Saturday, January 21, 2012

The Battle...Week 1



Romans 7: 15-21
For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I.
If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that [it is] good Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but [how] to perform that which is good I find not For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.

Matthew 5:3-10
Blessed [are] the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed [are] they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed [are] the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed [are] they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Blessed [are] the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed [are] the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Blessed [are] the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.Blessed [are] they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

How we play God..
We try to control our image by wearing masks, playing games, and hiding the truth about ourselves.
We try to control other people by manipulating each other through guilt or shame or praise or even through silence.
We try to control our problems by saying things like " I can handle it; it's not really a problem. I don't need any help. I can quit any time"
We try to control our pain by avoiding it, denying it, escaping it, medicating it, drowning it, or postponing it.

Consequences of Playing God
1) FEAR
2) FRUSTRATION
3) FATIGUE
4) FAILURE

Three Important facts of life
1) I am powerless to change my past
2) I am powerless to control other people
3) I am powerless to cope with my hurts, hang-ups, and habits
good intentions are not enough, willpower is not enough, we need another source of power... WE NEED GOD!
James 4:6
But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.