THE BEST SPIRITUAL WAY TO FIGHT TEMPTATION

[Gordon 7]

To quit, every day we need “Foundations” that we can depend on. #1 Daily Bible-study. #2 Preparation with prayers. #3 A time and a place to study at this site for 20 minutes or longer.

Second, Geno Smith is an NFL player who was drafted by the New York Jets. In game after game, for season after season, he was told: “You can't do it.” When the Jets dumped him, that was a loud, “You can't do it.”

In year 7 of his career (After being dumped by 3 teams), Geno was signed by the Seattle Seahawks. Now he was being trained by the great head coach Pete Carroll. Day after day, week after week, Pete showed Geno what to do. But the bigger point is... Geno never gave up. Geno kept working, he kept believing. Day after day he worked on the foundational, fundamentals of being a winning quarterback.

Then in 2022, Geno became Seattle's starting quarterback. He won his first game and he kept on winning. Pete and Geno had turned Seattle's fortunes from bad to good. Now they were winning and they are still winning.

Third, I gave 3 foundational ideas. We need a bunch of these foundational habits to quit for good. Today, consider making these 3 ideas into habits, plus think about two other foundational habits that you vitally need.

Geno figured out what foundational habits he needed. He fully believed he could do it, and he put in the work. Today Geno is a star playing for the Seattle Seahawks.

 

[Gordon 7]

Romans 8:26 ESV “Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.”
Who will be heard? One who prays a good prayer five times a day with no emotion, or someone who is so distraught about their sin, that they can't say anything for ten minutes while praying?

Second, if you pray, “Father, help me to turn from lust,” five times per day, you can be sincere with a complete desire to change every time. With both methods, an attitude of repentance is needed.

Matthew 26:41 ESV “Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
Pray before you turn on the TV. Pray before you go out where temptation may be. Watch, pray, have a plan to fight back, and be prepared.

Romans 12:12 ESV Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.

Consider praying:

“You are a great and mighty God, help me to fight this lust.”

“Father, help me to turn from sin, Your kingdom is coming soon.”

“Father, keep me from evil. Help me to run from evil.”

“Father, keep me from temptation. Help me to avoid temptation.”

I love prayers where we ask for God's help, plus, we commit to going to war against lust as well. Each prayer includes an action phrase for us: “Fight this lust, turn from sin, run from evil, and avoid temptation. If we include our specific desire to change in our prayer, then, are we praying in truth?

Psalm 145:18 ESV The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.

The nearer the Lord is to us... the faster we will make progress.

For the full article click.

 

[Gordon 7]

2 Timothy 2:22 Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

Some have 200 lustful thoughts per day. The best way to get rid of these thoughts is by first thinking new thoughts. The Bible says to follow righteousness and to be righteous. Consider praying:

“Father, teach me how to think right.”

Righteousness is pursuing the character of Christ. Jesus always prayed. Always be prepared to pray. Take prayers with you everywhere on 3 by 5 cards, or on a printout. At some point, you will have a bunch of them memorized.

Righteousness is desiring living right over fleshly indulgence. Study blessings, and do what it takes to get them. Living right is “knowing” that short-term pleasure with added destruction is never worth it. That thinking long-term (God's way) starts to lead to joy. Consider praying:

“Father, show me what living in Your continual presence would be like.”

Tip: The more we live in it, the more joy we start to have.

“Joy does not simply happen to us. We have to choose joy and keep choosing it every day.”
― Henri J.M. Nouwen

Second, if you have 200 lustful thoughts per day, 90% of them may be from satan. When you fight back every time with prayer, or especially with scripture, how discouraged will he be? Answer, quite a bit. If you fight back every time you might be shocked that sometimes those thoughts drop to only 10-20 per day. That is just a start, but it is progress.

Proverbs 10:2 Treasures of wickedness profit nothing: but righteousness delivereth from death.

It is easy to see death in an Oxy overdose. It is easy to see something starting to die when a person drinks around the clock. It is easy to see something partially dying when a gambler gambles every penny and begins to ruin every relationship.

But it is harder to see it when it is me. I am an expert at ignoring the destruction I cause myself. I do everything to convince others it is not happening. Consider praying:

“Father, show me exactly what my consequences are.”

“Father, help me to flee my lusts, and help me to pursue righteousness.”

It is hard to think about pursuing righteousness too often. Consider praying this often and pursue it hourly. It will light up your life.

For the full article click.

 

[Gordon 7]

Many prayers are somewhat helpful for quitting. But consider a huge focus on a prayer that has great power to overcome. Consider praying:

“Father, help me to turn from lust, and help me to care about souls.”

Background: When we are young we try to accumulate stuff, money, success, etc. But, when people are old they start to give away stuff, cut back on stuff, and make their life more simple. As they age they start to realize, that nothing matters but doing God's will. All of the rest is just blowing of the wind.

Second, lust leads to emptiness, helping people leads to satisfaction and treasures in heaven. Today, consider writing down the 5 things that lust leads to, that you hate the most.

Third, I will write down 5 things about going to war with sin and doing God's will (helping others) that I like the most. #1 It feels good when someone says thank you. Since... now they have a bit of hope and direction. #2 I like not having destruction in my life all the time. #3 I like that I am starting to be blessed. #4 I like that I have a purpose for my life. #5 I like that I am starting to have joy for the first time in my life.

Fourth, I prayed a prayer similar to the above one thousands of times before I made real progress. I chased the wind and then chased it some more. Learn from my stupidity. Dig into scripture, dig into prayers like this one. Stop chasing the wind, and start focusing on what God wants you to do.

For the full article click.

 

[Gordon 7]

Never just turn on the TV with an open mind. Bad things will fill it. Instead have a prayer or two to pray while you start watching. It is also sometimes important to pause and acknowledge God before you pray.

Yesterday, I turned on the TV and rattled off a few prayers. I did it so quickly, and sloppily that it became obvious that I was not praying correctly. We know the Bible says not to pray a prayer repeatedly as the heathen does. What does that mean? Can we not pray to “Turn from lust,” 33 times per day? Of course, we can. But, if we mumble it quickly with no thought, sincerity, and reverence, we are not going to make any progress. Yesterday, I started praying while I turned on the TV with no thought of reverence or repentance. Once I realized my mistake, I stopped the program, slowed down, and prayed with repentance, and proper reverence.

Second, why do this? Some people think they can put on an old Showtime high-risk show without any thought. They think satan doesn't have his bag of tricks on display all over the show. They think they can sit for an hour, and watch everything he has to offer, and then have a great life.

Third, what if you do watch that high-risk junk? You can get some pleasure, but your increase in pleasure was very short-term. It often quickly led to frustration, darkness, anger, fear, depression, and a host of other problems.

When I choose a clean program I may not think that I am having as much fun as you for that hour. But those thoughts are in error because I avoid bad emotions, emptiness, and the rotten feeling that God is a million miles away. Then over a full day, week, and month, I have purpose, love, peace, and joy.

The truth is... watching TV while maintaining a correct relationship with Jesus is the most entertaining way to watch TV. Why? Because, once we choose sinful, short-term thrills, we can't really enjoy any TV shows anymore. They all start to stink because we have lost our peace.

Don't let high-risk TV ruin your life. Find clean options then think, pray, plan, and be ready to run to scripture if it suddenly overwhelms you.

For the full article click.

 

[Gordon 7]

Today's post includes harsh verses. Please stop here if that is not what you want.

A daily reboot involves both daily repentance as well as a focus on instant repentance. Sometimes we go to work, school, or out... and we lose some control, leading to sin. When any sin rears its ugly head, instantly repent. This is important because one sin leads to another. If we don't practice rapid repentance for other sins when they happen, the temptation will rise when we are in a place where lust can flare up.

Second, what about falling back into P. The Bible says: Matthew 3:8 Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance.”

To bear fruits means to do specific things that will help you quit. A daily dedication to learning 2 or 3 habits to help you quit is an example of fruits of repentance. Things like turning from lust, getting the scripture in us, and praying about bad emotions.

Third, Jesus tells us the urgency we need to have to quit for good.

Matthew 5:29 If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be thrown into hell.”

Impact Video Ministries noted: “Extreme measure should be used to cut habitual sin out of our lives. Even if it causes extreme discomfort and inconvenience.”

Some may find my 21-day program for quitting difficult and extreme. But if you memorize the above verse you might come to the conclusion that extreme measures are exactly what Jesus recommends.

Increase your commitment to quitting. It is the smartest thing you can do.

For the full article click.

 

[Gordon 7]

When the Lord's prayer says: “Hallowed be Thy Name, it has a number of meanings. When I was young I thought, “There is this far-away God who made up a bunch of rules for us.” But God's commands are not arbitrary at all. He knows exactly what is best for us. When He tells us not to look with lust, it is the smartest thing in the world to realize that our life is better if we stop lusting. So when you say great is Thy Name, consider adding: “Father, You are right, lust messes me up. You are right, lust causes destruction, You are right, sin leads to darkness, and darkness leads to depression. You are right, lust kills my joy, kills my purpose, and it starts to kill everything else that is fun when I focus on lust incessantly. Your laws are wise and perfect for me. God knows exactly how I should act so that I can live a great life.

Second, since lust leads to fear, anger, and other negative emotions, consider becoming obsessed with planning to fight lust for a block of time every day. What time will you block off for this fight? How long will you commit to the fight every day?

Third, some don't quite believe the long lists of the negatives of lust that I write about constantly. If that is you, consider copying and pasting all the negative things that you read, that are a result of habitual lust, into a Google doc or Word file. Then study that list over the course of the year to see if your consequences are similar to mine.

Or... you could consider printing out the above-underlined paragraph. God knows exactly how mixed up I am. But when I humbly tell Him that He is right, wise, great, and correct about lust, He will very likely start to lead me into greater wisdom concerning my folly.

Finally, telling God how “right” He is about lust is a great way of emphasizing the words “Hallowed be Thy Name.” It can be a habit that helps you break “The habit.”

For the complete article click.

 

[Gordon 7]

When you are presented with a lust opportunity, be ready to acknowledge the seriousness of the sin. We can downplay its deadliness by thinking, it's not murder, it's not adultery. Oops, Jesus said it is adultery. And with David, lust led to him being a murderer. So why does God make lust into this big deal? #1 It corrupts the mind, twisting and warping it. #2 It keeps us from our full purpose. #3 It starts to form a bigger and bigger gap between us and God. #4 It starts to kill our ability to love. #5 If we sow lust we will reap destruction. #6 It is a sin against God. (Psalms 51). #7 Since it does not satisfy, we need more and more. And the more we look, the emptier we get. #8 Lust keeps us from the glory of God. If I am dead in my lust, why would anyone want to be a Christian like me?

When tempted consider reviewing this list. Then write your own list. It will help you see reality, and it is a smart step toward “being ready.”

For the full article click.

 

[Gordon 7]

This post is about praying without ceasing. If that is not for you, consider clicking on the link at the bottom to take you to the article "Falling before a fall."

The Bible says to pray without ceasing. Today, consider whether that is something you would like to start doing. The first benefit of this is you begin to focus your mind on something good. Which starts to keep one from constant bad thoughts. Consider praying:

“Father, help me to turn from lust and teach me how to help others.”

Today I realized that my lack of prayer was leading to negative thinking and critical thinking. That was my signal to pray: “Father, help me to care about people's souls,” a lot more. That then led me to pray: “Father, fill me with Your strength,” because today is very busy... how can I find the strength to help the last few groups that I write for when I have time? That then led to my reading my printout of verses about strength.

When you try to pray without ceasing, you are not trying to find sophisticated words that can be written down for eternity. Instead, you are stating your availability to walk and talk with God like Adam and Eve did in the garden. Obviously, it is unlikely to be a running verbal conversation. Instead, as I restate my interest in being available to do His will, He may start to give me some direction.

Here are ideas for praying without ceasing:

Constantly praising God

Praying often to be filled with love.

Praying to get the lust and sin out.

Praying that the Lord will send out workers for the harvest.

Praying to be filled with joy.

Praying for wisdom.

Praying for humility

Praying for peace.

Praying for longsuffering, and toughness.

Praying for Gentleness.

Praying for Goodness.

Praying for meekness.

Finally, simply ask God to teach you how to pray. Then keep trying to pray.

It is hard to "Fall before a fall" when we pray without ceasing. The more we think about and do other things, the less time we have available for lust.

Falling Before a Fall

Yesterday I attended my daughter's high school volleyball tournament. At this event maybe half of the men there certainly were staring incessantly at...

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[Gordon 7]

Here are quotes from Pastor Steve Gaines:

“Galatians 6:8 For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.”

If you sow to the flesh you will reap corruption and destruction.

Proverbs 26:11 As a dog returns to his own vomit, So a fool repeats his folly.”

I researched why dogs eat their vomit. They eat it because they like it. And we repeat our sins for the same reason, because we like our sin, as much as a dog likes their vomit.

Samson

Samson was in a godly position, but he was guilty of repetitive sin. He was like a dog who returned to his vomit. He was a fool who repeated his folly. What can we learn from him? #1 When you repeat your folly, you revel in sin.

Samson had great strength which came from the Holy Spirit. He once killed 1000 enemies with the jaw bone of a donkey. He was strong physically, and yet he had a weakness for women. He was immoral, and he reveled in his sin. He thought that he was getting away with it all. Please be aware... nobody ever gets away with any sin, nobody.

Many families struggle with similar habitual sins. But we need to stop that and say, “I'm going to break the chains, Im going to be the one where it stops. It's not passing on to my children.

Galatians 6:7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. 8 For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.”

Lust = corruption and destruction. Even though they know the consequences are bad, they commit the same sin again and again. They revel in their sin. #2 If you revel in your sin you will almost always repeat your sin.

What are the wages of lust?

You forfeit God's gifts.

Samson sinned with Delilah, and finally, after repeated sin, he told her the secret to his strength. As a Nazarite, he was committed to God and he could not cut his hair. He told his arch-enemy his secret. She cut his hair and his strength was gone. His sins led to him losing the gift that God had given him.

Then you lose God's anointing.

When the enemy came to get him, he rose up to fight them off. Judges 16:20 But he did not know that the Lord had departed from him.” Now he became weak like a normal man. He had lost the anointing of God for a few moments of lust. A bad deal.

The consequences.

Samson went outside of the boundaries of the Holy Land to sin with Delilah. At first, God was patient with him, giving him a chance to repent. But the devil had lulled him to sleep with his sin. And his problem was, he mistook God's patience for God's tolerance. Samson was seized and they gouged out his eyes. Note: Some sins cause damage that can't be corrected. It can be forgiven, but it can't be corrected.

If you get to heaven, look up Samson. Ask him, was Delilah worth it?

To get out of it.

A wise person renounces and repents of their sin, they refuse to be a fool who repeats their folly. Get mad and pray about hating your sin. Then wage war on your sin. Then pray and fast. Then turn from sin and turn to God."

The full video is great.

 

[Gordon 7]

In the South, wild hogs eat and wreck everything. So, farmers and landowners are always trying to trap them, just like satan is always trying to trap us. The farmers set giant metal cages on their property. Then they put food inside them so that someday they will slam the door shut and get about 18 of them.

The traps are set up and the young hogs run right into the trap because inside of the trap is something they (think they) want. There is food everywhere on the farm, but the food they want is inside the trap.

Satan sets his trap for us. We have a dozen clean pleasures available, but he puts exactly what we want inside the cage. We are not sure it is a trap. It is very beautiful and exciting looking. All we have to do is look, click, or even just think “his way” for a while.

Often the older hogs hesitate to go into the cage. They are one of the smartest animals. But... some of them stare at the easy food inside. They walk up to it to see if it is really what they want. When you watch them you can tell that they know it might be a trap. It might be someone trying to kill them.

A few of the hogs just never go in the cage. They don't stare at it, or walk up to it. They turn from it and find other food.

After about 10 days of free food, the farmer starts watching the trap. They wait until 14-18 pigs are in the trap. Then they hit the remote and the door slams shut. They are trapped... it's all over.

Only a few hogs knew the consequences of eating in that cage. Only a few avoided going into the trap. Only a few had a great life.

Today, consider getting busy loving God and increasing in love for people. Consider praying:

“Father, show me the consequences of this lust.”

“Father, show me Your will, and help me to do Your will.”

Remember, it's a trap. Don't go near it.

For the full article click.

 

[Gordon 7]

Today consider writing down exactly what leads to a fall. What were you
thinking about? Where were you, what were you doing? Exactly why did it
happen? Were you cheating? Next, refer to this sheet often as you read future articles here. How is
your daily routine different from how those articles say to live? How can you use
a planning calendar to change your routine? What changes are most important?
Second, write on your sheet, what are the most important fundamentals you
need to acquire. Once again this involves current thoughts as well as future
information. Act like a detective who is solving a great mystery. When do your
thoughts go in the wrong direction? When do your eyes wander? When do your
feet take you to bad places? At what points in this mad cycle can you make
changes? When should you have prepared? How should you have prepared?
Third, have you found something great in your spiritual life that is greater than
your habit? To do that always take special note regarding articles that are about
finding the glory of God. About learning to praise the Lord and give thanks.
Study those types of articles constantly until new habits are formed.
Finally, be ready for life's constant problems. How does God say to react to the
situation that you are in? Do our reactions include the correct amount of love and
forgiveness? What can we do to prepare for similar situations next time?
Consider memorizing this statement: the problem is not the problem. If my
reaction is correct, I can handle most of my problems.

For the complete article click.

 

[Gordon 7]

Strongholds kill joy

2 Corinthians 10:3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not [a]carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.

We go to great extremes to go to war against lust because we know that it is a “stronghold” that hurts us. If we often study the verses for quitting we are acknowledging that our habit is a stronghold and that it will be very hard to get rid of it. But... there is great power in these verses. These verses are “God talking directly to us.” These verses are “God instilling His power into us.”

These verses clash with our desire to be in control. Our desire to live however we want and still have heavenly security. Our desire to have the pleasures we want instead of “God's great pleasures.”

A Ticket to Joy

These verses are our ticket to joy because they teach us to take every thought captive.

#1 Fear is good. These verses teach us to fear these sins. Consider working daily to form a habit of “Fearing lust.” Coincidentally, when we focus on obeying the Bible we start to increase in joy.

#2 War is (sometimes) good. I have declared WW3 on lustful thoughts. If you want to start to have joy, start working incessantly on fighting bad thoughts. You can do it.

#3 Work is good. Christians everywhere criticize me for helping others instead of increasing in American dollars. They plan to be the first person to load the hearse up with cash. The Bible says we can have treasure (Received for focusing on helping others) with us to enjoy for the next million years and more. Plus, helping others leads to increasing joy.

#4 A block of prayer is good. The Bible says, “In thy presence is fullness of joy.” God “always” eventually leads those who are fully committed. God “always” eventually fills those who are fully committed. Today, consider committing to a block of prayer daily. It will be a commitment to being filled and to eventually starting to find real joy.

#5 What daily habits do you need to form to find joy?

“Joy does not simply happen to us. We have to choose joy and keep choosing it every day.”
― Henri J.M. Nouwen

For the full article click.

 

[Gordon 7]

Note, that this article only contains Spiritual ideas.
A goal of being filled with the Spirit is the exact opposite of our old goal of filling our lives with pleasures. I clicked on a YouTube regarding “The top 5 purchases retirees make.” He said, “While a motor home will give (most people) joy, it is a lot less joy than they think... and a whole lot more money. Not a lot of bang for the buck”

The truth is, a motor home gives no one “joy.” Maybe fun, pleasure etc., but not joy. Joy is not fleeting, it lasts. Children (can) give us joy. Helping others will start to, or will give us joy. Spending time with Jesus gives us joy. Seeking to be filled with the Holy Spirit starts to give us joy.

There is a wide range of joy available when we take time to pray daily to be filled with the Spirit. We can pray specifically for a Spiritual trait. Things like: Strength, wisdom, love, joy, peace, and many other things. This will lead to some increase in joy.

Second, we can pray to be filled with the Holy Spirit, asking to be a living river of Jesus overflowing through us. Over time this leads to love, praise, worship, and thanksgiving becoming more consistent and natural. This often does lead to an increase in joy. However, if we ignore the next paragraph, the experience may be fleeting.

Third, we can pray to be filled with the Holy Spirit, asking what He wants us to do. For some people this is simple. Jesus is their treasure, so they are ready now to go to war with sin and to tell everyone what He has done for them. Note: We tell people who “Want to hear about it.” And people who the “Holy Spirit leads us to talk to.” When we commit our lives to doing God's will we will be starting on a path toward fullness of joy.

Fourth, sometimes the Holy Spirit fills you so that you can love a certain group of “unloved” people.

Fifth, the Holy Spirit always fills you in a way that makes you the best you that you can be.

Sixth, we should probably be praying to be filled in many of these ways. Or... praying and allowing the Holy Spirit to do something unique in us that no one else can do.

Finally, the key is to go to war with sin and to spend time in scripture and prayer. Set a goal, then just see what happens.

For the full article click.

 

[Gordon 7]

Your mind is a stronghold. It is either a stronghold for God or for satan. 50% of those reading grew up in churches that didn't teach praising the Lord. But most of the people in the Bible wrote about and practiced praising the Lord. Here is some truth. If your mind is a stronghold for satan, you need to start doing things that will change that, or things will not change. Consider praying:

“Father, help me to make it a habit to praise You 10 times or more per day.”

I consistently praise the Lord when good things happen. Everyone who knows me knows... good things happen to me a lot. Is that a coincidence, or does God like it when I praise Him?

I try to praise the Lord when bad things happen. I sometimes pray to God: “Father, I will really praise You if You help me with this.” Then I add: “I will also praise You if You choose to let me go through the problem with Your help.”

Second, prayer will start to change your mind from a stronghold for satan into a stronghold for God. In the January article, (click below) I gave 6 prayers. Consider copying them into your phone and setting an alarm for every 30 minutes. This system would encourage you to pray up to 30 prayers per day.

Even if you are at work you can quickly pray your “Go to” prayer, something quick like: “Father, teach me to turn from lust.”

God 100% knows, even if you only pray for 11 seconds if you were completely sincere. So pause reverently at work or school, and pray that short prayer.

Finally, be totally aware of who your mind is a stronghold for. I fight daily to make mine a stronghold for God.

For the full article click.

 

[Gordon 7]

If temptation starts, our thoughts start a downward path. But we can always choose to “instantly” reverse that path and start climbing an upward path.

Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.”

The only sacrifice that is acceptable to God is a total sacrifice. To be a total sacrifice should we strive to think new thoughts?

Second, the way you think is the way you live. Consider putting prompts in your phone to remind you to think right. It helps if there are verses and prayers, easily accessible on your phone to look at when prompted.

Third, look for ideas and prayers that are based specifically on scripture. They usually work the best.

Fourth, if you wake up every morning and your goal is to be a living sacrifice... What would your life look like?

Fifth, consider setting a goal to “Think right” every day this week. It will lead to living right, and eventually lead to quitting for good.

For the full article click.

 

[Gordon 7]

We all know people who are filled with light. Think of someone from your church
or greater family who is like that. I knew several people who were filled with
light who I knew were different than other people.
I also had another aunt who was filled with light. No matter what happened to her, she was always
happy and positive. Everybody liked her and everybody knew she had something
other people did not have.
I also had a family friend who was filled with light. She always took an interest in
me. She always had something that people, including me, were looking for. One
day, when I was 14 she paid for my brothers and me to go to a Christian camp. The
preacher at that retreat was filled with a bright shining light. I was not a
Christian, but he talked in a way that I knew something was different. When he
gave an alter call, I went forward. When I got saved it was like electricity going
through me. I felt like I was filled with Light.
Of course, I was back to my old sinful ways within a month or two, and my light dimmed badly, but I
remember the day perfectly, because on that day I knew the truth and nothing
will ever change my mind as long as I live.
Second, all of these people have something in common. They all go to war with
sin and they all try to help others and be in God's will.
Today, do everything you can to be a bright shining light. Bad habits shrink when
exposed to The Light. Expose yourself to the Light (Jesus) as much as possible. Then be a shining light
in a very dark world.

For the full article click.

 

[Gordon 7]

Warning: This article contains only Spiritual ideas. Please stop here if that is not what you want.

95% of human problems are because they don't submit to God. Many struggle with the ideas in my 21-day program, because, if you are not submitting to God... how can you possibly keep reading those verses?

Second, if you think I am different than you, nope. I now submit to God in the area of P and lust and struggle to submit in other areas. One would think that I learned a lot with my life improving over what it was before. That is true, but now I need to submit in certain other areas. Now I need to tell myself, “God was exactly right about my life improving when I went to war with lust... It will improve when I submit in this other area as well.

Third, why do I need to wait until I make a big mess to submit? Why can't I just open up the Bible and submit to what it says? Wait... maybe I should read what I constantly write: Maybe I should read the verses that are about what I need to submit to every day.

Fourth, I don't want to do that. I want to control my life.

Fifth, choose today: Will I submit to God and start down the road to long-term joy?

Sixth, the fastest way for me to pound out my current attachment to “My will,” is to pound it out with scripture. I guess I will start doing that daily. Consider praying:

“Father, I know Your way is right. Help me to review what You have said about my way in Your Word. Help me to submit.

Quitting a habit takes work. I choose to work at it every day.

 

[Gordon 7]

Zechariah 4:6 Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.”

George was once again confused. Charlie agreed to meet him at the sand dunes.

“Charlie, I am trying to do things God's way, but I am just tempted all the time.”

As we hit the sand mountain peak, Charlie paused to get his breath. “First, sin, and lust mess us up. So we start by focusing on keeping the “Spirit” as a burning fire in us. If we stare at our phone or TV and forget about the Holy Spirit, problems start. No matter what activity we are involved in, we have “help,” to either rise up to living right or help to start a downward spiral. We keep looking at prayers and Bible verses on our phone throughout the day so that our “help” is right there when temptation starts to rise.

There is no middle ground. We are rising up, or starting to slip. George, have you put prayers and verses in your phone?”

“I have. But I only remember to look at them once or twice a day.”

Charlie looked at George with raised eyebrows.

“Hmmm, maybe I am letting satan lead me for long periods of time,” George said.

“If you are floating through life or scrolling through satan's trash without so much as an occasional “Praise the Lord,” it is possible that satan has a fair amount of influence over you,” Charlie said. “On the other hand, if you pay attention to your prayers and verses, you might not scroll in his trash at all. Maybe you will keep it squeaky clean.”

“Maybe I will have less temptation later if I pay attention to doing right earlier.”

“Second, we go to war against sin by “His Spirit,” Charlie said. “We prepare to do His will by “His Spirit.” We do His will with “His Spirit” leading us. When His Spirit is with us we have “Light” and “Joy.”

A lot of people have tried to quit by might and by power. But the above verse says to quit by “My Spirit.” First, consider praying about making your phone a tool to remind you to quit. Second, consider reviewing articles and verses that are about how to increase “His Spirit” in your daily life. It is a powerful way to quit.

For the full article click.

 

[Gordon 7]

1 John 3:6 Whoever abides in Him does not sin.”

Some addiction treatment centers have people reading the Bible and listening to obedience-oriented sermons for 2-3 hours per day. Then... even if the addiction is very deep-rooted, they quit. Why? Because they are now abiding in Him.

Every person can quit. The only question is: How much do we need to abide in Him to quit? Obviously, some people are very busy. That is why we also want a focus on prayer and prayers. It is usually hard to study the Bible at work.

Second, take note of every tip in this article that you think is “Abiding in Him.” For example, we turn-from-lust so that we can pray, stay pure, and abide in Him.

Third, the minute we don't abide in Him, trouble starts. Adam and Eve abided in Him and only listened to Him. Then... they took a break and listened to something else. Disaster.

Fourth, consider memorizing the above verse. God offered Adam and Eve a great life. He is now offering us a great life. Abide in Him and find purpose and joy.

For the full article click.