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About This Author
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Each Day Already is a Challenge
A Texas Sunrise
 
A friend, William Taylor, took this picture. He visits Surfside Beach with his dogs almost every morning, watching the sun rise while the dogs prance about at the water's edge.
This is only about ten miles from where I lived in Lake Jackson, Texas. Sadly, I only visited this beach about four times in the six years I lived nearby.
Each day is a challenge. A challenge to get by without thinking about the fibromyalgia pains. A challenge to stay awake when chronic fatigure wants to take over. And a challenge to navigate through fibro fog.
I haven't been writing as much as in the past. For years, I wrote at least 500 words a day. Now, I'm lucky if I write 500 words in month. Sigh.
For more information about what my day (or life) is all about with fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, chronic pains, IBS, depression and everything else thrown in, check this out:
August 17, 2007 at 12:40am August 17, 2007 at 12:40am
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This continues our pastor's series from James.
Faith Works (Part 4)
Taming Temptation
James 1:12 NIV
Bless is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
 Don't panic.
†James 1:13 NIV
When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me."
†1 Corinthians 10:13 NIV
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.
†Hebrews 4:15 NLT
This High Priest (Jesus) of our understands our weaknesses, for He faced all of the same temptations we do, het He did not sin.
You will be tempted. Being saved does not keep temptation away. It is not a sin to be tempted; the sin is giving in to temptation.
Don't pass the buck.
†James 1:13 GW
When someone is tempted, he shouldn't say that God is tempting him. God can't be tempted by evil, and God doesn't tempt anyone.
Quite blaming other people, God, the government, even the devil.
Be prepared.
†James 1:14-16 NCV
But people are tempted when their own evil desire leads them away and traps them. This desire leads to sin, and then the sin grows and brings death. My dear brothers and sisters, do not be fooled about this.
†1 Corinthians 10:12 NIV
So if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall.
†2 Corinthians 3:11 GW
I don't want Satan to outwit us. After all, we are not ignorant about Satan's scheming.
What we can count on:
 It begins with me.
†James 1:14a MSG
The temptation to give in to evil comes from us and only us...
God's plan is not about me. Satan's plan is all about me.
He exposes my weaknesses.
†James 1:14 NRSV
But one is tempted by one's own desire, being lured and enticed by it.
†James 1:14b MSG
We have no one to blame but the leering, seducing flare-up of our own lust.
Any out of control urge is wrong.
He moves me from attention to action.
†James 1:15a NIV
Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin...
We go from imagination to fantasy to action.
We are like fish. We think we can nibble and nibble and nibble at the bait. But...
There is a price.
†James 1:15b GW
When sin grows up, it gives birth to death.
We have the freedom of kicks but not freedom from kick-backs.
Re-prioritize (change focus).
†James 1:17 NLT
Whatever is good and perfect comes to us from God above, who created all heaven's lights. Unlike them, he never changes or casts shifting shadows.
†Philippians 4:8 NIV
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things.
If you're in the car and in a bad mood, don't listen to the Blues station. Turn on a contemporary Christian or Gospel station!
Get power to live.
†James 1:18 NCV
God decided to give us life through the word of truth so we might be the most important of all the things he made.
†1 Corinthians 10:13 NLT
But remember that 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.
Accept Jesus as Lord and Savior. Be born again!
Salem's answers to taming temptation.
Small groups. (Being accountable.)
Bible reading plan. (Learning and growing and understanding.) |
August 17, 2007 at 12:25am August 17, 2007 at 12:25am
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This continues our pastor's series from James.
Faith Works (Part 3)
Winning at Life's Mind-Games
"We make our decisions and then our decisions make us." - Frank Forham
AGGRAVATION: Waivering indecision.
†James 1:8 NIV
He is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.
Levels of instability.
Emotional instability.
"The most miserablel person in the world is the person who is habitually indecisive." William James
Some people use more energy deciding than doing.
Relational instability.
Spiritual instability.
†James 1:7 GW
A person who has doubts shouldn't expect to receive anything from the Lord.
Spiritual instability blocks our prayers and our blessings.
We need to be believers 24/7, not Christians on Sunday and AWOL on Monday.
ANSWER: Wisdom of God.
†James 1:5-6 NIV
If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.
The world is not about wisdom. Wisdom is the application of knowledge.
Steps to the answer:
See the need.
†Proverbs 11:2 NIV
When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.
Seek the wisdom.
†Proverbs 2:6 NCV
Only the Lord gives wisdom; he gives knowledge and understanding.
Secure your faith.
†Hebrews 11:6 NIV
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
Doubt is there every day. We have to ask for wisdom every day - BELIEVING.
ASSURANCE: Willingness of God.
Wisdom is in the Word.
†Psalms 119:105 NIV
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.
Having a light on your path means you won't stub your toes.
It's my choice.
Free will is both a blessing and a curse. If God doesn't answer and you say, "I knew He wouldn't", well DUH. You have to believe.
Focus on Him not on the circumstances.
God gives continually, generously an cheerfully. There is grace for all of our mistakes.
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