August 2020 – Paul Linzey

Even on good days, living for Christ is a challenging, risk-laden endeavor. One way to make the task a bit easier is to see how other Christians have successfully navigated their temptations and struggles.

Safest Place in Iraq aims to do just that, by peering behind the curtain and showing how one military chaplain handled the various dangers, people, and circumstances he encountered during his war-time deployment in South Central Iraq. The result is a story that ranges from death and destruction to friendship and faith, and from temptation and torment to redemption and revival. Colonel Paul Linzey identifies the broad themes that everyone—both Christian and non-Christian—has to deal with when the going gets tough. He also shows by example what it takes to overcome life’s obstacles, whether dodging mortars in the desert, or fighting fear, loneliness, and temptation at home or at work. And in the process, Safest Place in Iraq shows that it is possible to remain true to one’s values and calling as a person of faith in a hostile world.

Safest Place in Iraq would be perfect for individual reading, but it’s also ideally suited for a small group discussion such as a home group, bible study, a men’s group.

In addition to telling the stories of answered prayer, divine intervention, and people coming to faith in Christ, it answers questions that people are asking about Christians in the military, overcoming temptation, and other issues.

God created humans to enjoy sex and sensuality immensely and intensely. Yet, these are to be experienced within marriage. When practiced in this context, it’s designed to be a mutually awe-inspiring, powerful experience that carries the full blessing of God.

The goal of sex is usually intercourse, but the goal of sensuality may be to express attraction, show that you care, or make your partner feel loved. Sex and sensuality both help couples bond together and feel close.

In essence, sex is about intercourse, while sensuality is about bringing pleasure to each other. Sometimes this includes sex, but many times does not. Sex is making sure you get what you want and need. Sensuality is giving, serving, and pleasing your partner. When combined, sex and sensuality provide an opportunity to experience the whole range of sensual pleasure, demonstrate faithfulness, and practice self-control.

One way of approaching sex and sensuality is to consider each one as a gift. We like a gift for a variety of reasons. We like the way it makes us feel. Or, it meets a need. Perhaps we enjoy the experience it brings. The same is true for why God gave us the gift of physical intimacy. It feels good, it meets a need, and we enjoy the experience. Let’s face it: it’s fun & exciting.

If someone doesn’t like sex or sensuality, it’s usually because there’s been some pain in the experience of it. Somewhere along the way the person might have been abused, mistreated, taken advantage of, ridiculed, betrayed, or abandoned. Or it hurts physically.

If this is the case in your marriage, it might be helpful to talk about it together and to seek professional help, because in a normal, healthy marriage the gift of intimacy is a wonderful part of the relationship, and giving yourself to your partner intimately is one of the most valuable gifts you can give.

If you and your partner will honor your marriage and maintain sexual and sensual purity, you will meet each other’s needs and capture each other’s imagination. The gift you give each other will be beyond comparison. Choosing to honor your mate and your marriage will always have great results.

You can read more about building a great marriage by clicking WisdomBuilt Biblical Principles of Marriage, then scroll down.