God is a designer. 

            We're His works of art.

In this world we WILL have trouble! But the good news is God uses the bad things that the devil meant for evil for the good of those who love Him. Our circumstances might change but God remains the same. Check this out Moses circumstance was exodus in which he thought his speech was a hinderance, Joshua's circumstance was possessing the land in which he was young and had some worries, Naomi's circumstance dealt with bitterness. But God remained the same He rescued His people and never forsaken or left them. Turned Naomi's bitterness to joy, used Moses' weakness as strength to rely on God, and used Joshua's fear to learn how to trust God.

We must reset our mind on God to gain peace to press on past our circumstances. Don't allow the temptation of giving in to prevail. Sorrow only last temporarily but joy comes in the morning. Do not make a permanent decision for a temporary situation. When Paul said " press towards the prize" the prize is becoming more Christlike so that we can see Him face to face and live in eternity with Him.

In order to become more Christlike we must have His fruits within us: love, patience, peace, kindness, gentleness, long suffering, joy, faithfulness, and self-control. Just like a tree baring fruit it is a process that takes time to grow and ripen. God is growing up His fruit in us through temptation. The more we resist temptation the more we become like Christ. In order to gain patience God will allow a delay. In order to gain love God will allow you to be around unloving personalitites. In order to gain joy God will allow you to go through tough times. Its in these times where we must take a second and ask God what do you want me to learn Lord so I can become more like you. Do not give in to the flesh. Remember you feelings, opinions, and emotions are your FOE's.

That is why Paul insists that we "guard our hearts and minds" because satan knows our weaknesses and have plots to catch us sleeping to lure us into his trap. I want you guys to jot down notes of how you feel when temptation comes knocking. Is it around a certain group of people, is it at a certain time of day, are you feeling lonely or sad, is it when you most successful... When you recognize these things you can be prepared to resist the devil so he will flee.

Remember only Jesus is sinless so we all fall short but don't dwell on your short comings press towards your future and forgive yourself because God forgives you. Take joy in temptation because it means you are one of God's and the devil is having a fit. Have you ever had a crazy thought in the middle of praying? Yup that is the devil trying to distract you because he hates you and your prayers are power do not fret bind that thought and refocus and continue to pray.

FIGHT TEMPTATION

Father in the name of Jesus I just want to take a moment although you deserve an eternity of moments to say thank you for your mercy and grace that has keep me and your children standing firm in your word despite the troubles surrounding us. God i thank you for giving us hope, hope in you to know that as long as we remain focused on you that you will not allow us to fall into temptation. God i thank you for choosing us. Thank you Lord for each and every one of our own unique process. I find joy in every obstacle, every set back, every trial, every moment of joy, every affliction God because I realize that it is all being worked for my good. God I ask that you will transform the minds and hearts of your children so that can be more like you as you have intended them to be. Remove anything that is serving as a hinderance to recieve everything you have for us. Lord we love you and we are giving you full permission to have your way within us, we submit to you Father. In Jesus name. Amen.