Day 26 4/10/2015: What's on earth am I here for?

THE PRAYER OF DELIVERANCE

Rick Warren

PONDER:

Every temptation is an opportunity to do good.

VERSE TO REMEMBER:

“God blesses the people who patiently endure testing. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” 
JAMES 1:12 (NLT)

QUESTION TO CONSIDER:

What Christlike character quality can I develop by defeating the most common temptation I face?

           

"And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil."Matt. 6:13

       

"The temptations that come into your life are no different from what others experience.  And God is faithful.  He will keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can't stand up against it.  When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you will not give in to it."1 Cor. 10:13 (NLT)

 

1.  Identify what's make me vulnerable.

"Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.  The spirit is willing, but the body is weak."Matt. 26:41 (NIV)

When am I most tempted? 





Where am I most tempted?

 Who is with me when I'm most tempted What temporary benefit do I get if I give in? "There is pleasure in sin for a short time."   Heb. 10:25 How do I feel right before I'm tempted?

2.  Plan to avoid that.

"Plan carefully what you do...  Avoid evil and walk straight ahead.  Don't go one step off the right way."Prov. 4:26-27 (TEV)

3.   I must guard my heart.

"Above all else, guard your heart, for it affects everything you do."Prov. 4:23 (NLT) 

Does A or B describe you?

1. Physically exhausted
2. Energetic & in shape

1. Discouraged or pessimistic
2. Encouraged & hopeful

1. Bored & discontented
2. Challenged & contented

1. Spiritually dry or empty
2. Spiritually alive & growing

1. Alone or distant from others
2. Close to those you love

1. Insecure or unsure
2. Confident & secure

1. Wounded or deeply hurt
2. Loved & understood

1. Bitter or angry
2. Forgiven everyone

1. Sad
2. Happy

1. Like you've failed
2. Successful

TOTAL B's:   

 

 

"Do not give the devil a foothold."Eph. 4:27 (NIV)

4.  Pray for deliverance 

1 word "HELP"

"Call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me."Psalm 50:15 (NIV)

"(Jesus) understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same temptations we do, yet he did not sin.  So let us come boldly to … our gracious God.  There we will receive his mercy, and grace to help us when we need it."                                                                       Heb. 4:15-16 (NLT)

5.  I turn my attention else where.

Don't resist, just refocus. 

"Thinking about your commands will keep me from doing some foolish things."Psalm 119:6 (CEV)

"…We capture every thought… and make it obey Christ."2 Cor. 10:5 (NCV)

The more I fight it, the more controls me.

Principle of replacement.

"Don't let evil conquer you, but conquer evil with good."Rom. 12:21 (GW)

6.   Get a group or a partner.

"Two are better than one, because together...if one falls down, the other can help him up.  But if someone is alone and falls...there's no one to help him."Eccl. 4:9-10 (GN)

      "Brothers and sisters, if someone in your group does something wrong, you who are spiritual should go to that person and gently help make him right again.  But be careful, because you can be tempted to sin, too.  By helping each other with your troubles, you truly obey the law of Christ."Gal. 6:1-2 (NCV)

      "My dear friends, if you know people who have wandered off from God's truth, don't write them off.  Go after them.  Get them back and you will have rescued precious lives…!"James 5:19-20 (Mes)