Rick Warren's Blog, page 552

What���s Your Emergency Strategy for Temptation?

We talked about temptation just a few weeks ago, but I want to continue that lesson today.

We need an emergency strategy for when we face temptation.

Delayed Obedience Is Disobedience

The Bible is full of life instructions. They���re called the commands of God. And he expects us to obey his commands right away.
Imagine if a parent tells a child to do something and he or she says, ���I���ll think about it.���
Wouldn���t there be consequences?

Regardless of your story, God can use your past for his Glory

One of the best ways to discover how God wants to use you in the future is to look at how he has used you in the past.

God doesn���t want you to waste your past. God wants to use it.

No One Else Could Have Made You, You

God planned every single day of your life. Before you took your first breath, God knew every single event of your life.

Long before you were conceived by your parents, you were conceived in the mind of God. It is not fate, or chance, or luck, or coincidence that you are breathing at this very moment.

God���s Plans for You Started Before You Were Born

If you want to live a life of purpose and meaning, maximize the strengths God has given you. Find ways to do more of what you do well and less of what you don���t.

Is Christianity Worth It?

Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 15:19, ���If our hope in Christ is good for this life only and no more, then we [Christians] deserve more pity than anyone else in all the world��� (GNT).

Why does Paul say this? For one thing, it isn���t easy to live for Christ in a world that doesn���t like Christ.

Temptation Is Always a Battle Between Now and Later

We rarely evaluate our values or question our perceptions until we have a crisis. Once we���re in deep pain, we begin to examine what we���re basing our lives upon. Whether it���s materialism, feeling good, or looking good, we instinctively realize there has to be more.

What Has Final Authority in Your Life?

One fundamental question in life stands above all others.

What will have the final authority in your life?

What sources will help you determine your values? Will it be your parents? Or your peers? Perhaps your school or the books you read? What about the movies or television shows you watch, or the songs you listen to?

No Matter What People Say, God Is for You

If you try to do anything of value in life, naysayers will come your way. They might ridicule you, spread rumors about you, or even threaten you.

But don���t focus on the naysayers. Don���t focus on your problems. Focus on God and his promises. Become a promise person.

We Don���t Need to Fight Critics

Negative people will distract you. You know God has given you an important assignment. But these naysayers tell you that you���re the wrong person. You���ve got the wrong idea. You���re doing it the wrong way.