2021-08-08
Proverbs 4:23 NLT
Solomon said, ‘Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.’ And Paul wrote: ‘Take captive every thought…make it obedient to Christ’ (2 Corinthians 10:5 NIV).
We all have different things that can tempt us away from God. When we’re aware these things drawing us down the wrong path, we need to make a conscious effort to turn away from them, before they can infect our thoughts and our hearts.
We can learn a lot about the process of temptation from David’s story in 2 Samuel 11:2-4. First, he saw Bathsheba. Sometimes we can’t help seeing something that could tempt us, but when we do, we should try to walk away immediately and stop it getting any further into our thoughts. Second, he asked who she was. When we’re faced with temptation, we shouldn’t allow it to take a firmer grip on us by dwelling on it or finding out more about the thing that’s tempting us. Third, he sent for Bathsheba. Temptation is strongest when we make the choice to bring it within our reach; we can’t rely on our willpower to carry us through safely, because it often isn’t powerful enough.
Throughout the story, David had opportunities to break the process of temptation, but his choices and actions led to it getting more and more of a hold on him. That’s why we need to carefully guard our hearts and keep focused on God and His path – that way, we can turn our backs on temptation as soon as it comes our way.
Est 4:13-5:3; Matt 6:16-21; Mark 2:18-22
Proverbs 4:23 NLT
Solomon said, “Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.” Note the progression of events that led to David’s downfall: “He saw a woman bathing…inquired about the woman…and took her” (2 Samuel 11:2-4 NKJV). He saw…he inquired… he took. If you’re hankering after someone who’s not yours, pull your eyes away immediately.
“Take captive every thought…make it obedient to Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5 NIV). Police your mind. Instead of filling it with fantasies from magazines, television or the Internet, fill it with God’s Word and memories of your best moments with your mate. Work on strengthening your marriage bond. Decide to love even when you don’t feel like it, and your love will begin to blossom.
Jesus said, “Anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart” (Matthew 5:28 NIV). Why did Jesus say this? Because every lustful glance threatens your relationship. The less you desire your mate, the more you’ll look for reasons to justify your fantasies. And the saddest part is, you’ll never know how good your relationship could have been.
After David was confronted, cleansed and corrected, he said, “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee” (Psalm 119:11). If you have a problem with lust, find a pastor, a counselor or a friend who can help you. The Bible says, “A brother is born for adversity” (Proverbs 17:17 KJV). Sometimes the difference between victory and defeat is spending a few minutes on the phone talking and praying with someone who understands. The question is – do you really want to do right?
Soul food: Est 4:13-5:3; Matt 6:16-21; Mark 2:18-22
2021-08-07
Romeine 15:2 DB
Albert Schweitzer het een maal gesê: ‘Ek weet nie wat julle lotsbestemming gaan wees nie, maar ek weet wel een ding: die enigstes onder julle wat waarlik gelukkig sal wees, is diegene wat gesoek en uitgevind het hoe om te dien.’
Is ander mense vanself tot jou aangetrokke? Hou ander mense van jou? Indien dit nie die geval is nie, mag dit dalk as gevolg van een van die volgende dinge wees: a) Trots. Niemand wil iemand volg wat dink dat hy beter as ander mense is nie. b) Onsekerheid. As jy ongemaklik is met wie jy is, sal ander mense ook wees. c) Buierigheid. Wanneer mense nooit weet wat om van jou te verwag nie, sal hulle ophou om enigiets te verwag. d) Perfeksionisme. Ander mense respekteer die begeerte na uitnemendheid, maar vrees onrealistiese verwagtinge. e) Sinisme. Mense wil nie op gereën word deur iemand wat ‘n donker wolk in elke silwer randjie sien nie. Hoe bou jy dus mense op?
1) Verander jou fokus. As jy selfgesentreerd is, kan jy nie ander mense versterk en aanmoedig nie. Observeer dus jou interaksies met mense oor die volgende paar dae. Soos jy met hulle praat, let op hoe baie die gesprek oor jou gaan en probeer dan eerder die gesprek op die ander persoon fokus.
2) Probeer om ‘n goeie eerste indruk te maak. Die volgende keer wat jy iemand ontmoet, leer hulle naam, fokus op hulle belangstellings, luister na hulle sonder om te onderbreek en moedig hulle aan.
As jy dit vir een dag kan doen, kan jy dit elke dag doen. Die Bybel sê: ‘Daarom moet ons alles in ons vermoë doen om te sorg dat ander gelowiges ook gelukkig is. Dit is ons plig om hulle geloof sterk te maak en op te bou.’
Sielskos: Deut 32:29-34:12; Luk 12:1-12; Ps 119:17-24; Spr 17:7-10
Romans 15:2 MSG
Albert Schweitzer once said, ‘I don’t know what your destiny will be, but one thing I know: the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who will have sought and found how to serve.’
Are people generally drawn to you and want to spend time with you? If not, it might be because of one of these things: a) Pride. Nobody wants to be around someone who thinks they’re better than everyone else. b) Insecurity. If we’re uncomfortable with who you are, others will be too. c) Moodiness. When people never know what to expect from us and feel like they’ve got to tread careful around us, they stop expecting anything at all and avoid us. d) Perfectionism. Others respect the desire for excellence but dread unrealistic expectations. e) Cynicism. People don’t want to be rained on by someone who sees a cloud around every silver lining.
So, how do we build people up? 1) Change our focus. If we’re self-centred, we can’t strengthen and encourage others. Pay attention to your interactions with people during the next few days. As you talk to them, notice how much of your conversation is about you. If it tends to be most of the conversation, determine to tip the balance in favour of focusing on others.
2) Try to make a good first impression. The next time you meet someone, learn their name, focus on their interests, listen to them without interrupting, and be encouraging.
The Message paraphrase says, ‘Strength is for service, not status. Each one of us needs to look after the good of people around us, asking ourselves, “How can I help?”‘
Deut 32:29-34:12; Luke 12:1-12; Ps 119:17-24; Prov 17:7-10
Romans 15:2 MSG
Albert Schweitzer once said, “I don’t know what your destiny will be, but one thing I know: the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who will have sought and found how to serve.”
Are others naturally attracted to you? Are you well liked? If not, it may be because of: (a) Pride. Nobody wants to follow someone who thinks they’re better than everyone else. (b) Insecurity. If you are uncomfortable with who you are, others will be too. (c) Moodiness. When people never know what to expect from you, they stop expecting anything. (d) Perfectionism. Others respect the desire for excellence but dread unrealistic expectations. (e) Cynicism. People don’t want to be rained on by someone who sees a cloud around every silver lining. So, how do you build people up?
(1) Change your focus. If you’re self-centered, you can’t strengthen and encourage others. So observe your interaction with people during the next few days. As you talk to them, notice how much of your conversation is about you, then determine to tip the balance in favour of focusing on others.
(2) Try to make a good first impression. The next time you meet someone, learn their name, focus on their interests, listen to them without interrupting, and be encouraging.
If you can do this for one day, you can do it every day. The Bible says, “Strength is for service, not status. Each one of us needs to look after the good of people around us, asking ourselves, ‘How can I help?'”
Soul food: Deut 32:29-34:12; Luke 12:1-12; Ps 119:17-24; Prov 17:7-10
