2015 A Time of Romance, A Vision of Purpose by Lee Johndrow

2015 A Time of Romance, 

A Vision of Purpose 

by Lee Johndrow

Identity Network

Why even announce for 2015? Why seek the Lord at all for this? Is it any different?

Throughout yesterday as the messages of hope and the future appeared, I thought, "I agree."  "Amen."  "Good for you!" I know people get caught up in resolutions and change. They want to see the New Year as better than the last. There is a hope on the table.

This prophecy sets a place of reference I believe. A course or a thought process as you may end your gym membership or determine lettuce 3 times a day is not working for you! Last year my prophecy for 2014 for the church stayed in the top 3 out of over 1,000 messages. (The vision for our church fellowship was in the top 5.)

For me there are three reasons I present the outlook I see as God giving to me for the upcoming year. None of them have to do with "have to's" or urgency, expectation or pressure. As a matter of fact I did not see this coming. I do not even think I gave any thought about it except on one occasion that I shrugged off and a text over the weekend. I actually thought I had too much to do, wanted to go somewhere, do something.

Here are My Reasons for this 2015 Prophecy

• As a prophet I think my gift is my function and that is available to God and to the body as He sees fit or deems to be used.

• Prophecy can shape or change paths or destinies of people and add value to the body of Christ and ultimately this impacts the world.

• Prophecy is three fold; a result of God's message, a voice honed by hearing God and an interpretation of what is seen, dreamed or envisioned.

I think it began to unfold in my mind as I began to see rings appearing on the fingers of women. Engagement rings, wedding rings and promise rings. I began to think this cannot be a coincidence. I began to think back to a time when had I seen the flood of jewelry appearing on hands? I could not find it.

God was up to something. I did not want to miss it. So I began to investigate, to get closer to it.

For many years it felt as if we were getting further away from commitment, from promise. People used that thinking, that observation to announce "great darkness" upon the earth. But over the last year or two I began to see great treasure upon the earth.

I looked where the theme of the last few months might be leading. The overriding message was love. God had me on a path I did not see in full until just the last few days.

When I first began to dial into what I heard the Lord say for 2015 I was immediately caught up in the fact that 2015 would appear on a 24-hour clock as 20:15 or 8:15 PM. I heard the PM to mean a "private message."  I think that August 15th will have meaning for the church, but I also believe that 8:15 at night will have much meaning to many.

What is 8:15? I think it speaks of a "post" dinner moment; a time following a friendly repast where "lovers" will engage in quiet conversation.

And then I saw the dinner. The hunger, the expectation, the waiting and the readiness. I could hear a child calling out in the room, "I'm hungry!"

How do we get there? The church will experience an attitude of viral force. The experience of Jesus will over take the negativity of Facebook, Twitter and a thousand other experiences. Why? Because of love.

The Following is What I Have Been Seeing

Envision if you will a man making a date with his wife. On Wednesday or so, the plans of many months of preparation and planning have been put in play and time and date are set. "Saturday we will drive to this romantic restaurant. Saturday morning comes and there are things to do. There is sunshine and brightness, but not even a storm could dampen this day. The chores are done. Clothing is laid out with care and a quick trip to get the flowers is done. The small box rests in his hand. In this box is the sign of promise, the nature of love. This small band with shimmering stones has been hidden away, the box concealing its beauty. 

At 5 o'clock the magic begins. The door is open and she sets herself in the seat. He runs to the driver's side, whistling a little tune. As they drive, the radio is on but neither are really listening. There is traffic and people but for them the world holds only two. As they pulled up under the restaurant's awning the uniformed man came to the door. Opening the door for the lady, the man came around and handed him the keys. They were escorted into this beautiful restaurant. 

The maî·tre d' greeted them and took them to a quiet corner where out the window was a setting sun. The look in their eyes as they faced one another was light and life and love. Wine was brought to the table and the glasses were filled. As the night moved on, food was brought and drinks were had. A band played soft music and the world was a dream. And as they sat there, time seemed to stand still. He reached in his pocket for the small, blue felt box. 

As he opened the cover, tears formed in their eyes. Not tears of despair, but tears of happiness and joy. As the ring was placed on her finger with care, the moment was melded in their lives forever.

The next season of the church is that of lovers, lovers of His presence and His purpose. I feel that this season that is upon us is pregnant with purpose.

Many have been in preparation for this season, while some are just entering into it. It is as if you knew something was beautiful but one day you walked into the house and the beauty had increased. The person or the object had taken on new meaning and gathered new value.

For so long we have been caught up in "serving" mode that we missed out on the intimacy mode. It is not that serving is not right but serving without love or intimacy soon loses its "awesomeness."  Especially if you come out of a lifestyle where it has been about you and not about others.

I said it was about love and it is. Loving God, His love for us and loving those about us.

2015 is Bringing the Love to the Table

Get the plan.  You must have a plan. A game plan of sorts. Not just any plan but an understanding of the desire of God towards you and you towards others. Set the date in motion. A plan for intimacy and time spent with God and others.

A word about plans. Part of the people want no plan because they feel it is binding and religious. Others do not know how to make a plan, so they don't. Still others find plans unbreakable. Plans have the potential to bring you great freedom or great despair. So, does the reading of scripture. Where are you coming from in your thinking determines a lot of where you are going.

2015 is a Year of Planning for the Future

Set the time.  One of the hardest things to do is to set the date. Why? Because it is a "will the stars align?" moment. Will all go well? Yesterday, I was in a conversation where I began to unravel a man's thinking about "nothing will ever go right."  What if it fails? How about, what if it doesn't! To see vision become reality, setting dates and putting signposts and markers in play is important.

Like a store keeps track of sales through inventory, so does a person set plans of expectation through plans of "inventory."  What will be on hand when I reach here? Your call! Yesterday, I listened to a man plan his New Years Eve for him and his sweetheart. Restaurant reservations, hotel reservations, flowers at the hotel, music and dancing. All of this took him 15 minutes. He even had a plan if it was too cold to take a romantic walk!

2015 is a Year of Plans Set in Motion

Get the ring.  In the vision the ring represents the "prize" or the value of the time long after the date is over. What will you reveal in the coming year? What prize, what gift, will you be, after the last meeting?

While many are looking to be revealed, others are looking to be concealed. That occasional check in the "box" to make sure it is still there. Even in darkness God still opens the "box."

2015 is the Year of Promise and Value

Dress for it.  We have heard "dress for the job you want - not the one you have." I am not talking about the actual clothing but what you want to look like when you are done. To be cloaked in love, adorned with grace, shod with peace!

Too often we think our behavior or attitude does not matter. But that is our "dress code" if you will. That is what people see. Do you bring a good attitude to your friends, your family? 2015 has a dress code. It will require an attitude adjustment.

2015 is a Year of Being "Dressed for Success"

Get there.  Today is the day. It is now. We say "for such a time as this."  So be it. What is the vehicle you will bring? What will it look like? Will it get there?

When I was young and I would "go on dates" I always spent time cleaning my car. Washing it, vacuuming it. Making sure it was perfect.

Too often we forget that our vehicle often is our ministry or demeanor, revealing our method of expressing Him. Too often, voids of knowledge, ignorance and lack of care, have left ministries and people on the side of the road.

2015 is a Year for Getting There! What does it take?

Know the time.  Many times I have seen the chiros of God missed by folks who thought I "have a better plan."  1 Chronicles 12:32 tells us of those who knew the times. The sons of Issachar had analyzed their times and had perceived correctly what those times were all about. They knew what to do because they understood.

Be like the character of the rabbit "who did not want to be late for a very important date" Not out of urgency but out of desire for the meeting.

2015 is the Year for Knowing the Time and Understanding it

Get served.  There must be a decision to receive. Many of the abuses of the "give me" times have left many with their arms crossed and a shaking of the head, "no."  "Not me. Take care of everyone else." I get it. Not to be perceived as a taker. But God wants you to receive that you might pass it on to others.

It is not elitism to allow yourself to be served. In the midst of great taking many have avoided the ability to receive. Some of it might be shame, but much is about pride.You can't "pay it forward" if you won't receive the pay!

2015 is the Year to be Served and Receive

Location, location, location.  There is an increasing need to sit in a place of intimacy, to enjoy the light, to share the view and to hear the music.

Why does a date like I shared become so valuable? Because it affects all the senses - seeing, hearing, touching, tasting and smelling.

It is in these times of intimacy life becomes alive. Determine times of intimacy with God and with one another. Love is in the air!

2015 is the Year of Intimate Times and Places

Revealing the promise.  As the ring is presented and placed upon the finger, there is a bond that is created. God has given many promises but I believe there are many who have "felt those promises were for others."

I watched a Match.com commercial. Two women are being told about the company, a relationship finding service. One says, "if I wasn't married, I would use it." The other doesn't use the service, and when asked "how is that working" she said "not so well."  A lot of people are like the first woman, kind of feeling left behind in their choices. Others, like the second, have felt they have "no choices" as they feel that "works for others" and not for them.

That is not true. God is forever working on your behalf. He is the God of promise, intentional towards you. He "wants" it more than you do!

2015 is the Year of God and His Promise

So much of what I have written is but a few moments that could change your life forever.

Some of you read it and thought about romance and love. Others thought, what happens next? I wish I could tell you. Romance and love lead to many things. They can lead to family and purpose, passion and change.

Throughout this I have spoken about purpose and living life intentionally. Because of the romantic lean you may not have noticed it. Why? Because love changes everything! Or you may have looked at the steps and thought "I can do this" or maybe you thought "but I know I can't."  Others just had eyes glaze over because it exceeded the 140 characters they live life by. What if meaning is more than 140 characters??? Sometimes I think we spend so much time working to be relevant that we forget what it is like to just breathe. He made you this way for a reason!

2015 is filled with promise. Filled with purpose. Clearly I believe it is a time of love and loving life. God brought us this far, that we might see further to go, that we would embrace the journey.

It is His plan and His purpose. Only the church can stop wars and destruction. Heal racism and bigotry. Bring justice that heals and makes whole. Love people into purpose. Mend the divides and turn anger into peace.

All of that and more!

I have a few questions…

Are you ready to participate? Will you embrace purpose? Will you allow for love? Will you devote time? Do you want to change the world?

I humbly offer this to you not as a guide, but the view and the vision of one man who loves God.

Lee Johndrow

www.leejohndrow.com

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'Old Fashioned' Romance Shreds 'Shades of Grey' Movie

"Old Fashioned" movie scene

'Old Fashioned' Romance 

Shreds 'Shades of Grey'

By Wendy Griffith

CBN News Anchor/Reporter

Friday, February 13, 2015

There's another movie being released February 13 about love and romance you might want to check out.

It's called "Old Fashioned." CBN's Wendy Griffith spoke with the film's writer and lead actor, Rik Swartzwelder, to find out the story behind the film.

Film's writer and lead actor, Rik Swartzwelder

Physical Matters

Swartzwelder plays Clay Walsh, a former frat boy who comes to Jesus and feels so guilty for his past behavior with women that he makes a vow to keep his distance from the opposite sex until the "right" one comes along.

The only problem is that his own "righteousness" becomes a bit of a brick wall to those around him.

"So, he's isolated himself from other people, isolated himself ultimately from God, even, and it's starting to change him in a not-good way," Rik explained.

When a single woman named Amber enters the picture, things begin to change. Clay runs an antique shop and Amber rents the apartment above the shop.

Wendy Griffith - CBN News Anchor/Reporter

Griffith asked Rik what inspired him to write the script for "Old Fashioned."

"I was hanging around with a bunch of singles, and we all loved film and we were dating and trying to fall in love and see if we could find a life partner, someone to marry," he explained. "And we were talking about how none of us, to a person, had ever seen a film that really told our story on screen."

"So the very beginning, the genesis of 'Old Fashioned' for me, was simply trying to tell the love story that other people I knew were experiencing and hoping for and longing for," he said.

In the movie, Clay says he won't kiss his bride, except on the cheek, until their wedding day.

"For Clay it's important because it's his way of staying on the straight and narrow, of trying to make amends for how he has lived in the past," Rik said about why that level of purity was so important to him. "What we can learn from Clay is, however you want to draw those lines, there is wisdom in saying, what we do physically matters and there's a spiritual component to these things."

Redeeming Romance

Are Rik and Clay one in the same?

"Well, any writer, you write what you know and there are certainly elements of the film that are auto-biographical," Rik admitted. "It's not my life story, but I'm definitely borrowing heavily from my own life experiences."

Like his character, Rik became a Christian later in life.

"My moral compass was dictated by MTV and pop culture and I bought into that," Rik explained. "I lived that life out and eventually you go far enough down that road and you realize not only is it a dead-end street, but it's an empty street."

"But when I read the words of Jesus and the life of Jesus and Jesus says, 'Father, forgive them for they know not what they do,' something in me shifted and it's never been the same," he added.

"Old Fashioned" will be released on February 13, the same day as "50 Shades of Grey." Rik said he wasn't telling this story as a counterpoint to "50 Shades" or any other book or film.

"I was simply trying to tell a more beautiful love story that took the idea of honoring God and that takes romance and dating seriously," he said. "When we realized the marketing opportunity that was there once our film was done, that clearly was deliberate. It was a unique time to engage the culture in a discussion about love and romance."

Shades of Spiritual

Dr. Juli Slattery, co-author of a new book called, Pulling Back the Shades, said although "50 Shades of Grey" is a cultural phenomenon, with more than 100 million books sold, it's a dangerous book and movie, and it's one that Christian women should avoid.

"In 1 Thessalonians, it says clearly, 'This is God's will for you, that you should avoid sexual immorality.' And as Christian women we're constantly asking, 'God, would you guide me? Would you bless me? Would you bless my family? Would you bring me a loving husband?" she explained. "By reading '50 shades of Grey' or things like it, or going to see the movie, you are choosing to take yourself out of God's will," Slattery said.

Slattery also said that "50 Shades of Grey" is actually a spiritual book.

"We start with the Garden of Eden, and Satan saying to Eve, 'God really doesn't have your best interest in mind. There's another way to achieve what you want,'" she explained. "How is "50 Shades of Grey" not that? It's whispering to single women, to married women, 'What you're experiencing, what God has for you is really second rate. What the world offers is much more fulfilling.'"

"That's Satanic. When we bite the apple, take the bait, we are following the enemy's plan," she said.

A Beautiful Revolution

Slattery recommends movie-goers choose "Old Fashioned" over "50 Shades."

"It's not fairy tale-ish," she said. "The main character, Clay, comes from a lot of poor choices and the woman does, too. And it's a story not just of romance but of God's redemption."

Slattery said a lot of women feel a tremendous amount of sexual shame, believing they could never have a pure relationship. But the movie, "Old Fashioned," shows you not only is God's way the best, but God redeems us.

Rik admits that in an age where "hooking up" is practically a national pastime, and reality dating shows encourage kissing as many people as possible, the themes in "Old Fashioned" are completely counter-cultural. But he hopes that his movie will at least get the conversation started.

"Are we engaging romance with respect?" he asks. "Does virtue matter, does honor matter? Does integrity matter? What does that look like for you?"

Is an old fashioned courtship possible in 2015? Rik believes it is.

"I believe in a God who is revolutionary, who believes that all things come in cycles, and that all things are possible," he said. "And chivalry can make a comeback if enough people want it."

"If we get tired of getting beaten up by our culture and entertainment that wants to reduce us to physical recepticles, then yes, it absolutely is possible," he added. "And I believe a beautiful revolution can happen, but it has to happen in our own hearts."

Watch the interview here: CBN News - "Old Fashioned" movie

7 Stumbling Blocks to Sexual Purity - SPIRTLED WOMAN

7 Stumbling Blocks to Sexual Purity

11/24/2014 SHANNON ETHRIDGE  CHARISMA MAGAZINE

Women struggle with sexual temptation as much as men although it's more subtle. Here are 7 ways that women silently struggle. (http://www.stockfreeimages.com)

Men aren't the only ones who wrestle with sexual temptation. In fact, women today need clear guidance on where to draw the line.

Indulging in a steamy romance novel ... going out of your way to pass by the attentive co-worker's desk ... surfing in cyberspace to find a chat room buddy who'll stroke your ego. None of these seemingly innocent activities could be considered cheating or sexually compromising, right? Or could they?

Where is the line between sexual integrity and compromise? What constitutes marital unfaithfulness? Can we consider ourselves "pure" as long as we've not been physical with another man? Or, does sexual purity go deeper than that?

Even Christians often assume that until they actually engage in intercourse with another person, they're acting with sexual integrity. But our sexuality isn't just what we do, but rather who we are.

God created us with not just a body, but also with a mind, heart and spirit. These four components combine to form the whole of who God made us to be.

Therefore, our bodies are only one aspect that we must guard against sexual compromise. It is vital that we also carefully guard our minds, hearts and spirits.

The Components of Sexuality
Over the last decade, pursuing my own healing from these issues, as well as teaching on the topic of sexual purity, I have come to understand that in some way or another sexual integrity is a battle that every woman fights.

Perhaps Kevin and Ruth's experience can help you visualize this four-component concept. After their wedding, they proceeded into the reception hall where a long, lace-covered banquet table displayed the beautiful multitiered wedding cake, the crystal punch bowl and cups, sterling silverware and frou-frou monogrammed napkins. The only problem was that whoever set up the table forgot to fasten the latch on one of the folding legs. As soon as the red punch was poured into the crystal punch bowl, the leg buckled and everything slid down to the floor with a clatter!

When all four of a table's legs aren't securely fastened, the possibility of a mishap is pretty good. The same can be said of our sexuality. All four components-mind, body, heart and spirit-must be guarded in order for our lives to reflect purity and integrity.

So how can we securely guard our minds, bodies, hearts and spirits from sexual compromise? What things are women prone to do that undermine our sexual integrity? We'll need to examine the most common temptations women face.

Seven Pitfalls to Sexual Purity

1. Unhealthy comparisons. Whether it's the Hollywood hunk, the passionate pastor or the charming neighbor, it's tempting to compare our mates to other men and meditate on the many ways he fails to measure up. But what man can possibly live up to the bright and shining qualities of all others?

When we compare ourselves to the magazine model or the younger, smarter, prettier secretary in his office, discontentment is sure to follow. We can become so disillusioned with our less-than-perfect partners or with ourselves that our sex lives are negatively affected. If you find yourself falling prey to unhealthy comparisons, remind yourself of three wonderful things about your husband (or about yourself), then say a prayer of thanks to God for His wonderful creation.

2. Mental fantasies involving others. If you discovered that your husband fantasizes about other women while being intimate with you, would you feel offended? Sure. And most husbands would feel the same way if the tables were turned.

To safeguard your mind from straying outside of your marriage bed, I recommend leaving the lights on and keeping your eyes open during intimate moments together. It may seem unusual at first, but think about it: When we talk with someone, we don't usually turn our backs or close our eyes. We prefer the intimate connection of face-to-face and eye-to-eye contact.

A dark room or closed eyes can hinder, rather than foster, genuine intimacy if our minds are prone to wandering. Remaining mentally and visually focused on your husband during lovemaking will help you feel more connected.

Single women, too, must be aware that allowing their minds to envision inappropriate activities or relationships paves the way for their defenses to become so weakened that they eventually act out their thoughts. Avoid tempting fantasies by limiting their access to your mind.

3. Emotional affairs. Many women protect their bodies from sexual sin, but allow their hearts to stray far from home. Even if the relationship never becomes sexual, for a man to lose his wife's heart to another is a crushing blow. Some women seek to medicate the pain of loneliness or rejection when they feel love is eluding them. Some take solace in food; others in sexual relationships with any willing partner.

Women don't usually intend to get tangled up in an emotional affair. If you find yourself sensing an improper attraction to or from a man, avoid being alone with him (even in a public place) and refrain from conversations that you wouldn't want others to know about, including private e-mails, chat rooms and telephone conversations.

Remember, the heart is to be guarded above all else! (See Prov. 4:23.) Find an accountability partner, and give her permission to ask you the hard questions to keep you from falling into an emotional affair.

4. Pornography and Internet chat rooms. Men aren't the only ones tempted to peep at porn. Many women admit to compulsively accessing Internet pornography, at first perhaps out of curiosity or to see what their husbands were looking at, but later to satisfy their own lustful curiosities.

Looking at pornography pulls our minds away from God's plan for sexual purity within marriage like nothing else. Those graphic images of other people often continue to flash through our minds even when we are making love with our spouses.

Many women prefer cyber sex (or cyber foreplay) in chat rooms with strangers. While it may feel exciting to be intimate with a stranger, divulging and learning new things about each other, such isn't intimacy-it's just intensity-a cheap substitute for the real thing. Genuine intimacy is achieved only by personal contact over long periods of time, such as in marriage.

An unmarried woman demonstrates her love for God by focusing her thoughts on Him and on those things He has prepared for her to do that are pleasing to Him. Cyber relationships of a sexual nature fuel unhealthy appetites and foster a sense of guilt that will inhibit intimacy with the Lord.

5. Romance novels and soap operas. It's no coincidence that I was experiencing the most extramarital temptation during the days that I watched All My Children, One Life to Live and General Hospital while my children were napping. When we put garbage into our minds, we can expect it to rot and create a stench that infects our lives.

Romance novels can have a similar effect, stirring up cravings for illicit sexual encounters. Even though there are some great Christian romance novels out there, if you find yourself feeling disappointed that your husband doesn't sweep you off your feet like the hero in the story, it's a threat to your emotional sobriety and faithfulness in marriage.

Singles who indulge in this kind of sexually suggestive entertainment can find their struggle with temptation intensified, as I did. They may also find their future attempts at enjoying intimacy in marriage hampered.

6. Self-sex. While some experts say that masturbation doesn't hurt anyone, we are being selfish lovers when engaging in sexual pleasure apart from our spouses rather than sharing a mutually satisfying experience. I suggest incorporating a "no masturbation" rule in marriage. When sexual tension is felt by either or both partners, it's a great motivator for us to draw closer to one another, creating a stronger, more intimate bond.

Singles often think, "Once I have a husband, I won't feel the need to masturbate any longer." However, a wedding band on your finger and the freedom to have guilt-free sex doesn't always remove the craving for self-gratification.

Many women remain addicted to masturbation even after marriage. We train our bodies as to what it finds pleasurable, and once you train your body to fly solo, sharing the experience with a partner can prove challenging and frustrating.

It's often argued that the Bible doesn't expressly forbid it. However, let's be honest, when women masturbate, they don't think pure thoughts, and the Bible is very clear about that issue (see Phil. 4:8). Masturbation enslaves you and is a very proud response to our human desires. Such actions tell God: "You can't satisfy me, nor is Your Holy Spirit strong enough to control me. I must take care of my own physical desires."

But God does know what will truly satisfy you. Once you allow Him to prove Himself in this area, you will understand that God-gratification instead of self-gratification will ensure that your body, mind, heart and spirit remain pure.

7. Using sex to manipulate or control. A woman doesn't have to engage in secretive extramarital acts to defile her own marriage bed. Using sex as a reward for good behavior or withholding sex as punishment for not-so-good behavior makes a mockery of God's design for sexual intimacy. Marriage should be about ministering to each other's needs, not manipulating each other.

If you have a tendency to use sex as a bargaining tool, make a concerted effort to engage in sexual pleasure with absolutely no strings attached. Some women may also use sex as a form of control, avoiding it altogether while appearing to be disinterested.

However, a sexless marriage is a sure sign of trouble. God created us to be sexual beings and if our libido is low, there are likely medical or emotional issues hindering your natural sexual desires. Talk to your doctor or professional counselor if such is the case.

The issue of sexual flirtation should also be addressed here. Some women are too naive to recognize the impact of their words and mannerisms on men. Others are so hungry for affirmation that they will continue to jeopardize their integrity in order to fish for compliments anyway.

We must recognize when our communication begins to border on becoming flirtatious. Whether the relationship is a forbidden one or one you do not want to cultivate, keep your conversations on a level that does not lead to intimate talk and compromise.

The Rewards of Sexual Integrity Once a woman learns to guard her mind, heart, spirit and body from sexual compromise, she is free to discover the joy of connecting physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually with her husband.

To help you visualize the powerful bond that such a connection creates, imagine a light bulb and a laser beam. The power of a single light bulb is limited because it sends light in many different directions. But with a laser beam, light rays are parallel to one another, instead of fanning out in all directions. A laser beam is so concentrated that you can cut metal or perform surgery with it.

Many marriages have only experienced "light bulb sex." Because of pornography, masturbation, emotional affairs, fantasies and such, our sexual energies are often spread out in a multitude of different directions. But I want to challenge you to concentrate your sexual energies just like rays of light are concentrated in a laser beam.

There is nothing sexier or more satisfying than two people, committed for life, focused solely on each other's pleasure, and on meeting each other's sexual and emotional needs. Make your spouse the sole object of your sexual desires and the beneficiary of your passions, and you will both discover the definition of sexual integrity and fulfillment.

If you are single, allow yourself to be courted by our Creator. Focus your energies on Him. The same God whose words formed the entire universe longs to whisper into your hungry heart words that have the power to thrill you, heal you and draw you into the deepest love relationship of your life.

One day a husband may say to you, "I'm committed to you until death," but God says to all of us today, "'Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you'" (Heb. 13:5, NIV).

I encourage you to draw a hard line against sexual and emotional compromise. Be honest with yourself about any hidden motives you may have and, above all, pursue a love relationship with Jesus Christ. Once you experience a love so pure and so passionate, your heart will be strengthened in a way that you never imagined possible.

Shannon Ethridge is the author of several books on sexual integrity, including Every Woman's Battle (WaterBrook), from which portions of this article were adapted.