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Tuesday, December 16, 2008

"THE PRIDE OF LIFE" (1 Jn 2:16, RSV-CE) - One Bread, One Body, 12/16/2008

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meet them. Please read our donations appeal letter and pray about making
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Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Zephaniah 3:1-2, 9-13, Psalm 34, Matthew 21:28-32
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/121608.shtml

"THE PRIDE OF LIFE" (1 Jn 2:16, RSV-CE)

"For then will I remove from your midst the proud braggarts, and you shall
no longer exalt yourself on My holy mountain." —Zephaniah 3:11

The Lord calls us to repent of pride, self-exaltation, and arrogance, and
become "a people humble and lowly" (Zep 3:12). Pride can disqualify us
from Christmas. Through humility, however, we can fit into the manger
scene at Bethlehem with the lowly handmaid Mary, the poor Joseph, and the
simple shepherds.

In our society, arrogance has almost reached new heights, if that were
possible. Some people are so prideful they deny the truth of God's word,
as if millions of people for thousands of years were too stupid to see
that the Bible was just a book. Others deny the significance of the
physical and traditional differences between men and women, as if the
world has been in the dark for centuries until they and their friends
arrived on the scene. "In laying claim to such knowledge, some men have
missed the goal of faith" (1 Tm 6:21).

Moreover it's not uncommon for Catholics to contradict the teaching of the
Church and the Pope. They're supposedly much more enlightened than past
and current Church leaders. "These men pour abuse on things of which they
are ignorant" (see 2 Pt 2:12). Some have even arbitrarily decided that the
old concept of objective truth is now "out." They have finally discovered,
and now proudly announce to the world, that truth is relative.

The arrogance of our times approaches insanity. We must repent of
arrogance. This is necessary for life and for Christmas.

Prayer: Jesus, meek and humble of heart, make our hearts like Yours (see
Mt 11:29).

Promise: "I will change and purify the lips of the peoples." —Zep 3:9

Praise: Being arrogant thinking that the Church was old-fashioned on many
social issues, Linda met Jesus, the living God, and was humbled into
submission.

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Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant my
permission to publish "One Bread, One Body" covering the period from
December 1, 2008 through January 31, 2009
†Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of
Cincinnati, June 17, 2008

The rescript is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be
free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have
granted ecclesial permission agree with the contents, opinions, or
statements expressed.

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Monday, December 15, 2008

NO-KNOW - One Bread, One Body, 12/15/2008

Read the latest issue of Pope Benedict XVI, Shepherd of Truth entitled
"The Blessed Virgin Mary" at:
--> http://www.presentationministries.com/BST/latestBST.asp

Pope Benedict XVI, Shepherd of Truth is designed as a bulletin insert
which you can use at your local church to keep up to date on what the Holy
Father is saying. You are free to reproduce it for this purpose.
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Monday, December 15, 2008

Numbers 24:2-7, 15-17, Psalm 25, Matthew 21:23-27
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/121508.shtml

NO-KNOW

"We do not know." —Matthew 21:27

Balaam called himself the man who "knows what the Most High knows" (Nm
24:4, 16). He was so highly regarded for his ability as a fortune-teller
that nations sent large delegations of dignitaries with large amounts of
money to obtain his services (Nm 22:6-7, 15). Yet this man who "sees what
the Almighty sees" (Nm 24:16) couldn't even get the picture when his
donkey began to talk to him! (Nm 22:28ff) He had to admit that he "did not
know that" God opposed His greedy plot against Israel (Nm 22:34).

The Jewish religious leaders were also confident in their expert knowledge
of God's plan. They "knew" that Jesus was a sinner (see Jn 9:24). They
also "knew" His background (see Jn 7:27; 6:42). Yet when Jesus asked them
a direct question which had only two possible answers, they had to admit,
"We do not know" (Mt 21:27). They knew the results of each answer to
Jesus' question. However, they didn't know Jesus, the Answer.

During this Advent season, come humbly to Jesus. Look with amazement on
the Baby Jesus, the Almighty King of the universe, laying in a dirty
feeding trough wrapped in strips of cloth rather than the finest linen.
Feel anew the awe that the Eternal Word, Who created the heavens and the
earth, should descend to earth and become one of us. Let us be truly wise
men and women, and prostrate ourselves before Him (Mt 2:11). "Know that
the Lord is God" (Ps 100:3).

Prayer: Father, "I wish to know Christ" (Phil 3:10). Grant me a Spirit of
wisdom and insight to know You clearly (Eph 1:17).

Promise: "Good and upright is the Lord; thus He shows sinners the way. He
guides the humble to justice, He teaches the humble His way." —Ps 25:8-9

Praise: For decades, Marty has played Bible guessing-games with his
children, so that they would come to know Jesus through His word.

(This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)

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Sunday, December 14, 2008

PM eNewsletter Third Sunday of Advent

Dec. 14th, Third Sunday of Advent

Jesus, help us to focus on the real meaning of Christmas, You.

Let us not get so worked up over the economic conditions of
the world, but rather just trust that You have a plan that will
work out perfectly as You unfold it.

Give us the peace to pray and have the secure knowledge
of Your never ending love.

Lord, let us have the gift of Your peace and let it permeate
all of our being.

Jesus, guide us to come and adore You more and more.

Let us sit and stare at Your marvelous presence, and feel
the love that You have for us. Amen and Amen.

Thank you Lord, for loving us totally.
________________________________________________

For more on the teachings of Father Al Lauer see the home
page of Presentation Ministries? Please take a look.
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One Bread, One Body

This weeks readings and reflections

Sunday THE TRAGEDY OF TRAGEDIES
http://presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=12/14/2008

"The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord
has anointed me." —Isaiah 61:1

The Holy Spirit wants to bring good news to the poor, heal
the broken-hearted, and set captives free (Is 61:1). Only
the Holy Spirit can renew the face of the earth (Ps 104:30).
However, we stifle, quench (1 Thes 5:19), sadden, and
grieve the Spirit (Eph 4:30). Then the poor stay depressed
and oppressed; the broken-hearted are shattered; the
captives are chained with even more chains; and the face
of the earth becomes more defaced.

One of the greatest tragedies in life is to stifle the Holy
Spirit. This is the tragedy which causes so many other
tragedies to continue or grow worse. Before the Lord
commanded us not to stifle the Spirit, He ordered us to
always rejoice, pray, and thank (1 Thes 5:16-18). If we
accept God's grace to always do these three things,
we will not stifle the Spirit.

So, when you're about to stifle the Spirit by using your
tongue for gossip rather than for evangelization; rejoice,
pray, and thank. The Spirit will be stirred into flame in
your life (2 Tm 1:6-7) and not stifled. When you're
senselessly staring at the TV, turn it off and persevere
in joy, prayer, and thanks. You will have turned off the
TV before it turned off the Spirit in your life.

Rejoice in the Lord always (Phil 4:4). Pray always
(Lk 18:1; Rm 12:12). Dedicate yourself to
thankfulness (Col 3:15). Live in the Spirit.

Monday NO-KNOW
http://presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=12/15/2008

"We do not know." —Matthew 21:27

Tuesday "THE PRIDE OF LIFE" (1 Jn 2:16, RSV-CE)
http://presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=12/16/2008

"For then will I remove from your midst the proud braggarts,
and you shall no longer exalt yourself on My holy
mountain." —Zephaniah 3:11

For more readings and inspiration from Presentation Ministries,
check us out at
http://presentationministries.com/home/home.asp

Share an OBOB e-mail with a friend today! It's easy and
quick and it will make Jesus smile!
http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obobDriveEmail.asp
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Brochures

" Over 90 Biblically based brochures. Many on topics you
don't usually hear addressed."

This Week's Featured Brochures

· An Isaiah Advent
http://presentationministries.com/brochures/AnIsaiahAdvent.asp

For centuries the Catholic Church has been led by the
Spirit to prepare for Christ's Christmas coming by reading
the prophet, Isaiah. I invite you to ask for the grace to
read Isaiah in the following 22-day format. (22-days is
the briefest possible Advent.) This will help you have the
best Advent ever and prepare you to celebrate Christmas
in a life-changing, world-renewing way.

December 14 Isaiah 43-45
December 15 Isaiah 46-48
December 16 Isaiah 49-51
December 17 Isaiah 52-53
December 18 Isaiah 54-55
December 19 Isaiah 56-57
December 20 Isaiah 58-60
December 21 Isaiah 61-64
December 22 Isaiah 65-66

· The Challenge of Making Disciples in a "Culture of Death"
http://presentationministries.com/brochures/ChallengeDisciples.asp

· 14 Questions on Forgiveness
http://presentationministries.com/brochures/14Quest.asp

· Gambling - Lottery, Raffles, Bingo
http://presentationministries.com/brochures/Gambling.asp

· Be Holy, For I Am Holy
http://presentationministries.com/brochures/BeHoly.asp

· How to Read the Bible
http://presentationministries.com/brochures/HowToRead.asp

· Novena of Mary, "The Mother of Forgiveness"
http://presentationministries.com/brochures/NovenaOfMary.asp

View All Brochures
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PM Internet Prayer Requests
http://www.presentationministries.com/prayer/prayer.asp

My husband Cliff is currently in the hospital and will have
heart surgery some time this coming week. Please pray
for him. If you belong to a community if you would include
him in your prayers I would be thankful. He has not been
to church for many years. He has been in the hospital a
few times and always ask to see a priest; I told him that
the hospital priest was no this parish priest and he is
missing going to mass. Thank you for your prayers
(C.C., willowick, ohio, United States, 12/13/2008 2:03:08 PM)

please pray for my friend Sara Slog who has lung cancer--
Thank you--
(D., Eau Claire, Wi, United States, 12/13/2008 1:07:14 PM)

Please pray for Joanne and William that God will heal
their relationship and help them to continue with
wedding plans. There was great deception on Joanne's
part and William is having a difficult time forgiving.her.
He is trying and is need of God's intervention Thy will
be done O Lord
(P.Mc., Brooklyn, New York, United States, 12/13/2008 11:05:14 AM)

Dear God, I've been praying and praying and believing
and trusting. But my little girl is in so much pain. I
don't think either one of us are able to stand it much
longer. Lord, I lift my little girl up to you in prayer. I
urgently ask that You let her medicine be here today.
Let it be properly formulated with the perfect dosage
to cure my baby. She is hurting so much Lord. Please
take all of her pain away. Please fill her with the
healing power of Your Spirit. Rebuild any damaged
areas. Remove all inflammation, poisons, and pain.
Restore her to full health in body, soul, and spirit so
she may serve You the rest of her life. I know this
will require a miracle. I come to You knowing in my
heart that You are all powerful and will grant my
requests. I ask this in Your Son Jesus' Name with
all the powers that be in Your Son Jesus' Name.
Please, Thank You, Amen. RC
(R., Las Vegas, NV, NV, United States, 12/13/2008 10:55:12 AM)

please pray for Rob who is in recovery from a drug
addiction...spiritual and physical healing in the name
of Jesus Christ my Lord
(Anonymous, 12/13/2008 10:18:25 AM)

For the grace I need to overcome eating so much and
the grace to lose weight. For the continued prayer for
my eye desease to be healed. For my sons business
to increase and a home that he can afford. Thank you
Jesus for all prayers that have been answered.
(J., ny, United States, 12/13/2008 8:51:06 AM)

Please follow link to additional prayer intentions.
http://www.presentationministries.com/prayer/prayer.asp
________________________________________________

MP3 4 You

The internet ministry for PM is highlighting our downloadable
tapes online. The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John
are featured as well as The Acts of the Apostles Part 1 thru 4,
1 Corinthians Part 1 & 2 and Romans Parts 1-3.
Take a moment and check the link below
http://presentationministries.com/tapes/tape.asp?pubID=269
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Small Christian Communities

We believe the Lord is calling us to build hundreds of more
communities by raising up leaders who will form communities

PM's Small Christian Community Network
Learn about the Communities in our Network
http://presentationministries.com/community/hbcNetwork.asp

Small Christian Community Resources
Introduction to Small Christian Community
http://presentationministries.com/brochures/IntroCommunity.asp

"Unless the Lord Build the House..." — Psalm 127:
http://presentationministries.com/brochures/UnlessTheLordBuild.asp

Building Small Christian Communities (Team Manual)
http://presentationministries.com/brochures/CommunityManual.asp

Building Small Christian Communities (Guide Book)
http://presentationministries.com/brochures/CommunityGuidebook.asp

For more information contact: community@presentationministries.com
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Listen Online!

Inspired teaching on the daily Scripture readings of the
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Best of Daily Bread Radio Program
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Pope Benedict XVI, Shepherd of Truth

Notable quotations from Pope Benedict XVI and official
teachings of the Roman Catholic Church

THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

"JOY AND GLORY"

Today Mary dwells in the joy and the glory of the
Resurrection. The tears shed at the foot of the Cross
have been transformed into a smile which nothing can
wipe away, even as her maternal compassion towards
us remains unchanged.

"AN UNSHAKABLE CONFIDENCE"

The intervention of the Virgin Mary in offering succor
throughout history ... does not cease to call forth, in
the people of God, an unshakable confidence in her.
the Memorare prayer expresses this sentiment very well.

MARY LOVES YOU

Mary loves each of her children, giving particular
attention to those who, like her Son at the hour of
His passion, are prey to suffering; she loves them
quite simply because they are her children,
according to the will of Christ on the Cross.

(Source: Homily, Mass for the Sick, 9/15/08, Lourdes, France)
http://presentationministries.com/BST/bst2008-12.asp?navlink=latest
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PM Ministry List

" The Lord works through PM in many different ways.
Below you can find information about some of our ministries.

Bible Institute
http://presentationministries.com/bibleinst/bi2005Home.asp

Word Gifts Ministry
http://presentationministries.com/general/prophecies.asp
________________________________________________

2008 RETREATS
Online Registration

2008 RETREATS

· Co-Workers' Retreat ~ Focus on St. Paul (Jan 30-31)
· "Seek First The Kingdom of God" (Feb 27-28)
· Women's Retreat (Mar 28)

http://presentationministries.com/pjdc/retreatSchedule.asp
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THE TRAGEDY OF TRAGEDIES - One Bread, One Body, 12/14/2008

Read the latest issue of Pope Benedict XVI, Shepherd of Truth entitled
"The Blessed Virgin Mary" at:
--> http://www.presentationministries.com/BST/latestBST.asp

Sunday, December 14, 2008, Third Sunday of Advent

Isaiah 61:1-2, 10-11, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24, Luke 1:46-50, 53-54, John
1:6-8, 19-28
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/121408.shtml

THE TRAGEDY OF TRAGEDIES

"The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed
me." —Isaiah 61:1

The Holy Spirit wants to bring good news to the poor, heal the
broken-hearted, and set captives free (Is 61:1). Only the Holy Spirit can
renew the face of the earth (Ps 104:30). However, we stifle, quench (1
Thes 5:19), sadden, and grieve the Spirit (Eph 4:30). Then the poor stay
depressed and oppressed; the broken-hearted are shattered; the captives
are chained with even more chains; and the face of the earth becomes more
defaced.

One of the greatest tragedies in life is to stifle the Holy Spirit. This
is the tragedy which causes so many other tragedies to continue or grow
worse. Before the Lord commanded us not to stifle the Spirit, He ordered
us to always rejoice, pray, and thank (1 Thes 5:16-18). If we accept God's
grace to always do these three things, we will not stifle the Spirit.

So, when you're about to stifle the Spirit by using your tongue for gossip
rather than for evangelization; rejoice, pray, and thank. The Spirit will
be stirred into flame in your life (2 Tm 1:6-7) and not stifled. When
you're senselessly staring at the TV, turn it off and persevere in joy,
prayer, and thanks. You will have turned off the TV before it turned off
the Spirit in your life.

Rejoice in the Lord always (Phil 4:4). Pray always (Lk 18:1; Rm 12:12).
Dedicate yourself to thankfulness (Col 3:15). Live in the Spirit.

Prayer: "Come, Holy Ghost, Creator blest, and in our hearts take up Thy
rest."

Promise: "There is One among you Whom you do not recognize — the One Who
is to come after me." —Jn 1:26-27

Praise: Praise You, risen Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life (Jn 11:25).
Your death has brought us life. Alleluia!

(For a related teaching, order our tape on "Don't Stifle the Spirit "on
audio AV 56-3 or video V-56.)

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eBook edition, and an online donation form at
http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp

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Saturday, December 13, 2008

ESCAPING THE WRATH (see Mt 23:33) - One Bread, One Body, 12/13/2008

Read the latest issue of Pope Benedict XVI, Shepherd of Truth entitled
"The Blessed Virgin Mary" at:
--> http://www.presentationministries.com/BST/latestBST.asp

Saturday, December 13, 2008, St. Lucy

Sirach 48:1-4, 9-11, Psalm 80, Matthew 17:9, 10-13
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/121308.shtml

ESCAPING THE WRATH (see Mt 23:33)

"You are destined, it is written, in time to come to put an end to wrath
before the day of the Lord." —Sirach 48:10

The day of the Lord mentioned in the above verse is "a day of wrath...a
day of anguish and distress, a day of destruction and desolation, a day of
darkness and gloom, a day of thick black clouds" (Zep 1:15), the final
Judgment Day. It is "a day of wrath" (Zep 1:15), the pouring out of God's
blazing wrath which is spoken of more than two hundred times in the Old
Testament.

There is still "time...to put an end to wrath before" it is too late (Sir
48:10). We can continue the prophet Elijah's ministry of turning away
God's wrath by turning people to God and away from sin. Like Elijah, we
can work to heal and restore families, especially by helping fathers to
turn their hearts to their children (Sir 48:10). We can spread God's word
in prophecy and teaching. Those to whom we speak may even repent, like the
wicked Ninevites, and cry out: "Who knows, God may relent and forgive, and
withhold his blazing wrath, so that we shall not perish" (Jon 3:9).
Whoever disobeys Jesus must endure the wrath of God (Jn 3:36). We can put
an end to wrath by leading people to obedient faith (Rm 1:5).

We can intercede and pray, as Elijah did. "Elijah was only a man like us,
yet he prayed earnestly" and his prayers were heeded (Jas 5:17-18). "The
fervent petition of a holy man is powerful indeed" (Jas 5:16). Interceding
for others, we ask God for them: "In Your wrath remember compassion!" (Hab
3:2) Our love for them can cover a multitude of sins (1 Pt 4:8) and draw
them to Jesus. Then we will hear the Lord say: "I will heal their
defection, I will love them freely; for my wrath is turned away from them"
(Hos 14:5).

Prayer: Father, may I help lead others to a reverent fear of You.

Promise: "Give us new life, and we will call upon Your name." —Ps 80:19

Praise: Though she experienced the wrath of the unholy, St. Lucy
persevered in purity and received the crown of martyrdom.

(This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)

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eBook edition, and an online donation form at
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Presentation Ministries - Special Appeal

(NOTE: Many of you already received this letter by mail. Thank you for your generous response.)

December, 2008

Dear Brother or Sister in Christ:

Praise Jesus, the Prince of Peace! Thank you for your faithfulness in serving Christ through reading and sharing God’s word in One Bread One Body and for your constancy in responding to our Special Appeal last fall and throughout the year. Because of your generosity and encouragement, Presentation Ministries is able to obey the Holy Spirit as He provides the vision for this ministry to move forward in answer to the mission that Father Al Lauer, our founder, set before us.

Our many ministries continue to flourish as we take the good news of the gospel in all directions. Your sacrificial donations, both large and small, have allowed us to make our materials available in the USA, foreign countries, and globally via the Internet. We continue to hear of the manner in which God is touching lives through these materials. Progress is being made with our computer resources – enabling us to reach out to more people. God’s word is being proclaimed through radio broadcasts and the Bible telephone lines. The Guadalupe Bible College faithfully serves its many students enabling them to get deeply rooted in their faith and in Scripture.

The annual Bible Institute broke all records this year -- both in number of people who attended and in the powerful anointing of the Holy Spirit. The speakers, the teachers, the participants, and all who served were amazed and blessed by the unique opportunities to grow in their gifts of the Holy Spirit.

The Paul Jansen Discipleship Retreat Center is offering a wide variety of retreats throughout the coming year for those who wish to deepen their commitment to Christ and to grow in their ability to be disciples and make disciples. The community at the retreat center is growing steadily and strongly.

All of our teachers, editors, office personnel, mailing crews, and those who maintain the buildings – whether they give a few hours or work full time – are VOLUNTEERS. No one is paid. We retain the policy of providing our materials and resources, even the retreats and Bible Institute, for a free-will offering.

Every effort is made to control expenses and to find the most efficient way to respond to your requests. Since the cost of postage, shipping, and printing have greatly increased, our expenses have risen significantly while our donations have not. Please continue to pray for all of our needs. Pray especially for uninterrupted leadership for each of the ministries and for new workers for the harvest. Any offering you can give now or in the future in support of our ministries enables us to continue our mission in serving God and His Church. May the Lord bless you and all your loved ones in the coming holy seasons of Advent and Christmas.

You can make a donation online by using our secure online donation form, or send your donation to:

Presentation Ministries
3230 McHenry Ave.
Cincinnati, OH 45211

In Jesus and Mary,

George Schmidl
Jerome Cappel
Mark Schuermann

Directors

NOTE: You are receiving this e-mail as you are a member of the One Bread, One Body or PM eNewsletter e-mail lists; or you have placed an order for PM materials via PM's website. This is a special emailing which we only do a few times a year. To remove your e-mail address from any of these lists visit http://www.presentationministries.com/general/emailList.asp?mode=r

Friday, December 12, 2008

Why we continue to Fall

Source: Dr Charles Stanley

You've tried everything - counselling, accountability, memorising Scripture,
listening to sermons on sin, and avoiding tempting situations. But you still
continue to yield to the same sin over and over. Here are three suggestions
as to why nothing is working. These are a culmination of things I've
discovered in my counselling with others as well as in my own passage
through the minefield of temptation.

First, we deny we have a problem. We know we have some things to work on .
but a "problem"? No way. That sounds too serious. As a result, we don't
pursue a solution with the determination to see it through to the end. By
suppressing the truth about our situation, we automatically cut ourselves
off from getting the help we need.

The real danger is that people tend to ignore the truth until what began as
a small thing becomes a major problem. This behaviour is common among
alcoholics and drug abusers. Instead of approaching their problem as a
full-blown addiction, they treat it like it's simply a matter of balance. "I
just need to cut back."

Most of us underestimate the power of sin and overestimate our spirituality.
As long as you treat your sin as though it is just part of your personality
or the result of pressure at work or anything else besides what it is, you
will find no relief.

Second, we have not surrendered to the Lordship of Christ. By that I mean we
have not recognised Christ's unconditional right to rule and reign over
every area of our lives. As long as we refuse to give up our right to rule
in a particular area of our lives, we will never know victory.

Sometimes we play a power game with God. We want Him to give us the power we
need to have victory in our lives. But we aren't willing to surrender that
area to His unchallenged rule. We want to use His power to our ends. We want
His help, but not to the point where it interferes with our plans and
desires.

Power over sin is the means by which we are freed to serve Christ more
effectively. It's not something God hands out to make life smoother for us.

Third, we continually focus on past failure. We allow our past failures to
persuade us that we will never change, that there's no use even trying to do
things differently. When we're tempted, we fail, because we have already
been defeated mentally.

The truth is that God has made available to you the power to change. The
sins of the past need not characterise your life in the future. No one is
destined to be a certain way throughout a lifetime. Your past sins should
simply serve as a reminder of God's grace and goodness.

It's easy to allow past failures to serve as an excuse to sin again. "Well,"
we reason, "I have already done it once. I might as well do it again." We
are easily deceived into thinking that "one more time" won't really hurt
anything. The tragedy is that "one more time" just keeps the sin cycle alive
in our lives. A habit is simply a string of individual sins committed on
separate occasions.

Each time we sin, it just ingrains that habit a little bit deeper into our
emotional being. Sin becomes more and more entrenched. Each time we give in,
it becomes that much more difficult to say no the next time.

The apostle Paul certainly had some things in his past that could have
slowed him down. However, he wrote:

One thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what
lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of
God in Christ Jesus (Phil. 3:13-14).

Paul understood that a believer must put the past behind him and move on. If
you have a tendency to focus on your past mistakes, join with the apostle
Paul. Turn your focus toward the future, toward the things you want to see
God do in your life. The past is something you can do nothing about. The
future, however, is whatever you allow God to make it.

Think for just a minute. Could it be that you have a genuine problem with
sin but are unwilling to face it as such? Is Jesus Christ Lord over every
area of your life--your family, friends, jobs, thoughts, goals,
relationships, time and money? Do you use your past failures as an excuse to
sin? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you may have just
discovered why you continue to fall. God desires for you to experience
victory. Ask Him for insight into how to overcome the sin that holds you
captive.

Adapted from "Winning the War Within: Facing Trials, Temptations and Inner
Struggles" by Charles F. Stanley, 1988.

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