Confession

We had a very powerful worship service at Downtown this morning. Two men spoke on the issue of homosexuality and sexual addiction. One shared his testimony of a lifelong struggle with homosexuality. His began with sexual abuse at the age of 8 by a member of his church. Satan used that to feed him lie after lie for a long time until he was finally able to see those lies and begin to refuse to believe them. His testimony was so powerful. Dr. Chris Austin, director of Renew Ministries, also spoke about how his ministry works to help people break the chains Satan gets around them.

I thought about several things throughout the day:

• We don't share our testimony enough. We are too secretive about the sins and struggles God has brought us out of -- and what good does that do anyone? If someone struggling does not know I have struggled (and continue to struggle), how can they know they are worthy of God's love and grace? The testimony today made it easier for others to admit their own struggles to the people in their own lives.
• I was reminded that the chains of homosexuality or sexual sin are very destructive to the human spirit, but so are the chains of anger and bitterness and hate. Let's stop allowing Satan to keep us bound. Let's stop believe the little things he whispers into our ears.
• Not everyone at Downtown was happy about the topic addressed today. One person - who did not go to the service - heard what was being discussed and who was talking and said, "Why would they bring them here? All that will do is attract those kinds of people to our church." Heaven forbid the church be a place where broken, struggling people can know they are loved and that there is hope. I don't say this to judge the person who made the comment, but to help us consider the people that God wants to see returned to Him. Are we inviting them in?

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On a totally separate note, in the weeks ahead, look for a link to Life and Laughter Ministries. I may even get an interview on here with the two women whose gifts God uses for this work. But know that if you are a woman or if you know a woman who wants to laugh and cry and be touched by the message of God to women today, you will want to experience one of their shows. Hopefully coming soon to a church or retreat or conference near you!!