the toy isle of your local store. However with the changing times and increased abductions, parents have gone to radical ways of keeping our children safe. In our area 2 weeks ago a man was unsuccessful of abducting a small girl. He even told he judge what he had planned to do to the child. Yes, it would have been every parents worse nightmare.
Last night on our local news, a 70 year old man was arrested after a child came forward over him molesting her.. 3 more have come forward since then and the investigation is ongoing.
On just those 2 local events, I have decided to publish my ways of how I keep my children safe in public places.
1. Start young
It is never too early to teach your children that there are people out there that are not nice. However, they might not understand at very early ages.
2. Mean what you say, and say what you mean!
When my children were old enough to walk beside the shopping cart I devised a rule. Both my children are only months apart. Rule Number One.. One hand on the shopping cart at all times. If you walk away from the shopping cart.. hold their hands. Have them walk with you! Involve them in picking up items.
For instance: A regular day of shopping would include me and both children, each with a hand on the cart.. and me pushing the cart.. When we stop the cart to pick up a item.. I have them come with me and point to what I need and tell them. They in turn pick it up and put it in the shopping cart.
Now, I have been asked how I devised this. The first time trying to incorporate this was not a easy process. I did warn them before we even went in that if they did not obey the rules we would leave everything there and go home. It only took one time of doing just that till they understood, I meant what I said.
3. Reward good behavior!
Implement rewards when they follow the directions of shopping! I can be anything from a piece of candy, a small toy, gum.. Praise them as they learn the rules of shopping.
Now on to the next issue.. Friends.
It is impossible to always know what goes on in the house of a friend that our children play with. It is very important to check this out. I develop friendships with the parents of my children's friends. Do not always assume that every parent is as conscious as you are in health, entertainment etc. I know kids in Elementary school that have done drugs and alcohol because they knew where their parents keep it at. Easy access of these elements intensifies the temptation and pressure set forth by other children.
Check up on your kids
There is nothing wrong with making a surprise visit to make sure you children are safe. Any decent parent would understand the need to check in on a play date.
Lastly
Teach your children right wrong.. and consequences to wrong..and the benefits of right. Be a example for them.
As kids watch us as parents, they are learning future behavior. For instance, kids will often mimic how you do or say different things in your every day life. If they will mimic how you toss your head to the side to remove hair out of your eyes, they will mimic even those distasteful things we do as well.
I once talked to a mom at our local bus stop, and her language was littered with profanity in front of her 2 year old little girl, however when the little girl repeated those words she had used, she became very angry at her. Yet.. this is what that little girl was learning in the home.
Morals begin in the home. Morals begin with the parent... Morals are taught.. and learned..
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
How Many Times has this happend to you?
How many times has this happened you to?
You sit down with your family to watch a show, or movie that looks great. Your young children are sitting around and out of nowhere adult humor leaves your jaw on the ground.
However... right in the middle of Church on Sunday, your child remembers that phrase and asks you what it means?
Now, I know that seems humorous to you, but sadly it happens every day. Let us talk about this little problem.
Have you ever wondered what happened to the good clean old shows of yesteryear? I know I have.
Let us take a little scenario. There is a new item on the market, however you and a few handful of people like it. As it does not bring in the revenue to produce this item, the stores will discontinue this very item.
This rings true with movies and television shows we watch today. The time we sit down to TV, or movies that HAS the nudity, profanity, adult themes, we are supporting that very thing. Let us face it, Hollywood keeps close track on what sells. That is called ratings. When the ratings are high, they tend to produce more of those kind of movies and entertainment.
With that said, why are we supporting this by watching it? As Christ lives in us, we are subjecting his Sweet Holy Spirit to take in that trash, supporting the content. If no one goes to see a good movie, or a good clean show is not watched, to them, why bother making it. To them it would be a waste.
So on to my next question.
How can we as Christians fight the suggestive content in TV and on the big screen.
That is where it gets easy, simply do not go to see it. Do not turn on that channel. Plain and simple as that.
Some parents ask me how they can be certain what their children watch when they are not at home. The answer is simple. You teach them now! It is never too young to teach your children right and wrong with the TV. My children comes to me to change the channel if something is not right for them. Sit down with your children and even point out what is wrong and tell them "WHY" it is wrong. "Why" God would not be pleased with it.
Finally, we as Christians need to band together in prayer. We can truly make a difference.
You sit down with your family to watch a show, or movie that looks great. Your young children are sitting around and out of nowhere adult humor leaves your jaw on the ground.
However... right in the middle of Church on Sunday, your child remembers that phrase and asks you what it means?
Now, I know that seems humorous to you, but sadly it happens every day. Let us talk about this little problem.
Have you ever wondered what happened to the good clean old shows of yesteryear? I know I have.
Let us take a little scenario. There is a new item on the market, however you and a few handful of people like it. As it does not bring in the revenue to produce this item, the stores will discontinue this very item.
This rings true with movies and television shows we watch today. The time we sit down to TV, or movies that HAS the nudity, profanity, adult themes, we are supporting that very thing. Let us face it, Hollywood keeps close track on what sells. That is called ratings. When the ratings are high, they tend to produce more of those kind of movies and entertainment.
With that said, why are we supporting this by watching it? As Christ lives in us, we are subjecting his Sweet Holy Spirit to take in that trash, supporting the content. If no one goes to see a good movie, or a good clean show is not watched, to them, why bother making it. To them it would be a waste.
So on to my next question.
How can we as Christians fight the suggestive content in TV and on the big screen.
That is where it gets easy, simply do not go to see it. Do not turn on that channel. Plain and simple as that.
Some parents ask me how they can be certain what their children watch when they are not at home. The answer is simple. You teach them now! It is never too young to teach your children right and wrong with the TV. My children comes to me to change the channel if something is not right for them. Sit down with your children and even point out what is wrong and tell them "WHY" it is wrong. "Why" God would not be pleased with it.
Finally, we as Christians need to band together in prayer. We can truly make a difference.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
What The Bible Says About Alchol By John Muncy
I just recently watched these videos and I know they will be of help to many out there.
You can reach John Muncy at www.johnmuncy.com. He will be glad to visit your Church.
His You Tube Channel is
http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=johnmuncy&view=videos
He deals with many issues from prophecy and end times, to music and entertainment.
Part One
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gi0xOjhZwFM&feature=channel_page
Part 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HTtNwERSzFc&feature=channel_page
Part 3
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ceUkTLgcPPU&feature=channel_page
Part 4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jHywKxHe3hE&feature=channel_page
Part 5
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tNvNczyWWGA&feature=channel_page
Part 6
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ScoDO4_qoeA&feature=channel_page
Part 7
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Klzlgn6-b4&feature=channel_page
Part 8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MvGsy7fsPD4&feature=channel_page
Part 9
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WFqMElQYD7U&feature=channel_page
You can reach John Muncy at www.johnmuncy.com. He will be glad to visit your Church.
His You Tube Channel is
http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=johnmuncy&view=videos
He deals with many issues from prophecy and end times, to music and entertainment.
Part One
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gi0xOjhZwFM&feature=channel_page
Part 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HTtNwERSzFc&feature=channel_page
Part 3
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ceUkTLgcPPU&feature=channel_page
Part 4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jHywKxHe3hE&feature=channel_page
Part 5
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tNvNczyWWGA&feature=channel_page
Part 6
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ScoDO4_qoeA&feature=channel_page
Part 7
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Klzlgn6-b4&feature=channel_page
Part 8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MvGsy7fsPD4&feature=channel_page
Part 9
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WFqMElQYD7U&feature=channel_page
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Marley and Me.. this Movie is NOT for kids.
I recently watched a movie my kids have been dying to see..
Marley and Me.
I was outraged at this movie..and can not understand why they would market any movie with animals with this kind of content for children.
1. There was alot of alchol use in the movie.
2. There was alot of skin in the movie
3. There was a skinny dipping scene in the movie.
4. Alot of profanity in the movie..
5. Many Phrases that are considered rude and crude in the movie
Here is a link with much more information of what was in the movie.
Here is another link that goes into the details of the Movie.
I urge all you as parents to screen what your kids watch.
I read countless of articles from parents and children talking about how they did not expect the sex in the movies..and these are parents that took small children to see the movie.
Remember.. When Christ lives in us.. He too sees what we see. I am thankful that I never took my kids to see that one.. and needless to say. it is another movie they will NOT be seeing.
Marley and Me.
I was outraged at this movie..and can not understand why they would market any movie with animals with this kind of content for children.
1. There was alot of alchol use in the movie.
2. There was alot of skin in the movie
3. There was a skinny dipping scene in the movie.
4. Alot of profanity in the movie..
5. Many Phrases that are considered rude and crude in the movie
Here is a link with much more information of what was in the movie.
Here is another link that goes into the details of the Movie.
I urge all you as parents to screen what your kids watch.
I read countless of articles from parents and children talking about how they did not expect the sex in the movies..and these are parents that took small children to see the movie.
Remember.. When Christ lives in us.. He too sees what we see. I am thankful that I never took my kids to see that one.. and needless to say. it is another movie they will NOT be seeing.
The New Burger King Commerical..Airing On Childrens TV Stations.
I was kicking back with my kids one day watching cartoons when this commercial aired for the kids meal at Burger King.
Click the link to see the video.
Every Day our children are being bombarded with attacks on their minds and body. To think this commercial was aired on our childrens cartoon channel and deemed harmless by Burger King.
As for our family, we will not be eating there. They have been toting the line for awhile.. and this is way over the line. What is next??? If this is harmless to them.. I shudder to think what they will film next to advertise their meals.. perhaps viagra for the senior coffee??
Nothing would surprise me more at this point.
As Christians it is time we take a stand against this kind of filth.. It is not alright to put this in front of our kids!
Click the link to see the video.
Every Day our children are being bombarded with attacks on their minds and body. To think this commercial was aired on our childrens cartoon channel and deemed harmless by Burger King.
As for our family, we will not be eating there. They have been toting the line for awhile.. and this is way over the line. What is next??? If this is harmless to them.. I shudder to think what they will film next to advertise their meals.. perhaps viagra for the senior coffee??
Nothing would surprise me more at this point.
As Christians it is time we take a stand against this kind of filth.. It is not alright to put this in front of our kids!
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
STANDING ALONE
The question that I want to start out asking is this... Have you ever had to "Stand Alone"?
Have you ever come to a point in your life when through situations that are outside of your personal control, you suddenly find yourself standing, as it feels in your heart, ALONE????
I must first state the following: I know that as a Christian, a child of God, WE, (Those of us who are saved and on our way to heaven.), are Truly NEVER alone because we have Jesus who promised us in His Word that He would NOT leave us alone:
Deuteronomy 4:31
(For the LORD thy God is a merciful God;) he will not forsake thee, neither destroy thee, nor forget the covenant of thy fathers which he sware unto them.
Deuteronomy 31:6
Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.
Joshua 1:5
There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.
1 Chronicles 28:20
And David said to Solomon his son, Be strong and of good courage, and do it: fear not, nor be dismayed: for the LORD God, even my God, will be with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee, until thou hast finished all the work for the service of the house of the LORD.
Hebrews 13:5
Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
I am not talking about being alone, without God. This wouls be impossible according to the Bible, and again, I Praise God for this truth.
I am referring to those times when we, as weak human vessels, look around us and see attacks from every side! We are looking around for "Fellow Warriors", who are supposed to be fighting right along side of us, and we realize that we are "Fighting the Enemy all by ourselves! This is the situation and the prospect that I am talking about.
The stark realization that "Yes" WE ARE STANDING... BUT WE ARE DOING SO ALL ALONE!
REALIZATION OF THE FACT
Looking back over my short 40 year life span, I can recall many times when I have had that same feeling, that lonely, depressing feeling that seems to grow worse with the acknowlegment that the feeling actually exists in the heart, mind and life of a Christian.
No one doubts the reality of this feeling because at some time or other in all of our lives, we ALL have felt alone. This is usually a tough topic for people to agree with because of most folks DENY THE TRUTH, even when it is right there in front of their faces.
WHAT SHOULD WE DO ABOUT IT?
The answer to this is simple... Understand that in these times we are facing "TESTING OF OUR FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST"!
James 1:3
Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.
Ephesians 6:13
Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
This is the simple answer: "... and having done all, to stand." If you will carefully notice this verse, the Lord says through the writings of Paul, by the Holy Spirit of God, that WE ARE TO JUST STAND... NO MATTER WHAT! Friend, are you feeling alone as you stand for the Father in heaven? If so... STAND! Preacher, Pastor, Missionary, Evangelist, Sunday School Teacher, Bus Worker... Whatever and whomever you may be, if this describes you... THEN JUST STAND IN HIM!
You will find many times that it IS a lonely road when serving the Lord, BUT if we will just look towards HIM, look to Jesus and remember that He too stood completely alone.
Matthew 27:11
And Jesus stood (*Alone) before the governor: and the governor asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And Jesus said unto him, Thou sayest.
Matthew 27:27-31
(27) Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus (*Alone) into the common hall, and gathered unto him the whole band of soldiers.(28) And they stripped him (*Alone), and put on him a scarlet robe.(29) And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head (*Alone), and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him (*Alone), saying, Hail, King of the Jews!(30) And they spit upon him (*Alone), and took the reed, and smote him (*Alone) on the head.(31) And after that they had mocked him, they took the robe off from him, and put his own raiment on him, and led him away to crucify him. (*ALL ALONE!)
I know in my heart there are many who struggle with this same thing, Most folks have to deal with this on a "Daily Basis". May I encourage each one of us to "Take a Stand For The Lord and Keep On Standing... NO MATTER WHAT THE COST MAY BE"!
Keep On Standing!
Brother Dunn
The question that I want to start out asking is this... Have you ever had to "Stand Alone"?
Have you ever come to a point in your life when through situations that are outside of your personal control, you suddenly find yourself standing, as it feels in your heart, ALONE????
I must first state the following: I know that as a Christian, a child of God, WE, (Those of us who are saved and on our way to heaven.), are Truly NEVER alone because we have Jesus who promised us in His Word that He would NOT leave us alone:
Deuteronomy 4:31
(For the LORD thy God is a merciful God;) he will not forsake thee, neither destroy thee, nor forget the covenant of thy fathers which he sware unto them.
Deuteronomy 31:6
Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.
Joshua 1:5
There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.
1 Chronicles 28:20
And David said to Solomon his son, Be strong and of good courage, and do it: fear not, nor be dismayed: for the LORD God, even my God, will be with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee, until thou hast finished all the work for the service of the house of the LORD.
Hebrews 13:5
Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
I am not talking about being alone, without God. This wouls be impossible according to the Bible, and again, I Praise God for this truth.
I am referring to those times when we, as weak human vessels, look around us and see attacks from every side! We are looking around for "Fellow Warriors", who are supposed to be fighting right along side of us, and we realize that we are "Fighting the Enemy all by ourselves! This is the situation and the prospect that I am talking about.
The stark realization that "Yes" WE ARE STANDING... BUT WE ARE DOING SO ALL ALONE!
REALIZATION OF THE FACT
Looking back over my short 40 year life span, I can recall many times when I have had that same feeling, that lonely, depressing feeling that seems to grow worse with the acknowlegment that the feeling actually exists in the heart, mind and life of a Christian.
No one doubts the reality of this feeling because at some time or other in all of our lives, we ALL have felt alone. This is usually a tough topic for people to agree with because of most folks DENY THE TRUTH, even when it is right there in front of their faces.
WHAT SHOULD WE DO ABOUT IT?
The answer to this is simple... Understand that in these times we are facing "TESTING OF OUR FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST"!
James 1:3
Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.
Ephesians 6:13
Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
This is the simple answer: "... and having done all, to stand." If you will carefully notice this verse, the Lord says through the writings of Paul, by the Holy Spirit of God, that WE ARE TO JUST STAND... NO MATTER WHAT! Friend, are you feeling alone as you stand for the Father in heaven? If so... STAND! Preacher, Pastor, Missionary, Evangelist, Sunday School Teacher, Bus Worker... Whatever and whomever you may be, if this describes you... THEN JUST STAND IN HIM!
You will find many times that it IS a lonely road when serving the Lord, BUT if we will just look towards HIM, look to Jesus and remember that He too stood completely alone.
Matthew 27:11
And Jesus stood (*Alone) before the governor: and the governor asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And Jesus said unto him, Thou sayest.
Matthew 27:27-31
(27) Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus (*Alone) into the common hall, and gathered unto him the whole band of soldiers.(28) And they stripped him (*Alone), and put on him a scarlet robe.(29) And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head (*Alone), and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him (*Alone), saying, Hail, King of the Jews!(30) And they spit upon him (*Alone), and took the reed, and smote him (*Alone) on the head.(31) And after that they had mocked him, they took the robe off from him, and put his own raiment on him, and led him away to crucify him. (*ALL ALONE!)
I know in my heart there are many who struggle with this same thing, Most folks have to deal with this on a "Daily Basis". May I encourage each one of us to "Take a Stand For The Lord and Keep On Standing... NO MATTER WHAT THE COST MAY BE"!
Keep On Standing!
Brother Dunn
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