You may think that you are past temptation or too strong to give in to it but things have a funny way of sneaking up you. The first step in giving in to temptation is to be around it. You may have to put yourself in tempting situations in order to help someone else. These situations call for the most self control and discipline to stay afloat yourself.
Read MoreTemptation is a core theme in the Bible. But we can be tempted to do many things that aren't related to our faith like being tempted to eat cake for dinner but when the bible talks about temptation to what is it referring?
Read MoreWe need to trust in God and know that His spirit lives within us and gives us the power to be joyful and overflow with hope despite the trials within us, our circumstances and the brokenness of the world around us.
Read MoreIsaiah 40:29-31 29 He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. 30 Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; 31 but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Read MoreWhat things are you willing to sacrifice for? A place or places? A thing or things? A belief or a person? For what things would you stand and sacrifice for something even if it costs you your life? Our answer to that question ultimately determines the depth of our servanthood.
Read MoreHow do we find joy in being obedient like Jesus did?
Read MoreKnowing that Jesus had the same experiences and temptations as me frees me to be honest about my own humanity. It allows me to not try and hide my humanity in the presence of friends and not try to put on a mask of spirituality if it's not there. It allows me to learn to be honest about myself, to be free to be forgiven for my human failures and to forgive others for theirs. If Jesus Christ was human then it is okay for me to be human too.
Read MoreWhat kind of reputation do want to have? What things do people know you for?
Read MoreJesus came to save people - not use them. He refused to take advantage of others on his way to the cross. He never violates or is disrespectful of the freedom to choose because when we do choose to follow him he wants it to be real. This gentle spirit is also how we should approach each other and non-believers.
Read MoreChildren are not threatening. If we are to represent Jesus correctly, we must be no more threatening to the world as a child would be. Jesus was approached freely by everyone because he was not intimidating.
Children are not good at deceiving. Being humble is being real and honest about how you feel. Children cannot hide how they feel. They are terrible liars. It isn't until we start becoming adults that we perfect the art of lying and deceiving.
Children are innocent. Humility is honesty about our sins so God can forgive us. Once he forgives us we are in a state of innocence.
Read MoreHumility is choosing to be real, to hide nothing and to be open.
Read MoreJesus - AKA Joshua, born in a barn, questionable parents, spotty ancestry, common name, misdirected announcement, unattractive looks, reared in a bad neighborhood, poor and owning nothing, surrounding himself with shady people and dying a shameful death.
Read MoreWe should not wish to take Christ's place as spiritual leaders, teachers and fathers because we should all be looking to Christ to be our spiritual leader, teacher and father.
Read MoreYou know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among must be your servant and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give up his life as a ransom for many.
Read MoreWhy is it important for Christians to understand who Jesus Christ was beyond what is common knowledge? Who was he beyond the "fact sheet"? Who was he as a human being and a man? Why is this information valuable?
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