Seize Opportunity: It's Our Responsibility - Part 2

Being created a little lower than angels is an awesome thought. Have you considered the implications for opportunities this makes available to you? What robs us of God’s blessings is our refusal to be accountable and submissive to the requirements the responsibility demands. Another issue is that we permit obstructions to block our advancement toward achievable goals.

Obstructions can be other people's needs that distract us from reaching our objectives. Misconceptions attached to anger, greed, or self-doubt become obstructions that interfere with reaching objectives. Lying, covering up facts, or any deceptive behavior that hides the truth are considered obstructions.

A man explained how he allowed fear to become an impediment to his happiness at work by robbing him of opportunities to excel within the company. As God's creation, we are accountable to him for opportunities he gives us and how we use our gifts and talents. He rewards those abundantly who trust him and act responsibly.  

Battling Evil Assaults: Allied with God - Part 2

God never overlooks an assault of evil on anyone. Evil is the enemy of each person called to serve Christ, so survival depends on our willingness to repudiate the assaults of evil. Choose to overcome evil by permitting God to empower you with his Spirit. God does battle with evil by being your defense when Satan attacks.

It sounds absurd to hesitate to choose God as an ally in the battle against evil. Yet evil doesn't always appear dangerous to our spiritual, emotional, or physical well-being. Evil can be deceptive by appearing as a "wolf in sheep's clothing." Ephesians 6:11 tell us how to stand against evil. "Put on the full armor of God so you can take your stand against the devil's schemes."

Facing down and surviving evil with integrity requires your full participation. Face the truth about evil for the truth will set you free. Christ Jesus empowers you with clarity of mind and his presence for choosing what will save you from evil. It's not too late to make that choice.  

Strengthening Your Integrity - Part 2

Integrity is a corrective force that keeps us on track when life seems to be lurching out of control. Accepting Christ as one's personal Savior gives strength to integrity as nothing else can. Christians are imperfect and subject to sin, so our integrity can be damaged when wrong-doing is justified to protect oneself from embarrassment or shame.

Someone said: "I don't understand what's happening to me. Instead of telling the truth, I find myself lying about everything, even small, insignificant matters of no consequence." Misrepresentations of truth result in erosion of integrity. Some Christians choose this behavioral pattern knowing it damages their integrity and self-worth.

Permitting your integrity to erode invites despair. God's plan for anyone who feels enslaved by this condition includes confession, repentance, and re-commitment of your life to Christ. Choosing God's way insures positive change, so decide now to anchor your life where there is forgiveness, a new beginning, and God's purpose for living.