Sin Patterns

Habitual sin patterns are usually more about who we are or what we believe than what we do. So many of us focus on a particular struggle such as sin such as over indulging (food, alcohol, etc.) or whatever other sin pattern we have. But the real solution is to be found in who we are and what we really believe.

For example, people don't keep overeating because they believe it will kill them. They keep doing it because they believe it will make them feel better. And they've decided that's the most important thing at that moment.

Secret of Joy

There is a secret to true joy that we each must discover. It is found only in God. True joy is much deeper than happiness. And we can have true joy regardless of our circumstances. Happiness tends to be based on present circumstances. But joy is based on truth. God's presence within us is the basis for that truth.

We deceive ourselves when we measure our happiness by our contentment in life with our accomplishments, material possessions, or other circumstances. The true measure of happiness is the joy and contentment that is found in God's love and in doing His will ... living life on God's terms.

God Revealed

As God reveals Himself through creation, we learn of his power and of our own finiteness. As God reveals Himself through Scripture, we learn of His holiness and of our own sinfulness. As God reveals Himself through relationship, we learn of His gracious forgiveness and of our own redemption.

Humbled Before the Lord

Sometimes we must be humbled before we will look up and really see the Lord with our hearts and souls. We already know in our minds that He is there. But we usually must be defeated in some way before we can have the ultimate humility that is required for the victory that is God's will for our lives.

Faith Defined

Faith is more than just believe in certain facts. It must result in action - or it isn't faith. Further, faith must display the character of Christ - or it isn't faith. There must be evidence of faith in moral discipline - or the faith isn't there in the first place.

Disagreements

Price is a key ingredient in every quarrel - over anything. It stirs up conflict and divides people. Conversely, reconciliation is never possible unless the pride can be overcome.

Confessing Sin

Our confession of sin must be continual because we continue to do wrong. But true confession requires us to listen to God and to want to stop doing what is wrong. We must agree with God about what is wrong. We may not remember every sin we have committed in our lives in each day. But our attitude should be one of confession, repentance and obedience.