“They eat up my people like bread!”

Last week, during the Sxxual Integrity & Restoration (SIR) class, I started the conversation with:

Me: Generally speaking, do guys really like girls?
Them: Yes. Of course.
Me: If we really like girls, then why do we treat them the way we do, like objects?
Them: (Stunned into silence.)
Me: If what I am saying is true, then who do we really like?
Them (as the answer slowly sank in.): Ourselves.
Me: Exactly! We like ourselves more, which is why we treat girls the way we do.

To press the point, I posed a simple scenario:

• Let’s say three men (Guy A, B, and C) go to the grocery store, each wanting to buy a loaf of bread. They get there and find only four loaves of bread on the shelf. Guy A is first and, in plain view of the other men, he man-handles, squeezes, and squishes Loaf A. Guy A then opens that loaf and sticks his hand into the bag and feels around for a few seconds. He then actually pulls out a slice of bread. He feels it, he smells it, and he even licks it, explaining, “You gotta check it out to make sure it’s good and fresh, right? You know… test drive.” Finally satisfied, Guy A puts that mistreated slice of bread back into Bag A, then he grabs a new loaf (Loaf B) and disappears, heading to the register for purchase.

I asked the inmates, “Honestly, after seeing what Guy A just did, would any of you choose to buy Loaf A? Nope. I told them this was totally understandable, however, we have to ask ourselves:

1. How many of us are guilty of abusing women (intentionally or ignorantly) and then “leaving them on the shelf”?
2. How many of us have gone through loaves, not looking to purchase, but just to sample.
3. How many of us have stopped to consider the damage we’ve done?
4. In some ways, do we exercise more discretion in choosing a loaf a bread than choosing a mate?

Psalm 14 says this is what happens when we live as if “there is no God.” We become corrupted, our deeds become abominable (vs.1), and we stop seeking God (vs.2). When we turn away from God, our filth increases and no one does good (vs.3). And verse 4 is the kicker, where God says, “Will those who do evil never learn? They eat up my people like bread and wouldn’t think of praying to the LORD!” Ouch!

We were all feeling convicted and we repented before the Lord. As a whole, the men understood that when we lose our fear of the Lord, we are swift to do evil. I am convinced that the cure for our increasing godlessness is a return to a healthy fear of the Lord! Read:

• Pro 16:6 By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.
• Pro 1:7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.
• Pro 2:5 Then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God.
• Ecc 8:11 Because God does not punish sinners instantly, people feel it is safe to do wrong.
• Ps 86:11 Teach me your way, O LORD, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name.

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Good job, Alex! I teach men and women the importance of their salvation testimonies, and require them to share before the people. Your testimony is very personal and very powerful! Three basic components: 1) Life before Christ, 2) How you came to Christ (that light-bulb moment), and 3) How that decision has changed your life. Just be honest as you share and I guarantee your testimony will relate to so many people! Testify, thereby glorifying Christ!

Agree with us in Prayer

a. For the Brig/Prison: I continue to ask God for all the souls in the Brig, even the Guards. Pray for the inmates, guards, and their families. Bind up spirits of bitterness, unforgiveness, shame, condemnation, and pride. And loose a spirit of salvation, discipleship, forgiveness, exposure, healing, deliverance, peace, and restoration!

b. For continued increase at ZCDC (Churchplant). Pray for mature, qualified families and permanent personnel to co-labor with us in the northern-most, remote area of Okinawa.

c. For Zebulun Worship Team as they practice and develop their gifts.

d. For our Believers, that they walk in increased discernment, wisdom, maturity, power, and that they are properly discipled, and that they bear much Kingdom fruit!

e. Pray against retaliatory, unclean spirits (on base and off base). Bind up demonic spirits of lust, division, strife, envy, competition, and fear. And loose a spirit of unity, peace, love, and faith among Believers.

f. For our current schedule, i.e. finances, resources, wisdom, strategies, and strength:
– Sun: Share/Report Christians In Action ministries
– Mon: Radical & Relevant (R&R) @7pm
– Wed: Brig Christian Fellowship (BCF) @7pm
– Thu: Publish Think On These Things newsletters
– Thu: Publish YouTube Videos (Channel: YahwehHasASon)
– Fri: Sxxual Integrity & Restoration (SIR) @9am
– Sat: Zebulun Christian Discipleship Center (ZCDC) @6pm

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Read my confession: “I don’t really believe in what I’m doing over here.”

In closing…

Saints, take a few moments to pray for us now. (If you’re like me, you forget to pray for that someone later. So, do it now. It will make a difference.)

So, all the hard work — tilling, planting, watering — is paying off. We’re seeing godly increase in every ministry, but 1) It takes hard work and faithfulness, and 2) There is much opposition! I heard a preacher describe it as, “New levels, new devils.”

I can see the the fruit in our people’s lives. They’re witnessing, testifying, praying, and evangelizing. And, they’re maturing rapidly! Our men and women are engaged with the will of God and His purposes. I am so proud of their courage, boldness and faith.

We could use your help. Being missionaries in Japan is extremely expensive and physically taxing. Please consider partnering with us through your financial donations and support. Monetary gifts and contributions can be made online through Christians In Action. Or, you can mail contributions to the address listed below.

I declare that God knows the plans He has for you! They are plans for your good and not for your disaster, to give you a future and a hope! (Jer 29:11)
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In His plans,
Pastor Nick & Sandy Guerra

Contributions can be sent to:
Dominic Guerra (Acct# 426)
c/o Christians In Action, Missions International
1318 E. Shaw Avenue – Suite 308
Fresno, CA 93710-7912

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