Wow! what a week covered some very heavy subjects. thanks for all your feed back. most of these are work shops, group or one to one presentation. If you would like any of these presented at your school, college, church, or one to one session, just give me a call or email on info below. Pastor P
How to Avoid Yielding To Temptation
Ray Patrick Presenter
Temptation is something we all face as Christians, no matter how long we have been following Christ. There are a few practical things, however, that we can do to grow stronger and smarter in our struggle against sin. You can learn how to avoid yielding to temptation by practicing these steps.
1. Recognize your tendency toward sin (know your limits).
James 1:14 explains that we are tempted when we become enticed by our own natural desires. The first step toward avoiding Yielding to temptation, is recognizing our human tendency to be tempted by our own fleshly desires. Temptation is a given, so don't be surprised by it. Rather, expect to be tempted. Be prepared for it.
2. Run away from the temptation and run to Jesus
I love the New Living Translation of 1 Corinthians 10:13. It says, "But remember that the temptations that come into your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can't stand up against it. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you will not give in to it."
When you are face to face with temptation, look for the way out that God has promised and then run as fast as you can, you will find Him waiting with open arms to hold you and protect you
3. Resist with the Word of truth like Christ did
Hebrews 4:12 says God's Word is living and active. Did you know you can carry a weapon that will make your thoughts obey Jesus Christ? If you don't believe me, read 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 One of these weapons is the Word of God.
Though it can be helpful to read God's Word when you're being tempted, sometimes that's not practical. Even better is to practice reading the Word daily, so that eventually you have so much of it inside, you are ready whenever temptation comes. If you are reading through the Bible regularly, you will have the full counsel of God at your disposal.
4. Refocus with praise.
How often have you been tempted to sin when your heart and mind were fully concentrated on worship to the Lord? Praising God takes your focus off of yourself and puts it on God. You may not be strong enough to resist temptation on your own, but as you focus on God, he will inhabit your praise. He will give you the strength to resist and walk away from the temptation. May I suggest Psalm 147 as a good place to start.
5. Repent quickly when you fail don’t wait…
In several places the Bible tells us the best way to resist temptation is to flee from it (1 Corinthians 6:18; 1 Corinthians 10:14; 1 Timothy 6:11; 2 Timothy 2:22). Yet still we all fail from time to time. We fail to flee. Notice I didn't say, repent quickly if you fail. Having a more realistic view—knowing that at times you will fail—should help you to repent quickly when you do. It is not the end of the world when you fail, but it is very dangerous to persist in your sin. Going back to James 1, verse 15 explains that sin "when it is full-grown, gives birth to death."
Father, You know the temptations that I am facing today. But your Word promises that I will not be tempted beyond what I can bear. I ask for your strength to stand up under the temptation today and always. Your Word also tells me you will provide a way out of the temptation. Please, Lord, give me the wisdom to take the escape route when I am tempted. Thank you, God, that you are a faithful deliverer and that I can count on your help in my time of need. Amen
RAY OF HOPE 4 U
61 Selborne gardens
London NW4 4SH
England, UK
+447940443879 (London)
rayapatrick@hotmail.com
www.rayofhope4u.co.uk
http://www.mission2zimbabwe2010.vpweb.co.uk
http://rayofhope4u.blogspot.com
prayerline +44208 202 4863 or text +447940443879
Emergency Prayer USA -1 888 820 8627 or visit www.pray4meinc.com .
Thursday, 26 August 2010
How should Christians Deal with Stress?
How should Christians Deal with Stress?
Presented By Ray Patrick
Stress and anxiety for a Christian can take on many different shapes and forms, yet in general, for most Christians, stress boils down to one idea - lack of trust in God.
When we're late for an important meeting, or if we've taken on too many responsibilities. When circumstances are out of our control, we feel stress. When our basic needs are not being met and our safety is threatened, we tend to get anxious.
Though it is impossible to lump all of Christianity into one common position, most Christians do share the thinking that God is sovereign and in control of our lives. We believe he is the author and composer of faith. We believe he has given us everything we need for life. So, most of the time when stress dominates our lives, somewhere along the way we have failed to trust God.
Though this explanation appears simplistic, it's not meant to imply that a stress-free life in Christ is easy to obtain.
Just trust God more and you'll never deal with stress again! If only it were that easy.
For Christians, stress does have a positive side. It can be a reminder that our lives have drifted away from God. It might be an indicator that we have stopped depending upon him daily for strength. Perhaps we have forgotten the many promises in his Word?
Ways that Christians Cope with Stress:
There are many practical disciplines that a Christian can and should exercise to avoid stress. Getting enough rest, a proper diet, regular exercise, and keeping a balance between work, ministry and family time - these are all practical ways the Bible teaches us to regulate stress in our lives. However, I believe that stress relief for a Christian begins and ends with these three basic disciplines:
• Prayer
Instead of worrying over our problems, further compounding our anxiety and stress, the Bible recommends taking everything to God in prayer. This verse in Philippians offers the comforting promise that as we pray, our minds will be protected by a peace that goes beyond our ability to understand.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
• Praise
I find it to be almost impossible to be stressed and praise God at the same time. When I'm stressing I just start praising and the stress just seems to go away.
Praise and worship will take our minds and thoughts off of self, off our problems, and refocus them on God. As we begin to praise and worship God, suddenly our problems seem small in light of the largeness of God. Music is also soothing to the soul. Next time you're feeling stressed, try following This advice and see if your stress doesn't begin to lift.
• Meditation on the Word of God
The Bible is filled with incredible promises from God. Meditating on these words of assurance can dispel our worry, doubt, fear and stress. Here are just a few examples of the Bible's stress relieving verses:
His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 2 Peter 1:3
"Then Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke fits perfectly, and the burden I give you is light." Matthew 11:28-30
"I am leaving you with a gift--peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give isn't like the peace the world gives. So don't be troubled or afraid." John 14:27
Father, enable us by your wisdom to keep things in perspective. For, God, you are bigger than the problems we face each day. We remember your mercy and faithfulness. Through your counsel and encouragement, you have enabled us to overcome the many setbacks and adversities of life. We continue now, to trust in your goodness and provision. For you are a God who hears, answers, and acts on our behalf, Out of the abundance of your eternal love. We trust you in your grace and mercy to sustain us. Amen.
1. West Coast Prayerline - 712-451-6000. Access code 281432#. Meeting times daily@ 6am Mon – Sun and 9pm Mon – Fri. (Facilitated by Elder Michael Blue & Elder Wanda Flowers.)
2. East Coast Prayerline - 605-990-0700. Access code 503942#. Meeting times @ 6am and 9pm weekdays and 6:30am weekends. (Facilitated by Chris Brooks). You can also visit www.gracefam.org.
3. San Francisco Prayerline - 641 297 4600. Access code is 7792#. Meeting times daily @ 6:30am Mon – Sun (Facilitated by Sis. Grant and Elder Wanda Flowers)
4. CPR Prayerline - - 218 862 1000. Access
code is 996832#. Meeting times @ 9pm Sunday to Friday (Times are EST: Facilitated by Yvette Stoute.)
5. Urgent Prayer Request +0208 202 4863(London number) or text +7940443879
6. Emergency Prayer -1 888 820 8627 or visit www.pray4meinc.com .
RAY OF HOPE 4 U
61 Selborne gardens
London NW4 4SH
England, UK
+447940443879 (London)
rayofhope4u@hotmail.com
www.rayofhope4u.co.uk
http://rayofhope4u.blogspot.com
http://www.squidoo.com/rayofhope4u
http://www.mission2zimbabwe2010.vpweb.co.uk
prayerline +44208 202 4863 or text +447940443879
Presented By Ray Patrick
Stress and anxiety for a Christian can take on many different shapes and forms, yet in general, for most Christians, stress boils down to one idea - lack of trust in God.
When we're late for an important meeting, or if we've taken on too many responsibilities. When circumstances are out of our control, we feel stress. When our basic needs are not being met and our safety is threatened, we tend to get anxious.
Though it is impossible to lump all of Christianity into one common position, most Christians do share the thinking that God is sovereign and in control of our lives. We believe he is the author and composer of faith. We believe he has given us everything we need for life. So, most of the time when stress dominates our lives, somewhere along the way we have failed to trust God.
Though this explanation appears simplistic, it's not meant to imply that a stress-free life in Christ is easy to obtain.
Just trust God more and you'll never deal with stress again! If only it were that easy.
For Christians, stress does have a positive side. It can be a reminder that our lives have drifted away from God. It might be an indicator that we have stopped depending upon him daily for strength. Perhaps we have forgotten the many promises in his Word?
Ways that Christians Cope with Stress:
There are many practical disciplines that a Christian can and should exercise to avoid stress. Getting enough rest, a proper diet, regular exercise, and keeping a balance between work, ministry and family time - these are all practical ways the Bible teaches us to regulate stress in our lives. However, I believe that stress relief for a Christian begins and ends with these three basic disciplines:
• Prayer
Instead of worrying over our problems, further compounding our anxiety and stress, the Bible recommends taking everything to God in prayer. This verse in Philippians offers the comforting promise that as we pray, our minds will be protected by a peace that goes beyond our ability to understand.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
• Praise
I find it to be almost impossible to be stressed and praise God at the same time. When I'm stressing I just start praising and the stress just seems to go away.
Praise and worship will take our minds and thoughts off of self, off our problems, and refocus them on God. As we begin to praise and worship God, suddenly our problems seem small in light of the largeness of God. Music is also soothing to the soul. Next time you're feeling stressed, try following This advice and see if your stress doesn't begin to lift.
• Meditation on the Word of God
The Bible is filled with incredible promises from God. Meditating on these words of assurance can dispel our worry, doubt, fear and stress. Here are just a few examples of the Bible's stress relieving verses:
His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 2 Peter 1:3
"Then Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke fits perfectly, and the burden I give you is light." Matthew 11:28-30
"I am leaving you with a gift--peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give isn't like the peace the world gives. So don't be troubled or afraid." John 14:27
Father, enable us by your wisdom to keep things in perspective. For, God, you are bigger than the problems we face each day. We remember your mercy and faithfulness. Through your counsel and encouragement, you have enabled us to overcome the many setbacks and adversities of life. We continue now, to trust in your goodness and provision. For you are a God who hears, answers, and acts on our behalf, Out of the abundance of your eternal love. We trust you in your grace and mercy to sustain us. Amen.
1. West Coast Prayerline - 712-451-6000. Access code 281432#. Meeting times daily@ 6am Mon – Sun and 9pm Mon – Fri. (Facilitated by Elder Michael Blue & Elder Wanda Flowers.)
2. East Coast Prayerline - 605-990-0700. Access code 503942#. Meeting times @ 6am and 9pm weekdays and 6:30am weekends. (Facilitated by Chris Brooks). You can also visit www.gracefam.org.
3. San Francisco Prayerline - 641 297 4600. Access code is 7792#. Meeting times daily @ 6:30am Mon – Sun (Facilitated by Sis. Grant and Elder Wanda Flowers)
4. CPR Prayerline - - 218 862 1000. Access
code is 996832#. Meeting times @ 9pm Sunday to Friday (Times are EST: Facilitated by Yvette Stoute.)
5. Urgent Prayer Request +0208 202 4863(London number) or text +7940443879
6. Emergency Prayer -1 888 820 8627 or visit www.pray4meinc.com .
RAY OF HOPE 4 U
61 Selborne gardens
London NW4 4SH
England, UK
+447940443879 (London)
rayofhope4u@hotmail.com
www.rayofhope4u.co.uk
http://rayofhope4u.blogspot.com
http://www.squidoo.com/rayofhope4u
http://www.mission2zimbabwe2010.vpweb.co.uk
prayerline +44208 202 4863 or text +447940443879
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