Day 23: The Case For Faith

In the middle of the Holiday rush, I find myself making excuses for almost everything. “I will work out later,” “I will quit spending next month,” “I will organize my new apartment once I have everything I need moved in,” “I will start eating healthy tomorrow” or I have even said to myself- “I will figure out my life once things slow down.” What that makes no since… shouldn’t I slow down to figure out my life? But I think the worst excuses are the ones that end with “Later today.” I think make that excuse every day and then “Later today” turns into “tomorrow.” I am guilty of cutting personal time with Christ in order to do something else or get an extra 30 minutes of sleep. Every day that passes where I don’t spend time in the word, that “later today” excuse was always used. Truth is… I think it has been used the past 4 or 5 days… How does that happen??? What am I so busy doing? And I really don’t have much if anything to show for that lost time. To be honest, I have even caught myself using my subway ride to work as my “quiet time.” Ironic… The subway is never quiet… no matter what hour I am on it. If you are reading this, please pray that God not only helps me manage my time, but convicts me to prioritize time.

While I was home for Christmas, I began reading a new book: The Case for Faith by Lee Strobel. I have a friend who has recently questioned my beliefs. Not in an offensive way, but in a way that has forced me to answer questions like: “Why do I believe the things I do?” This individual is definitely a thinker. He wouldn’t want me to answer with any emotional reasoning, but with hard facts.  After spending some time with this person, I have been trying to come up with a perfect answer to this question. I know Jesus Christ is my savior and that He is the true Son of God, but why do I KNOW that? There are several individuals, especially in New York, that want proof. As I read through this new book, I hope to equip myself with the right words and scriptures to answer difficult questions.

The book starts with Objection 1: “Since Evil and Suffering Exist, A Loving God Cannot.”

Argument- “How can a human be sure that infinite wisdom would not tolerate certain evils in order for long-range good? Good that we cannot see.”

Towards the beginning of the chapter, there is an interview with Peter John Kreeft. Kreeft compares this issue to a bear trap. Imagine a bear trapped in such a device. The hunter for some reason begins to pity the bear and wants to liberate the animal. In order to do so, he must shoot the bear with drugs; however, the bear now thinks he is under attack and that the hunter is trying to harm him. The bear does not realize the hunter is trying to help. Then the hunter must push the animal even farther in the trap to release the tension of the springs. Now the bear is even more convinced that the hunter is not his friend. The bear reaches this conclusion because he is not human and he is not able to understand what the hunter is actually doing.

God does the same thing to us. We do not understand why God allows things to happen. Like the bear, we do not understand the “bigger picture.” We need to trust that the Lord has our best interest.

Scripture describes God as a hidden God. God gives us just enough evidence so that those who want to follow him can do so. The bible says: “Seek and you will find.” The bible is clear, only SOME will find Him!  

“But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you seek him with all your heart and with all your soul.”  Deuteronomy 4:29

“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13

“But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life and only a few find it.” Matthew 7:14

I am really excited about beginning this book. I hope my writings will reach those who are struggling to find or give the right answers. Please continue to pray that I remain positive. I am loving New York and I am confident the Lord has placed me here for a reason, but I am still not sure of His “long-range” plan for my life…. Scary but so Exciting!

Day 22: Our Mission

Acts 20:24- But I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, so that I may finish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify solemnly of the gospel of the grace of God.

God created each of us for a ministry (to serve believers) but also for a specific mission: to serve non-believers. The Latin word of mission is “Sending.” Christ sends His children all around the world to be a representative for Him. It is interesting to look back and see where God has placed you through the years? What experiences He has allowed you to have. Looking back, I have come across several people who I randomly met; but to God, no encounter was random. It pains me to think about all the lives I could have influenced for Christ had I not been so selfish in my past. It says in scripture that God holds us responsible for the unbelievers who live around us.

Ezekiel 3:18- when I tell wicked people they will die because of their sins, you must warn them to turn from their sinful ways so they won't be punished. If you refuse, you are responsible for their death.

Wow! That is powerful, Christ holds me responsible for sharing! This means I need to be prepared and focused on telling others about him. Christ has allowed me to venture to New York for a reason, I a truly believe He has me here for a specific mission. However, I am constantly living with anxiety about the future. I have no idea if my current job is going to work out, who my close friends will be, or even who I will turn to in the event of an emergency? I have all these “what if” questions floating through my head. It is so hard in this city to get everything done, you can’t do it all and there is never enough free time. It is so easy to get wrapped up in my new apartment, career issues, meeting friends, or even finding my way around… I am constantly wasting time and the stressing about the little time that is left each day. I don’t want to lose focus on my purpose:

-To love God

-To be a part of His Family

-To become like Him

-To serve Him

-TO TELL OTHERS ABOUT HIM!

(Rick Warren- A Purpose Driven Life)

Jesus not only calls us to draw near to Him but he also tells us to “go for Him.” God has His own timing and often He tells us to wait patiently for Him to reveal his plan. We have to be ready and wait patiently. Right now I am feeling completely in Limbo, I left everything behind and now what? I am here Lord… What do you want me to do? Who do you want me to reach out to? I find myself growing more and more impatient. To be honest, I am scared I will grow too impatient and take the wheel in the wrong direction, take matters into my own hands. “Oh I think God allowed me to be in NY for……( fill in the blank)

I have been embarrassed to admit that I don’t know the fill in the blank yet? A random job got me up here, but that random job is not why I am here, nor is it keeping me here. God has something planned, whether it be for a different job down the road, a specific ministry/church, or even relationships. God knows where I will end up and how He wants to use me in that position.

Today, the next few weeks, I am going to make this my theme song:

I'm waiting

I'm waiting on You, Lord

And I am hopeful

I'm waiting on You, Lord

Though it is painful

But patiently, I will wait

I will move ahead, bold and confident

Taking every step in obedience

While I'm waiting

I will serve You

While I'm waiting

I will worship

While I'm waiting

I will not faint

I'll be running the race

Even while I wait

~John Waller- While I’m Waiting

God has a specific mission/ purpose for each of his children. Unfortunately, He does not always spell it out for us over night. He wants us to trust in Him and have faith that His plan is better than our own & patiently wait. Put your hope and your trust in Him! 

Day 21:God’s Power is in Our Weaknesses

Our weaknesses are not an accident. God made each of us, flaws included, for a specific purpose. God loves to use imperfect, ordinary people to do extraordinary things.

Admit your weaknesses contently:

2 Corinthians 12:9-10

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Our weaknesses force us to rely on God. When we have less, when we are weak, we must depend on the Lord for strength and comfort. The feeling of “weakness” is God’s reminder that we need Him. 

Our weaknesses also encourage fellowship among believers. Our limitations show just how much we need each other. Our greatest messages often come form our past experiences of weakness. God allows us to struggle so that we can help others who may be dealing with similar situations.

Honestly share your Weaknesses:

In order to impact others, we must become vulnerable. The more I let down my guard, the more God will be able to use me. In today’s culture, we are encouraged to hide our flaws; almost like we are expected to put on a mask when we leave our homes. However, this often leads to stress and anxiety. No one has it all together, Most people work harder at looking like they have it all together than actually trying to get their life together! If we were just honest with each other, then we might be able to help and encourage one another.

“Our strengths create competition, but our weaknesses create community!” ~Rick Warren

Right now I am definitely struggling. I am facing so many changes in my life & it is pretty overwhelming. I constantly find myself doubting and worrying about the future. Did I do the right thing? What if this doesn’t work out? I have to remember why I came to New York. Yes, I came in hopes to succeed in this career change, but I also came for a bigger reason. I want to make a difference. I want Christ to use me in others lives. I have spent the past 24 years worrying about Laura, and I no longer want to worry about myself. I want to be a light in this incredibly dark city. Right now my weakness is doubt. I keep doubting I will be able to influence others, doubting that God has a plan for my life, doubting that if I just trust him things will all work out. I have learned through this journey, that I like to be in control. I like to call the shots and when I allow someone else to take the lead, I worry it wont get done. This is something I have asked God to help me with. I am slowly learning that I cannot do it all. I have to rely on Him for strength & I cannot expect the answers to all appear over night. I need to wait on the Lord and trust that he has me in New York for a specific reason and He will reveal that to me as I follow Him!

Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD. Psalms 27:14 

Day 20: A Servant Like Attitude

In my last entry, I talked about serving God through serving others. In Rick Warren’s book “A Purpose Drive Life,” He talks about characteristics of a servant. In order to serve others and live our lives for Christ, we have to have a servant attitude.

A real servant:

1)    Makes themselves available to serve

If you only serve when it is convenient to you, then you are not a true servant. We need to make ourselves more available and quit filling our schedule with irrelevant things. Can God mess up your plans without you becoming resentful? This is something I struggle with, as I am a big planner. I like to have an outline for pretty much everyday of my life. When something throws my schedule off I tend to get anxious or overwhelmed. In my mind 24 hours in a day isn’t enough. But when I stop to think about how much time is wasted watching TV, surfing the internet, worrying, planning, shopping, or over committing, I realize too much of my day is given to meaningless activities. I have gotten better about this, as it has been a constant prayer.

A few months ago, I asked the Lord to eliminate some things from my schedule and stop stressing over time. The Lord has been so gracious and completely changed my day-to-day life. He actually sent me to New York City, funny that New York is one of the “busiest” places in the world, but I have been able to spend quite a bit of time alone. However, I am still working on lowering my stress level. I have nothing to stress about, when I give it to Him things automatically seem to slow down.  

But Satan really knows my weakness, just the other day I found myself walking in my apartment at 10:30pm thinking where did the day go? There was so much I was suppose to do today….OMG! And reading my last blog entry this morning made me realize, I have gotten no where on my attempts to get plugged into serving. I cannot use the Holiday’s as an excuse, but I have not even submitted an entry in over a week! Why is it so hard for us to just sit and be still? Why are we always on the go? If we would just be calm for a little bit, we would see so many opportunities to serve.

2)   Pays attention to needs

Galatians 6:10- Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

Proverbs 3:28- Do not say to your neighbor, “Come back tomorrow and I’ll give it to you”— when you already have it with you.

As a Christian, we are instructed to put others before ourselves. Once we have toned down our schedule and let go of that stress we have been holding on to, we will be able to recognize the needs of others. Many times we hold on to something so minor and miss something MAJOR that our friend is dealing with. I wonder how my life would be different if every time I started to worry or stress about my own problem, I decided to call a friend and ask how they are doing? If I wasn’t always so consumed with my own matters, maybe I would realize how much God has blessed me and that I should be using my energy encouraging a friend rather than beating myself up for something small.

*This week I am going to try this. Every time a negative thought/worry pops in my head, I am going to call a friend and ask how I can be praying for them. God knows my fears and concerns, If I have given those to Him, there is nothing more I can do but trust that He will work it out.

3)   Does their best with what they have

Some churches/ organizations put “excellence” on a pedestal, which makes the “average” person hesitant to get involved. But the truth is, we do almost everything poorly the first go around, that’s how we learn!

This should be recognized in all our activities, we shouldn’t beat ourselves up when we make mistakes initially. God did not make us to be perfect! He calls us to do our best and many times our best is not “perfect.”

I have been struggling with this issue this week. I recently started a new job in NY and this week I have felt like a failure. I was thrown into a very busy season (the holidays) and with the limited time to get everything ready, I felt pressure to get the job done.  Because I am new and trying to learn everything, there were some mistakes made. One of my biggest struggles is paying attention to detail when under a time crunch (or under pressure). I pride myself on reliability. If I promise to have something done, or if I am asked to do something by a specific time, It will be done. I do not like it when things are late or incomplete. Thus, I like to start things early so I will have enough time to do it all and not feel stretched for time. But in the real world this is not the case, so often we are battling the clock. I need to recognize that although I may complete an assignment, it is not complete if there are mistakes. Providing something with errors, is the same as turning it in incomplete! As I learn and gain more experience, I will be able to do things more quickly and correctly. I need to stop giving myself a hard time and learn to slow down. I do not have to be perfect right now and I should not be expected to know everything. “One day at a time…. Rome was not built in a day!”

4)   Does every task with equal dedication

Colossians 3:23- Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.

The size of the task shouldn’t matter. You will never reach a point in life where you are too important to help others.

Galatians 6:3- If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves. 4 Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, 5 for each one should carry their own load. 6 Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word should share all good things with their instructor.

Small tasks reveal a BIG heart! “The race to be a leader is crowded, but the field is wide open for those willing to be servants.” ~Rick Warren

5)   Faithful to their ministry

What is faithful? The dictionary states that it is:

a.    strict or thorough in the performance of duty: a faithful worker.

b.    true to one's word, promises, vows, etc.

c.    reliable, trusted, or believed.

In this day and age, commitments are so easily broken. So often we find ourselves improvising because someone bailed. I often wonder if this lack of commitment began with the increase of technology? Think about it, if I committed to having lunch with a friend today, but then a better offer comes my way, all I have to do is text that friend: “hey something came up, rain check?” I just broke a commitment in a matter of seconds! What if I didn’t have a cell phone or email? How would I tell my friend I wanted a rain check? Well I guess I would just be a no show? So I then broke my word and that friend would probably never trust me to meet them again. I think this is why our word means so little these days, because we can take it back without any hesitation or repercussions. Today it would be no big deal to reschedule a lunch, but before technology it was a bit trickier… You were required to stick to the plan!

We need to commit to our promises and stop flaking! I am speaking to myself on this one too. I have become very comfortable in “rescheduling” or changing the plan, but I want to be someone others can count on!
6. Maintains a low profile

Matthew 6: 1- “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.”

Ok, I think this may be what I struggle with most! So God wants me to joyfully serve others and expect NOTHING (not even appreciation) in return! Yup, that’s correct! I am not a true servant if I am expecting to be praised for my good deeds.

Galatians 1:10- Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.

I should serve others because I want to serve the Lord. But if I am serving others to please men, then I am no servant of the Lord! I need to be content with quietly serving in the shadows. Even if no one recognizes me, Christ knows my heart and He recognizes my service.

“Notoriety means nothing to real servants because they know the difference between prominence and significance. The most significant service is often the service that is unseen.” ~ Rick Warren 

Day 19: We serve God by serving others

Jesus measured greatness in terms of service, not status. In today’s culture, we determine greatness by our power & prestige. If we are successful by the world’s standards, then others should be serving us… However, this is the exact opposite of how God measures our success. God wants us to be serving more than we are served. He wants us to have a servant’s heart.

Matthew 7:16- You can tell what they are by what they do. No one picks grapes or figs from thornbushes.

As true servants of God, we need to remind ourselves each day that we are not in control of our schedule. My Agenda should be whatever God wants to bring in my life. When there is an opportunity to serve, I should make it a priority over my own concerns. Spending an hour helping a friend is a much better use of my time than wasting an hour in front of the television. I do believe it is important to have some time alone/relaxing, but the TV, book, or computer will be there later! It is ok to give these things up for a few nights when someone or something else needs your help.

Galatians 6:10- We should help people whenever we can, especially if they are followers of the Lord.

Proverbs 3:28- Never walk away from someone who deserves help; your hand is God's hand for that person. Don’t tell your neighbor "Maybe some other time" or "Try me tomorrow." (The Message)

Lately I have felt God calling me to serve. I am not sure where God wants me to serve, but I am ready and willing. As a new resident in New York City, I am not sure where He is calling me? But I believe He has called me to this City for His glory.  I have asked the Lord to show me where He wants me to serve and asking Him to put the right people in my path. This City is full of lost people, and I am so excited for God to place me where he wants me.

If you follow my blog, or if you are reading this entry, please be praying that God leads me in the right direction. I need Him to show me Where, When, How, & Who to serve.  I encourage you to also ask the Lord to direct you and place you where he wants you to serve.

Mark 10:43- whoever wants to be great must become a servant! 

Day 18: Passion

Psalms 139:16- Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.

Nothing is insignificant. God knew every single event of your life before it came to be. God gives each of his children certain talents, interests, and experiences to his glory.

We instinctively care about some things more than others; these are clues to where and how we should be serving. God has a purpose for giving you certain interests. We need to consider how our interests can be used for God’s glory. So many people wind up taking a job that “pays” them well and believe once they have saved up enough, then they can do what they really love. This is a big mistake; the greatest things in life are not things!

I know this from experience. I took a job straight out of college partially due to the salary. I was more concerned with the size of my paycheck than the actual job itself. Sure the money was nice to have, but it did not take very long to realize that no amount of money could satisfy me. What we often fail to realize is that no matter how large our paycheck, it will never be enough to make us happy. If you are doing something you love, the rewards are so much better! The most successful people are the ones who are passionate about what they do.

God gave us certain talents because He wants us to use them! What are you passionate about? How can you use that passion to bring glory to God?

All of our abilities come from God, even abilities used to sin. When we use our talents for the world, and not for the Lord, we are abusing the gifts that God gave us. 

Our abilities should also be a clear indication of what God wants us to do with our life. “Clues to knowing God’s will for you.” Many times it is hard to admit that God has given us a talent or ability that is calling us in a different direction.  Many times we may not even know why God is calling us in a certain direction? We do not yet know what talent or ability he wants us to be using, but we can almost hear him screaming: “Go” or “Stay” but to do what?

I am in New York City, still not sure what God wants me to be doing? All I know is that I am here for Him! I want Him to use me and I am patiently waiting, allowing him to guide me. I have asked Him to bring the right people in my life and show me what exactly I am being called to do in this city.

In church yesterday, the service began with this verse:

Psalms 27:14- Wait for the Lord's help. Be strong and brave, and wait for the Lord's help.

Ok, Clearly the Lord is telling me to be patient. For those of you who know me, I am not always patient. When an idea is put in my head, I run full speed with it. I don’t like to wait, this has always been an issue of mine. For example, Last week I was freaking out about where I was going to live? Once my cousin, Allison, heads back to Texas, What will I do? I don’t know many girls in this city, and I know ZERO girls who need a roommate. So I began looking for a one bedroom and quickly discovered… I was not going to be able to afford a place by myself in Manhattan. Still my stubborn self spent all week researching, calling brokers… every attempt lead to the same answer. “Ok God…. Clearly I cant do think alone, and clearly I cannot live alone! So you figure it out…I am giving it to you. Help me to not be anxious, you got me here… surely you will not let me live on the street.” Literally 30 minutes later, I receive a phone call from a guy who clams to be a “roommate matchmaker” hmmm im very skeptical but allow him to tell me about his business… after speaking with him I agree to meet him and another girl. Turns out this girls is pretty cool… she even went to Baylor… WHOOP another Texas girl!! WE are going to be looking together for a place this week J and our matchmaker is in the process of finding us a 3^rd roommate! GOD YOU ARE SO GOOD TO ME!!

I cannot help but laugh when I think about God’s grace and his sense of humor. He always lets me get so worked up and frustrated from trying, but the moment I give it to Him, He works it out! Why have I not learned that my God is for me, If I am truly following Him, He has it all planned out. I don’t need to get in the way.

My goal this week: (Week 2 in the City)

-       Stop stressing… God’s Got me

-       Find a community to serve. I want to get plugged in somewhere and do something to give back! 

Day 17: Accepting your Assignment

I was put on this earth to make a contribution. God designed me to make a difference.

Jeremiah 1:5- “Before I made Laura, I chose her. Before Laura was born, I set her apart for special work.”

You can insert your name in these blanks. If you are a child of God, you were placed on this earth for a special assignment. No matter where you are in life, God currently has you there for a reason.

Romans 7:4- “ Now you belong to Him…. In order that we might be useful in the service of God.”

So many of us are looking for a place to call home. We want to be involved in a church or an organization that benefits ourselves and satisfies our own needs. When we look for this, we may find temporary comfort, but we will never be fully content.  God has designed us to fulfill his purpose; therefore, we need to stop asking “Who or what is going to meet my needs?” and start asking, “Whose needs can I meet?”

Mark 8:35- “ If you insist on saving your life, you will lose it. Only those who throw away their lives for my sake and for the sake of the Good News will ever know what it means to really live.”

“If you are not serving, you are just existing.” ~ Rick Warren

Yesterday was my first day at my new job. I woke up early to spend some time with the Lord and asked God to hold my hand through the day. I asked for wisdom, peace, and most importantly a positive attitude no matter what. As I began to walk towards the subway, a rush of emotions came over me: 

“What am I doing? Is this really God’s will? Or is this what I wanted? Was I ready for something new and exciting? Or was God telling me to do something new? What if this is a disaster? What if I left my home, job, & friends to completely fail?” 

I stopped and asked the Lord, “Father, I don’t know exactly why I am here… if you did this, or if my own actions got me here? But I am here… somehow, you opened these doors. I can’t take credit for anything in my life, you allowed everything to happen, even the wrong decisions I made in the past. You knew my actions before they were made and used them to teach me. No matter what the outcome of today is, I am asking you to give me a positive attitude. If this job is not what I will ultimately end up doing, it is a stepping-stone to something bigger. And if this is where I will end up for a while, Thank you for opening the door!”

I wrote Jeremiah 1:5 on a piece of paper and said it over and over as I continued to walk towards the subway. “God has set aside special work for me!”

I am excited to share; My first day at Thomas Laine was awesome! Eimear (my new boss) is such an interesting lady. She is passionate about her work, and I am so excited to work with her. I think this job will teach me so much and lead to some pretty amazing opportunities. I am so excited to take this journey!

My prayer today is that I remain positive.  I know there will be plenty of bumps along the way and not everyday will be as exciting as yesterday. Not every job is quite as glamorous as it sounds, but I am ready to learn and willing to work hard to get where I want to be. Also, I want to make sure I am doing God’s work. He has placed me in New York not only for this job, but to touch the lives of others. I am praying that He puts the right people in my path. I want my focus to be: “How can I help this person?” I truly believe that once I am putting the needs of others in front of my own needs, that is when my needs will be filled. Taking the focus off myself is the first step. “God, lead me down the path you have made.”

Day 16: Temptation

“My hope is in you lord, all the daylong. I won't be shaken by drought or storm. A peace that passes, understanding is my song and I sing, My hope is in You alone.” –Aaron Shust My Hope is in You

This weekend I moved to New York City. While on the plane, this was the song I listened to. I kept asking the Lord to give me peace and place my hope in Him as I adjust to a completely new life style. I am confident that the Lord has opened the right doors and given me this opportunity for a reason. He has some big plans in store & I am choosing to trust Him. I am sure there will be days that I doubt and wonder what I have gotten myself into, but I am going to place my Hope in Him.

Today’s entry is about defeating temptation. Every Christian is faced with temptation, if you are not, then you may need to re-examine your walk with the Lord. Satan has no reason to tempt those who are of no threat to him. In The Purpose Driven Life, Rick Warren shares 4 key steps to defeating temptation.

“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. 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 endure it.” 1 Cor. 10: 13

How do you defeat temptation?

1)    Refocus your attention on something else:

The mind is the most vulnerable organ. Instead of focusing on not doing something, focus on doing something. For example: I am NOT going to eat sugar= sugar craving; instead= I am going to eat health foods. You defeat bad thoughts when you think about something better.

Finally, brothers and sisters, 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. Phil. 4:8

2)   Reveal your struggles to a godly friend/ support group

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. 
But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

Hiding our pain only intensifies it. Satan wants us to think that our temptations/ struggles are unique so we will keep them a secret. But the truth is, we all have issues. We hide our flaws because of our own pride. We want others to think we have it all under control, but whatever we can’t talk about is already out of control in our life.

3)   Resist the Devil

God’s word is our weapon against the Devil. “If you do not have bible verses memorized, then you’ve got no bullets in your gun.”

I am going to memorize one verse each week. This week I have picked Deuteronomy 31:6. As I begin a new chapter of my life, this verse is a perfect reminder that God is with me everywhere, no matter what city I am in!

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

4)   Realize your vulnerability

It is easier to STAY OUT of temptation that it is to GET OUT. This is something I have really been praying about over the past few weeks. As I step out of my comfort zone and embrace a new beginning, I have a “fresh start.” I want to be different than everyone else, I want to live my life for Christ. It would be so easy to move to New York and get caught up in the ways of the world, but I am asking God to keep me from going down that path. In order to be successful, I need to STAY OUT of temptation. If I want to make an impact on others, I need to live the way Christ has called me to.

Today’s Challenge:

1)   Ask yourself- what am I pretending isn’t a problem in my life?

2)   Memorize a verse each week- your weapon to resist temptation

3)   Stay OUT of temptation.