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5 Steps to Temptation

Originally posted at: theresstillhope.org

Sometimes, overcoming addiction is as simple as learning how to manage temptation. James said, “A person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed” (James 1:14).

Greg Laurie identifies five steps to temptation.

  • We think it. 
  • We desire it.
  • We process it.
  • We do it.
  • We regret it. 

The key is to stop the train before it leaves the station. Once we start thinking about the object of our cravings, the process is already in motion, and it becomes very hard to stop. The answer is to take every thought captive before that process gets going (2 Corinthians 2:5).

Recovery Step: Keep your thoughts on a short leash.

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Kindergarten Lessons

Originally posted at: theresstillhope.org

A Stanford professor, Dr. William Fry, studied kindergarteners and adults. He found two differences. 

  • Children in kindergarten laugh 300 times a day, compared to adults, who laugh just 17 times a day.
  • Children ask 125 questions per day, while adults ask just six. 

Jesus asked more questions than he answered. He was asked 183 questions in the Gospels, while he asked 307 questions of others. Here are just a few samples:

  • “Who do you say that I am?” (Matthew 16:15)
  • “Do you believe?” (Matthew 21:22)
  • “Do you want to get well?” (John 5:6)
  • “Why are you so afraid?” (Matthew 8:26)
  • “Why did you doubt?” (Matthew 14:26)

The lesson? Life is a lot better when we learn to (a) laugh, (b) ask questions, and (c) become more like children.

Recovery Step: Learn to ask the right questions. And laugh a lot more.

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Surrounded

Originally posted at: http://www.theresstillhope.org

In December, 1944, American forces were surrounded by German troops at Bastogne, Belgium. The German general demanded immediate and unconditional surrender. For the Americans, the situation appeared hopeless. Supplies were low and morale was lower.

Enter General Anthony McAuliffe. He assembled the 101st Airborne Division and surveyed the situation. Then he told his men, “Men, we are surrounded by the enemy. We have been awarded the greatest opportunity ever presented to any army. We can attack in any direction.”

Do you ever feel like you are surrounded by the enemy? The answer? Fight back. But don’t do battle without the General on your side.

Recovery Step: Read this verse three times. “Nothing can hinder the Lord. He can win the battle, whether he has many warriors or only a few” (1 Samuel 14:6).