CONFESS YOUR SINS.......

I have been known to struggle with overcoming certain bad habits. I have good intentions on not induldging, but continue to repeat these bad habits over and over again. I have many tools I could use to help me, but for some reason I think I can handle it my way. You'd think I'd have learned something by now. My way usually doesn't work. I need help - God's and others' help.

As I have stated in my previous blogs, I need to learn to change my focus when tempted. To turn away from temptation. But also, I need to remember I don't have to "handle it on my own". Today's Purpose Driven Life Devotional(Aug 28,2008) by Rick Warren discusses this.

When temptation is before me, I need to reach out. I know this is true; because, when I have reached out in the past, I have been able to resist temptation. It works!

Some excerpts from Rick Warren's devotional:

"...you need at least one person you can honestly share your struggles with." (And how much better would it be if we had a support GROUP of many people to talk to??)

"You are better off to have a friend than to be all alone. Ecc 4:9-10"

"If ... you're stuck in a repeating cycle of good intention-failure-guilt, you will not get better on your own!"

"Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. James 5:16 (NIV)"

"Don't repress it; confess it!

Don't conceal it; reveal it!

Revealing your feeling is the beginning of healing."

"So take off you mask, stop pretending you're perfect, and walk into freedom."


AMEN!!!!!!!!!!!

FOCUS

It is true what I focus my thoughts on is what I usually act on.
Again, referencing Rick Warren's Purpose Driven Life Devotional (August 26,2008) he talks about this.

He hits the nail right on the head when he writes:
"The more you think about something, the stronger it takes hold of you."
"Ignoring a temptation is far more effective than fighting it."
"So when temptation calls you on the phone, don't argue with it, just hang up!"
"Do whatever is necessary to turn your attention to something else."
"To reduce temptation, keep your mind occupied with God's word and other good thoughts."

Hebrews 3:1 NIV
"Fix your thoughts on Jesus."

I heard awhile back when I was suffering with depression to replace a negative thought with a positive one. I guess this applies here. I must I must replace "bad and tempting thoughts" with goood, healthy God thoughts to move away from temptation.

Rick Warren also states:

"Temptation begins by capturing your attention. What gets your attention arouses your emotions. Then your emotions activate your behavior, and you act on what you felt."

How very true is that for me!!!

Thanks Rick for raising my awareness of these things.

Lord, I pray when temptation is before me help me to focus on Jesus.

TEMPTATION

I feel Satan tries to lure me into temptation. It is not the temptation I should fight, it is Satan.
My mind focuses on the thing that is tempting me when I try to fight it. I must look to God and ask for the stength to refocus my mind on something else. Once my mind is focused away from the temptation, it can not overcome me and I can defeat it.

Reference:"Defeating Temptation" by Rick Warren, "Purpose Driven Life Devotional for Aug 25, 2008"

Prayer:
Lord help me to remember to set my mind on something else when temptation is before me. Help me to place all my energy on thinking about other things. Preferably help me to set my mind something good and positive to replace the negative thoughts of the temptation.