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Day 30: DOING PUSH-UPS


  • In 2 Timothy 1:7, I am reminded that I have been given a Spirit of self-discipline. As a redeemed Christian, I am able to exercise self-control through the power that has been placed in me.  One day at a time, I can eat in a God-honoring way despite what the evil one tries to tempt me to believe.  When I feel weak, I can pray in the name of Jesus, and the Father will “fan up the flames” so that I am filled with the Spirit. Additionally, there are many in the fellowship that I can call and ask for their prayers.
  • The devil would have me believe that people are my problem. He tells me that if they would behave, then I would be able to stay abstinent.  The Bible reminds me in Ephesians 6:12-13 that my struggle is not against people.  I am learning that it is a waste of time to resent people for hurting me.  God knows every hurt that I experience.  He does a much better job of  righting wrongs than I do.  He calls me to practice forgiveness again and again.  He knows that repeated forgiveness requires God-power which causes me to grow even closer to Him.
  • Competing against others is also a waste of time.  In Matthew 28:18-20, I have been commanded to make disciples of all nations.  This means that I am to encourage those who are already believers and attract those who are not .  When I compete with another, compassion flies out of the window.  I’m too busy leaving others in the dust then to be concerned with encouraging them. This selfish, scummy behavior is quite unattractive.  I must pray for the willingness to make more of my life an expression of supernatural love.  I must pray to want more and more of Jesus. 
  • There are two mistakes I can make regarding the devil.  I can believe his lie that he does not exist.  I can believe his lie that he is bigger than my redeemed life.  The Bible tells me to fix my eyes on Jesus (Hebrews 12:12). Jesus is very clear that the devil is alive and well and would like to harm me.  Yet, He also reminds me that the war has already been won.  I just need to stand firm through the torrential rains.  Despite the circumstances, He is teaching me to “not eat—NO MATTER WHAT!”  (What a magnificent lesson!)
  • The devil tries to maximize the extent of his destruction, by making spiritual leaders a prime target.  Since every redeemed Christian is in some role of leadership, I have a responsibility to pray for myself and others in this regard.  I also have to watch pride and take advantage of every opportunity to practice humility.  It is the lack of humility that has proceeded many times of going ahead of the Spirit of God.  The results have been painful for me and for those in my care.

This entry was posted on Friday, June 26th, 2009 and is filed under Weekly Notes. You can follow any responses to this entry through RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

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