Elizabeth Taylor- A Remarkable Life?

Last week, Elizabeth Taylor, a Hollywood icon passed away. As I watched the morning shows memorializing her life, Matt Lauer, from the Today Show, termed her life as "remarkable." Elizabeth Taylor married eight times throughout her life which in itself is outrageous. However, in the latter part of her life, she became a great advocate for AIDS/HIV and other organizations. She truly cared for people and wanted to help them in any way she could have a better life. She was known for being one of Hollywood's sex goddesses in the 50s and 60s alongside Marilyn Monroe. Many felt great sorrow for her when she lost the love of her life, Mike Todd, in a tragic plane crash. Later their attitude turned to scorn and ridicule when she took up with Eddie Fisher, fellow actor and friend. They both later said it was to comfort one another from their loss and grief of Todd and how they kept him alive. Reynolds, who was married to Fisher at the time, was devastated by the affair and humiliated publicly. Their marriage was destroyed and ended in divorce. Although Reynolds later forgave Taylor, she recently stated on the Oprah Winfrey show that she still has painful memories from the whole wrenching experience. A remarkable life?

As I looked further into Taylor's life I wondered if she knew God. Was Elizabeth a Christian? How did she view God? What did she come to believe? Did she come to know God at some point in her life? I learned that her parents in her early childhood were members of the Christian Science religion out of England. However, when she moved to Hollywood, she no longer practiced her faith within this religion. In the 1950s, she decided to convert to Judaiasm but rarely went to the Synagogue after her conversion. After some of her near to death experiences and sicknesses, Taylor often seemed to grow closer to God. After her trip to rehab at the Betty Ford Clinic in the mid 1980s, she left a changed person who sincerely wanted to make a positive difference in others lives. After a near death experience with a bout of pneumonia in the early 1990s, the actress came out of the experience desiring to help people who were really sick. She began a crusader/ advocate for AIDS Research and desired to help anyone who struggled with drugs and alcohol. She gave to numerous foundations and organziations of all kinds. She discussed on occasionas that she believed that there is a higher power, one true God. She spoke of having conversations with him continuously and grew to have a desire to pray often in efforts to help others and her endeavors with causese like AIDS research. She had great a journey throughout her life determining what was or was not important. I would like to think she knew God, that at some point in all of her searching for answers that even if it were in her final moments that she came to know Jesus as her Christ, her Savior and Messaiah. A remarkable life? What is a remarkable life? Jesus Christ lived a remarkable life here on earth. He came to earth as a humble bondservant and died for sinners that they might have an abundant life in Christ while here on earth; but more importantly so that they have eternal life with him and the Father in Heaven forever and forever. So I leave you with this passage to reflect upon from Philippians 2:6-11:

"6 Who being the very nature of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, 7 but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death-- even death on a cross! 9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee shall bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."

Out of the overflow of the heart....

"For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him. and the evil man brings evil things out of evil stored up in him." Matthew 12:34b-35. As I watch the spotlight turn to Hollywood's middle aged wild child Charlie Sheen, I have great diappointment in how he has responded to his firing from "Two and A Half Men." I watched his long vengeful rant from his self-made show on You Tube, "Sheen's Corner," and literally cringed. I have listened to several pyschologists on the Today Show give their point of view of Charlie Sheen's state of mind and was in agreement. And lastly, I read the online article where fellow actor/ peer, Alec Baldwin, encourages Sheen to repent and beg for his job back and apologize for his outrageous public vengeful hate-filled rants. He tells Sheen he owes the fans and his peers from the show an apology for his disgraceful actions. So as I have watched along with America another Hollywood star self-destruct, I wonder if he will take Baldwins's advice as well as the phychologists. It is very clear that Sheen needs help. I cannot say I have ever seen someone from Hollywood self-destruct to this extent. I have pity for Sheen because he is absolutely clueness about the embarrassment and shame he has caused not only his self but his family, and most of all to his children. Unfortunately, I am not sure one like myself could watch him again after his self-destruction. I would say he needs to humble himself before the world and make some changes, get some help, and get off the drugs and alcohol. I pray that somehow he would come to know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. He has created this explosive self-destuctive trial in his life and I do not think he will ever be restored to what he was unless he finds the Lord. In fact, I hope he is not restored to what he was because what he was and is, is lost and he needs a Savior to become a better person for his self and his family and any future career in Hollywood.

Finale of The Secret Life: "Oral Sex" is "Sex" that is why they call it "Sex"

The final episode for "The Secret Life" aired on Monday, Sept. 7, 2009 on Labor Day. In this final episode Jack cannot get Grace to have pre-marital sex with him so now he suggests to have oral sex instead. Grace looks at him as though he has lost his mind and says to him that oral sex is sex. He then says they can pretend that it is not sex. She breaks up with him. Jack goes back to his teen lover Madison who lost her virginity to Jack to continue having pre-marital sex and apparently oral sex too. He has been cheating on Grace with Madison, who is now hopeful for a full blown relationship with Jack.

Blog 1: Oral sex is sex that why they call it sex!
It is plenty explanatory. Pretending oral sex is not sex is just a deception many young men try to use in persuading young girls that there is nothing wrong with it. Oral sex is very intimate and is considered a type of premarital sex. Jack is a womanizer. It is good that Grace has the wisdom to see through his tactics. Too bad Madison does not see this wolf in sheep's clothing. Madison is being used. Jack does not care about her at all, he just wants one thing. She is giving it to him so what reason should he have to commit to her. Teen girls beware of guys like Jack. Be wise. Grace gets a thumbs up this week for standing firm in her commitment to Christ. Jack and Madison get a thumbs down for their weak motives and actions.

2 Corithians 10:5

"Casting down imaginations and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God."

An excerpt from Oswald Chamber's Book My Utmost For His Highest:
"We are apt to forget that a man is not only committed to Jesus for salvation; he is committed to Jesus Christ's view of God, of the world, of sin, and of the devil, and this will mean that he must recognize the responsibility of being transformed by the renewing of his mind."

"The Secret Life"- Are Single Adults Held to the Same Standards as Teens when it comes to PMS-Premarital Sex?

Focus Point for today's blogs:

Last's night's episode of "The Secret Life" was greatly disappointing to me. Three families where the parents are divorced or widowed are all choosing to have P.M.S. (pre-marital sex) because they are "adults" and in today's culture this is supposedly a natural thing even if you are a Christian. NOT!!!!! First, we have Ben's widowed father, Leo Boykewich, who has asked his girlfriend Betty to marry him. However, she temporarily had to decline the proposal because she is still married to her estranged husband. So they have decided not to just shack up and have P.M.S. but now "officially" move in together-- the next step in America's culture. Second, we have George & Anne Juergens who have Amy and Ashley and another child on the way. They are currently divorced. However, they have still had sex with one another outside of marriage. Both committed adultery on one another while married; Anne committed P.M.S. with her boyfriend while still apparently having sex with her soon to be ex-husband George. Now George and Anne are in the process of reconciling. Lastly, we have Kathleen Bowman who is a Christian and Grace and Tom's mom, who recently lost her husband who was also a committed Christian and a spiritual leader to her and her family. This week she is already in another relationship less than 6 months since her husband's death and her new boyfriend is pushing her to have sex . The show ends with her more than likely giving in to him.

Dear Readers:

This show has done a good job of depicting how single adults choose to do things here in America in today's culture. It is interesting and disappointing to me how over the last thirty years especially the last 2 decades television writers and producers have slowly and discreetly placed their immorality stance into the story lines. Unfortunately, it has rubbed off on the values of Americans even Christian Americans of today. I am going to discuss what is wrong with these three scenarios, and how America's culture is not at all an example of what God intends for his people.

Blog 1- First step to commitment in America- Living Together
It is disturbing to me that the next step for many American's who are seeking a committed relationship is automatically not marriage but moving in and playing marriage. It is supposedly suppose to be easier. It is not any easier- it is just as hard because true commitment has not been made. There is always an out, a reason to quit when things get tough. It hurts just as bad when things end, because ultimately what people want is a lifetime commitment with their mate that includes a lifetime of love and respect. The best relationships are when God is intertwined in the center of your marriage relationship and commitment. This cannot be when you choose to pre-marry in a sense and live together before marriage. If you want God's best and his blessing; living together should never be an option. When things get rough and God is at the center of your commitment; he will renew, refresh, restore, and rebuild the relationship. It requires on your part to seek him and pray for his counsel, wisdom and guidance. He will not bless a relationship when couples live outside his will and choose not to commit to him and your partner through marriage. When you choose to marry living according to his word, it will be then he will grow the relationship and make it stronger. The rough patches may be hard but God is your restorer and redeemer and will help you through each and every challenge you face in a marriage.

Character Advice on T.V. Scenarios:
Leo, should not be having pre-marital sex or living with his girlfriend, Betty. In fact, he should not even date her until her marriage is over and her life issues are resolved. Anne and George need to make up there minds to be committed to their relationship with one another and their family. They should remarry and refocus on working hard to communicate, love and respect one another. Something that rarely happened in their past.


Blog 2: P.M.S. for Single Adults- Is this a sin or just a natural way of life?

P.M.S., i.e.- Pre-marital sex- for teens and singles adults including parents who have been divorced or widowed, is a sin. Teens of today are confused about P.M.S. because they see shows like this one or actually see their parents have live-in boyfriends or girlfriends or sleep overs with dates and know their parents are having sex. This is sending a wrong message to your teen. Because they see shows like this without clarification or they have parents who seem to advocate this lifestyle they believe that it is alright for single adults to have pre-marital sex. The reason this society gives is simply because they are adults. So when your teen become adults, guess what kind of relationships they will seek to have prior to marriage? Is this something you want for your child? I hope not. This lifestyle is simply a lie and deception from the world. It does not align with the word of God. Single adults are held to the same standards as a teenager who has pre-marital sex. In fact, they should know better and be a better role model for their kids.

Character Advice T.V. Scenario:
Last night's episode was a confirmation to me in regards to how people see Christians. I was extremely disappointed with the Christian parent character on the show, Kathleen Bowman. First, she is dating a man who is Jewish and not aligned with her Christian faith and values. Second, she acts confused on the topic of pre-marital sex. She reiterates to her new boyfriend that she is a Christian and perhaps should not have sex. He opposes her and says she is an adult and this is a natural part of every dating relationship. She agrees with him. This is wrong!!! No where in the word does it say that there is a double standard between age groups when it comes to pre-marital sex. It simply states that pre-marital sex is a sin and that people who do this will not inherit the kingdom of God. Christians by no means should be confused on this topic and should stand firm in their faith. Should Kathleen's character be a real life scenario, she should be dating someone who is aligned with the values of her faith and the word of God. Furthermore, she should make clear to her dates what it means to her to be a Christian and she does not intend to have pre-maarital sex. The person she dates needs to understand the commitment she has with God. She should be dating a man who would be a Spiritual leader to her and her children. In addition, she should not be dating so soon after losing her husband. She should give herself enough time to heal and grieve the death of her husband. While doing this, she should take the time to grow in her walk with God. As a result, she will become over time stronger as a person and in her relationship with Christ. Once she has become strong where she can stand firm in her values and if she feels she is emotionally and spiritually ready then she may choose to date again but according to biblical standards and boundaries. It is imperative that parents make sure their children have time to heal and grieve in the death of a parent or even when parents divorce before parents jump back into the dating world. I want to strongly reiterate it is imperative that when parents do have a relationship again they should conduct themselves according to the word of God and not have pre-marital sex. In this scenario with Kathleen, her children are not ready for this and apparently neither is she. Kathleen is weak-willed in nature/ vulnerable and currently incapable of making right choices for herself and family at this time. She is not being the strong, Godly example for her daughter who is struggling with the truth about God, his word and the issue of pre-marital sex in her own life.

Blog Challenge: None of the parents in this show have made right choices when it comes to their relationships. Because of these poor dating habits and marital sins these kids are witnessing, they would be less likely or capable of having a healthy, stable and committed relationship in their future unless they learn otherwise. These story lines are fiction but it is a good depiction of how Americans and even Christian Americans choose live their lives in today's culture. I challenge my readers, teenagers and single adults, Christians and Non-Christians, to refrain from making poor choices in their dating relationships and strive to live according to God's word and plan for their lives for the sake of their relationships and future marriages. Please refer to the side bar for the dating tips every one should follow to lay a good foundation for your dating relationships. Live the Faith for Jesus, Yourself, Your Family and Friends.


Scripture Verse: 2 Corinthians 6:14-18

Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: "I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people."

"Therefore come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you."

"I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty."

The Take Away Lesson:
It is clear by this passage in the Bible that as Christians we are not to be yoked together with unbelievers. This was a mistake I made when I was single. We are not to date someone who does not believe as we do. How do we know if someone is a believer? The lesson is do not take someone's word for it. Take time to observe the values of people before you date them. If they say they are a Christian, a Baptist, a Catholic, Jewish, etc, are they living according to the principles and commands of God? Or, are they trying to push you to compromise your values and violate the word of God and sin? Are they trying to have pre-marital sex with you? If they are, then I would tell you they aren't reflecting Christ's principles and commands and living for him, thus they are not a true believer.

This week's episode of "The Secret Life.."-Abstinence, Adoption, Homosexuality

Teenagers today have so many different messages they are bombarded with daily. However, the way they view these topics today are completely different from my generation of 20 years ago because the morals of America have changed. We are in a society that discusses that diversity is about accepting people for who they are no matter if this contradicts ones values or religious views. I agree that we should show respect and love for all people but we do not have to accept their sin as who they are. In fact, if one challenges someones sexual orientation in a negative light then one is viewed as prejudice or homophobic in today's culture. This week's episode showcases topics of homosexuality and abstinence. These are topics I want to address individually in blogs below. The show also continued to indirectly and directly hit topics of cheating (Jack & Madison), disrespecting parents (Amy vs. George) and adoption (Amy and Heather - new pregnant teen character).

Summary 1: Abstinence
This week Grace is adamant about telling other students about her regret about having pre-marital sex. She invites all her friends and acquaintances at school to come to church to hear her talk on abstinence and to "witness" to them why they should not have sex before marriage. She begins with a silly poem she wrote which was ridiculous. No one smiled or laughed, in fact, they began to boo her as she began to try to justify her stance. No one takes her seriously because her stance makes no sense and is not grounded in the word of God. At the end of the show, Jack tells her that she is really not ashamed that she had sex and she really wants to have it again. They begin to kiss one another in the church after every one leaves. Heaven forbid they have sex in the church.

Blog 1- You have a choice
Abstinence should be practiced by all teens and single adults. Grace is a Christian teen who does not understand why she should not do this. She knows God does not like for us to have pre-marital sex. However, she does not understand the true reasons why God does not condone this for her life at this point. God is a Holy God. We as humans simply do not have a clue what true holiness is and do not have any comprehension of God's awesome existence as a holy, majestic, loving God. In order to be in right relationship with God we must resist the devil, the flesh and the world's standards and live as holy a life on earth as we possibly can through the power of the Holy Spirit. Apart from God, we cannot even begin to operate in the power of the Holy Spirit. When one is truly saved, one seeks to practice the word of God and has the power to live by the Spirit and not by the Flesh. Young people and singles should have a purity plan in place and seek to live by it always. Choosing to date people who have the same morals and religious beliefs is a start and a must. Grace and Jack have different opinions on pre-marital sex and it will cause Grace to eventually compromise her faith and walk with God if she is not careful. Living off the cuff is dangerous in this world and I do not recommend it. It is imperative to know how to handle your life when it comes to dating relationships. Know what the word of God says about pre-marital sex. Live by the Spirit and seek God's guidance in who to date. God should set the standard in your dating relationships and when he is put first in your life, your life will be blessed as well as your relationships. Recognizing your soul mate is hard enough, but when one gets involved in sexual relations prior to marriage, it is hard to recognize the one God has for you if you compromise your purity. Keeping the relationship pure is imperative and gives more clarity and wisdom to know and recognize your soul mate. Do not be deceived by someone who says they love you and is pushing for sex with you, because true love waits.

Deuteronomy 30:19-20
This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and cursings. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to his voice. and hold fast to him.

James 4:4
You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God

Summary 2- Adoption
This week's episode also brings in yet another teen issue- teenage pregnancy. We have a new girl by the name of Heather who approaches Amy's boyfriend Ben to hang out with because she thinks he must have a thing for pregnant girls. She basically propositions him and this puts Amy on the defensive. Amy intends to go out and be fun with her boyfriend before this new girl steals him from her. George, however, has decided that neither of his daughters will go out with boys for the evening but will stay at home to be a family support to their mom. In the end, Ben did go to see Heather, but decides the friend she needs more than him is Amy. At the end of the show Amy is counseling and encouraging Heather in her choices as a pregnant teen discussing private adoption as a viable option for her. She also offers to be there by her side when she goes to the hospital.

Blog 2: You have a choice
From someone who struggled with infertility for 4 years and chose to go the route of adoption as the way to grow and build our family; this episode topic meant a lot to me and gets a thumbs up. Teens have a choice. They can choose to keep and raise the baby, they can abort the baby or they can choose to put the baby up for adoption. With adoption they also have different options from choosing an adoption that is open, semi-open or closed. Adoption is a major theme throughout the bible. There are many people in the Bible who were adopted. To name a view: Jesus, Moses, and Esther. Adoption is a wonderful blessing for both children and parents. It is a great way to love a child or children who do not have a home or a loving, stable home environment. "The Secret Life" has always done well with this issue. They had the character of Amy look at various options, and now they have her counseling and encouraging another pregnant teen giving her great advice. I can totally see Amy's character growing and maturing and beginning to help others who are going through the same issues she faced. I also liked that George refused to allow Amy to talk to him disrespectfully and stood firm in his stance not to allow her to go out with Ben. Amy has become high and mighty and very disrespectful not only to her own parents but to others as well. After she spoke with Heather she had a realization that her parents could have thrown her out. Amy now seems to have a new appreciation for the support and love she received from her parents during her difficult time as a pregnant teen and teen mother. Amy was blessed to have parents who have held her hand through this crisis in her life because not all parents are so merciful or supportive.

Ephesians 1:5
In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will--

Romans 8:23
Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.

Summary 3: The Homosexual Agenda
Griffin is the new guy to the community and high school this year. He has befriended Ashley, Amy's little sister. He has become her best friend and protector. However, this week Ashley's has decided not dating in high school is something that may go by the wayside when a new boy prospect approaches her and asks her out. Meanwhile, in Griffin's short time at school, he has publicized to the entire student body that he is a homosexual. He wants everyone to know who he is and that this is his identity. In a scene this week he discusses his desire to have a boyfriend with Ashley's new boyfriend's mom. She is a little freaked out to say the least that her son would be friends with a homosexual. However, Griffin assures her that her son is not gay but totally in love with Ashley.

Blog 3: You have a choice
I do not know of any television show since the 90's that has not showcased the homosexual agenda at least once within their story lines. The days of the past when homosexuality was never spoken of and was the dirty, shameful secret are over. The late 90's brought about a new word called "diversity". This means that homosexuality is not considered a dirty, shameful abomination anymore but it is just the identity of who someone is. As a society we are to embrace and accept this. However, as Christians this is still an unacceptable sin. In fact, the word of God says this is an abomination/ sexual sin that will send any one who chooses this sinful lifestyle to hell. This is a very touchy subject here in America. I personally know several people who are homosexuals from the workplace. I really care and like all of my friends who choose this way of life. I pray for them all daily along with all my other co-workers, friends and family. I do not hate any one who chooses this way of life and am sorrowful that they have been blinded by their sin. However, the word of God is clear on this sinful lifestyle.

Leviticus 18:22
Do not lie with a man as one lies with a woman; that is detestable.

Roman 1:18-27
The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may by known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities-- his eternal powers and divine nature-- have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made so that men are without excuse.

For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles.

Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshipped and served created things rather than the Creator-- who is forever praised. Amen.

Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones. In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their perversion.

This is the word of God which is inerrant, infallible and God-breathed. If you know someone who is entrenched in this lifestyle please share these passages of the Bible with them. Let them know that God can deliver them from this lifestyle if they come with a repentant heart and are determined to commit their life to him. Pray for deliverance and to live by the power of the Holy Spirit minute by minute, hour by hour, day by day, month by month, year by year until this stronghold is uprooted from your body and life. Because this is a stronghold it must be dealt with in such a manner as one powerfully addicted just like a drug addict, sex addict, alcoholic. God is faithful and will see you through.

Scripture Verse & Prayer for today

Acts 26:18

Lord, I pray that you will open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in Christ Jesus.

We all know loved ones, friends, family, co-workers, and leaders of our government who are not saved. This is a great prayer to pray for them specifically by name. Lets commit to praying this prayer for them daily.

This week's episode of "The Secret Life.."- Amy & Adrian- Neighbors and Enemies

Summary:
On this week's episode of "The Secret Life" Amy and Adrian once again go head to head. Both Adrian's dad and Ricky urge her to apologize for upsetting Amy the previous week. Their stance is if she is going to be in Ricky's life and neighbors with Amy then she must resolve their differences and apologize for the past. Adrian approaches Amy to do this with great reluctance at school. Amy is defensive right off the bat and calls Adrian a slut numerous times before Adrian gets the opportunity to apologize. Adrian retaliates and calls Amy's mom a slut. The football coach and counselor overhear the disagreement in the hall and calls them down to stop. Amy proceeds to go off on him and majorly disrespects his authority in front of everyone in the hallway who witness the exchange. As a result, the coach/counselor decides to suspend Amy for her lack of respect. It is just for the day, but it should have been longer with her attitude. He called her mom, who did not even get on to Amy, to her surprise. It was as though she expected to be in trouble with her mom and was a little disappointed she was not in trouble. Once again, Adrian was blamed by both her father and Ricky for Amy's suspension. So once again they demanded that she go and apologize to Amy. Adrian did as she was told but she apologized haphazardly. Amy continued to call her a slut over and over again and did not accept Adrian's false apology. Thus the show ends with both of the girls stating how much they hated each other and vowing they would never be friends.

Blog 1:
I think this was a good topic to focus on this week. Rivalry in middle and high school is not uncommon especially between girls. Jealousy is an ugly thing and it does cause hatred. However, as Christians, we are called to forgive, pray for and ask blessings over our enemies. It is just that simple. When we apologize it should be with pure motives and sincerity. Jesus says in the word of God that it is easy to love those who loves us. The real test is when we love those who do not show God's love back to us. So this is my challenge to the readers today as well as to myself, to love others despite whether they love us or show kindness or God's love to us. This is what it means to live the faith for Jesus. So live it today for him and you and others.

Scripture Verse:
James 4:1-3. 7-10
What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battles within you? You want something but don't get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.

Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God, and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Grieve, mourn, and wail, Change you laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.

James 3:17-18
But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure, then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.