Ah summer! The time we all look forward to for relaxation, vacations, family get togethers, and fun in the sun! I do love summer, but with summer also comes the stark reminder that the anniversary of "the day" is fast approaching. "The day"...the day my world as I knew it was shattered, the day my life would forever change, the day my family would be taken over by worldliness, the day after which my relationship with my son would never be the same. On this day in July 2014, my fears became reality. It's the day that my son gave up the struggle with homosexuality. He doesn't struggle with it. He embraces it. He's gone head over heels into it. He, and we, is forever changed by it. "It"...that makes it sound safer and more neutral, but the fact of the matter is that "it" is very dangerous. This lifestyle that is now so popular and trendy and so very widely accepted is tearing apart families and ripping parents' hearts out every day. It's all a plot to destroy the family and turn human beings away from their Creator and their purpose, which is to love God and enjoy His presence. It's a last ditch effort by our enemy, the devil-who is very real by the way-to destroy humanity and drag as many with him to hell as he can. This is working so well that he's not even having to drag anyone. They're following the lies willingly in droves! Good job, Satan, good job.
However, there IS a day coming when he will be exposed for what he is (Isaiah 14:16-17). He's the father of lies, the author of confusion, the prince of this world-for now. * I believe that his reign on earth is just about over thankfully. God is about to wrap this up and send Jesus to bring believers home.
So what does that mean for those caught in the web of lies called homosexuality? It means there's still hope! While time is short, it's not over yet. There's time for them to repent and give their lives to Jesus and follow Him. Whether they've never surrendered to the Lordship of Jesus or if they're so far backslidden that they look, smell, and act like the world, there's still time. If we as parents know that we've raised our kids in the ways of the Lord, claim those scriptures! (“Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6 NKJV. ““Therefore know that the LORD your God, He is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and mercy for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments;” Deuteronomy 7:9 NKJV)
If for whatever reason we didn't raise them to love God and seek Him first then claim them for the kingdom now. Pray that their eyes will be opened and that they will call on the name of the Lord and be saved.** It's never too late to pray for our kids no matter what state their in. They're never too far gone, never!
As usual, I'm reminded of some song lyrics that apply to my life, remind me to look up, and just help me stay sane in general. The entire songs are great, but these lyrics in particular stand out to me.
"Love sees farther than we ever could" Tell Your Heart to Beat Again by Danny Gokey
"Love can heal what hurt divides" If We're Honest by Francesca Batestelli
The Bible says that God is love, (1 John 4:8) so put God in those lyrics. Where are our loved ones going to see God when they're all wrapped up in such a Godless and self-gratifying lifestyle? In us! No matter how hard it gets and how distant and closed they become, we still must show them God's love.
My son knows the Truth, and that Truth, Jesus, will set him free!
“Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.” John 14:6 NLT
“And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”” John 8:32 NLT
One more song that ministers to me..It's Not Over Yet by For King and Country
They are inside your head
You got a voice that says
You won't get past this one
You won't win your freedom
It's like a constant war
And you want to settle that score
But you're bruised and beaten
And you feel defeated
This goes out to the heaviest heart
[Chorus:]
Oh, to everyone who's hit their limit
It's not over yet
It's not over ye-et
And even when you think you're finished
It's not over yet
It's not over ye-et
Keep on fighting
Out of the dark
Into the light
It's not over
Hope is rising
Never give in
Never give up
It's not over
Yea-et-et, whoa
Yea-et-et, whoa
Oh, game set match
It's time to put it in your past, oh
Feel the winter leavin'
It's redemption season
Long live the young at heart (Here we are)
Cheers to a brand new start (Here we are)
We're revived and breathing
To live a life of freedom
[Chorus:]
Oh, to everyone who's hit their limit
It's not over yet
It's not over ye-et
And even when you think you're finished
It's not over yet
It's not over ye-et
Keep on fighting
Out of the dark
Into the light
It's not over
Hope is rising
Never give in
Never give up
It's not over
Life is a race we run
So run till the race is won
Don't you ever give up (Here we are)
Oh no never give up (Here we are)
Life is a race we run
So run till the race is won
Don't you ever give up (Here we are)
We will never give up (Here we are)
[Chorus:]
It's not over 'til it's over so keep praying!!! God hears us!
...for He who promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:23
Scripture references:
*“For you are the children of your father the devil, and you love to do the evil things he does. He was a murderer from the beginning. He has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies.” John 8:44 NLT
“For God is not a God of disorder but of peace, as in all the meetings of God’s holy people.” 1 Corinthians 14:33 NLT
“You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God.” Ephesians 2:2 NLT
“The time for judging this world has come, when Satan, the ruler of this world, will be cast out.” John 12:31 NLT
**“The LORD opens the eyes of the blind; The LORD raises those who are bowed down; The LORD loves the righteous.” Psalms 146:8 NKJV
“Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures.” Luke 24:45 NLT
“But everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved.’” Acts of the Apostles 2:21 NLT