Good morning, Father! It has taken me a bit to get here. Help me to focus on what is important…and that is You. Our time together is a foundational part of my day. May I draw close to You. Amen.

1 John 3:4-10 (<<click here)

Lord, there are things in my life that I strive to eradicate. A majority of the time I – and only with Your help – I can be victorious over them. In a way, it’s like some people diet. They do really well and then they eat a little bit of something they shouldn’t eat – just a little bit. Then a little later they have a bit more. It’s not a lot, just a little. But then there are a lot of little bits and before it’s all said and done the whole cake is gone and their diet is blown to smithereens!

Temptation can be like that. We yield just a little bit and sort of blow it off and try and put it behind us. Then it happens again a bit later…then again…and again and before we know it, it seems, we succumb and our relationship with You is all messed up.

This may happen but we cannot give up! You don’t give up on us, so we can’t give up either. As I wrote yesterday, we’ve got to move forward!

My study Bible* puts forth some very good advice,

“Three steps are necessary to find victory over prevailing sin: (1) Seek the power of the Holy Spirit and God’s Word; (2) stay away from tempting situations; and (3) seek the help of the body of Christ – be open to their willingness to hold you accountable and to pray for you.”

Lord, when I stay close to You, I am strong. May I cling to You every moment. Amen.

*Life Application Study Bible New Living Translation

May 3rd, Wed, 9:26 am