Blessings

dlkemp

Monday:

• Read John 20:20-31 – How has NOT seeing Jesus and yet believing on Him been a greater blessing for you than those that did get to see Him?
• Reflection: What do you sense the Holy Spirit wants you to focus on in particular in your 40-day commitment this week? 
• Prayer: Complete a new prayer card stating someone else in your family that you commit to pray for this week.

 Tuesday:

• Read Galatians 6:8-9 – How are you doing in your fasting commitments?  Reexamine your commitments with the Holy Spirit to determine if any adjustments need to be made.
• First Sign (Read John 2:1-11) Reexamine this first sign that John gave especially focusing on Jesus’ mother.  What can you learn from her?
• Prayer: Jot down notes from a different prayer card that you’ve read and make a commitment to pray for that need throughout the day for this week.

 Wednesday:

• Read I John 3:2-3 – How are you doing in the mortification of your flesh (purifying yourself) thus far in the 40-days and is there any areas that you need to address?

• Second Sign (Read John 4:46-54) Reexamine the second sign and especially focus on what the nobleman has in common with Mary the mother of Jesus.  How can you apply this to your life?

• Prayer: Give a prayer card to someone outside of your family and ask them to complete it and let you put in on the altar in your church.  (Pray that God will use this to allow you to be a witness and encouragement.)

Thursday:

• Third Sign (Read John 5:1-9) Examine the third sign and especially verse 8 and determine how the three commands that Jesus spoke can be applied in your life today.

• Study the doctrine of “regeneration” today by reviewing Matthew 19:28 and Titus 3:4-7.  (If you have a study bible(s) be sure to use them.

• Be prepared to discuss the doctrine of “regeneration” with someone in the evening service.  (See Acts 2:42)

Friday: REST! (No service tonight)

• Read Hebrews 4 – Reflect on the rest that God has provided for his people.  Have you entered that rest?

Saturday:  (The third of seven Communions.)

• Read John 18-19 in preparation for the Third Communion of the 40-days.  These are lengthy passages.  I encourage you to read them several times throughout the day and list different things that the Holy Spirits prompts your heart about.  Bring this list to church with you for your reflection and prayer time.

(Based on 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17)

_david l. kemp / 120128

Note: You can pick the book up at a great price on www.half.com

Blessings,

dlk

Today’s entry is the devotional for January 30, 2012, but I had so much fun writing it and remembering the “good old days” that I felt like sharing today.  Take a trip down memory lane…

You are my portion, O LORD; I have said that I would keep Your words. (Psalm 119:57)

When I was a boy the meat you served at the table was an indication of how well you were doing financially.  The hierarchy went something like this:

• Rich = steak (I was an adult before I realized that there is a hierarchy in the types of beef.  I was thrilled to eat any type of beef.  We even pretended that beef hotdogs were “tubed steak” )
• Next on the totem pole was pork.  Pork meant that you were not rich, but that you were improving.  (Fried Pork chops made me feel pretty rich!)
• Then there was chicken – that was what good honest, hard-working people put on the table most of the time.
• I won’t even get into spam, pork brains, and all the other “poor folk” food – through I’ve had (and enjoyed) my share of it.

So chicken (usually fried) was what most often greeted me as a boy when I pulled up to the table.  Golden brown, rolled in egg and flour and dipped in hot Crisco (my mouth is watering now); there’s nothing like it.

But wait!  Don’t go grabbing for a piece of that chicken just yet.  There was also a clear hierarchy on eating chicken.  The “white meat” (the chicken breast) went to the grownups (the guest of honor and the man of the house) and then the mother got the next choice and then the children (by age) got what was left.  A child’s portion was – at best a thigh but most often the “drumstick” (Still finger licking good!)  Even to this day when, as an adult, I pass up the chicken breast for a “lesser” piece of chicken I feel like I’m doing something noble.

Society has learned this lesson well.  We have a hierarchy for almost everything.  Whether it is cars or clothes, homes or honey – we are given the strong hint that we are a better person if we are able to get the better “portion”.

Let the psalmist help you today.  Whether you’re eating steak or chicken and whether you’re eating filet mignon or the drumstick, if “the LORD is your portion” then you’ve got the best.  As the old timers used to say, “You’re eating high on the hog.”

• Read John 20:30-31 – How has my belief in Jesus given my life?
• First Communion: (Read Matthew 26:29): Is there anything that I should cease from until I do it again with Jesus new in our Father’s kingdom?
•  Prayer: Complete a new prayer card stating someone in your family that you are going to pray for specifically this week; give the reason why. 

Tuesday:

• First Sign (Read John 2:1-12)
• How has my believe in Jesus Christ transformed my life?
• Are there areas in my life that I have not “poured out” (surrendered to Jesus)?
• Prayer Card: Jot down notes from a particular prayer card that you’ve read and make a commitment to pray for that need throughout the day for this week.

 Wednesday:

• Second Sign (Read John 4:46-54) What areas in my life do I need to stop fretting over and simply trust that Jesus will be true to His word?
• Study John 3 and identify two or three specific verses that you sense the Holy Spirit leading you to apply to your life this week.
• Prayer: Bring your most desperate need before Jesus and trust Him to be faithful by you (John 4:49).

Thursday:

• John 4:53 So the father knew that it was at the same hour in which Jesus said to him, “Your son lives.” And he himself believed, and his whole household.
• What areas have you demonstrated to your family that you are trusting in Jesus?  (Or what areas do you need to start showing your family that you are trusting in Jesus?)
• At the Prayer service take time to discuss the above and pray together.  (Share faith-building testimonies together of God faithfulness.)

Friday:

• REST! Psalm 46:10 Be still, and know that I am God…

Saturday:  

• Read 1 Corinthians 11:28-30 in preparation for the Second Communion of the 40-days
• Beginning with the first hour of you awakening, list one reason you believe in Jesus each hour until 6:00 p.m. (try to back up your believe with Scripture).
  • Note: this practice will keep the evening Communion service on your mind all day.

]]> http://pastorkemp.wordpress.com/2012/01/23/40-days-devotional-guide-for-the-week-of-january-22-2012/feed/ 0 pastorkemp http://pastorkemp.wordpress.com/2012/01/18/top-10-reasons-to-get-involved-in-this-years-40-days-of-prayer-fasting/ http://pastorkemp.wordpress.com/2012/01/18/top-10-reasons-to-get-involved-in-this-years-40-days-of-prayer-fasting/#comments Wed, 18 Jan 2012 23:01:42 +0000 pastorkemp http://pastorkemp.wordpress.com/?p=1347 ]]> Greetings all PEPpers!

It is that time of the year – today is Day 1 of 40 days of prayer & fasting.  I thought I’d take a moment to review some of the top reasons for you to get involved in this year’s 40-day season.  While this is not an exhaustive list, it is a good start.  Tell me what you think.

Here goes…

#1 – It is a chance to spend more time with God. 

It’s like celebrating an anniversary by getting away with the one you love.  The main goal is not getting God to answer a prayer or even to become a better Christian; it is to simply be with the One you love.

#2 – It is a time to listen. 

Don’t go rushing into 40-days with your demands and expectations.  Be still, cool your jets and first listen to what God has to say. 

• Psalm 37:7 (NLT) Be still in the presence of the LORD, and wait patiently for him to act.
• Psalm 46:10 (NKJV) Be still, and know that I am God.

#3 – It is a chance to recalibrate your use of time. 

The use of our time is like a moon that orbits around a planet.  Whatever has the strongest gravitation pull on us uses up the majority of our time.  40-days allows us to review what has been pulling on us to determine if our lives are orbiting around God and his will for our life or if we have drifted away from Him seeking our own desires and pleasure.

For 40 days our evening prayer service and your personal devotional commitments will be pulling on you causing you make a choice of how you will plan your day and use your time.  That pull will help you recalibrate your use of time.

• Ephesians 5:15-17 (NKJV) See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.  Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

#4 - It is a chance to recalibrate your eating habits. 

Your body is the temple of the Lord / it is the number one instrument that you have to worship, relate and serve God.  Don’t underestimate the physical benefits of fasting and mortifying (abstaining from, putting to death) your appetites.  The Centers for Disease Control reports that the No. 2 instrument of death is food \ more than car crashes, drug overdoses, alcoholism and firearm accidents combined!

Active participation in 40-days of prayer and fasting can literally extent/save your life!

• 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (NKJV) Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? 20 For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.

#5 – It is a chance to experience a special season of community. 

The fast pace of life has a way of isolating us and separating us from those we love.  Our nightly prayer services will give you the privilege of spending time with your family and church family.  This season of the year is probably when we are most like the early church.

• Psalm 55:14 (NLT) What good fellowship we once enjoyed as we walked together to the house of God.
• Acts 2:42 (NKJV) And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.

 #6 – It is a chance to care for others through prayer and encouragement. 

There will be hundreds, if not thousands of prayer requests placed on our altars.  You will have 40 chances to pray specifically for people.  Furthermore, nightly you will have the chance to pray with those in attendance at the prayer service and encourage them in faith.

• 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NLT) So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.
• 1 Thessalonians 5:14 (NLT) Brothers and sisters, we urge you to warn those who are lazy. Encourage those who are timid. Take tender care of those who are weak. Be patient with everyone.

#7 – It is a chance to pray for your own needs.

This is our 15^th 40-days of prayer & fasting.  Experience has taught us that prayers are answered during this season like at no other time. 

•  2 Corinthians 10:3-5 (NKJV) For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.
• 2 Chronicles 7:14 (NKJV)  if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

#8 – It is a chance to starve the flesh so that your spirit can be fed and grow (through prayer and the ministry of the word.

• Acts 6:2,4 It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables…we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.

#9 – It is a chance to be a witness to those outside your community of faith. 

People will begin to notice the difference in you (physically, emotionally and spiritually) and it will open doors for you to bless others.

•  Matthew 5:16 (NKJV) Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

#10 – It is a chance to offer the firstfruits of your year (time) to God. 

40 days equals a tithe of your year + an offering of 3 ½ days.  There is no denying that 40-days of prayer and fasting is not easy.  However, when you willing offer to God acts of sacrifice and worship it honors Him and moves His heart.  Be assured that your labor will not be in vain.

Who knows, perhaps this is a list worth repeating.

_dlk

TOP TEN THINGS TO DO TODAY:

1. Read Proverbs 17 (or the Proverb chapter of the day) and highlight all the verses about communication.  (Successful people have learned to communicate well.)
2. List the top three things that you MUST do today and then stay relentlessly focused on them unto they are completed.  (Sustained focus = success)
3. Do something to honor the most important person in your life.  (Showing love is good / showing honor elevates your relationship to an entirely different level)
4. Do something to raise the “joy factor” for those around you. / keep it fun! (Happy people are productive people.)
5. Call a respected elder and ask for any advice that they would be willing to give. (Proverbs 8:3)
6. Eat a wise lunch!  Brain food; not nap food.  The afternoon is won or lost over lunch.
7. Take time to feed your soul by reading your Bible.  A great app is @OliveTreeBible.com
8. Take a stretch (a mini Sabbath) – you’re not a machine; you were meant to work & rest.  This will help you refocus and finish strong.
9. When you get home use this phrase often – “What do you think?”  It is amazing what happens when we stop telling and start asking.
10. Do something this evening that delights you.  Life was not meant to be all duty, drudgery and danger – relax, rejoice and rest!

     I’d like to preface my remarks by clearly stating that, through I am specifically addressing my remarks to church professionals, the term “Christian leader” is really an oxymoron.  If you are a Christian that is in a position of leadership then you are by nature (or should be) a Christian leader, and as it relates to today’s topic a “Servant Leader”.  There is not one set of “Standard Operation Procedures (morals and ethics, etc.) for Church leaders and another for leader in the “real world.”  This lesson applies to all Christians that seek to lead.

     Now to the subject.  I don’t think that most people have ever really considered the high cost of being a Christian leader.  A careful reading of the definition that I have given us should cause us to pause a moment.   Think about it.  Have you really given careful and intentional consideration to what it means to “choose to be a SLAVE of Jesus Christ”

      And how would you apply to your life the expression: “Being free from the restraints of this world in order to obey Jesus’ commands and serve His interests.”? 

 Let’s examine these issues.

First: What does it mean to be a slave of Jesus Christ?  Matthew 20:20-28 offers a good case study from Jesus’ leadership teachings.

 Matthew 20:20-28

Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)[dk1]

²⁰ Then the mother of Zebedee’s sons approached Him with her sons. She knelt down to ask Him for something. ²¹ “What do you want?” He asked her.  “Promise,” she said to Him, “that these two sons of mine may sit, one on Your right and the other on Your left, in Your kingdom.” ²² But Jesus answered, “You don’t know what you’re asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink?” “We are able,” they said to Him. ²³ He told them, “You will indeed drink My cup. But to sit at My right and left is not Mine to give; instead, it belongs to those for whom it has been prepared by My Father.” ²⁴ When the 10 disciples heard this, they became indignant with the two brothers. ²⁵ But Jesus called them over and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles dominate them, and the men of high position exercise power over them. ²⁶ It must not be like that among you[dk2] . On the contrary, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant[dk3] , ²⁷ and whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave[dk4] ; ²⁸ just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life—a ransom for many.”

 Notice in particular verse 28 – for it reveals some of what Jesus is speaking of concerning being a slave…

• Slaves do not show up to be served; they show up to serve.
• Slaves do not show up to get; but to give. 
• Furthermore, this idea of giving is much more than adding a little value here or there; a slave gives their life.  Their life is devoted to their Master.  Fulfilling his commands and protecting and advancing his interests are their purpose in life.  
• Slaves do not have the luxury of clocking out or signing off; a slave serves 24/7 if need be.   Jesus sums it up clearly in Luke 17…

Luke 17:7-10  (HCSB) 

⁷ “Which one of you having a slave tending sheep or plowing will say to him when he comes in from the field, ‘Come at once and sit down to eat’? ⁸ Instead, will he not tell him, ‘Prepare something for me to eat, get ready, and serve me while I eat and drink; later you can eat and drink’? ⁹ Does he thank that slave because he did what was commanded?  ¹⁰ In the same way, when you have done all that you were commanded, you should say, ‘We are good-for-nothing slaves; we’ve only done our duty.’”

      Now let us briefly address the second portion of our definition of being a servant leader…

Second: How can we be free from the restraints of this world in order to obey Jesus and serve Him?

Matthew 6:24 (HCSB) No one can be a slave of two masters, since either he will hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot be slaves of God and of money. 

• I am afraid that far too many Christian leaders have divided interest.  Because of the calling on their lives, they serve Christ and his Church but they also have “outside interests” that sap the passion and strength from their lives.  They are “worldly” chasing after the same things that the non-Christian leader seeks – money, position, perks, and such. 
• We have failed to teach one of the vital doctrines of the Christian faith that is pertinent to this subject and that is the concept of salvation as being “purchased”.  For example Paul strongly admonished the leaders of the church at Ephesus:

Acts 20:28 (HCSB) Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock that the Holy Spirit has appointed you to as overseers, to shepherd the church of God, which He purchased [dk5] with His own blood. 

• In other words, an important part of Jesus’ atoning work was to “purchase” us – we belong to Jesus.  This important doctrine is beyond the scope of this essay, but it bears being mentioned for it is important in understanding servant leadership.   
• However, having said all that it must be remembered that Servant Leadership is not about humility.  A servant leader will be humble (that is a subject for another lesson), but don’t fall for the trap of doing things so people will notice how humble you are and say, “Ah what a servant!”  That is NOT the goal.  The goal is to achieve Jesus’ goals!  We serve – lay down our lives – because we want Jesus’ honor and glory to be magnified and his interests advanced.  

This has strong practical applications when it comes to leading people:   

• FIRST: Being a servant leader requires knowing who the Master is and keeping Him as the Master.  And of course the Master is Jesus Christ.   
• As I allured to above, a very real danger is to make ourselves the master.  Our service to Jesus and his Bride (Church) is not really about them but about making ourselves feel better or important.  
• Another danger very real danger is making the people of God the master.  It must be strongly emphasized that our mandate is first serve Jesus and then through Him serve people. 
• In other words, while most often the practical manifestation of being a slave of Jesus Christ is going to be that we serve his people, our service them is always secondary. 
• Our example is Jesus himself.  There were many times that Jesus walked away from the people because he served a higher purpose – to do His Father’s will (John 15:9-10).
• I like Brian J. Dodd’s thoughts on this:  “Sometimes it is difficult for caring pastors to keep a balance between serving people and pleasing them.  Bob Schaper, a seminary professor of mine, taught me a motto that has helped me keep the balance between obedience to Christ and servant-like posture towards people: I am your servant, but you are not my master.” _Brian J. Dodd, Empowered Church Leadership, p. 57

• SECOND: Being a servant leader means that we serve Jesus’ interest (do not get distracted by lesser things!)

 2 Timothy 2:3-4 (NKJV) You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. ⁴ No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier. 

• THIRD: Being a servant leader means that we do what is in the best interest of those Jesus has called us to serve (His will, not ours or theirs).  This will require tough choices, and “shooting straight” with people.  This must always be done in the spirit of Christ (love) but nevertheless, our goal is to mature people to become fully functioning followers of Christ.  This will not be easy and will often require serving them in ways that they will not fully understand nor appreciate.  

• FOURTH: Servant leadership is the best way to succeed and be great.  Again, Jesus did not condemn his disciples for wanting to be leaders and for wanting to be great leaders; He just reminded them that the best way to do this is to be a servant leader.  And oddly enough, even if pagans practice servant leadership they will succeed.  In other words, this is one of the standard operating procedures (the way Jesus designed the universe)

• FIFTH: Finally, it must be remembered that not only does Jesus permit you to be a great leader but he expects it.  We will give an account and that account could be a horrible ordeal if we do not succeed at being a productive servant leader.

Matthew 25  

¹⁴ “For it is just like a man going on a journey. He called his own slaves and turned over his possessions to them.

¹⁵ To one he gave five talents; to another, two; and to another, one—to each according to his own ability. Then he went on a journey. Immediately ¹⁶ the man who had received five talents went, put them to work, and earned five more.

¹⁷ In the same way the man with two earned two more.

¹⁸ But the man who had received one talent went off, dug a hole in the ground, and hid his master’s money.

¹⁹ “After a long time the master of those slaves came and settled accounts [dk6] with them.

²⁰ The man who had received five talents approached, presented five more talents, and said, ‘Master, you gave me five talents. Look, I’ve earned five more talents.’

²¹ “His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful slave! You were faithful over a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Share your master’s joy!’

²² “Then the man with two talents also approached. He said, ‘Master, you gave me two talents. Look, I’ve earned two more talents.’

²³ “His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful slave! You were faithful over a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Share your master’s joy!’

²⁴ “Then the man who had received one talent also approached and said, ‘Master, I know you. You’re a difficult man, reaping where you haven’t sown and gathering where you haven’t scattered seed. ²⁵ So I was afraid and went off and hid your talent in the ground. Look, you have what is yours.’

²⁶ “But his master replied to him, ‘You evil, lazy slave! If you knew that I reap where I haven’t sown and gather where I haven’t scattered, ²⁷ then you should have deposited my money with the bankers. And when I returned I would have received my money back with interest.

²⁸ “‘So take the talent from him and give it to the one who has 10 talents.

²⁹[dk7]  For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have more than enough. But from the one who does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him.

³⁰ And throw this good-for-nothing slave into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’

Closing observations: (In light of the fact that most often our expression of servanthood will be in serving people[dk8] …)

• I commend the wise counsel that Solomon’s advisors gave to Rehoboam; if only he (and his dad!) had listened. 
• I Kings 12:7 (The Message) If you will be a servant to this people, be considerate of their needs and respond with compassion, work things out with them, they’ll end up doing anything for you.

Remember, followers ask three questions:  (learned from John Mawell’s teaching)

 FIRST: Do you care for me?

• A relational issue – “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.”  (Jesus was often “moved with compassion”)

 SECOND: Can you help me?

• Put another way: “Will my life get better?” or “Will this leader take me to another level.”
• This is a competence issue – It doesn’t matter how much you care for people if you are not competent.  Leadership requires continual growth.  For example, nobody goes to the loving old family doctor that still bleeds his patience!   

THIRD:  Can I trust you? 

• This is a character issue. 
• No matter how effective a scorpion may be, nobody follows a scorpion because of their character. 

 Servant Leadership positively addresses all three.

Finally, let this be the servant leader’s motto:

 Titus 2:9-10 (HCSB) Slaves are to be submissive to their masters in everything, and to be well-pleasing, not talking back ¹⁰ or stealing, but demonstrating utter faithfulness, so that they may adorn the teaching of God our Savior in everything.

_david l. kemp \ 120110 Staff Meeting

• You will save the humble people; but Your eyes are on the haughty, that You may bring them down. (2 Samuel 22:28) 
• Or do you think that the Scripture says in vain, “The Spirit who dwells in us yearns jealously”?  ⁶ But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” (James 4:5-6; Proverbs 3:34)

Oddly enough, as much as the Bible says about humility, it is not listed in Jesus’ “Beatitudes” (Matthew 5:3-12) where he describes the characteristics his disciples.  Nor does Paul add humility to the list of the “fruit of the Spirit” (Galatians 5:22-23) which are by-products of a Spirit-filled/controlled life. 

Could it be that humility is a choice that we must make?  In other words, humility is not so much a “God-thing” but a “me-thing”.  Could it be that we must first choose – in our own strength – to humble ourselves and then God is able to do His work in our life?

Seen in that light, humility is choosing to take ourselves off the pedestal and putting God there (His rightful place/ “The Spirit who dwells in us yearns jealously”). 

Bottom line, it would seem that humility is choosing to not make life about me and start making it about God and his glory and interests. 

It would seem to me that humility is a God-given choice that we have that is the hinges for which the door of God’s presence and favor swing.

Steven K. Scott in his book The Richest Man Who Ever Lived gives some practical advice on this subject: “What is true humility? It’s not a person covering themselves with sackcloth and ashes and exclaiming, “Woe is me.” True humility begins with a heartfelt belief that others have made it possible for you to have everything in life that you value. When a person truly believes that, they carry with them the eager and grateful spirit of a learner, one who welcomes and values the input and contributions of others.  It is easy for a learner to honor the opinions, points of view, and the genuine needs of others.  In fact, one of the most admired traits of the truly humble is their inclination, when necessary, to put other people’s needs above their own.”

So bottom line, whether it is our relationship with God or our fellow man, humility is our choice…and it is the best choice.  I recommend that today we choose to humble ourselves in the sight of the Lord (and our fellow man) and allow Him to exalt us in due season (1 Peter 5:6)

Blessings,

dlkemp

• (2 Samuel 22:23) For all His judgments were before me; and as for His statutes, I did not depart from them.

Good morning!

If I had to name the number one characteristic of “best practice” discipleship it would be that the best practice disciple of Jesus Christ brings the Bible into everything they do.  The word of God is their constant companion.  If you cut them they bleed Holy Scripture.  They are obsessed with learning and observing all the things that Jesus and his apostles taught (Matthew 18:20).

My dear friend, let us commit ourselves to today’s affirmation.

I offer this prayer to that end: Oh Father, please help me to resist the pull of the world and surrender to YOU; not resist You and surrender to the desires of the world!

• 1 Peter 1:22-23 (NKJV)  Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart, ²³ having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever.