Devotional by David Jeremiah

This post is in answer to a follower who asked me to share a devotional by David Jeremiah after reading a previous post, No One Like You ,which is based on his thoughts.--P.G.

Wednesday, January 19

Uniquely You

Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them.
Romans 12:6a

Recommended Reading Romans 12:3-8

When we think of uniqueness, we often think of snowflakes--the classic example of "no two being alike." But there are other worthy examples: Forensic science developed around the uniqueness of human fingerprints--no two being alike. And now the retina of the human eye is being used as a means of identification and security clearance because, you guessed it--no two are alike.

Those unique traits of humans speak to the larger uniqueness factor that every human being possesses: There has never been a person in history with the same combination of appearance, personality, natural talents, and spiritual gifts as you! And there never will be. That should be the basis for the positive self-esteem of every person in the world--and especially every Christian, once spiritual gifts are added to the mix. If you are a follower of Christ, no one in the world is qualified to take your place in the kingdom of God. Every Christian's prayer should be, "Lord, guide me into fulfilling the calling for which You created and gifted me."

Uniqueness is not a human boast, but a boast in the creativity and generosity of God. Ask Him today to use you to be a blessing to others that is unique to only you.

Take note of what God gives you, then you will also know the task He sets before you.
Emil Brunner

www.davidjeremiah.org.

~Princess Gloria

Four Questions From A Reader

Dear Readers,

This is a post reply to a few questions that one of our readers had about courting vs dating, an courting and dating in general. Instead of answering in a comment, we answered in a post because of two things. First, our answer (as you can see) is long. It wouldn't fit in a comment. And second, our reader had some questions, questions you might have yourself. In this post we hope to answer some of those questions.

Blessings,

Princess Catherine ~*~

Princess Izori

Princess Melody

Princess Gloria

Princess Sapphire

Princess Jade

Princess Alicia

The Comment:

Alright I am really confused about some things. Hopefully you'll be able to help me (:

Ok, one, if something is "old", (Like courting) and something "new" (Dating, in your opinion) is available, why not use the "new" (dating)? You used the "mailbox and door" example, but really a door is plain and boring, so is a mailbox, and in my opinion so is courting. Why court when you can date?

Two, dating really isn't "new". It's been around for awhile and most people don't even know what courting is. I asked my friends if they've ever heard f courting and most of them said either, "No." or "OMG! Yea I've heard of it! Ew!!" Or something to that effect. So I don't really think dating is a "trend" I think most people don't know what courting is or they think it's boring... Any thoughts?

Three, is there a reason you attack dating consistently? You said there are only two "benifits". I'm sorry but I can not agree. All dating ISN'T bad, I've actually dated some really great guys. Christian guys with good morals. Anyway, I believe there are more "benifits" than just those two. People USUALLY love their bf's/gf's (: It's not just a fun "party" if you will.

Sorry if I sound like I'm attacking your veiws, I'm not trying to I'm just confused about why you are so against dating. So could you answer these questions for me?(:

1. Why court when you can date? Dating is a ton funner.

2. What are the benifits of courting versus dating?

3. Are you against dating all together? Not all dating is bad.

4. Do you think perhaps dating has any REAL benifits in your opinion?

That's all for now. Thank's so much! :D (Again I appologize if I offended you, I am NOT trying to attack your views. :) )

Our Answer:

1. Why court when you can date? Dating is a ton funner.

In our culture, dating seems to be short-term, while courting is more of a long-term commitment.

It can also be hurtful. Dating can easily get you off track in your walk in purity. Since we are like

rosebuds, we have to wait 'til we fully open; if we don't, each time you give your heart away it's like

plucking a petal off your flower, then you won't bloom properly. In dating, this is so easy to do, where

as courting is different. In courting, the guy who asks your family if he can get to know you, and (if they

say yes) they know that he is planning to marry you. They also know that he is not giving his heart to

someone else and hurting you or vice versa. Plus he has to pass all the standards of your whole family

and that is an extra guard. This isn't all about fun. Fun can be deadly, most of the time figuratively, but

sometimes in reality as well.

Has anyone else heard about the dating violence that has killed many teens? In these cases, the parents

were not informed of behavior that was hints of the violence to follow because, like the 'traditional'

dating method, the dating couple was unattended. In 'traditional' dating, two people go out to

the movies, a restaurant, or some other place without their parents. Thus, the parents know nothing of

what goes on between the two, including violence and ungodly behavior. Sure, there are some great guys

who date, and there are also some not-so-great guys. I'm not saying that any guy you date is awful, but

you can run into a “bad apple”...with tragic results. Yes, dating can be fun. Dating definitely is popular.

But is it wise? Think of 'crack' or 'pot'. Is taking those drugs fun? According to addicts, it sure is. Is it

popular? Sadly, yes. Is it dangerous? It can be lethal, not to mention it is illegal. Of course, there are

important differences. Dating only has the potential to be dangerous, where as taking drugs is basically

killing yourself. Dating isn't illegal, where as drugs are.

Ultimately, all girls have a right to make their own personal choices about dating.

But my thoughts are headed towards lots of prayer and a close involvement with my parents and brothers

(when God brings my future husband into my life).

2 .What are the benefits of courting versus dating?

We have a post that talks about the list of the benefits courting has to offer. Click here for the post. It is in two parts, so to read the first part click here. We also had a post that was directly before these

two posts that are mentioned, and they are

Is Dating Dangerous? Part 1 and Is Dating Dangerous? Part 2

. I hope they help answer this question that you asked. If not, we will be happy to help you more. :)

3. Are you against dating all together? Not all dating is bad.

It depends on the definition.

If it means “a meeting with someone of the opposite gender who you really know nothing about, without

your or their parents”, then I say it's dangerous and foolish. On the other hand, "dating" when both parties

are serious about a relationship is "fine" in my opinion, but just for fun can be not such a good idea. And

if you know that the other person is trustworthy and won't do anything that will put you (or them) at risk,

not to mention your parents are okay with you being with them and, even better, are in attendance, then I

say it's fine. As a matter of fact, I think that sounds a bit like courting! :)

4. Do you think perhaps dating has any REAL benefits in your opinion?

You asked if there was a reason we were attacking dating constantly. We are not 'attacking' dating. We

are speaking out against it and offering a better solution. Dating might have some benefits, but we think

that overall dating can be hurtful and you can give away pieces of your heart. With dating, you won't keep

your heart as guarded as one could when you're courting. In our opinion, dating doesn't make much sense.

Why would you want to be in a relationship with someone when you either don't plan on marrying them

or aren't ready to make the commitment yet? Yes, it may be more private without the chaperons breathing

down your neck, but honestly (in our opinion) that's not enough of a benefit to be willing to compromise

your safety.

Thank you again for your questions and honest comments!

Blessings,