file: /pub/resources/text/Our.Daily.Bread: db940917.txt
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OUR DAILY BREAD                                         Saturday, September 17, 1994
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READ: Matthew 5:27-30



                                       "KEEP YOURSELF PURE"


                               "You shall not commit adultery."

                                      1 Corinthians 6:18


The Bible is up-to-date on sexual matters. Long ago, God warned against 
adultery and fornication. In effect, He said, "Say no!" Now, in the 20th 
century with the awful threat of AIDS, many lawmakers, educators, and 
doctors are agreeing with the Almighty.

The Grand Rapids Press carried an article titled "Abstinence: The New 
Emphasis in Sex Education." It told of 16-year-old Will Heiss, a "peer 
educator" who challenges younger kids to say no to sexual activity - and 
they are listening. 

Author and campus lecturer Josh McDowell reminded a college audience 
that the seventh commandment is a gracious provision by God, given for 
our protection. Josh told of a man who had several sexual relationships. 
The man later received Christ and met a wonderful woman whom he 
married. "She's precious," confided the man, "but in the intimacy of 
marriage I'm haunted by 'ghosts' of those previous affairs."

Abstinence until marriage is a sure safeguard. It protects the gift of 
sexual intimacy that is to be enjoyed within a lifelong relationship of 
commitment and trust. God hates sexual immorality because He has the 
highest good of men and women at heart.

- Dennis J. DeHaan

Lord, grant me strength from day to day - How prone I am to go astray!
The passions of my flesh are strong;
Be Thou my God, a shield from wrong.

-DJD

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
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God's commandments were not given to frustrate us but to fulfill us.

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Ezekiel 22-24

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