tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158112972011-10-09T21:21:21.773-07:00Encouraging The Pursuit Of Godliness Within The Believer's LifeClarissa Ramoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02949574290612984888noreply@blogger.comBlogger1181100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15811297.post-1151008607018074392006-07-15T07:05:00.000-07:002006-07-15T09:15:22.943-07:00

After much prayer and careful thought, I have decided to discontinue regular posting here at The David Trait. Although I enjoy finding and contributing wonderful articles which foster a desire for godliness, I'm finding it difficult to juggle posting and my other activities, particularly my studies. I've come to the conclusion that it would be best to concentrate my energy and attention on some

Clarissa Ramoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02949574290612984888noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15811297.post-1152821466189655602006-07-13T11:06:00.000-07:002006-07-13T15:45:28.896-07:00

Justin Taylor of Between Two Worlds has recently recommended a wonderful article by Michael Lawrence (associate pastor at Capitol Hill Baptist Church) entitled, "Stop Test-Driving Your Girlfriend." I concur with Justin that this article is full of wisdom and a worthwhile read for any man desiring to relate to women in a godly manner - and ultimately honor the Lord in all he does. I strongly

Clarissa Ramoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02949574290612984888noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15811297.post-1152045957310990572006-07-12T06:30:00.000-07:002006-07-12T08:26:47.753-07:00

By C. H. SpurgeonHe that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. - Psalm 24:4Outward practical holiness is a very precious mark of grace. It is to be feared that many professors have perverted the doctrine of justification by faith in such a way as to treat good works with contempt; if so, they will receive everlasting contempt at

Clarissa Ramoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02949574290612984888noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15811297.post-1151710700547009782006-07-10T07:53:00.000-07:002006-07-10T09:59:12.140-07:00

By Dr. Roger R. NicoleWe are called upon by the Lord to contend earnestly for the faith. (Jude 3) That does not necessarily involve being contentious; but it involves avoiding compromise, standing forth for what we believe, standing forth for the truth of God-without welching at any particular moment. Thus, we are bound to meet, at various points and various levels, people with whom we disagree.

Clarissa Ramoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02949574290612984888noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15811297.post-1152041457918897252006-07-04T09:53:00.000-07:002006-07-04T12:34:22.596-07:00

For this is the will of God, your sanctification: [1] that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you know how to control his own body [2] in holiness and honor, not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God; that no one transgress and wrong his brother in this matter, because the Lord is an avenger in all these things, as we told you beforehand and solemnly

Clarissa Ramoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02949574290612984888noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15811297.post-1151561819872196812006-06-29T22:00:00.000-07:002006-06-29T21:57:58.893-07:00

By Dr. Alfred J. Poirier... First of all, let me define what I mean by criticism. I'm using criticism in a broad sense as referring to any judgment made about you by another, which declares that you fall short of a particular standard. The standard may be God's or man's. The judgment may be true or false. It may be given gently with a view to correction, or harshly and in a condemnatory fashion.

Clarissa Ramoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02949574290612984888noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15811297.post-1151192010237886002006-06-27T16:07:00.000-07:002006-06-27T18:12:48.136-07:00

By C. H. Spurgeon Ephraim is a cake not turned. - Hosea 7:8A cake not turned is uncooked on one side; and so Ephraim was, in many respects, untouched by divine grace; though there was some partial obedience, there was very much rebellion left. My soul, I charge thee, see whether this be thy case. Art thou thorough in the things of God? Has grace gone through the very centre of thy being so as to

Clarissa Ramoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02949574290612984888noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15811297.post-1150921960014929592006-06-21T17:33:00.000-07:002006-06-21T19:39:37.190-07:00

By Guy R. FinnieThe injunction we read in Hebrews 13:5, ‘Be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee’ suggests that there is a tendency towards an attitude of discontentment in the church’s life. In every church, in every Christian, in every person there often appears evidence of a spirit of discontentment. Sooner or later, some word is

Clarissa Ramoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02949574290612984888noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15811297.post-1150315853223549832006-06-14T12:54:00.000-07:002006-06-16T09:02:48.486-07:00

Reformation Theology's Nathan Pitchford has posted a thought-provoking and much needed article on depression. I commend him for his straight-forward, yet compassionate approach to a very painful and much over-looked subject. He conveys the magnitude of the struggle as only one who has battled depression can.Please take a moment to acquaint yourself with the "living death" known as depression and

Clarissa Ramoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02949574290612984888noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15811297.post-1150148308942117952006-06-13T07:04:00.000-07:002006-06-13T09:10:09.673-07:00

The title of this introduction raises a good question, doesn't it? Even among those who support the idea of church membership, there are valid reasons to wonder why most churches have established membership roles as well as procedures for welcoming people into membership. For example, we cannot overlook the fact that the word "membership" is not used anywhere in the Bible. No matter how hard

Clarissa Ramoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02949574290612984888noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15811297.post-1150000491699066862006-06-11T13:25:00.000-07:002006-06-11T15:34:35.816-07:00

By Richard Baxter The signs of a flesh-pleaser or sensualist are these: 1. When a man in his desire to please his appetite, does not do it with a view to a higher end, that is to say to the preparing himself for the service of God; but does it only for the delight itself. (Of course no one does every action conciously with a view to the service of God. Nevertheless, the general manner or habit

Clarissa Ramoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02949574290612984888noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15811297.post-1149740879489225772006-06-07T20:24:00.000-07:002006-06-07T23:11:36.910-07:00

By Clarissa RamosI would like to draw attention to an increasing problem that I believe poses a very serious threat to families today - internet sex predators. While children are obviously the most vulnerable targets of a sex predator, I would like to caution individuals of any age (esp. women) to exercise a good deal of discretion with regards to their internet correspondences.Please keep in

Clarissa Ramoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02949574290612984888noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15811297.post-1149568357640066772006-06-05T21:23:00.000-07:002006-06-05T22:15:33.906-07:00

By Jim ElliffWhat Is Repentance?Repentance is a change of mind regarding sin and God, an inward turning from sin to God, which is known by its fruit - obedience. (Mt. 3:8; Acts 26:20; Lk. 13:5-9) It is hating what you once loved and loving what you once hated, exchanging irresistible sin for an irresistible Christ. The true repenter is cast on God. Faith is his only option. When he fully knows

Clarissa Ramoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02949574290612984888noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15811297.post-1148924261174473932006-05-29T08:34:00.000-07:002008-03-01T07:40:47.915-08:00

(An excellent discourse on the importance of godly self-examination - Clarissa Ramos)Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my thoughts; and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. - Psalms 139:23, 24By Jonathan EdwardsTHIS psalm is a meditation on the omniscience of God, or upon his perfect view and knowledge of everything, which the psalmist

Clarissa Ramoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02949574290612984888noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15811297.post-1148578877020060392006-05-25T08:38:00.000-07:002006-05-26T09:15:08.236-07:00

By C. H. SpurgeonOnly let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ. - Phil. 1:27The word "conversation" does not merely mean our talk and converse with one another, but the whole course of our life and behaviour in the world. The Greek word signifies the actions and the privileges of citizenship: and thus we are commanded to let our actions, as citizens of the New Jerusalem, be

Clarissa Ramoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02949574290612984888noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15811297.post-1144122917694466162006-05-16T07:42:00.000-07:002006-05-16T11:12:31.520-07:00

By AnonymousSome time ago, I got into a major — and potentially relationship-ending — argument with someone I love. Tensions between us had been growing for years, but until that night I felt the widening rift could be healed. I will spare the details, but when our phone call was over, I felt utterly devastated. I was emotionally, mentally, spiritually, and even physically exhausted. I managed

Clarissa Ramoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02949574290612984888noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15811297.post-1145944009256394342006-05-02T17:46:00.000-07:002008-02-29T15:21:07.374-08:00

By Bob Lepine... Much has been written in our day about the paradox of servant-leadership. When two of the disciples asked for positions of prestige in the coming kingdom, Jesus explained a different plan in Matthew 20:25-28:"...You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them. It is not so among you, but whoever wishes to become great

Clarissa Ramoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02949574290612984888noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15811297.post-1145944770925479612006-04-27T17:48:00.000-07:002008-02-29T15:19:23.192-08:00

By John PiperBe subject to one another out of reverence for Christ. Wives, be subject to your husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. As the church is subject to Christ, so let wives also be subject in everything to their husbands. Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave

Clarissa Ramoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02949574290612984888noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15811297.post-1145937542855321582006-04-24T20:30:00.000-07:002008-02-29T15:11:31.177-08:00

By Rebecca Jones... I have never heard or read the word "submission" in current speech or journalism. I imagine that the average shopper or movie-goer would give this word a negative connotation. Only wimps submit. The fulfilled person is strong, autonomous, and self-propelled. When I attended Wellesley College, the feminist movement was gaining momentum. For a woman to announce her vocation to

Clarissa Ramoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02949574290612984888noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15811297.post-1144993111590215332006-04-17T08:40:00.000-07:002006-04-17T08:43:49.326-07:00

By J. C. Ryle "Holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord."- Hebrews 12:14 The text which heads this page opens up a subject of deep importance. That subject is practical holiness. It suggests a question which demands the attention of all professing Christians - Are we holy? Shall we see the Lord? That question can never be out of season. The wise man tells us, "There is a time to weep,

Clarissa Ramoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02949574290612984888noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15811297.post-1144987422981676552006-04-13T20:34:00.000-07:002006-04-13T22:59:29.510-07:00

By C. H. Spurgeon "Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, Thou God of my salvation; and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness. " - Psalm 51:14 In this solemn confession, it is pleasing to observe that David plainly names his sin. He does not call it manslaughter, nor speak of it as an imprudence by which an unfortunate accident occurred to a worthy man, but he calls it by its true

Clarissa Ramoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02949574290612984888noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15811297.post-1144028678750426382006-04-02T19:00:00.000-07:002006-04-02T18:44:38.773-07:00

By J. I. PackerIt is generally felt that guidance is a tricky subject, and most of us have had first-hand experience of what we would call guidance problems, either our own or those of others whom we have tried to help. Why do so many such problems arise? Where do the difficulties come from? Alas, most of them are of our own making. In our quest for God’s guidance we became our own worst enemies,

Clarissa Ramoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02949574290612984888noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15811297.post-1143496183653203532006-03-27T13:44:00.000-08:002008-02-29T15:41:42.502-08:00

By Steve Watters I had a good thing going during the summer of 1996. I was halfway through earning a master’s degree in public policy. During that year I formed a special bond with one of my classmates, Candice Zouhary. Besides sharing several classes, we also worked together as editors of an online magazine. Eventually we started spending nearly all our free time together. We went to the

Clarissa Ramoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02949574290612984888noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15811297.post-1142915497507528872006-03-20T22:00:00.000-08:002006-03-20T20:34:20.320-08:00

By Sinclair FergusonSomeone I knew recently expressed an opinion that surprised and in some ways disappointed me. I said to myself, “I thought he would have more discernment than that.” The experience caused me to reflect on the importance of discernment, and the lack of it in our world. People do not see issues clearly and are easily misled because they do not think biblically. But, sadly, one

Clarissa Ramoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02949574290612984888noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15811297.post-1142612128244379862006-03-17T08:14:00.000-08:002006-03-17T08:32:00.326-08:00

By C.H. Spurgeon "Keep back Thy servant also from presumptuous sins." - Psalm 19:13Such was the prayer of the "man after God's own heart." Did holy David need to pray thus? How needful, then, must such a prayer be for us babes in grace! It is as if he said, "Keep me back, or I shall rush headlong over the precipice of sin." Our evil nature, like an ill-tempered horse, is apt to run away. May the

Clarissa Ramoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02949574290612984888noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15811297.post-1142128226608811732006-03-12T16:01:00.000-08:002008-03-01T08:27:31.449-08:00

By John Piper ... There is a mean streak in the Christian life. There is a violence. There is a militancy. But it is exactly the opposite of selfish violence against people. It is a violence against the "flesh" or against "the deeds of the body" – our flesh and our body. The Christian is not mean to others. He is mean to his own sinfulness – his own flesh. We saw the meaning of "flesh" in Romans

Clarissa Ramoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02949574290612984888noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15811297.post-1141928376395049432006-03-09T10:09:00.000-08:002008-03-01T08:26:08.834-08:00

By John Piper... Ed Welch, in preparation for his book called A Banquet in the Grave (Presbyterian & Reformed Publishing, 2001), said: . . . there is a mean streak to authentic self-control. . . Self-control is not for the timid. When we want to grow in it, not only do we nurture an exuberance for Jesus Christ, we also demand of ourselves a hatred for sin. . . The only possible attitude toward

Clarissa Ramoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02949574290612984888noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15811297.post-1141755047873299892006-03-07T09:44:00.000-08:002008-03-01T08:24:23.466-08:00

By John Piper If Christ is in you, though the body is dead because of sin, yet the spirit is alive because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you. So then, brethren, we are under obligation, not to the flesh, to live according to

Clarissa Ramoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02949574290612984888noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15811297.post-1141493982882665122006-03-04T09:16:00.000-08:002008-03-01T08:22:52.541-08:00

By John Piper "What shall we say then? Is the Law sin? May it never be! On the contrary, I would not have come to know sin except through the Law; for I would not have known about coveting if the Law had not said, "you shall not covet." But sin, taking opportunity through the commandment, produced in me coveting of every kind; for apart from the Law sin is dead. I was once alive apart from the

Clarissa Ramoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02949574290612984888noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15811297.post-1141231338167146662006-03-01T08:41:00.000-08:002008-03-01T08:20:20.321-08:00

By John Piper The Old Testament (Psalm 32:1,2) and the New Testament (Romans 4:7,8) agree: "Blessed (or fortunate) is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord imputes no iniquity." Therefore, both, by implication, agree that the person whose transgression God does not forgive, and whose sin is not covered but open in all its offensiveness

Clarissa Ramoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02949574290612984888noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15811297.post-1140845190359608492006-02-24T21:17:00.000-08:002006-02-24T21:26:30.393-08:00

By Sinclair FergusonThomas Chalmers (1780-1847) was one of the most remarkable men of his time—a mathematician, evangelical theologian, economist, ecclesiastical, political, and social reformer all in one. His most famous sermon was published under the unlikely title: “The Expulsive Power of a New Affection.” In it he expounded an insight of permanent importance for Christian living: you cannot

Clarissa Ramoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02949574290612984888noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15811297.post-1140067897400923462006-02-19T22:00:00.000-08:002008-02-29T15:01:17.220-08:00

"There’s no denying that marriage, divorce, and singleness lead to many serious and complex problems and decisions for people—even Christian people. How else do you explain the flood of 'experts' offering so many differing ideas and opinions about marriage, divorce, morality, celibacy, and singleness?But talk and opinions don’t solve anything. To address the real problems of singleness and

Clarissa Ramoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02949574290612984888noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15811297.post-1139592929479102842006-02-13T22:00:00.000-08:002008-02-29T14:54:29.192-08:00

By John MacArthur Valentine's Day may be the one time each year that most husbands let down the macho exterior and actually demonstrate their love for their wives in tangible ways. You might shower your wife with flowers or candy, or take her out on a romantic evening. Some of you may even make greater sacrifices, such as cleaning the house, treating her to breakfast in bed, or buying some

Clarissa Ramoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02949574290612984888noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15811297.post-1139426624051819792006-02-10T22:00:00.000-08:002008-02-29T14:51:58.768-08:00

By Bob LepineThe qualifications for being a husband are simple but not easy. A man has to be a man, not just physically but in the full sense of the word. And a man has to be godly. In their book The Silence of Adam, Larry Crabb, Don Hudson, and Al Andrews point to the interconnectedness between godliness and masculinity. "The only way to be manly," they write, "is first to be godly. In our day,

Clarissa Ramoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02949574290612984888noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15811297.post-1139380578257903302006-02-08T10:16:00.000-08:002006-02-08T10:14:53.976-08:00

By Sinclair FergusonWho are you behind closed doors? This three-fold test reveals the true index of your spirituality. You may have heard these words (or some variation on them) quoted before: “What a man is in secret, in these private duties, that he is in the eyes of God and no more.” The most frequently quoted version is usually attributed to the young Scotsman, Robert Murray McCheyne. But

Clarissa Ramoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02949574290612984888noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15811297.post-1139324217119843212006-02-04T06:54:00.000-08:002008-01-06T07:29:52.284-08:00

By John MacArthur ... Self-discipline is important in any endeavor of life. It's best defined as the ability to regulate one’s conduct by principle and sound judgment, rather than by impulse, desire, or social custom. Biblically, self-discipline may be summarized in one word: obedience. To exercise self-discipline is to avoid evil by staying within the bounds of God’s law. I'm grateful for my

Clarissa Ramoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02949574290612984888noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15811297.post-1137422634473519992006-01-16T06:43:00.000-08:002006-01-17T20:18:23.226-08:00

Do we think of sacrifice primarily as the giving up of something we shall miss very much, concentrating on our own self-deprivation and loss? Or can we see it rather as an offering to God of what is most precious to us - an offering that, as the Lord receives it into His hands and accepts it, is transformed into a glorious thing - into gain, not loss? How far are we to go in obedience? How much

Clarissa Ramoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02949574290612984888noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15811297.post-1136654552346295522006-01-11T22:00:00.000-08:002008-06-10T15:35:00.727-07:00

By Daniel L. WeissEstablishing healthy accountability relationships, either between two individuals or within a group setting, is one of the more difficult tasks for a Christian. Although increasing in popularity, a majority of Christian men and women still have not entered into such relationships. The reasons for this are myriad, both good and bad. In some ways, a Catch-22 surrounds the

Clarissa Ramoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02949574290612984888noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15811297.post-1136655575451245282006-01-08T22:00:00.000-08:002008-06-10T15:33:53.613-07:00

By Rob JacksonLife is replete with irony. One of the biggest ironies connected to personal health and safety is that the best time to develop personal accountability is when we don’t particularly need it. Unfortunately, when the need for accountability strikes, most people don’t have any significant relationships on which to lean. We haven’t invested consistently in deep friendships and our

Clarissa Ramoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02949574290612984888noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15811297.post-1136570794483004332006-01-06T10:34:00.000-08:002006-01-06T10:48:31.403-08:00

A thought-provoking set of audio messages from Joshua Harris on what should be our real focus in romantic relationships - glorifying God in Christ. Be prepared to get at the heart of what love is. A challenging and much needed message worth listening to. I encourage you to do just that. - Clarissa RamosCourtship, Shmourtship: What Really Matters in Relationships Courtship is a Community Project

Clarissa Ramoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02949574290612984888noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15811297.post-1136072851392937492006-01-05T08:25:00.000-08:002008-02-29T15:36:23.878-08:00

By Joshua HarrisSomething BetterI've come to understand that God's lordship doesn't merely tinker with my approach to romance - it completely transforms it. God not only wants me to act differently, He wants me to think differently - to view love, purity, and singleness from His perspective, to have a new lifestyle and attitude.The basis of this new attitude is what I call "smart love." Paul

Clarissa Ramoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02949574290612984888noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15811297.post-1136176574062911152006-01-02T22:00:00.000-08:002008-03-01T07:58:20.909-08:00

By John MacArthurOne of my joys as a pastor is to guide people through God’s Word and explain its implications on their lives. It thrills me to help others by clarifying a point of doctrine, interpreting a difficult verse, or answering any number of other questions. Among the concerns people raise, I can’t remember the last time someone asked me if it was wrong to lie, to cheat, to steal, to

Clarissa Ramoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02949574290612984888noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15811297.post-1136069940931529552006-01-01T19:46:00.000-08:002008-06-10T16:17:22.073-07:00

By Elisabeth ElliotThe Old Testament tells us that man looks on the outward appearance, but God looks on the heart. We would find nothing there to argue about. Man looks on the outward because it’s all he can see. But it is a revelation of what’s inside. If this were not so, there would be no point in Paul’s prayer for the Colossians, “that your outward lives, which men see, may bring credit to

Clarissa Ramoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02949574290612984888noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15811297.post-1135924773463327902005-12-30T10:20:00.000-08:002005-12-30T10:37:31.246-08:00

Well, mostly new. Undoubtedly, many of you will have noticed the changes that have been made here at The David Trait, the most obvious being the change of template. It's my hope that the new layout and background will translate into better usability and lend a professional air to the site.I've also added or modified a few features in the sidebar that I hope you'll take note of. If you scroll down

Clarissa Ramoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02949574290612984888noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15811297.post-1134940234939392762005-12-26T22:00:00.000-08:002008-02-29T14:43:17.188-08:00

By Bryan Chapell"Access to the deeper dimensions of the Bible’s instruction requires no secret codes, special revelations, or privileged insights. Minds and hearts open to the core message of Scripture recognize that God neither commends nor commands selfishness. When the ruler of the universe in the person of Jesus Christ gave his life on a cross to rescue us from the consequences of our own sin

Clarissa Ramoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02949574290612984888noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15811297.post-1135540516491572392005-12-25T11:55:00.000-08:002008-02-29T15:45:27.539-08:00

By Clarissa RamosI did not intend to post today, but something happened that I feel led to share with you all. Last night, as my family and I were watching a movie and enjoying a quiet Christmas Eve together, one of our birds suddenly fell from his perch to the bottom of the cage. Startled by his fall, we all got up and headed over to his cage to find him lying there, spread-eagle and breathing

Clarissa Ramoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02949574290612984888noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15811297.post-1134935716187889972005-12-24T13:00:00.000-08:002008-06-10T16:39:52.167-07:00

By Whitney Hopler and John PiperChristmas turns your attention to gifts like no other season. You rush to choose and buy them to give to those you love; you savor the thrill of receiving them from family and friends. And in the midst of all that activity, you try to stop long enough to remind yourself of why you're celebrating with gifts in the first place: It's Jesus' birthday, the time to

Clarissa Ramoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02949574290612984888noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15811297.post-1129917097744909332005-12-22T05:20:00.000-08:002008-06-10T16:53:07.155-07:00

By Gary Thomas... A mature Christian finds his or her fulfillment in living faithfully before God -- that is, in being a mature person, not in being around a particular person. Much of our marital dissatisfaction stems in actuality from self-hatred. We don't like what we've done or become; we've let selfish and sinful attitudes poison our thoughts and lead us into shameful behaviors, and suddenly

Clarissa Ramoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02949574290612984888noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15811297.post-1134930190451051232005-12-20T20:25:00.000-08:002008-02-29T14:38:22.949-08:00

By John Piper... [M]arriage is like a metaphor or an image or a picture or parable that stands for something more than a man and a woman becoming one flesh. It stands for the relationship between Christ and the church. That's the deepest meaning of marriage. It's meant to be a living drama of how Christ and the church relate to each other...... If you want to understand God's meaning for marriage

Clarissa Ramoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02949574290612984888noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15811297.post-1134929200912444352005-12-18T14:19:00.000-08:002008-02-29T14:34:13.909-08:00

By John MacArthurOur entertainment-saturated society helps feed all sorts of illusions about reality. The fantasy of the perfect romantic and sexual relationship, the perfect lifestyle, and the perfect body all prove unattainable because the reality never lives up to the expectation. The worst fallout comes in the marriage relationship. When two people can’t live up to each other’s expectations,

Clarissa Ramoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02949574290612984888noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15811297.post-1134763034660578172005-12-16T11:56:00.000-08:002008-06-10T16:45:36.806-07:00

(The following article by John Piper is an examination of puritan great Jonathan Edwards' views on virtue, "self-love", and cultural transformation. It underscores the importance of having a God-centered view of social justice and cultural issues. - Clarissa Ramos)By John Piper... It mattered to Jonathan Edwards, just as it should matter to us, whether a culture is diseased and scarred by fraud

Clarissa Ramoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02949574290612984888noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15811297.post-1134582024658984462005-12-14T09:40:00.000-08:002008-06-10T16:43:28.402-07:00

By Randy AlcornWhen it comes to the poor and homeless, I see three primary questions. The morality question-"What is our responsibility to the poor?" The wisdom question-"how do we discern who the poor are and what they really need?" The practicality question-"what exactly should we do to help the poor?"... (read full article)By Randy Alcorn, Eternal Perspective Ministries, www.epm.org

Clarissa Ramoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02949574290612984888noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15811297.post-1134347877778563302005-12-11T16:25:00.000-08:002008-06-10T16:16:26.286-07:00

By John Piper"As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance, but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; because it is written, 'YOU SHALL BE HOLY, FOR I AM HOLY.'" - 1 Peter 1:14-16 For twelve verses Peter gave no commands and no admonitions and no exhortations. He just celebrated and blessed the God who

Clarissa Ramoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02949574290612984888noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15811297.post-1133051016477342852005-12-09T09:15:00.000-08:002005-12-09T09:37:29.720-08:00

I'd like to take a moment to highlight an excellent set of books from Sovereign Grace Ministries entitled, "The Pursuit Of Godliness." Featuring authors and pastors C.J. Mahaney, John Loftness, Andrew Farmer, and Robin Boisvert, these five books emphasize the need for sound doctrine, godly fellowship, and personal application of spiritual truth within the life of the believer. Presented in a

Clarissa Ramoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02949574290612984888noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15811297.post-1132536505957518452005-12-06T22:00:00.000-08:002008-03-01T07:55:32.700-08:00

By John PiperThe very concept of "self-control" implies a battle between a divided self. It implies that our "self" produces desires we should not satisfy but instead "control." We should "deny ourselves" and "take up our cross daily," Jesus says, and follow him (Luke 9:23). Daily our "self" produces desires that should be "denied" or "controlled"... (read more)By John Piper. ©Desiring God.

Clarissa Ramoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02949574290612984888noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15811297.post-1132987077237062592005-12-04T18:21:00.000-08:002008-03-01T07:52:00.469-08:00

By John Piper"All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be enslaved by anything. Food is meant for the stomach and the stomach for food--and God will destroy both one and the other. The body is not meant for immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. And God raised the Lord and will also raise us up by his power. Do

Clarissa Ramoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02949574290612984888noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15811297.post-1132872691474835472005-12-02T09:04:00.000-08:002008-06-10T16:10:07.211-07:00

By Elisabeth ElliotThe word lifestyle has become a tricky and dangerous one for Christians, implying that an unlimited range of choices is open to us, from which we may select anything that happens to suit our fancy. We must remember first that the Incarnate Word entered into human life, “dwelt among us,” and showed us glory, grace, and truth. We in turn, as those in whom Christ dwells now, are

Clarissa Ramoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02949574290612984888noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15811297.post-1132543355354017702005-11-29T22:00:00.000-08:002008-06-10T16:08:32.285-07:00

By John Piper... Our aim in life is for "Christ to be magnified in our bodies whether by life or by death" (Philippians 1:19-20). In other words, with Paul, we do care - really care - about what others think of Christ. Their salvation hangs on what they think of Christ. And our lives are to display his truth and beauty. So we must care what others think of us as representative of Christ. Love

Clarissa Ramoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02949574290612984888noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15811297.post-1132542377653737952005-11-27T22:00:00.000-08:002008-06-10T16:06:11.740-07:00

By John MacArthur... The foundation of all Christian witness is what you do, not what you say. The single greatest tool then of our Christian testimony and of evangelism is doing right. It is how you live. Now obviously we live in a society today not unlike that of Peter where people criticize Christianity as well. We have our critics, for sure. In fact, they are widespread, far-reaching, very

Clarissa Ramoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02949574290612984888noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15811297.post-1132535339544774822005-11-25T22:00:00.000-08:002008-06-10T16:04:20.527-07:00

By J. I. PackerTo begin at the beginning, taking nothing for granted, is always the wise way. So the first thing to do is face up to the basic question: Does “right living” matter anyway? Is the moral quality of a Christian’s personal life important? To this question you would, of course, expect all believers to reply “yes,” for any other answer would sound shocking. But if our “yes” were

Clarissa Ramoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02949574290612984888noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15811297.post-1132377258706541362005-11-23T22:45:00.000-08:002005-11-23T22:46:29.450-08:00

His Steadfast Love Endures Forever A Psalm for giving thanks. 100:1 Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth!2 Serve the Lord with gladness!Come into his presence with singing! 3 Know that the Lord, he is God!It is he who made us, and we are his;we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. 4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving,and his courts with praise!Give thanks to him;

Clarissa Ramoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02949574290612984888noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15811297.post-1131832420076117922005-11-22T22:00:00.000-08:002008-03-01T08:18:57.627-08:00

By John Piper... We were made to see and savor with everlasting satisfaction the supremacy of Christ. Our sexuality points to this, and our sexuality is purified by this. We are sexual beings that we may know something more of the supremacy of Christ. And we must know the supremacy of Christ—we must know him in his supremacy—in order to experience our sexuality as sacred and sweet and

Clarissa Ramoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02949574290612984888noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15811297.post-1131832045434855002005-11-21T22:00:00.000-08:002008-03-01T08:16:37.655-08:00

By John Piper... I have two simple and weighty points to make... The first is that sexuality is designed by God as a way to know God in Christ more fully. And the second is that knowing God in Christ more fully is designed as a way of guarding and guiding our sexuality. I use the phrase “God in Christ” to signal at the outset that I am going to move back and forth because the biblical assumption

Clarissa Ramoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02949574290612984888noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15811297.post-1131740937426237312005-11-20T22:00:00.000-08:002005-11-20T21:25:56.683-08:00

An impacting set of audio messages from Joshua Harris regarding the seriousness of combating lust and the importance of developing a correct view of sex and sexual purity. I encourage you to take some time to listen to each of these messages and allow the Lord to challenge you in this area of your life. - Clarissa RamosDoes Sex Need To Be Rescued? Are You Committing Pornography? A Custom Plan

Clarissa Ramoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02949574290612984888noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15811297.post-1131831368426384732005-11-18T22:00:00.000-08:002008-03-01T08:14:20.239-08:00

By John PiperIf the Bible addresses an issue with unrelenting frequency and urgency, and if that issue is one of the strongest natural forces in the world today, then ministers of the Word of God are obligated sooner or later to declare God's will on that issue. The sexual life of the unmarried person (we will talk about married people next week) is of great concern to God. Even those of you who

Clarissa Ramoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02949574290612984888noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15811297.post-1132032222654105832005-11-16T22:00:00.000-08:002008-03-01T08:12:51.884-08:00

By John PiperI have in mind men and women. For men it's obvious. The need for warfare against the bombardment of visual temptation to fixate on sexual images is urgent. For women it is less obvious, but just as great if we broaden the scope of temptation to food or figure or relational fantasies. When I say "lust" I mean the realm of thought, imagination, and desire that leads to sexual

Clarissa Ramoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02949574290612984888noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15811297.post-1131740069977261712005-11-15T22:00:00.000-08:002008-03-01T08:11:08.355-08:00

By John Piper"I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye makes you stumble, tear it out and throw it from you; for it is better for you to lose one of the parts of your body, than for your whole body to be thrown into hell." - Matthew 5:28-29 When you are enticed sexually, do you fight with your mind

Clarissa Ramoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02949574290612984888noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15811297.post-1131835751692053502005-11-14T22:00:00.000-08:002008-03-01T08:09:04.642-08:00

By John Piper"Finally then, brethren, we request and exhort you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us instruction as to how you ought to walk and please God (just as you actually do walk), that you excel still more. For you know what commandments we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus. For this is the will of God, your sanctification; that is, that you abstain from sexual

Clarissa Ramoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02949574290612984888noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15811297.post-1131739850383579502005-11-13T22:00:00.000-08:002008-03-01T07:53:49.480-08:00

By John Piper"But fornication and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is fitting among saints. Let there be no filthiness, nor silly talk, nor levity, which are not fitting; but instead let there be thanksgiving. Be sure of this, that no fornicator or impure man, or one who is covetous (that is, an idolator), has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.

Clarissa Ramoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02949574290612984888noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15811297.post-1131735939421968812005-11-11T11:05:00.000-08:002005-11-11T12:32:34.550-08:00

The following are two excellent audio programs from the Covenant Life Church archives on the topic of humility. Take a moment to listen and grow! - Clarissa RamosTrue Greatness - C. J. Mahaney Humility - Jerry Bridges

Clarissa Ramoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02949574290612984888noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15811297.post-1131557016413210182005-11-09T23:17:00.000-08:002005-11-09T23:17:25.886-08:00

Ten Things I Do I call to mind that I am not self-existent; only the triune God is. Only God is absolute, but I am contingent. I remind myself that I am utterly dependent on God for my origin and for my present and future existence. I call this to mind and ponder its truth. I remember that I am by nature a depraved sinner and that, in all my sinning, I have treated God with contempt, preferring

Clarissa Ramoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02949574290612984888noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15811297.post-1131431627226642342005-11-09T08:14:00.000-08:002006-04-13T22:45:59.940-07:00

By Andrew MurrayWe hear a great deal of seekers after holiness and professors of holiness, of holiness teaching and holiness meetings. The great test of whether the holiness we profess to seek or to attain is truth and life will be whether it be manifest in the increasing humility it produces. In the creature, humility is the one thing needed to allow God's holiness to dwell in him and shine

Clarissa Ramoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02949574290612984888noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15811297.post-1131378953381947942005-11-07T22:00:00.000-08:002006-04-13T22:44:13.156-07:00

By Arthur Pink“Worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness” (Psa. 29:2). Holiness is the antithesis of sin, and the beauty of holiness is in direct contrast from the ugliness of sin. Sin is a deformity, a monstrosity. Sin is repulsive, repellent to the infinitely pure God: that is why He selected leprosy, the most loathsome and horrible of all diseases, to be its emblem. When the Prophet was

Clarissa Ramoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02949574290612984888noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15811297.post-1131250396645743122005-11-06T22:00:00.000-08:002006-04-13T22:42:45.026-07:00

By Arthur Pink It is much, very much to be thankful for when the Holy Spirit has illumined a man’s understanding, dispersed the mists of error, and established him in the Truth. Yet that is only the beginning. The Holy Scriptures are "profitable" not only for "doctrine" but also for "reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness" (2 Tim. 3:16). Observe well the order there: before we

Clarissa Ramoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02949574290612984888noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15811297.post-1131249977456089722005-11-05T22:00:00.000-08:002006-04-13T22:40:23.390-07:00

By Arthur PinkBy our fall in Adam we not only lost the favor of God but also the purity of our nature and therefore we need to be both reconciled to God and renewed in our inner man, for without personal holiness "no man shall see the Lord" (Heb. 12:14). "As He which hath called you is holy; so be ye holy in all manner of conversation (behavior); because it is written, Be ye holy for I am holy" (

Clarissa Ramoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02949574290612984888noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15811297.post-1131121420042802152005-11-04T22:00:00.000-08:002008-06-10T16:37:05.096-07:00

By Dennis And Barbara RaineyMy dad did not use foul language. On a couple of occasions, however, he did drop a word that was totally out of character for him. I remember being so shocked and surprised that it made an impact on me. And I don’t ever recall hearing a disrespectful or cross word from Dad aimed at Mom. He was a model of keeping his tongue under control throughout his life, which

Clarissa Ramoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02949574290612984888noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15811297.post-1131085248210527762005-11-03T22:18:00.000-08:002008-06-10T16:35:13.070-07:00

(Up to this point we've been focusing on the general effect our words have upon others and what Scripture has to say on the subject. I would like to shift gears slightly and address the issue of godly speech within the family structure, specifically with regards to our children. The following article by Dennis and Barbara Rainey highlights four principles a child must learn if he is to gain

Clarissa Ramoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02949574290612984888noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15811297.post-1130959176981593162005-11-02T11:06:00.000-08:002008-06-10T16:32:55.280-07:00

By Randy AlcornTHE POWER OF MY WORDS For bad: "The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. But no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison." James 3:6, 8 "With his mouth the godless man destroys his neighbor." Proverbs 11:9

Clarissa Ramoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02949574290612984888noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15811297.post-1130824228375235162005-10-31T22:00:00.000-08:002008-06-10T16:31:22.573-07:00

(In this day and age, when addressing the impact our words have on one another, one mode of communication is often overlooked - email. Without the slightest bit of intention to, the push of a button can hurt feelings, offend minds, and injure relationships. How imperative then, that we strive for clarity and sensitivity in all our internet correspondences. - Clarissa Ramos)By Carolyn McCulley....

Clarissa Ramoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02949574290612984888noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15811297.post-1130772651302896772005-10-31T07:23:00.000-08:002008-06-10T16:28:25.129-07:00

(A few words from Carolyn McCulley on the not-so-recognizable ways in which gossip, slander, and impurity of speech manifest themselves in our communication with others. While aimed primarily at women, it's a good read for men as well. - Clarissa Ramos)By Carolyn McCulley ... Proverbs became an eye-opening, if painfully convicting, book to read. I had never considered the sinful effects of my

Clarissa Ramoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02949574290612984888noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15811297.post-1130647696416581512005-10-29T22:00:00.000-07:002008-06-10T16:24:57.968-07:00

(Chuck Holton provides some good insight into the damaging effects of promoting, and tolerating, profanity. Below is an excerpt. - Clarissa Ramos)By Chuck HoltonSimply having the freedom to do a thing doesn't justify doing it. Being able to discipline oneself for the benefit of others is the very essence of maturity.Free speech is an almost sacred right in this country, but freedom can only

Clarissa Ramoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02949574290612984888noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15811297.post-1130560954140123802005-10-28T22:00:00.000-07:002008-06-10T16:23:35.961-07:00

By Dr. James DobsonAs a writer and speaker, the material I’m about to share is very near and dear to my heart. It involves the words we use — or abuse — as we communicate with those around us. It has been suggested that the most powerful weapon in the world is not a gun or even a nuclear bomb, but rather, the tongue. I wholeheartedly agree. The Scriptures repeatedly remind us that, with our words

Clarissa Ramoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02949574290612984888noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15811297.post-1130388535960900712005-10-26T22:00:00.000-07:002008-06-10T16:51:07.909-07:00

By Barbara RaineyPerhaps more than at any other time in history, women today need a clear understanding of how they should relate to their husbands. In fact, the significant social changes brought about by the women's movement over the last few decades have led to such confusion that the very idea of "roles" is repugnant to some. They feel as if somehow they lose their identity and their freedom

Clarissa Ramoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02949574290612984888noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15811297.post-1130344601191401162005-10-26T09:16:00.000-07:002008-06-10T16:49:45.034-07:00

By Dennis RaineyThere is a story of a man who died and went to heaven to find two signs above two different lines. One sign said: "ALL THOSE MEN WHO HAVE BEEN DOMINATED BY THEIR WIVES, STAND HERE." That line of men seemed to stretch off through the clouds into infinity.The second sign read: "ALL THOSE WHO HAVE NEVER BEEN DOMINATED BY THEIR WIVES, STAND HERE." Underneath the sign stood one man.He

Clarissa Ramoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02949574290612984888noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15811297.post-1130126397189221952005-10-23T22:00:00.000-07:002005-10-23T21:28:34.960-07:00

(The following audio messages are from the Gateway To Joy radio series entitled A Harmony Of Differences: Real Men And Real Women by Elisabeth Elliot. If you're unable to listen to them on your computer, make every effort to find a way to access them - they're worth it! - Clarissa Ramos) The Ancient Idea True Womanliness A Real Man Is A True Man

Clarissa Ramoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02949574290612984888noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15811297.post-1129984351957495262005-10-22T05:23:00.000-07:002008-06-10T15:42:58.179-07:00

By Carolyn Mahaney(A wonderful reminder from the women at Girl Talk on the importance of embracing Biblical femininity as a single women. Be blessed! - Clarissa Ramos) “The important point here is that God created us. We are the planned and foreordained determination of an all-wise, all powerful, and all-loving God. It is not mere chance that we are female; our gender is not accidental. We were

Clarissa Ramoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02949574290612984888noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15811297.post-1129913013121629402005-10-21T09:34:00.000-07:002005-10-21T09:45:29.623-07:00

Our God is a majestic God and worthy to be praised! I love spending time outdoors in God's wonderful creation, especially at this time of the year. Taking the time to view His handiwork always fills me with such gratitude for His love and mercy and gives me a renewed desire to glorify the Lord in all I say and do. Consequently, I'd like to utilize today's post to quote from another child of God

Clarissa Ramoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02949574290612984888noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15811297.post-1128228744132961082005-10-19T05:29:00.000-07:002008-06-10T17:00:52.680-07:00

By Jerry Bridges"It is possible to establish convictions regarding a life of holiness, and even make a definite commitment to that end, yet fail to achieve the goal. Life is strewn with broken resolutions. We may determine by God's grace to stop a particular sinful habit - entertaining lustful thoughts, criticizing our Christian brother, or whatever. But alas, only too frequently we find we don't

Clarissa Ramoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02949574290612984888noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15811297.post-1129518931853968542005-10-16T22:00:00.000-07:002008-06-10T16:48:32.539-07:00

(Note - The following article by Ken Sande is an outstanding commentary on Biblical role relationships within marriage. It is the most comprehensive article of its size and nature that I have ever come across and a definite 'must read' for every Christian - man or woman, married or single. - Clarissa Ramos)By Ken SandeBy God's design, man and woman are one in essence (see Genesis 2:23), and are

Clarissa Ramoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02949574290612984888noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15811297.post-1129479423019139062005-10-16T09:20:00.000-07:002008-06-10T17:03:10.622-07:00

By Elisabeth Elliot'"Obedience to God very often appears to us, at first glance, to mean sacrifice. We shrink from it. Sacrifice always involves death, and we reject death. But the divine paradox, the one we find running throughout all of Scripture, is that this sacrifice - the offering of ourselves in obedience to God - always means life. It is life, nothing less than life, that God offers us,

Clarissa Ramoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02949574290612984888noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15811297.post-1129312955087604932005-10-14T10:59:00.000-07:002005-10-14T11:11:30.853-07:00

The following links are intended to encourage both men and women to pursue regular times of accountability with other committed believers. For the sake of clarity I am listing them in gender specific categories; however, many of the same principles can be applied to men and women alike (men, I encourage you to check out the link to the forty day challenge from Men Of Purity - the world needs more

Clarissa Ramoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02949574290612984888noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15811297.post-1129090157264345382005-10-13T07:27:00.000-07:002005-10-13T16:08:42.096-07:00

(Note - The following article was intended for pastors and other ministry professionals; however, I believe that it's a must read for any believer who holds a position of leadership, influence, or authority - ministry or otherwise. It is also my opinion that all Christians who desire to please God and walk in purity can benefit from taking these precautions. - Clarissa Ramos)"Something terrible

Clarissa Ramoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02949574290612984888noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15811297.post-1129142348216720082005-10-12T10:02:00.000-07:002007-11-13T19:45:04.458-08:00

"Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity." - 1 Timothy 4:12 There is a revolution at hand. Make that a Rebelution! Twin homeschoolers Brett and Alex Harris (yes, they are the younger brothers of author and pastor Joshua Harris) are on a mission to revolutionize the way you think. Forget the

Clarissa Ramoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02949574290612984888noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15811297.post-1128841781009584012005-10-11T16:11:00.000-07:002005-10-11T16:07:34.243-07:00

Did you ever wonder why your struggles with lust seem to come in cycles? For some reason you seem to struggle mightily with lust for a number of days or weeks and then, for no apparent reason, the struggle subsides. You go through a relatively easy time, but then, almost inevitably the powerful temptations return and the struggles start all over again... - Alan P. Medinger (read more)

Clarissa Ramoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02949574290612984888noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15811297.post-1128920718371664682005-10-09T22:07:00.000-07:002011-10-08T23:13:30.614-07:00

Clarissa Ramoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02949574290612984888noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15811297.post-1128842023669058642005-10-09T00:09:00.000-07:002005-10-09T00:13:43.670-07:00

In 1850 Nathaniel Hawthorne published The Scarlet Letter, a powerful novel centered around the adulterous relationship of Hester Prynne and the highly respected minister, Reverend Mr. Arthur Dimmesdale. The fallen pastor, remorseful but not ready to face the consequences, asks the question, "What can a ruined soul, like mine, effect towards the redemption of other souls?-or a polluted soul,

Clarissa Ramoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02949574290612984888noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15811297.post-1128749658381184632005-10-07T22:21:00.000-07:002005-10-07T22:44:20.386-07:00

Some more excellent reminders of how God views sexual purity and some personal guidelines that I believe would be beneficial to everyone - young people and adults alike. - Clarissa Ramos "It is God's will that 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

Clarissa Ramoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02949574290612984888noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15811297.post-1128575735837769422005-10-06T20:02:00.000-07:002005-10-06T20:00:43.210-07:00

The following is an excellent article by Randy Alcorn (Eternal Perspective Ministries) on the importance of cultivating a passion for purity within our lives. I highly recommend it. - Clarissa Ramos The Purity Principle is this: Purity is always smart; impurity is always stupid.Does God really argue for sexual purity on the basis that it's the smart choice, while impurity is stupid? Judge for

Clarissa Ramoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02949574290612984888noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15811297.post-1128571707232105272005-10-05T21:01:00.000-07:002005-10-05T21:13:19.296-07:00

By John LoftnessStep 1: PrayEstablish your dependence on God by praying for the Holy Spirit's help in this process.Step 2: Identify The SinDefine its practice in biblical terms.Define your heart's motive for the sin in biblical terms.Define the lie - the false belief - that created this motive and its acts.Step 3: Embrace The GospelMeditate on how your sin offends God. Cultivate sorrow.Meditate

Clarissa Ramoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02949574290612984888noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15811297.post-1128310217762146882005-10-03T23:06:00.000-07:002011-10-08T23:11:42.103-07:00

Clarissa Ramoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02949574290612984888noreply@blogger.com