Purity… what does it mean? Why is it important? And why does God care? There is a lot of confusion surrounding the word.
Many see it as old-fashioned, oppressive, or even “cringy”. The word elicits feelings of shame and anger toward Evangelical churches that explained sexual purity poorly.
So how do we define such a hot button topic? We believe that “purity” means passionately pursuing the heart of God with our whole lives (sexuality included). WHY DO WE USE THE WORD PURITY?
We value purity because God values purity. “You should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honorable, not in passionate lust like the heathen, who do not know God. . . . For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life” 1 Thessalonians 4:3–5, 7
The Bible talks A LOT about purity. But this is where it gets confusing...
Instead of focusing on helping women cultivate a pure heart, too many well-intended churches emphasized the physical markers that are easy to see: Sex before marriage is wrong. Make a commitment to save yourself for marriage. Slip a purity ring on. This will help you to have successful relationships.
The problem with that method is it ignored an inherent truth: Purity is about so much more than sex. It’s about the redeeming love of God that cleanses all parts of our lives so we can see Him clearly. Just as He makes us holy, He makes us pure.
We aspire to inspire young women with that truth. The whole truth. Purity isn’t ours to lose. It’s God’s to give. And it’s the best way to live. “How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word.” Psalm 119:9
#acrossmyheart #reclaimingpurity
Morning devotions this morning (not a bad view!) Just started a reading plan through the book of Ruth for my personal quiet time, and I am struck by this quote: “We have to be braver than we think we can be, because God is constantly calling us to be more than we are.” Madeline L’Engle
All things considered, Ruth lived a normal life. It wasn’t a fairytale existence. It was filled with hard work, trials, and grief. But one thing set her apart from her circumstances: her faithfulness.
It gave me a lot to think about this morning as I look at the things God is calling me to do. Am I remaining steadfast? Or am I shrinking back? Am I afraid? Or am I faithful to the call?
Traveling on tour with @truegirlofficial means I didn’t have room in my carry-on to pack my giant leather bound Bible. I feel oh so thankful for @shereadstruth and the way they print Gods Word in compact books that are easy to grab and go! I didn’t even have to find the extra space to pack a devotional because all the corresponding devos can be found online! And there’s still room to journal my thoughts. So grateful for this modern day resource and online community no matter where your travels take you! ✨ @ashley_giovannucci
#acrossmyheart #shereadstruth #reclaimingpurity
We live in a world that is one big slippery slope of compromise. At 29 years old, I have seen many slip down that slide, and honestly, it’s happened to me at points. But on the way down, the truth of God’s Word has woken me up and brought me back to solid ground.
And once again, I find myself so thankful for the heart of God.
You see, sleep can come quickly. In the literal sense, we see it often: while watching a mid-day movie or show (happened to me today), setting your alarm for an early morning and then promising yourself you’re just going to close your eyes for 2 seconds and then waking up 2 hours later, etc. However, spiritual slumber can happen much that same way. You get cozy, you start to relax and take your focus off God, and the next thing you know, you’re heading down a path you could have never imagined.
.
Ephesians 5:14-18 says,“‘Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead and Christ will shine on you.’ Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.”
.
God wants to fill us. He wants to be our source. If you’ve been sleep walking down a path of complacency, thinking that because you’re from a certain family, church, or school that you’re safe, this is your warning. I’m throwing up a red flag begging you to wake up. Whether you are living in blatant sin or just not being intentional in your surrender, Jesus’ call is for complete repentance of our sin.The best time to turn and run right toward Jesus is now. The best part is, He wants you to have access to Him. He wants you to know Him!! Wake up and be alive in Him! @lcoulier
.
PC: @ontheheightsphotography #acrossmyheart #letterstothechurch #letterstothechurchgirl
Identity.
Saturday, I woke up and braided my long, blond hair like I had so many mornings before. But this morning was different. As my fingers swiftly braided I realized how thin and unhealthy my hair felt and looked. It had always been thick and long, but since giving birth to my son l’d been shedding a lot. My once luscious, long locks had taken a hormonal beating.
I needed a cut...like a much shorter cut. This might not seem like a big deal for many of you, but for me...I’d never cut my hair, only gotten it trimmed. It had been long my ENTIRE life. It was a part of who I was. When people thought of me, they thought of many things I’m sure, but one of those things had to be my long blond hair... As my mind raced I looked at myself in the mirror and realized something I never had. Way too much of my identity was wrapped up in my long, blond hair.
I knew what I had to do. I had to cut it, not just for the sake of helping it get healthy but also to part with a personal idol.
Now I’m not saying long hair is evil, in fact I look forward to growing mine out again in the future, but I had developed an unhealthy relationship with my hair and for that reason (and for health) it needed to go. It’s funny how God can teach us such profound lessons in such simplistic ways when we have a relationship with Him.
I’m not going to pretend I like my short hair better, because that would be insincere. I don’t hate it. I think it looks good actually, but even more importantly I’ll embrace my new do because it serves as a reminder: My Identity is first in Christ, anything that gets in the way of that has to go. ✂️ @alimpellizzeri
#acrossmyheart #reclaimingpurity
