One of the hardest things to do is to wait or delay gratification. Sometimes that One Thing seems to be “the only thing that matters.”
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For Esau, it was his hunger. “Watch out for the Esau syndrome: trading away God’s lifelong gift in order to satisfy a short-term appetite. You well know how Esau later regretted that impulsive act and wanted God’s blessing—but by then it was too late, tears or no tears.” Hebrews 12:16b MSG
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Do you know what is your “bowl of soup”? It is good for you to identify it because the enemy already knows what it is and will present it to you in such an appealing way. Knowing what truly matters most and deciding in advance to not exchange it for the temporary and even perhaps, worthless, will help you to be on guard.
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Is it having the last say? Finding out everything? Being honored in the sight of man? Getting an answer now na? Being in control?
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Our dethroning God as Boss and putting ourselves in His place blinds us; the enemy is good at entrapping us and when we focus on our desires or discomfort instead of God, we can very well put disproportionate importance on something other than God.
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Dear Lord, You know we are not naturally patient. You know our struggles. You know we are weak. Please fill us with Your Spirit that we may have the mind of Christ and self-control, that we would not be foolish in exchanging You, our relationship with You, the joy and peace we have with You for what doesn’t last. Lord please help us to have Your wisdom and discernment and a heart that is surrendered and obedient to You. Help us live our faith and be the sheep that knows, hears, and obeys Your voice.
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“Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word.”
Psalms 119:37 NIV
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“He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.””
Psalms 46:10 NIV
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#notetoself
