Fasting

I fasted. All day. For the first time.

Yes, I went all day without food. I had never done anything like this before, so it was, to say the least, interesting.
On this particular morning, we were having butter dripping cinnamon swirl bread. As I sat at the table that morning, the only thing I could focus on was the slopping sound of people chewing that delectable food. Food. Food. Food.
Thankfully, there's one more piece of that yummy goodness that I will have had by the time you read this. Thank you Lord.
Throughout the rest of the day, I kept reminding myself, "Ryan, you're not having lunch today, you're not having lunch today, you're not having lunch today." BUT I WANT LUNCH. I WANT CHEESE. I'M CRAVING CHEESE STICKS. "You're not having lunch today Ryan." Gr.
I finally get past the school hour, and the hunger in my stomach becomes a part of me. Ignorable to a certain point. I'm fine for the rest of the day. Did I mention that my tongue turned white?
Through all the wanting (and lusting unfortunately over the food, which I've asked God's forgiveness for) I realized by the middle of the day that I was stronger than I had ever been before. Temptation came so close, and things I usually give into I persevered in. The only explanation for this is the fact that I knew God wanted me to fast today for some reason, and that it's HIS strength that was given to me to overcome temptation.
It is my goal to fast on a regular basis. It's a basic, scriptural principal to fast regularly, and being 17, not having fasted but once before (though not at ALL like this) I figure I should get on the stick!
I give all glory to God. For it is by His strength that we overcome the evil one.

Keeping Your Eyes Pure

One of the hardest things for a guy, I think, is keeping our eyes pure. It is difficult for a guy to do this. I would like to share with you some reasons why you should keep your eyes pure.

1. Looking at women in a certain way turns into lust, which is adultery. Matthew 5:27-28 says,

"You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not commit adultery.' But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has all ready committed adultery with her in his heart." 

Now just because your not an adult, it does not mean that this doesn't apply to you. It's the same thing for young people to.

2. Looking at women in immodest clothing should be saved for your wife. You should ONLY see your wife clothed like that when your married. She is the ONLY one you should lust over.

3. You will have a better marriage. If you are not careful about what you let your eyes see, it could cause problems between you, and your future wife. Once these thoughts and images get into your head, they are very difficult to get out. Now just because you don't get married, or don't plan to, doesn't mean you can look at women like that.

"How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word." Psalm 119:9

Now that I've given you a few reasons why you should keep your eyes pure, I need to tell you how to avoid it.

Let's start with the water parks and public poos. There are hundreds of young ladies and women who have barely anything on. So, the solution would be not to go. Go to a private pool, or enjoy swimming at someone else's pool with people you know will dress modestly. If you decide to go to the beach, find a private area or reserve a place that you won't be around others you don't know.

Another place you should guard your eyes in is stores. There is usually a section for women and they oftentimes show women models and/or big pictures of women in very little. Either try and avoid the department or look away and focus your eyes anywhere else.

One of the most dangerous places ever is on the computer. The solution for this is to put a filter on the computer. I recommend K9 Protection. It is free and is a good filter.

Last, but not least is the T.V. The greatest solution is to get rid of it. But if you're not ready to throw it out, don't go surfing channel and turn off the T.V. during commercials.

The Bible says that Job made a covenant with his eyes. It says:

"I have made a covenant with my eyes; so why should I look upon a young woman?" Job 31:1

We should always remember that God is watching us. That should make you uncomfortable looking at women like that.

I would like to leave you with one final thought. In order to keep  our eyes pure you HAVE to PRAY.

And Pray.

And, oh yeah, PRAY!

It's the most important thing to do do. Friends, you ain't gonna get ANYWHERE in this evil work if you don't pray. I urge you to do this every morning, afternoon, evening and all in between. THIS is the KEY to keeping your eyes pure.