13 Reasons why you need to keep your kids away from “13 Reason Why”

You’ve probably heard the hype by now and you may think you don’t have to worry about it, but if you have teens or preteens, take another look. So many of us- well-meaning parents,  have found out that our children have watched these episodes of “13 Reasons Why” on Netflix already either at home, on their phone, on a friend’s phone, at a friend’s house or even at school. You’d be surprised.  I just found out my teen watched it on her friend’s phone at her Christian home school group because her friend was watching it on her phone throughout their lunch. 

1. It triggers suicidal thoughts!   Face it, we really don’t know everything going on in our children’s lives – we think we do, but with social media, cell phones, computers, etc, our children have access to everything -and they know how to hide everything.
2. Increases self harm- Triggers more cutting. Our kids our cutting themselves, inflicting pain to escape their own mental pain and this show will only make it worse. If you see your child in any state of depression, check them for cutting. They are now cutting themselves in areas you wouldn’t look . So sad!  It seems the internet, cell phones and social media have stolen our children from us. It’s gotten out of control.
3. God’s word says to be wise to what is good and simple to what is evil. Turn their focus on God,  pray for them.
4. It does more harm than good.  Alexandra Contrades-Lacy at change.org said “After finishing the series, I became depressed and was suicidal for the first time in a year. This show was a trigger. Yes, I will take responsibility that I watched this on my free will. The difference is that I am taking action. This show makes teenagers believe that no one out there will help” Please take time to SIGN HER PETITION and get this show off the air :  https://www.change.org/p/selena-gomez-remove-13-reasons-why-from-netflix,
5. To stop the lying! “No, mom, I haven’t watched it ” Many moms have NO idea their children have already seen almost every episode and mama, you have no idea. My daughter said she watched the first episode on her friend’s phone.  A friend of mine, who is always on top of everything her children do, had no idea her daughter had watched all 14 episodes on her school laptop. Talk with your teens and preteens. Check your Netflix accounts to see what has been viewed at home.
6. This is  another enemy tactic to destroy your children. The thief comes to kill, still and destroy, but God wants our children to have life and to live in life abundantly -not to suffer in torment and depression. Turn on Praise music, remember how the tormenting spirits left King Saul when David would play His harp.
7. It glorifies and romanticizes suicide and mental illness.  “Suicide is romanticized and almost glorified in this show, as Hannah reclaims control of her life by ending it ” according to Leah Murphy at http://lifeteen.com/blog/watch-13-reasons/  Read linked post for more information.
8. This show doesn’t teach them to correctly deal with pressure, depression, stress, feelings of hopelessness, suicidal thoughts and bullying. Get help and/or get out of that situation.
9. Because you LOVE them. It’s so easy to look the other way, isn’t it? Every effort you make for your child makes a difference. Talk to them. I know everyone thinks their child doesn’t lie, but go through their phones, laptops and see what they’ve been looking up. Also be aware of the new fad the blue whale challenge BWC:  http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/blue-whale-challenge-warnings-sent-parents-about-suicide-game/sVqvIb50Ycf2vMNlx8E9AP/                                                                             ****** See short video below on BWC, warning have gone out all over the county and school systems on this. 
10. Because it’s your responsibility, a great gift from God that He has entrusted this child to you. Guard your children. I’ve read comments from parents and counselors that this show has already killed children.    SAVE YOUR CHILDREN
11. Because suicide is not entertainment and neither is mental illness. This show is harmful and defined by others as disgusting- a show that glorifies rape, graphic content ,suicide, sexual conduct, drinking, f words, lots of sex among young high school sophomores.
12. Sends the wrong message to teens.  Promotes feelings of hopelessness and no promotion of help or resources for their suffering.
13. You must guard their hearts. And I’m calling BS (Bull shark) on everyone who says they think this show was unintentional and it was originally meant to be a well intended show. Shame on you pluggin in!  Your reviews are far from Christian anyways.

If you’ve discovered that your child has watched the show, don’t get angry. Use the time to open up and talk about it. Don’t let it go by without replacing the lies with truth.

Watch the short video below to see a clear picture of what this show is about.

For More information:

• http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/catholic-leaders-urge-extreme-caution-for-new-netflix-series-31586/
• http://www.newsweek.com/netflix-13-reasons-why-suicide-contagion-experts-593367
• https://www.focusonthefamily.com/media/plugged-in-entertainment-reviews/tv-13-reasons-why
• http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/tv/la-et-st-13-reasons-why-schools-teachers-20170510-htmlstory.html

How can we make a difference?  Cancelling your Netflix account or sending them an email might make a difference. Netflix: 1-866-579-7172

Lord, Crush and destroy this show and any show that tries to destroy your people and your children. Do not let another episode air and keep every child from seeing it. Take this show down in total destruction. Protect all the children suffering and give them hope and a new found joy in You. In Jesus name, amen

As I researched this and read comments from parents, counselors and teen I was distraught, shocked and saddened.  So many people have had loved ones die of suicide and this show was a factor. Many  said this show was the reason for the suicidal deaths of their children, friends and patients. It’s more dangerous than I could have imagined. Read though some of the comments on the petition listed on #4, (you might have to sign the petition first) and you’ll read a few first hand reports on how this has affected lives of so many.

You are saved by grace? or works? or faith? or fruit? Can Grace save you?

I had a dream about a year ago and in this dream, I stood before a great king. He seemed larger than life and he sat on a great throne. It seemed I was only 1/3 of his height. We were going back in forth in debate- well only I was debating- on the subject of salvation, but the king only had one answer and would defeat my argument each time.

My Dream:

I walked into a room and there was a great king on a large throne and between us seemed to be desk. I stood and argued that it was not possible to be saved by grace alone. I argued with all the scripture I knew and the king would reply each time “No, it is only by grace that you are saved”

What! That can’t be, I would argue back. The bible is clear that we are not saved unless we believe and even that isn’t enough, because scripture says that even the devils believe, and with this that we need works, because the bible says with out works, our faith is dead. So we need to believe, but we need to add to that faith, but yet, still that is not good enough, we need works – because scripture says that.

The king would gently reply: “It is only by grace that you are saved”

Really? I argued back, so how does that make sense? What about John 3:16?So I guess everybody’s saved, if it’s only grace? But what about those who don’t believe in Christ? Are they saved only by grace because what good is believing, faith and works then? Do they all disappear? What about Hebrews 11:6- We can’t please God without faith and Romans 1:5 and 16:26 we need to believe and OBEY, and 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 I had such faith that I could move mountains, but didn’t love others, I would be nothing and he cuts off every branch that doesn’t produce fruit- so that proves we need works; and works without love is worthless, so now we need works, love, faith, and fruit to be saved!!!!!!

“ No, it is only by grace that you are saved” He kept saying to me. I was totally annoyed because I didn’t feel like I was winning this argument. The king would look at me with the most loving eyes and let me finish each thing I said before he spoke. He seemed to look at me as a loving father would, even in my frustration – he would calmly tilt his head back touching the back of his throne with his head and smile as if I were quite entertaining. He never got angry and always looked at me with loving eyes, even though I was mouthing off and flying my hands all over the place with my argument.

Each time I would finish my argument, he would pause…. Smile at me and say – in a ‘he was so right way’ – “it is only by grace that you are saved”.

And I kept on: Well why do I need to keep running the race? Aren’t I supposed to win the prize? I keep running as it says in 1 Corinthians 9, and what about faith- what good are we without faith in the Lord Jesus Christ – His death and resurrection? 1 tim 1:9 and all the old testament great men were honored because of their faith – like Abraham- because of their faith- in Hebrews 11” And Romans 3 says we are made right with God because of our faith, not obedience.Doesn’t faith justify us in Gal 2:16 and Romans 5:1? So it’s not grace – impossible– Salvation is belief in Jesus, plus works, plus faith, plus love, plus fruit – because without that….aren’t we chopped off that vine?

The King loving and calmly replied (as he smiled at me)  “Lisa, it is only by grace that you are saved”

No, I said, you are wrong- impossible. I know all the scripture and I know I’m right. I saw him look at me, enjoying this conversation. He knew he was right and he knew my argument wasn’t standing up to his. So I continued on…..okay, well what about this verse: “When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures,  idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division,  envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God” where does grace fit in there? Doesn’t that verse prove we are saved or not saved by our actions? And see! Look at Romans 4” But people are counted as righteous, not because of their work, but because of their faith in God who forgives sinners.” So here we go with rock, paper, scissors! It’s faith, and not works? But still – it’s faith in God, right? So now it’s just faith, but wait Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble” (James 2:19).- so faith and belief are different? Anyways- how can God’s grace alone save us? I know God’s grace is important, but I know we are saved because we believe, and even that is not enough! Because even the devils believe, and we must add to that faith because without faith we cannot please God and to that we must add works because faith is shown in works, and to that we must add love because works without love is nothing and to that we add fruit, because without that we are cut off from the vine, and there you have it, I win.

He leaned over to me, and I really think he had a sparkle in his eye, patiently smiling, making sure I was done and said

It is only by grace, that you are saved.

The argument went on and on through the night. I kept quoting scripture, but the king kept winning the argument with his reply “You are saved by grace” ,Uggghhhhhh! I woke up and I still felt like I had not won this argument.

What exactly is Grace?

This dream prompted me to intensely study Grace and what I have found is truly amazing.  I think I have found some great discoveries as I study Grace. As I put all the scriptures together to define grace, I have found an interesting possible link between grace and the Holy Spirit. The definition of grace almost exactly matches the Holy Spirit, but that will have to be another post, for now, I just hope to have you thinking.

As the Holy Spirit has sealed us for the day of redemption, could also God’s grace do the same? Is Gods grace the underlying denominator to faith, works, belief, love, and fruit?

   I studied Acts a few months ago in order to gather all he said to the people about Salvation in Christ Jesus and I came up with these 7 things:

ETERNAL SALVATION- AN UNDERSERVED GIFT FROM GOD

1-BELIEVE IN THE LORD JESUS CHRIST- FAITH
2-CONFESS YOUR SINS AND REPENT
3-TURN BACK TO GOD- He wants you to SEEK HIM
4-BE BAPTISED IN THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST-WASHING AWAY YOUR SINS
5-PROVE IT BY THE WAY YOU LIVE
6-GET RID OF ALL SIN AND WICKEDNESS
7-WATCH OUT FOR FALSE TEACHERS AND WOLVES IN SHEEP’S CLOTHING

As I considered all this I suddenly thought:

It is by grace that  1- I believe in the Lord Jesus Christ
It is by grace that  2- He forgives me when I confess my sins and repent
It is by grace that  3- He calls me to seek Him
It is by grace that 4- He washes away my sins through baptism
It is by grace that  5-He continues to work in me, leading, guiding and teaching me to be Holy like He is holy
It is by grace that   6- He gives me His Word to teach me how to live
It is by grace that  7- He gives me discernment and knowledge to know right from wrong.

And this verse was brought to my remembrance : “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord.  For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts” Isaiah 55:8-9

I’m still not done studying, but I keep on…I keep on….

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves
Ephesians 2:8

 

Put on your Armor Today- Eph 6, How to really put on your armor

Sometimes we  get so wrapped up in  the study of spiritual warfare that we forget to apply it properly to our lives. We may imagine it is on us, we may pretend to put it on each morning, but this isn’t pretend and this isn’t only about how we think.  To put on our armor of protection and to have our Sword in our hand,  we need to walk a certain way. We must be doers of God’s word, not just a hearer of God’s word.

Some of us wake up, pretend our super Christian armor is on us, and head out the door. We listen to filthy music, get on the phone and start to gossip, grumble about life, worry and fret over worst case scenarios, curse at people who can’t drive or park, we lie, use filthy words, steal, cheat, have horrible thought lives and make excuses for sins in our life – wasting time on social media and hours of filthy ungodly entertainment. Who are we kidding? Surely, ourselves.

Today I wanted to REMIND you to protect yourself from the devils attacks and lies that try to pull you away from the Lord , to get you suited up in full armor and have your Sword ready.

Live today in God’s righteousness and peace. Stay away from evil- watch your words, your thoughts, your actions.  Let all you do today glorify God. What are you listening to? Don’t gossip! Don’t start arguments, forgive others and do all you can to live in peace today.

Righteousness and Peace have kissed each other! Ps 85:10
Yes! That is your supernatural protection – you chose it by the way you live.

How do you live in peace and righteousness? You must know the truth, that is God’s word. Open it up today and begin to hear and be lead by the Spirit of Wisdom and Truth.This truth will also build your faith. You will know and understand that no weapon formed against you shall prosper and every word or attack that comes upon you will not prosper for this is the heritage of the saints of the Lord.

And…for those of you who are under attack and trials now, God says to put your trust in Him fully. Tell Him what you need and the Lord promises to put a guard of great peace around your heart and mind as you trust in Him. – See! That is part of your shield and your helmet-God’s word is what you can trust and hope in.

Your protection and your weapon are based on God’s word- and prayer.

Live a godly life based on God’s word and you will have the protection you need today. Don’t fool yourself and think you can keep living in sin, causing problems, fighting with others and living in other nonsense and then pretend to put on put on your armor. It doesn’t work that way.

Directions: Pray! Behave! Believe! Read and Meditate on God’s word- read it, speak it, believe it, live it!

I read  this early this morning, this is good scripture to think and meditate on today
Proverbs 4  

 Get wisdom; develop good judgment.
    Don’t forget my words or turn away from them.
 Don’t turn your back on wisdom, for she will protect you.
    Love her, and she will guard you.
 Getting wisdom is the wisest thing you can do!
    And whatever else you do, develop good judgment.
 If you prize wisdom, she will make you great.
    Embrace her, and she will honor you.
 She will place a lovely wreath on your head;
    she will present you with a beautiful crown.”

My child, listen to me and do as I say,
    and you will have a long, good life.
 I will teach you wisdom’s ways
    and lead you in straight paths.
 When you walk, you won’t be held back;
    when you run, you won’t stumble.
Take hold of my instructions; don’t let them go.
    Guard them, for they are the key to life.
Don’t do as the wicked do,

    and don’t follow the path of evildoers.
 Don’t even think about it; don’t go that way.
    Turn away and keep moving.
 For evil people can’t sleep until they’ve done their evil deed for the day.
    They can’t rest until they’ve caused someone to stumble.
 They eat the food of wickedness
    and drink the wine of violence!

The way of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn,
    which shines ever brighter until the full light of day.
But the way of the wicked is like total darkness.
    They have no idea what they are stumbling over.

 My child, pay attention to what I say.
    Listen carefully to my words.
 Don’t lose sight of them.
    Let them penetrate deep into your heart,
 for they bring life to those who find them,
    and healing to their whole body.

 Guard your heart above all else,
    for it determines the course of your life.

 Avoid all perverse talk;
    stay away from corrupt speech.

 Look straight ahead,
    and fix your eyes on what lies before you.
 Mark out a straight path for your feet;
    stay on the safe path.
 Don’t get sidetracked;
    keep your feet from following evil.

 

Yes, Amen….Don’t get sidetracked.

Walk in peace and righteousness today, decide to fill your heart and mind with God’s word and whatever you do….guard your lips, your feet and your heart from all evil. Yes, be simple to what is evil and be wise to what is good.

 

Commands, Instructions, Life lessons taught by Jesus Matthew 4&5

1. Use God’s Word to resist the devil/temptation (Matthew 4)
   In order to do this, you must know scripture. Study and pray for wisdom.
2. Repent! Mark 4:17
3. Rejoice when people falsely accuse and persecute you for the Lord’s sake (M5:12)
4. Be a peacemaker (M5:9) So difficult! but it protects you!
5. Keep your heart pure (M5:8) Check your heart! Ask God to show you anything lurking in there that needs to be addressed.
6. Be Merciful to others (M5:7) and you will obtain mercy
7. Seek, hunger and thirst for righteousness (M5:6)
8. Don’t be useless, like salt that loses its flavor, Be the salt of the earth (M5:13) Don’t be lukewarm either- ew
9. Don’t hide your walk with Christ, but let your light shine for all to see (M5:14) so they will see your good works and Glorify the Father in Heaven. Hide it under a bushel? NO
10. Don’t neglect the study of the old testament, Jesus came to fulfill it not destroy it (M5:17-18)
11. Obey the commandments and teach others, work on righteousness (M5:19-20)
12. Don’t kill (M:21)
13. Don’t be angry at your brother without cause and don’t call your brother a fool (M5:22) or any other nasty scoundrel name- or your sister
14. Be a peacemaker -Reconcile with your brother and make peace before you go stand before the Lord at the altar, if he has something against you, leave your gift at the altar, be reconciled and then come back to offer (M5:24)
15. Be a peacemaker – try to peacefully settle disputes out of court. Pay what you need to pay, do what’s right and sometimes , even if the other party is wrong, just let it go for peace sake- settle, agree(M:26)
16. Don’t commit adultery (M5:28)
17. Lustful eyes are guilty of adultery -Don’t look at another woman (or man) to lust after, this is adultery in the heart. (M5:28)
18. Pluck your eye out if you have a problem with lust/porn IF you want to save your soul. Better to lose your eye than your soul (M5:29) same with your hand if it causes you to sin (M5:30)
19. Don’t divorce your wife (except for unfaithfulness) unless you want to be guilty of adultery (M5:31) or if you marry the divorced woman…same
20. Don’t swear at all, let your yes be yes and your no be no, anything more than that is evil (M5:37). I don’t make promises, that’s just me..don’t know if that’s the same thing
21. Take the slap (M638-39) and don’t slap back
22. If a man sues you and takes our coat, give him your cloke as well (M5:40)
23. Go the extra mile for people errrr if you’re forced to go a mile, go two! and i’m guessing you should do it with a good attitude (who is like this!)
24. Give to those who ask (M5:42) I’m totally convicted here…..
25. Lend to those who need to borrow (M5:43) there’s a verse that says if you lend to the poor, you lend to the Lord and He will repay you….soooooo maybe sometimes don’t expect it back
26. Love your neighbors and Love your enemies (M5:43) have you met my neighbors? I can love them, but do I have to look at them?
27. Bless those who curse you (M5:44) I do this but it is not easy, because it’s not really what my hearts wants……w
28. Pray for those who hate you and persecute you (M5:44) We absolutely need the power of the Holy Spirit for strength to be holy and obey Jesus’ teachings
29. Notice that God watches over the righteous and the wicked, he wants them to turn back to Him. He sends rain on the just and the unjust so don’t get caught up in the greater than thou moment.
30. Love the haters! (M5:46) so love the Muslims that want to slice your neck, seriously, pray for them. Difficult? Yes! This is why the road to Salvation is narrow and few make it. Be imitators of Christ and remember you are called to be HOLY as God is Holy so stop screaming and cussing at people in the parking lot of church…geeeeeesh! After a lifetime in church, we still don’t get it.
31. Be perfect (M5:48)- Seriously? Yes, be perfect as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

I don’t know if I should laugh or cry right now. I thought I’d go through the entire book of Matthew, but it seems there’s enough mind boggling disciplines in Matthew 5 that I need to seriously consider.