COM Newsletter - December 2022
THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR
Having enjoyed a wonderful Thanksgiving with family and friends, we have now entered into what is known in song as “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year.” I have to agree with that sentiment in that December is a very special month for the Woolsey household, but not for the reasons one might think. Claudia and I were married thirty years ago on December 31, and it seems that the whole world celebrates our anniversary every December with amazing fireworks displays. One of our five children was born on December 2; Claudia was born on December 21; her mother on December 20; and I was born on December 23. So, you see, December is a very special month.
However special and wonderful this time of year is to the Woolsey family, though, this is not why it is so wonderful to so many people around the world. This is a time when the hearts and minds of perhaps billions of people are turned to the Holiday Season of Christmas. Too often, however, it is a season for givin’ and gettin.’ So, let’s look at that aspect of this most wonderful time of the year, but from the perspective of the Ultimate Giver.
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)
And Jesus, “Who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame…” (Hebrews 12:2)
“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13)
Jesus said, “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10)
What does the Ultimate Giver desire from us the gifted?
Over the years I have observed many different reactions to gifts at Christmas. Yes, there are those who love the giver and the gift. But there are also those who choose to return the gift for money. Some choose to exchange the gift for something else they would rather have. Others decide to regift the gift by using it for someone else. And still others flat out refuse the gift and even trash it.
As a giver myself, I have experienced all of these reactions to gifts I have chosen, and I know how disappointed and even hurt I have been by some of those I have tried to please.
It would be good for us to consider how God the Father must feel with the way we receive or reject the Gift of His only begotten Son, the infinite cost of which is beyond our comprehension. How must He feel if we choose something else, if we reject His gift?
What does the Ultimate Giver desire from us the gifted?
“The Lord…is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9)
I believe He wants true love in return, and gratitude, and trusting obedience to all His loving requirements, which are only for our own good, our own health and happiness, joy and fulfillment.
And what could we possibly give Him in return for what He has given us? After all, He owns “the cattle on a thousand hills,” the world, and the universe. The one thing He does not own but would really love to be gifted is your heart and mine. His universe will be complete when He has been given the hearts of those for whom He has given everything.
This holiday season, we at ‘Coming Out’ Ministries want to wish you all the best that God has to give this “most wonderful time of the year”—His Son Jesus to be your personal Savior from whatever your personal struggle might be; to be your personal Friend, Companion, Confidante and Guide.
Be Happy! And Be Blessed!
MOVING FORWARD IN 2023
Q&A
Question: As a Christian, how do I befriend someone of the same sex knowing she is interested in being more than friends with me?
I’m a female Christian who was just approached by a female, stating she has had a crush on me for a long time and desires to get to know me better with hopes of beginning a relationship. I shared with her that dating females is not my preference, and as far as building a relationship, I will only be interested in that of a friendship.
I have had other females in the past who have been attracted to me and have boldly expressed that to me. Their homosexual spirit has been so strong as to try to come upon me, although I know and truly recognize that this is an abomination unto the Lord.
What is your insight into this? Thank you in advance, and I pray that God will bless you a hundredfold for sowing seeds of righteousness. Your website is an inspiration. I have read many of the comments listed, and I appreciate how you answer everyone with the heart of God, which is His Word.
Reply: I know your situation is not an uncommon one. And it should be addressed to help others as well as yourself.
As a Christian, it is important that you always show yourself to be friendly, loving, and loveable. However, in this case your friendliness needs to be with wisdom and caution. You cannot afford to become close friends with someone who has designs upon you for a homosexual relationship. The Bible tells us “not to company with fornicators” (1 Corinthians 5:9, 11), but you can be friendly.
We are also counseled that if anyone obeys not the Word of God, “note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed. Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother” (2 Thessalonians 3:14, 15).
I would suggest that you only associate with someone like this within a group setting. In this way, you are free to be friendly without it being misinterpreted as a mutual attraction. Also, in this way this lady will not need to feel shunned, slighted, or left out, and can be the beneficiary of godly love, friendship, and counsel, even though her ways and persuasion may not presently be righteous.
From you and others in your circle of friends she needs to experience unconditional love and acceptance toward herself without being led to believe that her behavior is loved and accepted. Does that make sense? Work along with others toward her redemption.
Jesus loved Mary and said to her, “Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more” (John 8:11). He obviously loved and accepted her but not her sin. He maintained a wholesome and godly relationship with Mary that never led her to believe that He condoned her previous lifestyle of adultery. We also have no record of Him ever socializing with her alone, but rather always in a group setting.
Pray for wisdom that you may be a blessing to this lady without encouraging her in the direction of sin.
Victor
Q&A text taken from:
Author: “Victor J. Adamson”
(Ron Woolsey)
“USING MY SINGLENESS TO INVEST IN MY HEALTH”
Testimonial
I’ve appreciated your ministry very much! I’ve learned a lot of very practical tips from your resources, and I’ve been experiencing very consistent victory lately because of it. Probably the biggest factor would be how much you emphasize God’s love. It fills the void that I grew up trying to fill with foolishness.
I became a Christian in 2016, but it wasn’t until the past year that I realized that I still have a lot of baggage from some emotional abuse I frequently experienced growing up. I’ve been looking into it more, and I believe that I’ve got some codependent traits because of my past. Thankfully God has done a lot to improve the quality of my life. After a difficult break up about 2 months ago (with my lady friend) I’ve decided to take a break from relationships for a while, because I keep hitting these roadblocks because of my baggage. I want to use this time to truly invest in myself and God’s relationship, so that I can be not just content, but happy to be by myself with God. It’s really important, especially since I just started working as a Pastor.
I’m wondering if your ministry could help me as I’m looking for guidance in the following areas:
Being happy and healthy single. I know Paul writes about the benefits of being single in 1 Corinthians 7, I believe. While I’m not sure that I have his gift of celibacy, I figure that maybe if I just plan on staying single, I’ll start being more proactive as far as doing whatever it takes to live a fulfilled life of singleness in which I can serve God and others. If God lines me up with another person someday that’d be great, but I want to focus on Him and me for right now at least.
I’d like to address my baggage more proactively than I have in the past with someone like a “life coach.” I know that it can take a while to work through baggage and that I’ll always be growing, but I’d like some help from a professional that can help me with said baggage.
Thanks so much for taking the time to communicate with me. God bless, and thanks again for letting God use you and your ministry :)
TD
MOVING FORWARD IN 2023
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