WHO CONTROLS US?

As Christians, we are no longer controlled by our old sinful
human natures. This is the part of us that seems to gravitate
to things forbidden, things that feel good, things that bring
pleasure. God never intended for His children to live lives
devoid of good feelings and pleasure. He does intend for us
to hand over our own control of our human nature and to
take on His nature. It is a much different life than living by
human desires and pleasure. Living in the nature of God
brings such life, treasures and riches, the things of this world
grow very pale and unattractive in comparison.


Heavenly Father, we ask that You help us to take on Your
nature so that we will not fall into the selfish ways of the
world. We thank You that You have given us access to Your
nature and praise You for the blessings we receive as we
take Your nature as our own. In Jesus' name.


Read Romans 7:5


"For when we were controlled by the sinful nature, the sinful
passions aroused by the law were at work in our bodies, so
that we bore fruit for death." (NIV)


"For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which
were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit
unto death." (KJV)


     

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COMPROMISE

Living in an immoral world is difficult. Living in a world
that is full of seemingly harmless departures from the
truth is dangerous. We cannot compromise with the
values and beliefs of the world. Compromising with
the world may keep us from being ridiculed and
persecuted, but it will cause us to lose our testimony
and to be unfaithful to the Lord.


Heavenly Father, oh how we know that this world is
full of things that would make it appear all right for
us to follow. We pray that you would give us that
spirit of discernment so that we can keep from
compromising with this world and stay pure as your
children. In Jesus' name.


Read Revelation 2: 20


"Nevertheless, I have this against you: You tolerate
that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess..."
 (NIV)


"Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee,
because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which
calleth herself a prophetess..." (KJV)


     

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DON'T GET TRICKED

Deception is something we feel happens to other people.
The truth is, deceit is so subtle and inconspicuous, that
even the most learned and spiritual of men can fall into
deception. We are commanded to watch out! Be alert!
Wake up! Deception can come through people or situations
we would never have imagined. There is no place in this
life where deceit does not lie waiting to catch some
unsuspecting soul in its' trap. So let's pray that we are
alert and watchful so we do not get deceived.


Heavenly Father, we thank You for giving us all we need to
keep ourselves from being deceived. We know You have made
it our responsibility to put on the whole armor and to be alert
to the trickery of Satan. Help us by Your Spirit, to be aware
of deception and to expose it for what it is. In Jesus' name.


Read Matthew 24:4


"Jesus answered, 'Watch out that no one deceives you." (NIV)


"And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no
man deceive you." (KJV)


     

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CURE FOR ANXIETY

We have most likely all experienced anxiety at some level
during our walk on this earth. Some people suffer terribly
from this very uncomfortable state of being. Whether it is
something that is a current situation or whether it is a
persistent condition from which we suffer, there is a
sure and guaranteed remedy for anxiety. The remedy is
allowing God to comfort, support, and encourage us. He
will do this in many ways, often times unique to each of us.
God always stands by with compassion to console us and
give us peace and hope. We can reach out to Him now and
let His loving Spirit take away the anxiety and worry and
replace it with His peace and joy.


Heavenly Father, so often we get tangled up in our worries
and anxieties and we forget to just call on You. Please help
us to always turn to You in these times of anxiety. We praise
You for your comfort, peace, and perfect joy. In Jesus' name.


Read Psalm 94:19


"When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought
joy to my soul." (NIV)


"In the multitude of my thoughts within me thy comforts
delight my soul." KJV)


     

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PRAY

No matter how well we have put on the armor, we will be
defeated without prayer. Praying without ceasing is like
leaving your phone off the hook, the connection is always
there. Our prayers should include praise, thanksgiving,
praying for others, seeking guidance, and for our needs.
We pray to the Father, through the Son, and in the Holy
Spirit (from our heart, not mindless repetition). Prayer
enables us to stay alert because the evil one finds the
tiniest opportunity to get to us. Never stop praying.


Heavenly Father, we ask forgiveness for being too busy in
our lives to keep the line of communication open to you.
Help us we pray, to always remain in the spirit of prayer
so that we can hear your voice and we will be always
ready to let you work through us. In Jesus' name.


Read Ephesians 6:18


"And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of
prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and
always keep on praying for all the saints." (NIV)


"Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the
Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance
and supplication for all saints." (KJV)


     

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A WAY OUT

None of us are are exempt from temptation. The good
news is: We will never be in a situation of temptation
where we have no alternative but to give in to the sin.
God has guaranteed us a way out so that we don't have
to sin. We still have the free will to go ahead and let the
temptation overtake us. That makes us totally responsible
for our decision. We can't blame anyone but ourselves if we
sin.


Heavenly Father, we are so aware of the subtlety of sin and
how easy it is to fall into its' trap. We ask that you help us
to stay alert and stand firm so that we will take the way out
you provide for us, so that we won't sin against you. In Jesus'
name.


Read 1 Corinthians 10:13


"No temptation has seized you except what is common to
man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted
beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he
will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it."
(NIV)


"There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common
to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be
tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation
also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it."
(KJV)


     

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WHO IS OUR ENEMY

A spiritual battle is raging. Whether we choose to believe
it or not, we are a part of this battle. It is a battle for our
souls and destruction of the Church. The enemy in this battle
is Satan, whose most dangerous and cunning feature is that
he is unseen. He works without rest to direct his legions of
fallen angels to assist in his mission. His mode of operation
is to appeal to our senses, distort our thoughts, and use
circumstances to deceive us. He will ceaselessly get us to
doubt God and His Word. God has given us everything we
need to fight this battle to victory. It is His armor, and we
must wear it at all times.


Heavenly Father, our flesh and our natural senses cause us to
be weak and vulnerable to the tricks of Satan. Forgive us for
not being equipped with your armor because we are
complacent or we aren't aware of the seriousness of our
situation. Help us to put on your full armor so that we can
stand ready to fight this enemy every moment. In Jesus'
name.


Read Ephesians 6:12,13


"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against
the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this
dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the
heavenly realms. Therefore, put on the full armor of God,
so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to
stand your ground, and after you have done everything,
to stand." (NIV)


"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against
principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the
darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in
high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole
Armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the
evil day, and having done all, to stand." (KJV)


     

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