SAY “NO” TO THE WORLD

Thursday - August 11, 2022

Posted

“For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age” – Titus 2:11-12

              
In the ‘70s, Ann-Lesley graduated from college and started her own practice as a dental hygienist. But her fairy tale life began when she married into one of America’s wealthiest families.

She said, “The world just opened up to me. Almost like royalty…”

When she wasn’t shopping, Ann-Lesley filled her days jumping horses, doing charity work, and modeling for some of the world’s top clothing designers.

Perhaps that’s what kept her from seeing what was lurking just around the corner.

“At times it was wonderful. It’s the kind of marriage anybody would have loved to have had,” she says. “During the day he would shower gifts on me and praise.”

But by night, Ann-Lesley’s husband turned her house of happiness into a house of horrors. He was an abusive drunk and a bitter divorce followed leaving the wealthy socialite from riches to welfare.

After a while, Ann-Lesley couldn’t cope with the drastic changes in her life and contemplated suicide. A friend gave her a gospel tract.

“And I prayed for God to help me and forgive me of my sins… Everything in the book I did.”

After that prayer, Jesus brought a new meaning and purpose into Ann-Lesley’s life.

“The Lord gave me thirst and a hunger for Him, and I actually replaced the things of the world with the Scriptures.

“As I began to walk with God, the things of the world just seemed pointless to me.”

Out on the streets of Marin County, California, Ann-Lesley is now known as Rev. Ann. That’s because she’s a volunteer police chaplain. She draws on her past pain to care for others living in darkness and even despair.

“When I go on my calls and I’m dealing with people who are in a lot of pain, I say, ‘I’ve been here. I’ve been here and you can get out.’ It gives them hope,” she says.

Ann-Lesley married country music legend, Chester Smith.

She now has eternal values. “Things aren’t important to me anymore. What really matters is other people. When you let the Lord take control of your life, you can make it. Out of the ruins, you can rise and let the oil of His anointing just be all over you.”

We need to say “no” to the world and its passions and temptations. Only in Christ is salvation. Today in prayer, ask the Lord to give you self-control and the strength to say "No" to the world and “Yes” to Jesus.

“What makes resisting temptation difficult, for many people, is that they don’t want to discourage it completely.” – Franklin P. Jones

God’s Word: “My son, if sinners entice you, do not give in to them.” – Proverbs 1:10