When is "Bad" Really Bad???

As a person who spent many years as a "smoker", I will spend the rest of my life as a recovering nicotine addict. Usually, my days don't consist of fighting the urges anymore (been without for several years now). However, being around smoke-filled rooms and just basically around many smokers this week, the urges have been quite difficult. My relation to Scripture today comes in this question to each of you...when is "bad" bad to each of us? What is your major crutch or stumbling block that you must lay down each day?

I am brought to the verse in James 4:17..."Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin." Doing good isn't always the easy thing, is it? But when the Spirit impresses on our heart, it is obvious what we should be doing or not doing.

This is such a difference from what we are being taught in the world, right? In these times of "do what feels good", "do what you want to do", and basically "you are your own god"...we have this mis-guided thinking that we are in charge. How far from the truth that really is. There is a big difference between having free will and doing right or wrong.

In my battle against my addictions, I have found the only way to find victory is to ask God for His power and strength everyday. The days I get up and forget to ask for help, I struggle. It is a daily thing...not unlike we are supposed to have.

My question for you today again is...what are you battling with today (or everyday)??? And, how do you or will you claim victory over it???

Please let me know if you have a special prayer request I can word on your behalf today!!!

Fearfully and Wonderfully Made...

This week, I've had a verse brought to my mind numerous times and thought maybe I should take a few moments to share. Somebody may be going through a difficult time...and this could be just what could help.

Let's take a quick look into Psalm 139...verses 13-16..."For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb. I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them."

These verses have been used in our Vacation Bible School teachings, and were also the theme for the Louie Giglio talk we went through in our latest College Bible Study. Isn't it amazing to think that the Creator of all things has been involved in our lives from the very beginning moments of our existence? I mean, from conception all the way up to the last breath you took, He has been watching and playing a vital role in your existence.

I know it's easy to think you're all alone in this walk through this world, but please don't forget the Creator has been watching over you even from the days you spent in your mother's womb. And, when we take a deep look into the makeup of our human body, it's obvious we are much more than something that occurred through evolving from a pool of slime, but have been REMARKABLY made!!! Don't take yourself or the Lord of all creation so lightly.

Let's take a look at how the Amplified version states verse 14..."I will confess and praise You for You are fearful and wonderful and for the awful wonder of my birth! Wonderful are Your works, and that my inner self knows rght well."

Take some time to praise your Maker and Designer...the wonder of birth has made life possible for us all. Not only can we fathom at the wonder of the expanses of the universe, but be amazed by the creation that He has made you to be. If you ever get the chance, watch the video series "Alive" by Louie Giglio...it will amaze you at how fearfully and wonderfully made you truly are!!!

Please let me know if there is a special prayer request I can word on your behalf today!!!