Prepare In Advance
"Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not..." Daniel 1:8 NKJV
Are you continuing to do things you don't want to do and indulge in thoughts that lead you astray? Are you being constantly overcome by the same old temptations? Here is the bad news: The new birth doesn't go away with your old nature; it actually intensifies the struggle between your flesh and your spirit. Here is the good news: You can live victoriously! How? (1) Through prayer. Jesus told His disciples, "Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak" (Matthew 26:41). If you're tired of praying for forgiveness after you have failed, start praying before the temptation comes. You can't stop temptation from coming your way, but you can prepare yourself in advance to overcome it. And if you need help, call in reinforcements. Find someone who knows how to stand with you in prayer. The Bible says, "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor" (Ecclesiastes 4:9 NKJV). (2) By making up your mind. "But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself." The way to subdue your impulses is by activating your will--in advance. When you do that, God empowers you by His Spirit. Where did Daniel's strength of purpose come from? God. He prayed three times every day (See Daniel 6:10) Don't set yourself up for failure; keep yourself out of harm's way. When Potiphar's wife tried to seduce Joseph, he "fled and ran outside" (Genesis 39:12 NKJV). Both Joseph and Daniel had prayed and made up their mind what they would do before temptation came knocking. You must do that too.
This message taken from: Daily Devotional - The Word For You Today
Are you continuing to do things you don't want to do and indulge in thoughts that lead you astray? Are you being constantly overcome by the same old temptations? Here is the bad news: The new birth doesn't go away with your old nature; it actually intensifies the struggle between your flesh and your spirit. Here is the good news: You can live victoriously! How? (1) Through prayer. Jesus told His disciples, "Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak" (Matthew 26:41). If you're tired of praying for forgiveness after you have failed, start praying before the temptation comes. You can't stop temptation from coming your way, but you can prepare yourself in advance to overcome it. And if you need help, call in reinforcements. Find someone who knows how to stand with you in prayer. The Bible says, "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor" (Ecclesiastes 4:9 NKJV). (2) By making up your mind. "But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself." The way to subdue your impulses is by activating your will--in advance. When you do that, God empowers you by His Spirit. Where did Daniel's strength of purpose come from? God. He prayed three times every day (See Daniel 6:10) Don't set yourself up for failure; keep yourself out of harm's way. When Potiphar's wife tried to seduce Joseph, he "fled and ran outside" (Genesis 39:12 NKJV). Both Joseph and Daniel had prayed and made up their mind what they would do before temptation came knocking. You must do that too.
This message taken from: Daily Devotional - The Word For You Today
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Enjoy Each Day Of This New Year (1)Enjoy Each Day Of This New Year (2)This Year Think "Possible" (1)This Year Think "Possible" (2)This Year Think "Possible" (3)Let God Lead YouGod Is Your ProviderYour Overflowing Cup Of BlessingSteps To Overcoming Your WorriesFocus On Your God-Given VisionThe Story Of Your BibleHow God Leads UsHow Jesus Dealt With SinAre You Joy-Deprived?It's Time To Pray (1)It's Time To Pray (2)Faith That Brings ResultsBe Faithful To God At WorkWhen Your Best Isn't Good EnoughToday, Give Your Problem To GodSteps To Forgiveness (1)Steps To Forgiveness (2)The Joys Of Heaven (1)The Joys Of Heaven (2)The Joys Of Heaven (3)Learn To Control Your AngerSeek God For DirectionTry A Power NapGo To The Right SourceHow God Sees YouYou Have To "Walk Out" The Process
February
Guard These Three Areas of VulnerabilitySimplify Your LifeOnward and UpwardYou Need Each Other (1)You Need Each Other (2)You Need Each Other (3)Showing Grace Toward Those Who Differ With YouAre You Having a Nighttime Experience?A Heart Filled With GoodnessChrist's Love for YouGive God All the GloryYou're a ReflectorYou Must Care for the Needy (1)You Must Care for the Needy (2)You Must Care for the Needy (3)Don't Give Up on Your SaulRecovering From BurnoutSetting Captives Free (1)Setting Captives Free (2)He Will Do It AgainBeware of Self-PityToday, Choose the Right AttitudeBuild a Relationship with Your Children"Servants" for LifeChange Your ExpectationsStart Memorizing ScripturesChrist is Coming Again!Friendship
March
Experiencing God's Presence And PleasureDon't Wait; Enjoy Your Life NowMoney Matters In MarriageUse Your God-Given CreativityA Prayer Of ForgivenessWhen God Sends You An Angel (1)When God Sends You An Angel (2)When God Sends You An Angel (3)When God Sends You An Angel (4)A Prayer For Financial ContentmentA Prayer Of Commitment To GodHaving A Vision For Your LifeChange Your Thinking, Change Your Life (1)Change Your Thinking, Change Your Life (2)Change Your Thinking, Change Your Life (3)Does It Glorify God?Lessons From A Broken HeartWhat You Must give UpYou Need OthersRebuilding Your Marriage (1)Rebuilding Your Marriage (2)Rebuilding Your Marriage (3)Rebuilding Your Marriage (4)Through Christ, You Can Do ItDepend More On GodStart Saying, "I Can"Refuse To Live In Fear (1)Refuse To Live In Fear (2)Refuse To Live In Fear (3)Refuse To Live In Fear (4)Prepare In Advance
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