iSTAND.

MORE devotions for you. actually not for you. for God. :)

So here are our lessons: First, when we know an action is wrong, especially something condemned in God's Word, we should stick to our convictions and avoid it at all cost.
-meehhhh...i suck. I have a particular sin that comes up and haunts me, and i just want it to be gone. Pray for me to stop sinning altogether. I learned in our YMT bible study more about sin and our brokenness, and i have full confidence that God and i can conquer my sins. Read Psalm 51. So friggin good. I am done dishonoring God and being full aware of it. My goal: Make God smile every moment of every day.
Second, we should be aware of our advisors--friends, associates, coworkers, family--who try to lead us astray. What friends and associates tend to urge you to make the wrong choices?
--I know the people i need to stay away from, but sometimes they are like an addiction, and honestly, in my opinion it's not quite alright to avoid a person at all cost, but the actions, yes...avoid away! I have to remember everything I am representing when making my choices, and all that i do needs to be honoring and bring Glory to God. Otherwise I prolly shouldn't do it. Do i still do these things...yup. I need my God. I will work harder.

God's way is always best, even though sometimes we wonder where it is leading. God knows you--your heart and your actions. And he's the only one who really matters. YESSSSSS! :) What goals have you set for your life?
--I don't have a lot of goals. I think they are pretty typical in that I want to get married and have children and raise a happy family. As far as a career goes, I want to do whatever it is God calls me to do...hair? Ministry? Restaurant? Whatever it is God wants me to do, I pray that I can do it with Joy and Rejoice in every moment he gives me. And I guess the main goal I have as an individual is to continue to grow in the Lord, and thrive off of his daily bread. To not be able to live without his word each day. To understand his words and put them into action, even when it's the hardest thing to do...
How do you think you would react if life took an unexpected turn?
--I was just thinking of this today...and I don't really know if you can ever be "ready" for an unexpected turn, or to be broken, but I feel as though I am almost ready to be taken out of my comfort zone, for God to be able to use me and mold me in my brokenness. To take me out of the equation and make it all about Him. Let's say that God were to tell me that marriage and family are not in his plan...then so be it. I really think i would mourn for a while, but the only thing that I need in life is my glorious god, and i will be fully satisfied. I know that in some other way he will fill that void/desire, tenfold. God's will is going to happen in any case, and so I have to accept it for what it is, and move forward keeping my eyes fixed on Jesus and not being distracted or pulled in any other direction. It would be very very hard to accept, but I know I can do all things with Christ who strengthens me.
How would you respond when given the opportunity to get even with someone?
--Sometimes I just want to soooooo badly, but when I think of the consequences, it's not worth it. SOmetimes it's so hard to just swallow my pride and keep my mouth shut. But every time I do, I am thankful, because when I happen to mention something, I immediately regret my decision. Not cool to make ppl feel like crap, even if they have treated you like crap...once, twice, everyday. My grandma always told me to "kill them with kindness" but of course that is sometimes really really hard. I find that praying for the person usually helps most. God knows how to either convict a person for wronging you or bring peace to them for their insecurities better than i could even imagine. "So I say to you who hear me, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you." Luke 6:27-28
Clearly, God has it all under control. :)

SOmetimes we try to cover up one sin by committing another. Remember David? The man after God's own heart? Even he was distracted by Bathsheba. And when he didn't want ppl to find out about his adultery/rape, ended up lying and murdering. not cool. sometimes i get burried in my own lies and i don't even know what the truth is anymore. lying is a bad sin. i am finished with this lying business...it never brings in profit. MOst of the time I am tempted to cover up my sin instead of confess it.
What sinful distraction is pulling you the wrong way? What can you do to make the right, God honoring choice?
--I'll let ya'll dwell on that one. I think I'll confess this to God instead of you, no offense. ;)

It's a beautiful day. This is the day that the Lord has made, we will REJOICE and be GLAD in it! :D

Mood: Thankful
Food: fast.
Music: Maria Mena. Look her up. so good. :)