1. Listen without interrupting. (Proverbs 18)
2. Speak without accusing. (James 1:19)
3. Give without sparing. (Proverbs 21:26)
4. Pray without ceasing. (Colossians 1:9)
5. Answer without arguing. (Proverbs 17:1)
6. Share without pretending. (Ephesians 4:15)
7. Enjoy without complaint. (Philippians 2:14)
8. Trust without wavering. (Corinthians 13:7)
9. Forgive without punishing. (Colossians 3:13)
10. Promise without forgetting. (Proverbs 13:12)
Friday, February 18, 2011
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Defeating Temptation
Oh poo. I've been slacking again.... Anyways its my second post and I read chapter 27 today. This chapter talked about defeating temptation. Run from anything that gives you the evil thoughts...but stay close to anything that makes you want to do right. 2Timothy 2:22. Especially since I'm getting older and reaching an age where its easy to fall into temptation, I must try to resist the Devil and defeat temptation. It is impossible to not be tempted at all, but myself as well as the rest of the teens must learn how to stick to God and not let temptation overpower us. God will be with us and help us not permit any temptation that we can't overcome, however, there are four biblical keys that we must practice to defeat temptation.
1. Refocus your attention on something else.
~ Rick Warren says how it is not possible to resist a thought. By trying to resist on thinking of a bad thing, it will only intensify our focus on the wrong thing and strengthen its allure. Therefore, instead of resisting a thought it is better to refocus your attention to something else. We must not let temptation capture our attention, because it will arouse our emotions. However, if we ignore a temptation, it is more effective than fighting it. The best way to defeat temptation is to keep our ming occupied with God's word and other good thoughts.
2. Reveal your struggle to a godly friend or support group.
~ We must have accountability partners to be there for us and keep us on track. Warren says that if we are losing the battle against a persistent bad habit, an addiction, or a temptation, and you're stuck in a repeating cycle of a good intention-failure-guilt, you will not get better on your own, but with the help of others. I have an accountability who at the same time is my best friend. We talk about all our problems and when I get tempted or do something wrong, I have my friend to be there for me and to help me get back on track. With accountability partners, you can pray, have fun, and just always be there for each other so you are not left alone to deal with your problems.
3. Resist the Devil.
~ We must accept God's salvation. Without Christ we are defenseless against the Devil, but with the helmet of salvation our minds are protected by God. If we are believers, Satan cannot force us to anything; he can only suggest. We must use the word of God as a weapon against Satan and stay strong.
4. Realize your vulnerability.
~ We must not be cocky and overconfident. We must never let down our guard, because in fact we are very vulnerable and the more confident we become, the easier it will become for Satan to tempt us.
With these four biblical keys, it will be easier to defeat temptation and walk with God. Especially since it is my senior year, one of the instances where I get very tempted is when i want to just stay home and not go to school. Being a second semester senior is so fun and relaxing, but at the same time, I shall not be tempted but still finish what I have to. I can still ave fun, but I must also think about God and do what he would want me to.
1. Refocus your attention on something else.
~ Rick Warren says how it is not possible to resist a thought. By trying to resist on thinking of a bad thing, it will only intensify our focus on the wrong thing and strengthen its allure. Therefore, instead of resisting a thought it is better to refocus your attention to something else. We must not let temptation capture our attention, because it will arouse our emotions. However, if we ignore a temptation, it is more effective than fighting it. The best way to defeat temptation is to keep our ming occupied with God's word and other good thoughts.
2. Reveal your struggle to a godly friend or support group.
~ We must have accountability partners to be there for us and keep us on track. Warren says that if we are losing the battle against a persistent bad habit, an addiction, or a temptation, and you're stuck in a repeating cycle of a good intention-failure-guilt, you will not get better on your own, but with the help of others. I have an accountability who at the same time is my best friend. We talk about all our problems and when I get tempted or do something wrong, I have my friend to be there for me and to help me get back on track. With accountability partners, you can pray, have fun, and just always be there for each other so you are not left alone to deal with your problems.
3. Resist the Devil.
~ We must accept God's salvation. Without Christ we are defenseless against the Devil, but with the helmet of salvation our minds are protected by God. If we are believers, Satan cannot force us to anything; he can only suggest. We must use the word of God as a weapon against Satan and stay strong.
4. Realize your vulnerability.
~ We must not be cocky and overconfident. We must never let down our guard, because in fact we are very vulnerable and the more confident we become, the easier it will become for Satan to tempt us.
With these four biblical keys, it will be easier to defeat temptation and walk with God. Especially since it is my senior year, one of the instances where I get very tempted is when i want to just stay home and not go to school. Being a second semester senior is so fun and relaxing, but at the same time, I shall not be tempted but still finish what I have to. I can still ave fun, but I must also think about God and do what he would want me to.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
First Post: What Matters Most
It's late, but I'm finally writing my blog! (: Okay well I didn't really want to post comments on the blog and I'd rather just write on my own blog so I hope thats okay. Well I've been slacking with the reading but I finally caught up and I really enjoy the book. I think that this book is what I needed because it's helping me rethink a lot about my life and the purpose of me being here today. Honestly, there are many times when I question why I'm here and what God has planned for me and by reading this book I'm able to find my answers.
Well, I'm on day 16 which focused on what matters most. The chapter begins with a verse in the bible from 2 John 1:6 that says "Love means living the way God commanded us to live. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is this: Live a life of love." Basically it talks about how life is all about love and how we should love others. This relates to my life because as I said for my prayer request this month I want to be able to love others more and have patience with everything. Besides loving God with all our hearts we should also love our neighbors as ourselves. Life without love would be worthless so throughout whatever circumstances there may be, I will try to give love to others. As of now, there a lot of things going on in my life that make it hard for me to love certain people, but I'm trying my best to love them.
Well, I'm on day 16 which focused on what matters most. The chapter begins with a verse in the bible from 2 John 1:6 that says "Love means living the way God commanded us to live. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is this: Live a life of love." Basically it talks about how life is all about love and how we should love others. This relates to my life because as I said for my prayer request this month I want to be able to love others more and have patience with everything. Besides loving God with all our hearts we should also love our neighbors as ourselves. Life without love would be worthless so throughout whatever circumstances there may be, I will try to give love to others. As of now, there a lot of things going on in my life that make it hard for me to love certain people, but I'm trying my best to love them.
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