Beauty was God's idea...

I think sometimes for those of us who struggle with sexual temptation we have come to believe that somehow beauty is the enemy. I think this is partly due to the fact that we have so associated beauty with the lies of pornography and other sexual perversions that we can't separate seeing beauty from abusing it. But God is still the creator of all things beautiful. And He has been showing me that there is a reason for beauty.

There is nothing more beautiful than God in His glory. One day we will all see the splendor of His majesty and find ourselves trembling at the sight. For those of us who are saved through faith in Jesus, this experience will be a unique mixture of terrifying fear and inexplicable joy. We will see the essence of God - and it will be beautiful!

All beauty is simply a reflection of God. Therefore, now when I see a beautiful women or a stunning sunset I am reminded that such beauty comes from God. He wants all things beautiful to cause me to bow my knee in worship of Him. God did not create beauty for us to exploit it, but rather to draw us closer to Him. I now realize that I have a choice. But not simply a choice between "doing right" or "doing wrong." I have a choice to either abuse the wonder of God's creative beauty for my selfish lusts or to turn in thanksgiving to the One whose magnificent beauty surpasses all.

I choose gazing upon God. How about you?

Basking in God's beauty,

jonathan

Trusting God even when it hurts

God has been really working on me lately. I mean, He works on me continuously anyway, but recently I've felt that He is particularly intent on teaching me that He is enough. Life easily distracts me and pulls me in many varying directions. Ministry pressures and demands are constantly beckoning. And all the while God is patiently whispering, "I am enough."

I wish I was a quick learner. It seems I have to come within a moment of being smacked over the head with a metal rod before the light bulb finally flickers on. Thankfully, God is full of grace, mercy, and incredible patience. He is gently molding me into the likeness of Christ.

You know, I don't deserve His kind treatment. After all, I spent years blatantly spitting in His face with my rebellious lifestyle of sexual addiction. At times I would purposely and consciously act out, all the while knowing that I was disobeying and disrespecting my Savior. And, yet, He still chooses to deal with me in love.

So, here I am today, being ever reminded that God is all I need for true wholeness. He is my everything. He sustains me, protects me, comforts me, and molds me. I am once again humbled by His undying affection and interest in my small, finite life.

In God's grip,

jonathan

Director Weblog Welcome

Greetings Bebroken.com visitors!

I have decided to create this weblog as a means of communicating the thoughts, ideas, insights, and convictions God is teaching me. You are free to post your comments, questions, and personal insights in response to each log. If you would like to send a private question or comment directly to me please do so at jonathan@bebroken.com.

Have a wonderful day full of God's goodness.

Yours for purity,

Jonathan