Saturday, June 30, 2018

God's Promises for the discouraged

Psalm 55:22 Cast your burden on the Lord, and He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.

Psalm 37:34 Wait on the Lord, and keep His way, and He shall exalt you to inherit the land; When the wicked are cut off, you shall see it.

Joel 2:23, 25 ...And He will cause the rain to come down for you— The former rain, And the latter rain... I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten...

Psalm 31:24
Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the Lord.

Psalm 27:14 Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord!

Galatians 6:9 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.

Isaiah 40:31 But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.

Philippians 4:11-13 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Philippians 1:6 being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ

Philippians 2:13 for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.

Ephesians 2:10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

Philippians 3:13-14  Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Romans 8:38-39  For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Isaiah 43:2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you.

Isaiah 30:19-21 For the people shall dwell in Zion at Jerusalem; You shall weep no more. He will be very gracious to you at the sound of your cry; When He hears it, He will answer you. And though the Lord gives you The bread of adversity and the water of affliction, Yet your teachers will not be moved into a corner anymore, But your eyes shall see your teachers. Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” Whenever you turn to the right hand Or whenever you turn to the left.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.

Romans 12:15 Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep

Joshua 1:9
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

James 1:2-5 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.

Hebrews 12:2-3
looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. The Discipline of God For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls.

Nehemiah 8:10b "...The joy of the Lord is your strength."

Job 23:10
But He knows the way that I take; When He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold

1 Peter 1:6-9  In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls.

1 Peter 2:20-25 For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God. For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: “Who committed no sin, Nor was deceit found in His mouth”;  who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously; who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed. For you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

Isaiah 53:4-5 Surely He has borne our griefs And carried our sorrows; Yet we esteemed Him stricken, Smitten by God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed.

1 Peter 4:12-13
Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.


2 Corinthians 4:16-18 Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.

Romans 8:18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

Encouraging quote:
To all who are reaching out to feel the guiding hand of God, the moment of greatest discouragement is the time when divine help is nearest. They will look back with thankfulness upon the darkest part of their way. "The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly," 2 Peter 2:9. From every temptation and every trial He will bring them forth with firmer faith and a richer experience. [Desire of Ages, p. 528]

Also see How to get over past hurts

Trials and Temptations

"Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." Matthew 26:41. "Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it." 1 Corinthians 10:12-13

"Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death." James 1:12-25

"For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit." Romans 8:2-4. "I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh." Galatians 5:16. "For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live." Romans 8:13. "For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace." Romans 8:6.

"Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith." Galatians 6:7-10.

"Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." Romans 12:21 "For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men—as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants of God." 1 Peter 2:15-16. "For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God." 1 Peter 2:16-20

"..Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls." Hebrews 12:1-3

"For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: “Who committed no sin, Nor was deceit found in His mouth”; who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously; who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed. For you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls."  1 Peter 2:17-25

"Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you;  but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified." 1 Peter 4:12-14

2 Corinthians 4:16-18 Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.

Romans 8:18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

Job 23:10
But He knows the way that I take; When He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold

 "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience." James 1:2-3. "In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls." 1 Peter 1:6-9

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time." 1 Peter 1:3-5

"Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it." 1 Thessalonians 5:23–24. "Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, And to present you faultless Before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, To God our Savior, Who alone is wise, Be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever. Amen." Jude 24-25

"Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins.

Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble; for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." 2 Peter 1:2-11

Relevant quote:
To go forward without stumbling, we must have the assurance that a hand all-powerful will hold us up, and an infinite pity be exercised toward us if we fall. God alone can at all times hear our cry for help. ST July 28, 1881

Also see, Quotes for the tempted
Also see, Bible verses for the tempted

Helpful music playlists on Youtube
Trials and temptation
Songs for the trials of life
Faith and Courage
Courage and Comfort (bluegrass)

Friday, June 29, 2018

How to be and stay transformed

Let God's word guard your heart
God knows that our hearts are naturally deceptive (Jeremiah 17:9-10). Give Him your heart and He will give you a new one (Proverbs 23:26, Ezekiel 36:26). How? "Let your heart retain my words", He says (Proverbs 4:4a). “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:31-32. This is how we can guard our hearts from which spring the issues of life.

Let God's word be your meditation all the day
We become what we think (Proverbs 23:7), that's why we need to constantly feed on "every word that proceeds from the mouth of God" Matthew 4:4. Let it be your "meditation all the day" until it is written in your heart, then it will become a delight to do God's will (Psalm 119:97, Psalm 40:8). We need to depend on God's word to live, just like how a new born depends on milk (1 Peter 2:1-3). Feeding on God's word, you'll find joy, knowing that His thoughts and ways are higher and seeing His word accomplished in your life (Jeremiah 15:16, Isaiah 55:7-11).

Wise in what is good, innocent concerning evil
We are called to have childlike humility, trusting the Lord with all our hearts and not leaning on our own understanding (Matthew 18:4, Proverbs 3:5). This  doesn't mean we should be gullible (John 10:4-5, John 10:27). We are called to be "wise in what is good, and innocent concerning evil." Romans 16:19. Search the scriptures, "which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus." 2 Timothy 3:15.

Spiritual Maturity and The Holy Spirit
We have to grow up from carnal infancy to spiritual maturity so that we can handle more "solid food" from God's word (1 Corinthians 3:1-4, Hebrews 5:12-14). Spiritually mature people don't put other people down, but bear each other's burdens, realizing that we all depend on Jesus who is everyone's Burden Bearer (Galatians 6:1-5, Matthew 11:28-31). Spiritual maturity (or being wise) comes from being constantly filled with the "oil" of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 25:4). The Holy Spirit doesn't speak of itself, but will testify of and glorify Jesus (John 16:13, John 15:26, John 16:14). It's also through the Holy Spirit that Christ can live in us (John 14:15-18, 23).

Crucifying selfish pride, realizing Christ is all you need
When our lives are centered in Christ, we have nothing to boast about except in "in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ" Galatians 6:14. Selfish pride is spiritually fatal, it leads to thinking we have everything figured out, but it ends in destruction (Proverbs 16:18, Proverbs 14:12). Like Paul, we need to be determined to not know anything but "Jesus Christ and Him crucified" (1 Corinthians 2:2). We must remember, without Christ, we can do nothing (John 15:5). To bear the cross is to crucify the idea that you have to do something to save yourself or make God accept you, then realizing God loves you in spite of yourself and offers a new life to you through His son Jesus Christ (Matthew 16:24-25, John 3:16).

Dying to self daily and being renewed in the inner man daily
When we accept Christ's death as our own, we also receive His life (Romans 6:4-10). Then we will be dead to sin and alive to God (Romans 6:11). We will no longer live for ourselves, but live for Him who gave His life for us (2 Corinthians 5:15). We will be able to say like Paul, "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me." Galatians 2:20. This isn't a one time event, we must die to self daily (Luke 9:23, 1 Corinthians 15:31).As we deny our old self, we must be renewed in the new inward man day by day (Ephesians 4:21-24, 2 Corinthians 4:16). "If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new." 2 Corinthians 5:17

Keeping God in your knowledge
If we hear the word of Christ and believe in God who sent Him, then we have everlasting life. (John 5:24). Having eternal life is dependent on keeping God in our knowledge (John 17:3). It's only through God's Spirit that we can cast down "arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God". 2 Corinthians 10:4-5. "When the enemy comes in like a flood, The Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against him." Isaiah 59:19. "I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh." Galatians 5:16

Thursday, June 28, 2018

How to guard your heart

The Lord is near the brokenhearted, who call on Him in truth (raw honesty)
"The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit." Psalm 34:18. "The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, To all who call upon Him in truth." Psalm 145:18

Let God have your heart
"Give me your heart" Proverbs 23:26. "I, the Lord, search the heart, I test the mind, even to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his doings." Jeremiah 17:10. "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them." Ezekiel 36:26-27.

Let God search your heart, He knows it better than you do
“Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my anxieties: and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” Psalm 139:23-24. "For as [a man] thinks in his heart, so is he." Proverbs 23:7.

"Who can understand his errors? Cleanse me from secret faults. " Psalm 19:12. "Teach me, and I will hold my tongue; cause me to understand wherein I have erred." Job 6:24.

"The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; Who can know it?" Jeremiah 17:9. "...God is greater than our heart, and knows all things." 1 John 3:20b. "O Lord, You have searched me and known me. You know my sitting down and my rising up; You understand my thought afar off." Psalm 139:1-2..

Pray for a new heart
“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence, and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.” Psalm 51:10-11.

Abide in God's word and you'll be freed from the lies that lead to sin
"Let your heart retain my words" Proverbs 4:4a. "For the word of God is living and powerful.. and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." Hebrews 4:12. “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:31-32.

"Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You." Psalm 119:11. "Your words were found, and I ate them, and Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart; For I am called by Your name, O Lord God of hosts." Jeremiah 15:16. "I delight to do Your will, O my God, And Your law is within my heart." Psalm 40:8.

Careful what you say or think (it begins in the heart)
"[Guard] your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life." Proverbs 4:23. "A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks." Luke 6:45.

"Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer." Psalm 19:14. "Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; Keep watch over the door of my lips." Psalm 141:3. "Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit." Proverbs 18:21. "A wholesome tongue is a tree of life, But perverseness in it breaks the spirit." Proverbs 15:4. "Keep your tongue from evil, and your lips from speaking deceit. Depart from evil and do good; Seek peace and pursue it." Psalms 34:13-14.

"Whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things." Philippians 4:8. "Casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ" 2 Corinthians 10:5

Don't let anything "choke" the God's word out of your heart
Matthew 13:22 Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful.

Let Christ and His word dwell in your heart
"For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner manthat Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height—  to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God." Ephesians 3:14-19

Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

Let God strengthen your heart and pour His love into it
"Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart, All you who hope in the Lord." Psalm 31:24. "Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us." Romans 5:5.

Make a melody in your heart
"See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another in the fear of God." Ephesians 5:15-21

How to grow spiritually strong

"Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God." Matthew 4:4. “My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.” Isaiah 55:11.

“If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:31-32. “Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever. Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed." John 8:34-36.

"Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might." Ephesians 6:10. "Be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man" Ephesians 3:16. "When the enemy comes in like a flood, The Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against him." Isaiah 59:19.

“Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,” Says the Lord of hosts. “Who are you, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you shall become a plain! And he shall bring forth the capstone With shouts of ‘Grace, grace to it!'” Zechariah 4:6-7.

"The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law." Galatians 5:22-23.  “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing." John 15:5.

"Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God." Romans 5:1-2. "Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us." Romans 5:5.

"Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves Him who begot also loves him who is begotten of Him. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep His commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome. For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world our faith." 1 John 5:1-4

“He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.” Hebrews 7:25.  "Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God." Romans 8:26-27

"For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need." Hebrews 4:15-16.

"For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted." Hebrews 2:18. "then the Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations " 2 Peter 2:9. "Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage." Hebrews 2:14-15.

 "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9. "He who covers his sins will not prosper, But whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy." Proverbs 28:13. "In mercy and truth atonement is provided for iniquity; and by the fear of the Lord one departs from evil." Proverbs 16:6.

"Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to present you faultless Before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy" Jude 24. "looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross..." Hebrews 12:2. "...the joy of the Lord is your strength.”" Nehemiah 8:10. "Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents." Luke 15:10

"Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." Matthew 26:41. “Reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 6:11. “Sin shall not have dominion over you” Romans 6:14. “Where sin abounded, grace abounded much more” Romans 5:20.  And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me." 2 Corinthians 12:9.

"Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us." Romans 8:37. "The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Corinthians 15:56-57.  "There is no wisdom or understanding or counsel against the Lord.  The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but deliverance is of the Lord." Proverbs 21:30-31. "The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.”" Exodus 14:14

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time." 1 Peter 1:3-5

"Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it." 1 Thessalonians 5:23–24. "Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, And to present you faultless Before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, To God our Savior, Who alone is wise, Be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever. Amen." Jude 24-25

Wednesday, June 27, 2018

How to cleanse one's way

Walk in the light of God's Word
"How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word." Psalm 119:9. "By the word of Your lips, I have kept away from the paths of the destroyer." Psalm 17:4. "Through Your precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way. Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." Psalm 119:104-105. "Direct my steps by Your word, and let no iniquity have dominion over me." Psalm 119:133. "Turn away my eyes from looking at worthless things, and revive me in Your way." Psalm 119:37.

"The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; For the Lord upholds him with His hand." Psalm 37:23-24. "Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, to God our Savior, Who alone is wise, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever. Amen." Jude 1:24-25

Fellowship, don't struggle alone
"And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching." Hebrews 10:24-25. "As iron sharpens iron, So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend." Proverbs 27:17. "Where there is no counsel, the people fall; but in the multitude of counselors there is safety" (Proverbs 11:14).

"Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted." Galatians 6:1. "Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much." James 5:16. "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord." Colossians 3:16.

"If we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin" (1 John 1:7). "Pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart" (2 Timothy 2:22). "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world." 1 Peter 5:8-9. "Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you." James 4:7.

Confessing and Forsaking Sin
"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9. "He who covers his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy." Proverbs 28:13. "In mercy and truth atonement is provided for iniquity; and by the fear of the Lord one departs from evil." Proverbs 16:6. “Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts. Let him return to the Lord, and He will have mercy on him; and to our God, For He will abundantly pardon. For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways.”. Isaiah 55:7-8.

"The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts." Romans 13:12-14

Be careful what you look at
"I will set nothing wicked before my eyes; I hate the work of those who fall away; It shall not cling to me." Psalm 101:3.

Shun all ungodly influences and vile media from your life
Numbers 33:52 then you shall drive out all the inhabitants of the land from before you, destroy all their engraved stones, destroy all their molded images, and demolish all their high places

Keep away from the wrong crowd, Meditate on God's Word
"Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper." Psalm 1:1-3

Don't enter path of the wicked, watch where you're going
"Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not walk in the way of evil. Avoid it, do not travel on it; Turn away from it and pass on... Let your eyes look straight ahead, and your eyelids look right before you. Ponder the path of your feet, And let all your ways be established. Do not turn to the right or the left; Remove your foot from evil." Proverbs 4:14-15, 25-27.

Walk wisely, understanding God's will
"See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another in the fear of God." Ephesians 5:15-21

God can straighten out the crooked places in your life

Isaiah 42:16 I will bring the blind by a way they did not know; I will lead them in paths they have not known. I will make darkness light before them, And crooked places straight. These things I will do for them, And not forsake them.

Also see, 
Trials and Temptations
Overcoming sinful habits
Knowing God's Will


Overcoming addictive habits

Abide in the Word and the truth will set you free
John 8:31b-32 “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."

Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world
1 John 4:1-4 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.  By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world. You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.

Keep God's Word In Your Heart
Psalm 119:9-11 How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word. With my whole heart I have sought You; Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments! Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You.

Psalm 119:133 Direct my steps by Your word, and let no iniquity have dominion over me.

Proverbs 6:23-26 For the commandment is a lamp, and the law a light; Reproofs of instruction are the way of life, To keep you from the evil woman, from the flattering tongue of a seductress. Do not lust after her beauty in your heart, Nor let her allure you with her eyelids. For by means of a harlot a man is reduced to a crust of bread; And an adulteress will prey upon his precious life.

Live by God's every word, doing His will
Matthew 4:4 But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’ ”
John 4:34 Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work."

Purpose in your heart
Daniel 1:8 But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank; therefore he requested of the chief of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.

Keep away from ungodly influences; Meditate on God's Word
"Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper." Psalm 1:1-3

Set nothing wicked before your eyes
Psalm 119:37 
Turn away my eyes from looking at worthless things, and revive me in Your way.

Psalm 101:3 I will set nothing wicked before my eyes; I hate the work of those who fall away; It shall not cling to me.

Job 31:1 I have made a covenant with my eyes; Why then should I look [lustfully] upon a young woman?

Genesis 39:9b ...How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?

Don't give yourself opportunities to sin
Romans 13:14
But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.

Sexual immorality is like playing with fire
Proverbs 6:27-29 Can a man take fire to his bosom, And his clothes not be burned? Can one walk on hot coals, And his feet not be seared? So is he who goes in to his neighbor’s wife; Whoever touches her shall not be innocent.

Shun all ungodly influences and vile media from your life
Numbers 33:52 then you shall drive out all the inhabitants of the land from before you, destroy all their engraved stones, destroy all their molded images, and demolish all their high places

Deliverance and victory comes through Jesus Christ
Romans 7:24-25a O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? I thank God—through Jesus Christ our Lord!

1 Corinthians 15:56-57 The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Faith is the victory
1 John 5:4 For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.

Behold Jesus and your sins will be taken away
John 1:29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!'

The law of the Spirit of life in Christ sets you free
Romans 8:2
For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.

The Spirit will lift a standard against the enemy
Isaiah 59:19 ...When the enemy comes in like a flood, The Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against him.

Feeling condemned and discouraged? Keep looking to Jesus, walk in the Spirit
Hebrews 12:3 For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls.
Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.

Help found in God's throne of grace
Hebrews 4:15-16 For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Reckon yourself dead to sin, but alive to God
Romans 6:11 Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

God's grace keeps sin from having dominion over you
Romans 6:12-14 Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts. And do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God. For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace.

Bodies a living sacrifice; Mind Renewal
Romans 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

Be vigilant, submit to God, resist the devil
1 Peter 5:8-9 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.

James 4:7 Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.

With every temptation, God provides a way of escape
1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.

Choose to who you will serve
Joshua 24:15  “And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

God works in you, giving you the power to serve Him
Philippians 2:13 for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.

Flee lusts, but pursue the Spirit's fruit with those who call on the Lord (in prayer)
2 Timothy 2:22 Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.

Your body is a temple for God's Spirit
1 Corinthians 6:18-19 Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?

Walk in the Spirit and you won't fulfill the lust of the flesh
Galatians 5:16 I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh

Romans 8:13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.

Life and peace found in being spiritually minded
Romans 8:6
For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

Bring every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ
2 Corinthians 10:4-5
For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ

Arm yourself with with the mind of Christ
1 Peter 4:1-2 Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God.

Purified by the hope
1 John 3:2-3 Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.

God will preserve you blameless
1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.

God will keep you from falling
Jude 24 Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, And to present you faultless Before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy

God's precious promises
2 Peter 1:2-4 Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

Also see Escaping Escapism
Also see How to grow spiritually strong

Helpful Resources:
Drug Addictions: http://www.na.org , http://www.justasiamministries.com
Alcoholism: http://www.aa.org
Sexual Addictions: http://www.purelifeministries.org ,   http://www.saa-recovery.org
Gambling Addictions: http://www.gamblersanonymous.org
Videogame Addiction: https://gamequitters.com/

Helpful music playlists on Youtube
Hymns About The Gospel
Faith and Courage
Songs about the gospel (bluegrass)
Christian counsel in song (bluegrass)
Courage and Comfort (bluegrass)
Spiritual warfare (bluegrass)