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He asked. She said yes. \u00a0But in the back of her mind, something wasn\u2019t right. \u00a0To be honest, something wasn\u2019t right way before he asked. \u00a0But she ignored it. \u00a0After all, she\u2019d seen his progress. \u00a0He was actually going to church now, he was leading prayer before each meal, he was reading his Bible on a \u2026 weekly basis. \u00a0That has to count for something, right? \u00a0She\u2019d convinced herself that his \u201cprogress\u201d was good enough. \u00a0Good enough to put a ring on it.<\/p>\n
Three weeks later, she took the ring off. \u00a0And with tears streaming down her face, she gave it back. \u00a0Oh, and did I tell you? That woman\u2026was me.<\/p>\n
I\u2019d love to tell you that since then, I\u2019ve changed my ways. \u00a0I\u2019d love to tell you that I haven\u2019t been out on a date with a non-believer or lukewarm Christian ever since my broken engagement. \u00a0But I can\u2019t because that would be a lie. \u00a0As our authors point out, I\u2019ve definitely justified a date or two \u201cin the guise of being a witness for Jesus.\u201d<\/p>\n
When you think of a missionary dater, what does she look like? My imagination runs wild with some Bible-banging woman speaking about Jesus with every other sentence. \u00a0In reality, this isn\u2019t the case. \u00a0Missionary dating looks just like normal dating. \u00a0I think of Mary Poppins and her \u201cspoonful of sugar.\u201d \u00a0What does Ms. Poppins do when the children don\u2019t want to take their yucky medicine? \u00a0Why, she simply adds a spoonful of sugar! What does the missionary dater do when her man doesn\u2019t want to include Jesus in his life? \u00a0When he doesn\u2019t want to pray, read his Bible, or go to church? \u00a0Why, she simply adds romance (the spoonful of sugar) to help that yucky medicine go down!<\/p>\n
Have you ever caught yourself justifying a relationship or a date that wasn\u2019t God-centered as I have? \u00a0Missionary dating begins as a condition of the heart. \u00a0We\u2019ve discussed motives a lot in this study, but the missionary dating motive is a dangerous one because it intertwines both emotional and spiritual intimacy with someone of the opposite sex. \u00a0Once those intimate bonds are formed, they are hard to break. In fact, only God can break them. So avoid creating those bonds with non-believers or even those with superficial faith. \u00a0If a man isn\u2019t encouraging you to grow and isn\u2019t challenging you in your own walk with the Lord, then he isn\u2019t God\u2019s best! Proverbs 4:23. Guard your hearts, ladies!<\/p>\n
\n\u201cYou must set a higher standard and resist dating a guy who is not growing in his intimacy with Christ.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
So what does \u201cgrowing in his intimacy with Christ\u201d look like? I\u2019d like to draw on the commonly quoted distinction \u2013it\u2019s more than religion; it\u2019s a relationship. \u00a0Relationships require a desire for commitment, a devotion of time, and a consistent communication. \u00a0Does the man you\u2019re interested in display these characteristics? \u00a0Did he prior to meeting you? Ladies, it\u2019s more than attending church every week. \u00a0It\u2019s more than saying a prayer before each meal. \u00a0And it\u2019s certainly more than a coerced time spent with God every week. \u00a0He must want<\/strong><\/em> God. \u00a0He must want God more than he wants you<\/strong><\/em>. \u00a0Wow, that\u2019s powerful. \u00a0He must want a relationship with Jesus more than he wants a relationship with you<\/strong><\/em>.<\/p>\n
Regardless of your relationship status right now, let\u2019s meditate on Ephesians 6:18: \u00a0\u201cAnd pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. \u00a0With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.\u201d (NIV) So, ladies, pray in the Spirit. \u00a0Submit your hearts and minds to the direction and leading of the Holy Spirit, and then pray in His power. Let Him lead you, and listen to Him and only Him. \u00a0Put aside your good intentions, and let God take the reins.<\/p>\n
God bless,<\/strong><\/p>\n
Carissa<\/em><\/p>\n
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\nLet\u2019s Pray:<\/strong>
\nFather God, we thank you for Your awesome power. \u00a0Father, that You and only You have the power to change the hearts of men. \u00a0Help us surrender our own will and our good intentions to You. \u00a0Father, give us patience for Your timing, trust in Your plans, and hope for the future You have in store for us. \u00a0While we wait, Father, let us live for You and You alone. \u00a0Let us be a light to a lost world by living for You each day. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Thank you, Jesus, for your unfailing love and grace. \u00a0In your Holy Name we pray, Amen.<\/p>\nYour Assignment:
\n<\/b>These questions are loaded, so be prepared!<\/p>\nWhat is the problem with dating guys who are good, but who are not Christians? What is the difference between a good man who goes to church and a growing Christian man? \u00a0What difference would it make in marriage?
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![\"\"](\"http:\/\/69.89.31.171\/~girlfrk8\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/11\/carissa-markentone.jpg\" "\\"Carissa")
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