Greetings from Austin Street

Happy Tuesday!  All is well here at 811.

God, I know I have often focused on the very things that make me stumble and sin. Transform me, God because I want to honor you with my whole life. Give me wisdom to know what to look over and what to overlook. Teach me that the greatest wisdom is a loving heart, and when I am afraid of not measuring up or just afraid; make me wise beyond my years.  I love you Lord. Thank you for being ever present with me and giving me reminders of your love. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Temptations are just what they say…tempting!  In our speed dial world of fast communication we can order anything with just a few touches of some buttons on our phone. In really short order,  books, pizza games, new dresses and shoes are either downloaded on our phone or at our doorstep in a very short amount of time. I mean when was the last time we paid for something using real green cash or spoke to someone in customer service. I rarely go to the bank. How about you?   As long as we live here on this earth and technology continues to upgrade and increase,  temptations are always very close at hand…as near as our phones. I think we can call this instant gratification.  And I must admit I am guilty of giving in to temptation.

While these things may not be sinful how do we stop falling into sinful patterns; things that lure us into sin? We know that Jesus has broken the power of sin at the cross of Calvary, but how do we change and stop wanting things that harm us in our hearts, minds, souls and bodies? Sometimes when I am driving in the car I let my mind wander and my thoughts are not godly thoughts. Lately when this happens I have been turning on the Christian artists I have downloaded on my phone so I can listen and sing while I am on the way home. This strategy is helping!  Romans 12: 2 instructs, “Let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.”  Temptation begins in our thoughts and travels down into our feet and hands causing us to act on those thoughts.  We have to change our thinking; change the things on which we set our mind.  We need to focus on God.

Singing Christian music helps me focus on God. The temptations in our thoughts will not go away immediately. Transformation takes time!  But praying for God to take away our desire to sin is found in scripture and if we claim and pray this scripture I hope to find my/our desire to keep focused on God when temptation comes.

“Take away my desire for to do evil or to join others in doing wrong.”

Psalm 141: 4

“My eyes are upon You, O God the Lord; in You I take refuge.” 

Take joy in the journey praying, praising, laughing, giving thanks as you go and encourage someone else along the way. Stay focused on God. Wear comfortable shoes and get some sleep. Love you all, Bruce and Gaylene