Purity stands as a testament to our convictions. Waiting until marriage is a choice grounded in the Bible. This decision reflects an unwavering commitment to honor the sanctity of intimacy within the bounds of marriage (Hebrews 13:4).

Unveiling the deeper layers of this journey reveals countless benefits. Beyond our Biblical compass, staying pure allows for increased self-respect. It signifies a profound value for one’s own body and sexuality, fostering heightened self-esteem and self-worth (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).

Relationships, too, are profoundly impacted by this choice. Delaying physical intimacy lays the foundation for a stronger emotional connection. Without the pressure of desire, couples can delve into understanding each other on a profound level, fostering a deeper bond (1 Thessalonians 4:3-4).

Intimacy, when saved for marriage, yields a treasure trove of rewards. Studies reveal that couples who wait are less likely to divorce (National Marriage Project, 20% less likely; University of Utah, 33% less likely). The relationship is also more rewarding. This is born out of the comfort, communication, and shared values nurtured during the waiting period (Song of Solomon 4:12; Proverbs 5:18-19).

The journey towards staying pure necessitates practical steps. Setting boundaries and open communication with your partner are paramount. Avoiding compromising situations and openly discussing your commitment fortify your resolve. Prayer becomes a source of strength, anchoring your journey in faith and divine guidance (Philippians 4:6-7; Proverbs 3:5-6).

Your path is not solitary; many have walked it before. A 2021 study by the Pew Research Center shows that 25% of couples wait until marriage (down from 58% in 1995). To remain pure, it is imperative that you ground yourself in faith, set goals, maintain physical and emotional well-being, and surround yourself with positive influences (1 Corinthians 10:13; Psalm 119:9-11).

As we travel through life, the quest for freedom resonates deeply. True freedom transcends constraints, allowing us to embrace our potential and connect with our Creator. This freedom is found in the liberation from sin. This is precisely what Jesus promised: “… and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” John 8:32 (ESV).

The journey to freedom from sin requires us to:

1. Recognize the chains by acknowledging the burden of sin in our lives and the ways in which it is holding us back (Romans 3:23).

2. Repent and seek forgiveness by turning away from sin, confessing the sin, and seeking God’s forgiveness through repentance (Acts 3:19).

3. Be Baptized into Christ, to die to the old life and resurrect to the new life (Romans 6:3-4).

4. Allow the Holy Spirit to transform our hearts and minds so that we can resist sin (Romans 8:9-11).

5. Live in freedom by faithfully walking God’s daily, holy path of righteousness, that will reflect the freedom found in Christ (Galatians 5:1).

Jesus’ words echo: “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin. The slave does not remain in the house forever; the Son remains forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” (John 8:34-36, ESV)

Friend, are you walking in the WAY of the TRUE FREEDOM journey that leads to LIFE?

As a parent or a spouse have you ever felt that no one was listening to you? I am sure you all know how frustrating it can be! Imagine how Jesus must have felt.

²⁴Then he added, “Pay close attention to what you hear. The closer you listen, the more understanding you will be given—and you will receive even more. ²⁵To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given. But for those who are not listening, even what little understanding they have will be taken away from them.” Mark 4:24-25 NLT

Jesus’ words may have been directed to the Jews who had no understanding of Him and would lose even what they had, their privileged status as God’s people. Or Jesus might have been referring to the people that had already rejected Him. Their hardness of heart drives them away, making even the little understanding they had useless, rendering any opportunity to share in God’s kingdom and taking away completely their ability to receive eternal salvation. 

Or this parable could be describing the consequences when Christ returns. The person who listened and diligently prepares for it by investing their time and talent to serve God will be rewarded. The person who does not listen and has no heart for the work of the Lord will be punished.

Mark 4:9 (NLT) ⁹Then he said, “Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand”.

The hearing Jesus wants from us is not the kind we used as teenagers when our parents were yelling at us, or the hearing we used in that back of the class at school. To truly “hear” Jesus’ words is to believe them, to believe in Him, and to use them in your decisions and changing your attitudes. To hear Jesus’ words is to make Jesus your true Lord. To understand Jesus’ message, people must listen and respond.

The phrase “whatever you focus on will expand” is a powerful reminder that our perspectives can affect our wellness. When we focus on the positive aspects of life, we can improve our spiritual, emotional, physical, mental, and social well-being.

• Spiritual wellness. The Apostle Paul encourages us to dwell on the positive aspects of life in Philippians 4:8: “Think about whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, or praiseworthy.” When we focus on these qualities, we deepen our spiritual growth and strengthen our connection with God.

• Emotional wellness. David, the sweet Psalmist, emphasizes the importance of choosing joy in Psalm 118:24: “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” By actively seeking moments of gladness and joy each day, we can fortify our emotional resilience, manage stress more effectively, and cultivate a positive outlook.

• Physical wellness. Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived, highlights the healing power of a joyful heart in Proverbs 17:22: “A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” When we engage in positive thinking, practice gratitude, and nurture joy, we trigger the release of endorphins, promoting physical well-being and overall health.

• Mental wellness. Paul’s words in Romans 12:2 underscore the transformative nature of our minds: “Do not be conformed to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” When we redirect our thoughts toward God’s truths and renew our minds, we can experience mental clarity, foster personal development, and fuel growth.

• Social wellness. Paul emphasizes the virtues of compassion and forgiveness in Ephesians 4:32: “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as Christ forgave you.” When we prioritize kindness, empathy, and forgiveness in our relationships, we can strengthen social bonds, fostering a harmonious and supportive community.

Friend, when we align our focus with God’s intention, we become catalysts for abundant wellness in all dimensions of life.

In Luke 17:11-19, Jesus is on His way to Jerusalem when ten men who have leprosy approach Him.  At a distance they called out in a loud voice, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us.” When Jesus saw them, He told them to go and “show yourselves to the Priest”.  When they left Jesus, they realized they were cleansed.  One of the lepers saw he was healed, came back and fell at Jesus feet thanking Him.  Jesus asked, “were not all healed? Where are the other nine?”

Put yourself in their shoes, (sandals) would you be thankful? Leprosy was a very harmful disease, making them unclean meaning they had to live alone, outside the camp.  Yes, we would be jumping up and down praising the Lord!  Or would we be one of the nine, so eager to start their new life that they took their healing for granted? 

Brothers and Sisters, we have so much to be thankful for.  Do we take it for granted? We have our families, our Church family at Summit, we live in a nation of plenty and we can still worship without the fear of being persecuted! Do we thank God enough? Do we praise God enough? Are our prayers to God mostly about our needs and concerns?  Are we too busy enjoying our good health and blessings that we can’t make time for church to praise Him?

This year is more than halfway over,  Let’s End the Year Strong!  Let’s make it our goal to not only be thankful but to show our thankfulness by our actions.  Let’s strive to encourage our brothers and sisters in Christ!  Join a small group to study God’s word to encourage and spur each other on to good works. We have so much to be thankful for!!    

Don’t be one of the nine!

Give thanks in all circumstances!  1 Thess. 5:18

In the last few weeks, we have said goodbye to wonderful Christians. They left us great examples of how to become more like Jesus by following His Suffering Servant path (Rom.8:29; Js.1:2-4; Mt.5:48; Isaiah 53:3-6).

Losing someone close can be a chaotic and emotional experience. We may feel a range of emotions, such as overwhelming grief, anger, guilt, regret, loneliness, confusion, denial, fear, numbness, and helplessness. These emotions can rob us of peace.

The Bible offers us a path to peace. In John 14:27, Jesus says, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” In Philippians 4:7, Paul writes, “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

These verses remind us that God offers us a peace that is not like the world’s peace. The world’s peace is fleeting and based on circumstances. But God’s peace is eternal and based on His love for us.

When we are struggling, we can find solace and serenity in God’s peace. We can embrace His comforting words and promises. We can also find support and encouragement from our church family.

The Summit Church of Christ is a great place to be in times of struggle. Our loving family will reassure you that you are loved, that you are safe, and that you are not alone.

This week’s 9am devotionals have emphasized the importance of embracing all members, regardless of their marital status. Singles are an important part of the Summit church of Christ, and they deserve to be valued, included, and supported.

Our Summit Singles have unique gifts and talents to offer to the church. They can bring a fresh perspective, a sense of adventure, and a willingness to serve. They can also be a source of support and encouragement for other singles.

As we embrace our Summit Singles, we are following the example of Christ. Jesus welcomed people from all walks of life, including singles. He showed them love and compassion, and he helped them to find their place in the kingdom of God.

• Galatians 3:28 says, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” This verse reminds us that we are all equal in God’s eyes, regardless of our marital status.

• Psalm 68:6 says, “God settles the solitary in a home; he leads out the prisoners to prosperity, but the rebellious dwell in a parched land.” This verse reminds us that God cares for our Summit Singles and wants them to find fulfillment. He wants them to find a place where they belong and where they can thrive.

Let us follow Christ’s pattern of establishing a unified Family where every soul feels cherished, valued, and welcomed.

Ellie was 8 years old when she passed away in 2020.  She had autoimmune diseases.  Her family was aware of her health problems and knew that she was susceptible to health issues, but that did not ease the hurt and pain they felt.  We were extremely sad because of our love for the family.  We grieved with them.  I dreaded the funeral. 

The funeral was, as expected emotional, but in a surprising way.  There were tears, hugs, consolation to the bereaved and a spark of hope and enlightenment.  Ellie’s parents found a list of rules in her bedroom written in her handwriting and they shared those rules with us.

My Room Rules

1.  Have fun

2.  No fighting

3.  No pushing, shoving or hitting

4.  Always Love

Several days after the funeral, Ellie’s rules appeared on the local marque of McDonald’s and then on Chick-Fil-A and then Brusters. Other businesses did the same. The Atlanta Constitution wrote an article about her, Good Morning America, the Atlanta television stations and local newspapers all featured media about Ellie and her rules. 

“Ellie was a wonderful friend to everyone and such a kind soul.  She was the kind of young girl that everyone loved because of her caring heart and loving personality.  She wanted everyone to have a friend.  She wanted to go to church every day.”

Over a million people were touched by Ellie’s life.  She inspired multiple movements in several organizations to promote “Always Love.”  She is still missed by her family and by those of us who were on the outside.  We still stand in amazement at her influence on her community, friends and on those who never actually met her.  Her rules are still displayed in our house.

Jesus said, “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket.  Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house.  In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.”  (Mathew 5:14-16)

Just goes to show you that you are never too young to be a light to the world and never too old to follow the light.