Dead Flies

Ecclesiastes 10:1 (NLT) Dead flies will cause even a bottle of perfume to stink! Yes, an ounce of foolishness can outweigh a pound of wisdom and honor.

Lord, remind me that one hundred right and godly decisions in life, in marriage, and in my family, can be made meaningless with one foolish decision.

Pastor Noel

Anonymous Letter

I received an anonymous email this past Monday. I replied, and asked if I could share this on my blog. The author of the email gave me permission. I share the email here unedited.

I hope this will be an encouragement to others who may be dealing with similar problems. Both of the messages referred to in the email are available on our church website and at the CD/Book sales table in the main foyer.

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Pastor,

I know you are a busy man so I will make this short. You had said that someone thought you may have gone too far in being careful with women (if I understand that right). I don't usually tell a pastor they are right or wrong but unfortunately, I'm well aware of this subject. You are absolutely right! I'm addicted to sex. It sounds funny but it's an accurate assessment of myself that has been verified by other sources. I purchased your "foundation" sermon and will refer to it for the rest of my life.

Today's sermon is a good addition to it. Not only being careful with women, but men with this weakness have to be careful with magazines (I mean the regular ones such as Newsweek, etc), billboards, commercials, the Internet, etc. As you know, sex sells and there are these "triggers" all over. I'm not over my addiction and will never be. With Jesus though, I can overcome it day by day. People sometimes see me as a strong person, drugs, booze, gambling, etc, will never be a problem for me but sex is. I'm married to a great person and have kids so am normal there but this addiction can rip a person apart unless it's controlled.

I just wanted to let you know that you hit the nail on the head with Foundation and thank you for having the courage to stand up and speak about it. You are truly a person of God!

Anonymous

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The website where the message downloads are available is www.FirstBaptistHeath.com. You can also search on "First Baptist Church of Heath Ohio" in the iTunes store to connect to the free podcast.

Pastor Noel

Consequences Card

Sunday in my morning message I made reference to a card I always carry in my wallet. It is a card I made several years ago that lists the consequences that I would face if I fell morally. I pull this card out and read it from time to time. It serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of fleeing from sexual temptation and sin.

Several people asked about the card after the service. Here is the list of the consequences I have listed on my card (in no particular order)...

• It would break my wife's heart and she would weep with disappointment.

• It would have to explain to my girls why I had hurt their mom so badly.

• I would lose my ministry.

• I would grieve my heavenly Father.

• I would give the world license to ridicule my Savior.

• I would become a stumbling block and an excuse for unsaved people.

• I would have to explain it to my mother and my mother-in-law.

• I would lose the respect of my peers.

• It would be much more difficult to hold my daughters to a standard.

Maybe you would consider writing out the likely consequences that you would face. We could all use a reminder from time to time.

Pastor Noel