Rebel with a Cause: The First Step - Living Free - August 14
Rebel with a Cause: The First Step
Monday, August 14, 2023
Living Free Every Day®
A ministry of LivingFree.org
Today's Scripture
“Jesus replied, 'All who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and we will come and make our home with each of them.'" John 14:23 NLT
Thoughts for Today
This week's devotions are written from the perspective of Tammy Webb Witholt, author of Living Free curriculum Lessons Learned: Moving from Homosexuality to Holiness. Daughter of missionary parents, Tammy was called into ministry when she was eighteen but rebelled and spent the next eleven years as a prodigal and in her rebellion entered the subculture of drugs and homosexuality. In 1990, she discovered the redeeming power of God's love. Since then, Tammy has graduated from college and studied at Asbury Seminary. Now married to longtime friend Wolter Witholt, Tammy is following God and engaged in a powerful ministry.
Although much of what we will say this week is directed to individuals who have been struggling with homosexuality, the lessons will speak to any of us who desire a closer walk with God.
From Tammy: "I saw the movie Rebel without a Cause when I was in my mid-twenties. As I watched the story of a young man who defied anyone in a position of authority, I found I closely identified with him. I too hated authority; within my culture (Same Sex Attraction), rebellion was glamorized, and the word authority was offensive. After all, what is authority if it is not something to question or challenge?"
Tammy goes on to explain the difference between the movie character and those who have struggled with Same Sex Attraction (SSA): Unlike the movie character, they do have a cause. They are defying society and the church and all who make them feel like second-class citizens. They rebel against the culture of Christians who reject them and fail to make the church a safe place for their confessions.
Consider this …
As Tammy drifted in and out of relationships, her needs seemed to be met occasionally, but then the emptiness returned. Her eventual encounter with Christ's love changed everything as she placed her faith in him and invited him into her life. She realized her rebellion needed to be replaced by obedience.
Is there rebellion in your life? Against authority? Against God's plan for your life? Some of us have been people pleasers all our life; even so, in our heart we are rebels. Others of us are openly rebellious and defiant. And some have had a change of heart and sincerely want to obey God.
Where are you? Are you willing to honestly evaluate yourself?
Prayer
Father, help me to stop rationalizing and justifying the sin in my life by twisting the truth of your Word. Help me identify any rebellious attitudes within me and turn from them. Help me walk in obedience to your Word. In Jesus' name . . .
These thoughts were drawn from … Lessons Learned: Moving from Homosexuality to Holiness by Tammy Webb-Witholt. This group study offers biblical tools, along with an abundance of hope, to anyone struggling with homosexuality. It is also a great group for anyone desiring a deeper walk with God. Note: This curriculum was written especially for small groups, and we encourage people to use it that way. However, it can also be used effectively as a personal study.
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