Resilient Character Building

Resilient Character Building

Genesis 39: ¹⁰ So it was, as she spoke to Joseph day by day, that he did not heed her, to lie with her or to be with her.

 

¹¹ But it happened about this time, when Joseph went into the house to do his work, and none of the men of the house was inside, ¹² that she caught him by his garment, saying, “Lie with me.” But he left his garment in her hand, and fled and ran outside. ¹³ And so it was, when she saw that he had left his garment in her hand and fled outside, ¹⁴ that she called to the men of her house and spoke to them, saying, “See, he has brought in to us a Hebrew to mock us. He came in to me to lie with me, and I cried out with a loud voice. ¹⁵ And it happened, when he heard that I lifted my voice and cried out, that he left his garment with me, and fled and went outside.”

 

¹⁶ So she kept his garment with her until his master came home. ¹⁷ Then she spoke to him with words like these, saying, “The Hebrew servant whom you brought to us came in to me to mock me; ¹⁸ so it happened, as I lifted my voice and cried out, that he left his garment with me and fled outside.”

 

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Potiphar’s wife propositioned Joseph, day after day after day. He may have tried to avoid her, or ignore her, but she got to the point where she was not going to take “no” for an answer. She aggressively pursued Joseph, but he escaped. He left his garment and she thought of a lie.

 

My Observations:

• Joseph had integrity and character because he was following GOD.
• Abram was called a Hebrew and so was Joseph.
• Even when Joseph showed extreme character, he could still be lied on and slandered.

 

When all else fails, defamation of character seems to be the tool used against those who refuse to bow to evil ways. Joseph was doing well until he met Potiphar’s wife. Her desire to get what she wanted made her dream up a lie to cover her actions. She may have thought Joseph would tell on her, but she did not know Joseph had extreme character that would not do that.

 

Joseph’s restraint was the right thing to do, yet he found himself in a situation he did not cause. He did not tell Potiphar that his wife was constantly pursuing him, probably because he did not want her to get in trouble. But she had no problem with telling as many people about her lie as possible. Joseph’s character was now being put to test even though he did no wrong.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell Moses about Potiphar’s wife’s’ advances toward Joseph?
• Have you ever had your character defamed?
• Can you stand firm in your walk with the LORD even when people are mislabeling you and even slandering you?

No Bribes Accepted

No Bribes Accepted

1 John 2: ¹⁵ Do not love the world or anything that belongs to the world. If you love the world, you do not love the Father. ¹⁶ Everything that belongs to the world—what the sinful self desires, what people see and want, and everything in this world that people are so proud of—none of this comes from the Father; it all comes from the world. ¹⁷ The world and everything in it that people desire is passing away; but those who do the will of God live forever.

 

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Being teased about my tattered clothing got old. “One day I will have enough money to buy my own clothes” I muttered to myself. I got a job and made enough to buy the latest trend. I got another job and was able to buy more stuff and bigger things.

 

I admired where I had gotten to.. “Can you send out a message about GOD?” someone asked me. “No! I have a title that does not align to that sort of message.”

 

• I found myself with no time to serve GOD.
• I enjoyed the lavish vacations, large houses and immense amounts of money I was given.
• I justified why I did not have time for GOD and figured HE would simply forgive me and I could live it up here on earth.

 

John attempted to open the spiritual eyes of those who follow JESUS. He took away any excuse by including “anything” and “everything” to his warning. He focused on some broad topics that included selfish desires, envy, jealousy, lust, and pride, of which do not come from GOD.

 

My Observations:

• Satan attempted to bribe JESUS with food, power and money, BUT JESUS refused because HE had to die for the sins of all of humanity.
• Satan wants you and me to not speak about GOD, or to view those who do in a negative way.
• “Anything” and “everything” that keeps me from speaking about JESUS should not be a desire of mine.

 

Trying to save myself causes me to lose myself. I mean, when I try to acquire more of what the world has to offer, I end up losing my relationship with GOD. The scary thing is, GOD will allow me to walk away from HIS love, because HE does not want to force the relationship.

 

GOD has a desire that all humans become saved. HE wants you and me to proclaim the Good News about JESUS, who was resurrected to overcome the world. Houses, cars, clothes, jewelry, gadgets, titles and accomplishments will pass away. I am glad GOD’s love will last forever in my life.

 

Challenge

• Is the news from the writer extreme to you?
• What would you keep if you, knowingly, would walk away from GOD by keeping it?
• Will you turn your eyes to GOD and have HIM open up your heart to desire HIS will over yours today?

Un-trapped

Un-trapped

James 1: ¹² Happy are those who remain faithful under trials, because when they succeed in passing such a test, they will receive as their reward the life which God has promised to those who love him. ¹³ If we are tempted by such trials, we must not say, “This temptation comes from God.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, and he himself tempts no one. ¹⁴ But we are tempted when we are drawn away and trapped by our own evil desires. ¹⁵ Then our evil desires conceive and give birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.

 

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Having a mountain of homework made me a bit nervous. But seeing the naked girls had me distracted the rest of the day. The boys locker room was connected to the girls locker room by a double wooden door. Some smart-aleck fashioned a hole between the doors from which we could see. Taking turns, we ogled and commented.

 

• I had work to do, but I could not do it because I was distracted.
• Instead of thinking of solutions for the work I was supposed to be doing I dreamed of ways to beat they guys and get in front of the line.
• My mind was trapped and I got caught by a teacher because I did not notice him standing behind me.

 

James gets rid of the blame game humans play with GOD. He mentions that during difficult times, humans have a tendency towards sin. He tried his best to paint a picture of how acting on our own temptation can cause us to justify our own sin which leaves us trapped.

 

My Observations:

• Temptation comes from the enemy to take me off the path of solutions for GOD.
• Remaining focused to what GOD wants me to do helps me stay out of the traps of my own desires.
• GOD does not tempt me BUT HE does guide me back to HIM if and when I fall.

 

Temptations can be tough. I mean, food, gambling, hoarding, substance and sex are all sticky temptations humans can fall into. When stressful times arise, the temptation can rear its head as a temporary solution. Unfortunately this only brings on more pain and problems. BUT GOD has an answer.

 

JESUS provides a different path. HE not only saved me from the consequences of sin, which is death; he also gave me things to think on to pursue HIS Kingdom. When my mind is focused on what HE wants me to do, I can reduce the pressure of the trial and focus on GOD’s voice. I am glad GOD forgives me when I fall and is willing to pick me up and place me on HIS path.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer explain temptation?
• Have you ever been under pressure and done something regretful?
• Will you take the pressure off yourself by knowing JESUS forgives you if you fall to temptation, so you can hear HIS love enough to choose HIS path versus sin next time?

Becoming Secure

Becoming Secure

Ephesians 4: ²⁵ No more lying, then! Each of you must tell the truth to the other believer, because we are all members together in the body of Christ. ²⁶ If you become angry, do not let your anger lead you into sin, and do not stay angry all day. ²⁷ Don't give the Devil a chance. ²⁸ If you used to rob, you must stop robbing and start working, in order to earn an honest living for yourself and to be able to help the poor. 

 

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“Fine” was the lying reply I used to the question “How are you?” to keep from telling the truth that many aspects of my life were falling apart. I did not want to continuously be a burden and I wasn’t feeling secure enough to tell the truth.

 

• I felt insecure so I answered questions in ways to avoid conversations where I looked pitiful.
• I felt frustrated so I let my anger guide my mouth and other actions.
• I felt deserving so I listened to temptations and fell into sin.

 

Paul speaks with a very direct tone when addressing specific examples of old ways to turn from. He sees that some were acting out of their insecurities and falling into the trap of lying to others and themselves. He gives guidelines to enable self-control.

 

My Observations

• Security is something GOD wants me to place in HIM.
• Anger is allowed but requires me to communicate to GOD so HE can diffuse it.
• Broader thinking and surrender is something GOD wants me to add to my choices.

 

Thinking of protecting myself, I can easily fall into lies, get angry and even consider robbing others by stealing money, people or credit for something he or she should be credited for. The old childish ways of insecurity gives the Devil a chance all the time. BUT GOD provides a way out.

 

HE shows me that I am part of a larger family of sick and hurt people. No one is more superior than the next. I can tell the truth about my situation because the next person needs to hear what I am experiencing. Self-control is part of the fruit of the SPIRIT. I am glad GOD offers me a way back to HIS path by becoming secure in HIS love for me.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think the writer gives this strong warning?
• Have you ever fallen for some items listed and found out things were worse?
• What insecurities are you battling that make you question GOD’s true love for you?
• Will you become more secure by letting go of some of your self-protection and allow GOD to provide the answer in HIS way and time?

Wet Paint, Hot Stove

 

Wet Paint, Hot Stove

Romans 7: ⁹ Once I was alive apart from the law; but when the commandment came, sin sprang to life and I died. ¹⁰ I found that the very commandment that was intended to bring life actually brought death. ¹¹ For sin, seizing the opportunity afforded by the commandment, deceived me, and through the commandment put me to death. ¹² So then, the law is holy, and the commandment is holy, righteous and good.

 

¹³ Did that which is good, then, become death to me? By no means! Nevertheless, in order that sin might be recognized as sin, it used what is good to bring about my death, so that through the commandment sin might become utterly sinful.

 

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“Don’t touch that. The paint is wet” were the words that made me want to touch the wall. “Wet cement” seemed like an invitation to write my initials. “Hot stove, do not touch” seemed like a suggestion to try it out. But I obeyed and did not touch or write my initials.

 

But then someone said “Don’t worry.” Wait. Don’t worry about what? Now I couldn’t stop thinking about the thing I wasn’t supposed to worry about. I worried about my worry.

 

Some things that were brought to my awareness made me want to try it.

Some things that I would have never tried, I did because it was put in front of me.

Some things that should have been avoided, I got into because someone told me not to.

 

Paul talks about how sin used what is good to cause death. The Law was made to protect humans, but sin used it to entice people to do the opposite of the Law, thus causing death. Sin is recognized through the Law.

 

GOD wants me to follow HIS ways.

GOD wants me to learn about HIM so I can be protected from the consequences of sin.

GOD wants me to seek HIM daily so I will not pursue sin that fools me into thinking it is better than HIS way.

 

“Do not worry” or “Do not get angry” makes me more worried and very angry. I mean, how am I supposed to not be afraid of the unknown? Fortunately GOD took care of my problems with following the Law. JESUS died for me and was raised from the dead. By believing in HIS saving power I can follow HIS ways when I fall.

 

When I get worried, GOD enables me to see HIS power and promises. After a while, I’m not so worried. When I get angry, GOD shows me a way to have peace and suddenly the anger dissipates. The wet paint and hot stoves become easier for me not to touch when I recognize GOD is trying to protect me. I am glad HE loves me.

 

Have your desires gotten the best of you?

Do you want things that may be opposite of what GOD wants for you?

Will you surrender your life to GOD so HE can guide you to HIS powerful purpose today?

Resistance is Futile

Resistance is Futile

Acts 7: ⁵¹ “You stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears! You always resist the Holy Spirit; as your fathers did, so do you. ⁵² Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? And they killed those who foretold the coming of the Just One, of whom you now have become the betrayers and murderers, ⁵³ who have received the law by the direction of angels and have not kept it.”

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After a hearing all the stories about how great sex was, I wanted to try it. I mean everyone else was doing it. But something inside me was telling me to wait until I was married. “I can’t wait that long” I thought to myself. From what I saw, it didn’t seem to be a big deal even amongst church leaders. I knew something was wrong and did it anyway.

• There were many times when I knew something was wrong but I did it anyway.
• There were many times when I justified my actions by looking at what “everyone” else was doing.
• There were many times when I plead ignorance by not learning about what was right or wrong, yet I knew the difference in my heart.

Stephen finally concludes his message to the church leaders who murdered JESUS. He told them they “always resist the HOLY SPIRIT” as did their ancestors. They knew right from wrong even when they were not told, yet they did what they did anyway.

• GOD wants me to surrender to the HOLY SPIRIT.
• GOD wants me to give up my life to the leading of the HOLY SPIRIT.
• GOD wants me to listen wholeheartedly to the HOLY SPIRIT.

Decision making can be hard, especially when people around me are making bad decisions, wanting me to join in. BUT GOD wants me to stand firm for HIM. HE placed HIS law in my heart when HE created me, so I have no excuse.

GOD made me in a way that is curious and seeking. Unfortunately I can listen to the lust of my flesh or the lust of my eyes or the pride of life to fulfill that curiosity. Soon I find myself in trouble, asking GOD for help out of the trouble I got myself into. BUT GOD is gracious. I am glad HE forgives me and guides me with the HOLY SPIRIT, because HE loves me.

• Are you ignoring the HOLY SPIRIT by trying to listen to your own pride?
• Do you argue over something without checking to see what GOD says about it?
• Will you surrender your thinking and check with GOD about more and more of your decisions each day?

Keep Focused

Luke 22: ³⁹ Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him. ⁴⁰ On reaching the place, he said to them, ‘Pray that you will not fall into temptation.’ ⁴¹ He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, ⁴² ‘Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.’ ⁴³ An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. ⁴⁴ And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.

⁴⁵ When he rose from prayer and went back to the disciples, he found them asleep, exhausted from sorrow. ⁴⁶ ‘Why are you sleeping?’ he asked them. ‘Get up and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.’

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Walking around in life, I wandered into some doors that seemed to be wide open. The temptations were amazing and once I found one, I couldn’t get my mind off of whatever new thing I wandered into.

• Many times I have been tempted to fall into sin.
• Many times I have wandered off the path and into temptation.
• Many times I have lost my focus only to wind up in sin.

JESUS faces being blamed for every sin, every human could ever commit. HIS humanity reaches out to pray to the FATHER, begging HIM to think of another way, but if JESUS had to be the way, “let YOUR will be done.” JESUS then told HIS sleeping disciples to pray that they will not fall into temptation.

• GOD wants me to practice not succumbing to sin.
• GOD wants me to pray for daily temptation removal because I would more than likely fall into the sin HE wants me to stay away from.
• GOD wants me to recognize that HE was tempted in every way and understands my predisposal towards sin.

Enormous grace is a gift  GOD has given me. HE sees the sins I easily fall into and lifts me out of each hole. While HE never gets tired of rescuing me, HE still desires that I not fall into the holes in the first place.

HE is excited to cleanse me of all unrighteousness, daily. HE gets more excited when I stay focused at HIS mighty power. GOD wants me to stay focused on HIM so that I will not get weary.

• Are you so focused on your problems that you have taken your eyes off of GOD?
• Do you feel sorry for yourself?
• Will you stop being weary and get filled up with GOD’s grace so you can stay on HIS path HE has for you?

Checking the Limit

Luke 4: ⁹ Then he brought Him to Jerusalem, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down from here. ¹⁰ For it is written:

‘He shall give His angels charge over you,
To keep you,’

¹¹ and,

‘In their hands they shall bear you up,
Lest you dash your foot against a stone.’ ”

¹² And Jesus answered and said to him, “It has been said, ‘You shall not tempt the Lord your God.’ ”

¹³ Now when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from Him until an opportune time.

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“I can make it” I said to myself as I raced to catch a plane. I did not factor in spontaneous excessive traffic and I missed the plane. “I can make it” I said again as the low fuel light glowed for miles. I ran out of gas. “I can make it” I said yet again as I sprinted for the train. When I tripped up the stairs my case opened up and papers flew everywhere. I missed the train.

• There were times when I cut it too close.
• There were times when I did not get what I was chasing after because I missed the cut off.
• There were times when I pushed the limit and wound up in worse shape.

JESUS was tempted to commit suicide by the devil. “Push the limit and have the angels save you IF YOU are GOD’s SON” slyly stated the devil. BUT JESUS knew HIS tricks.

• JESUS says to me “Follow all of MY ways and you will be safe.”
• JESUS says to me “True freedom comes from the truth and I AM the truth.”
• JESUS says to me “You shall not tempt the LORD your GOD.”

Staying away from the boundaries has always been the problem with humanity, especially me. Adam and Eve could not stay away from the tree of knowledge, and I have fallen into known sins. BUT JESUS did not get fooled. HE kept every word of GOD in order to redeem me. HE guides me away from the boundaries of sin to the middle of HIS love.

• Are you busy pushing GOD’s boundaries, trying to see what you can get away with?
• Do you think that just because you can do something that goes against what GOD says, you will get away with it?
• Will you stop pushing the limits of GOD and accept HIS love, grace and mercy for you today?

Wilderness Training

Luke 3: Then Jesus, being filled with the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, ² being tempted for forty days by the devil. And in those days He ate nothing, and afterward, when they had ended, He was hungry.

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“Do you want to hang out with us?” was code for “Let’s go out drinking, dancing and laughing all night.” Yes was my normal answer, but this time a strange word came out of my mouth. “No” I said. One guy would not take “no” for an answer. “There will be lots of honey’s there” he said trying to change my answer. “Hmm, I don’t have anything to do.” I thought to myself.

• There was a time when the purpose of my life was focused on maximizing relaxation.
• There was a time when I pursued as much pleasure as possible.
• There was a time when I spent an enormous amount of time and money on “fun.”

JESUS was led into the wilderness by the HOLY SPIRIT. For forty days HE did not experience pleasure or comfort. HE did not eat so HIS body was weak. At HIS weakest moments the devil tempted HIM, but HE held strong. Each temptation HE denied only made HIM stronger.

• JESUS wants me to bypass temptation little by little in order to get stronger.
• JESUS wants me to purposefully focus on growing in HIM little by little.
• JESUS wants me to follow HIS example knowing I will fail, but try again and again with HIS help.

JESUS had to remain sinless in order to redeem a sinful world. HE does not require me to be sinless, because I cannot redeem mankind. HE does want me to know that the less I sin the more of HIS power can be shown.

HE somehow rewards me when I turn from temptation, but it takes practice in order to do it. HE sees when I fail, but more importantly HE sees when I succeed in passing up the temptation in order to further HIS kingdom. JESUS knows my every weakness and still has total grace for me.

• Do you feel like a failure to GOD?
• Do you feel like you are not being good enough?
• Will you stop trying so hard to be good and allow GOD to transform you little by little at HIS pace to do HIS will?

Already There

Mark 7: ¹⁴ When He had called all the multitude to Himself, He said to them, “Hear Me, everyone, and understand: ¹⁵ There is nothing that enters a man from outside which can defile him; but the things which come out of him, those are the things that defile a man. ¹⁶ If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear!”

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Seeing the new clothes on the mannequin stirred up something inside me that said “I want that.” As I surveyed the handsome garments, a salesperson immediately came over. “You would look great in this” she said to me, batting flirty eyes. “I have to have this!” were my new words.

• Sometimes I think I am tempted by what I see.
• Sometimes I think I am drawn to temptation by what I hear.
• Sometimes I think it is the situation that is holding me down.

“If it weren’t for that, fill in the blank, I would not have fallen into temptation” were my words I would use to justify my actions. JESUS negates my excuses immediately.

• JESUS says to me “Fortify your heart on a daily basis.”
• JESUS says to me “Guard your heart daily before you go out.”
• JESUS says to me “Seek ME and you will find ME daily.”

Some of the temptations I found did not happen by chance; rather it was because I was looking to be tempted. In other words, it was already in my heart before I left the house. GOD wants me to understand my weaknesses and ask HIM to fortify my senses before I go out into the world.

GOD gave me smell, touch, sight, hearing and taste as wonderful, pleasurable sensations that I can use or abuse this day. GOD says “Ask and I will guide you to use your senses to MY glory today.”

• Are you easily tempted?
• Do you think you were tempted by chance or was it already in your heart?
• Can you admit what you easily fall for and ask GOD to handle that for you?
• Will you allow GOD to flow from your heart instead of defilement today?

It is Tempting

Matthew 4: ⁵ Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. ⁶ “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written:

“‘He will command his angels concerning you,
    and they will lift you up in their hands,
    so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’”

⁷ Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’”

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“If YOU are GOD then heal my eyes” was my foolish prayer that was met with silence. The thought I had in my mind was to get a quick miracle so I would then dedicate myself back to GOD. Of course the choice was to keep doing what I wanted to do if GOD did not relent.

• There have been times I have put GOD to the test.
• There have been times I have put an “If” statement in front of GOD’s power.
• There have been times I have reduced GOD’s power to what I could “see”.

Tempting GOD to do my bidding is never a good idea. Forcing HIS hand or threatening HIM is the wrong way to serve the ONE who is trying to help me. When I say “If YOU are GOD…” I am really saying “YOU may not be so much of the GOD that YOU say YOU are.”

• GOD says to me “Do not put the LORD your GOD to the test.”
• GOD says to me “Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of GOD.”
• GOD says to me “Worship the LORD your GOD, and serve HIM only.”

Fortunately for me, GOD knew I was immature and allowed me to rant foolishly. HE gently guided me back to HIS word and had me focus on HIS ways. The tantrum was over and HE allowed me back into HIS family to serve HIM.

One thing I noticed is the devil tried to use GOD’s word against JESUS. HE has been tempted in every way possible. HE empathizes with me and loves me more.

• Are you tempting GOD?
• Do you put false expectations on HIM?
• Will you stop threatening HIM and start serving HIM today?

Because I Don’t Want to Listen

Isaiah 1: ¹⁵ When you spread out your hands in prayer,
    I hide my eyes from you;
even when you offer many prayers,
    I am not listening.

Your hands are full of blood!

¹⁶ Wash and make yourselves clean.
    Take your evil deeds out of my sight;
    stop doing wrong.
¹⁷ Learn to do right; seek justice.
    Defend the oppressed.
Take up the cause of the fatherless;
    plead the case of the widow.

¹⁸ “Come now, let us settle the matter,”
    says the Lord.
“Though your sins are like scarlet,
    they shall be as white as snow;
though they are red as crimson,
    they shall be like wool.
¹⁹ If you are willing and obedient,
    you will eat the good things of the land;
²⁰ but if you resist and rebel,
    you will be devoured by the sword.”
For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.

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“How do you know it is GOD that is speaking to you?” someone asked me. At one point I used to think GOD was speaking to me when a thought would pop into my head or when a situation “I” felt was good would happen. This immature view of GOD lead me down sinful paths with random success.

• There were times when I thought I was listening to GOD but I was listening to myself.
• There were times when I thought GOD was speaking to me and I was really being tempted.
• There were times when I thought just because “it” was said in “church” that “it” must be GOD.

Confused and duped were places I have landed because I sought groups of people who said what I wanted to hear. I went to a church who lusted after money, never once hearing much about salvation through JESUS who is the CHRIST. How can I get out of this confusion? I mean, I don’t like reading.

• GOD said to me “Seek MY face daily” which means I need to communicate with HIM in prayer.
• GOD said to me “Seek MY kingdom” which means I need to actively go out and look for people to bring into HIS house.
• GOD said to me “Seek MY wisdom” which means I had to overcome the barrier of reading HIS word, so take it in small chunks.

After I started truly seeking GOD instead of seeking the stuff I had put in my mind and blamed it on GOD, I started noticing a difference. I noticed fruit. People were opening their hearts to GOD and actively pursuing HIM. I also noticed I was doing more and more things I did not want to do. I was giving more and reading more and praying more.

My temper had to be doused and my graciousness had to grow. I had to get rid of fear of humans and instill the fear of GOD. Most of all I had to listen to HIM!

• Are you turning your ears away from GOD?
• Have you placed something in the way of you being able to listen to HIM?
• Are you listening to yourself and blaming it on GOD?
• Can you turn from your ways and start seeking HIM today?

Just say “No!”

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

¹³ while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, ¹⁴ who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.

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Rain delayed the busses and everyone, including me, piled on the first bus that appeared. Standing room only forced us to be pushed to the seedier area of the bus where “that” guy felt compelled to light up his “homegrown” cigarette at six O’clock in the morning. He peered at me with a grin and asked “Want some?” That was an easy “NO!”

Later that day some of my friends said they were going to a party that night. I said I probably wouldn’t be allowed to go and they suggested that I sneak out. “Hmm, that’s not a bad idea” I thought to myself. The problem was I couldn’t come up with a good lie, our house was too small and my parents seemed to be awake at crazy hours. “How are you getting out of your house?” I asked.

• The world will always offer me something that seems “better” than GOD.
• The world will always want me to jump in on activities that are against GOD.
• The world will always invite me to join in activities that don’t please GOD but since “everyone” else is doing it maybe HE won’t mind.

The HOLY SPIRIT was place inside anyone who believes that JESUS (GOD) voluntarily allowed HIMSELF to be murdered by HIS own creation and is now living. The HOLY SPIRIT teaches me to say “NO” to the temptations of the world and HE comforts me “when” I decide to fall.

Little by little HE teaches me to take baby steps toward HIM and every time I fall, HE is right there to pick me up. CHRIST did the heavy lifting by removing eternal death from me. All I have to do is accept HIS gift and be purified. I can now take my baby steps toward HIM.

• Are you tempted to do something you know is wrong?
• Are you avoiding GOD so you can keep doing what you are doing?
• Can you turn toward HIM just a little today?
• Won’t you say “No” to that temptation and know that if you fall HE is there to pick you up?