Resist the tempter

DAILY: You may sometimes feel that a temptation is too overpowering for you to bear, but that's a lie from Satan. God has promised never to allow more on you than he puts within you to handle it. He will not permit any temptation that you could not overcome. However, you must do your part too by practicing biblical methods for defeating temptation. Sometimes we put all of our time, sweat and prayers into resisting temptation when we would be better off to resist the tempter. We're told to "resist the devil," and he will run from us. (James 4:7) The battle for sin is won or lost in your mind. Whatever gets your attention will get you. That's why Job said, "I made a covenant with my eyes not to look with lust upon a young woman." (Job 31:1 NLT) And David prayed, "Keep me from paying attention to what is worthless." (Psalm 119:3a TEV). Blessings

Beware of "bad company"

DAILY: Be careful who your closest associates are. Paul warns us that "bad company corrupts good character" (1 Cor 15:33). This is not just for young people but for adults also. Anyone who tries to pull you away from your spouse is bad company. Anyone who attempts to talk you into something that is contrary to God's Word, bad company. Anyone who when you spend time with them pushes you further from Jesus, bad company. Anyone who constantly tears down people, bad company. Anyone who constantly tears down your church and leadership, bad company. Anyone who leaves you feeling dirty when they leave, bad company. Anyone who texts, emails, or uses any social media to make contact with you behind your spouses back, bad company. Anyone, other than your spouse, who is constantly on your mind in a romantic or sexual way, bad company! Anyone, I don't care how long they have been a "friend", who pushes you further from your spouse when you guys talk, bad company. "Holy Spirit, help me to be sensitive to Your warnings today!" Blessings!

Beware of "bad company!"

DAILY: Be careful who your closest associates are. Paul warns us that "bad company corrupts good character" (1 Cor 15:33). This is not just for young people but for adults also. Anyone who tries to pull you away from your spouse is bad company. Anyone who attempts to talk you into something that is contrary to God's Word, bad company. Anyone who when you spend time with them pushes you further from Jesus, bad company. Anyone who constantly tears down people, bad company. Anyone who constantly tears down your church and leadership, bad company. Anyone who leaves you feeling dirty when they leave, bad company. Anyone who texts, emails, or uses any social media to make contact with you behind your spouses back, bad company. Anyone of the opposite sex who is constantly on your mind in a romantic or sexual way, bad company! Anyone, I don't care how long they have been a "friend", who pushes you further from your spouse when you guys talk, bad company. "Holy Spirit, help me to be sensitive to Your warnings today!" Blessings!

"I was wrong!"

DAILY: "I was wrong" or "I need advice" are difficult phrases to utter because they require humility. Pride is an ingredient in every quarrel. It stirs up conflict and divides people. Humility, by contrast, heals. Guard against pride. If you find yourself constantly arguing, examine your life for pride. Be open to the advice of others, ask for help when you need it, and be willing to admit your mistakes.  (See Proverbs 13:10) Blessings

Great faith!

DAILY: Matthew 15:21-28 tells the story of the Canaanite lady who brought her daughter to Jesus for healing. Three things happen that could have caused her to be offended and move on from Jesus. And if she had of, her daughter would have missed out on the miracle of healing and deliverance. First of all, when the lady brought the need to Jesus, He remained silent (v. 23). Have you ever been there? You cry out to God for your need, but it seems your prayers are getting no where. Or, you believed for healing, but the person you were praying for died, and it left you with questions of why was heaven silent? Secondly, the disciples tried to run her off. Has the church ever let you down? Hurt you, left you wounded, or didn't seem to care for you in your time of pain and despair? Are you offended from it? Thirdly, Jesus' Words were tough to take. He answered the lady with the following, "It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.” Has the Word of God ever offended you? This Canaanite lady refused to be offended by the silence of God, the hurt from the church, or the Words from God that she didn't understand completely. She declared, "even the dogs eat the crumbs from the masters table." Jesus declared that He hadn't seen such great faith as hers, and her daughter was healed. I believe that great faith, is a faith in God that refuses to be offended at the ways and Words of God. That refuses to equate God with His people. That simply moves on and forward, trusting and following Jesus! This lady would have missed a miracle if she had left offended.  And it would have affected the next generation...her daughter. "Lord help us to remember that our offense can, and very likely will, affect our children and grandchildren." Make up your mind today not to "throw off this confidence in God and HIs Word!" Blessings!