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'...without Me you can do nothing.'
John 15:5
You can change the course of a day satan has negative plans for, by spending time with the Lord, especially when you sense any attitude or behaviour in yourself that's not Christ-like. Jesus said, '...without Me you can do nothing.' (John15:5 NKJV). On the other hand, 'I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me' (Philippians 4:13 NKJV). Negative feelings are like unwelcome house guests: the worst thing you can do is to invite them in. You may not be able to override them in your own strength, but if you seek God's help He will enable you to walk according to His ways, not by your negative emotions and perspective.
'But what if someone offends me?' The Bible says we're not to be oversensitive or easily offended. Actually we are commanded to forgive those who hurt us, not letting things fester. Sometimes we want to forgive and do what's right, but we find doing it difficult. More often than not, the right thing is the hard thing to do, not the easy thing. That's when you need to pray and allow God to talk to you through His Word. Only then will you find the strength to do the right thing.
Remember, you're in a war, and the battle begins the moment your eyes open each morning. To win, '...be strong in the Lord...Put on the whole armour of God...having girded your waist with truth...put on the breastplate of righteousness...having shod your feet with...the gospel of peace...taking the shield of faith...And take the helmet of salvation...the sword of the Spirit...praying always...in the Spirit...speak boldly...' (Ephesians 6:10-20 NKJV).
Used with permission from UCB Word for Today. Free issues are available here for the UK and Republic of Ireland.
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Enjoy the Holidays!