Monday, June 19, 2017

June 20, 2017

"But someone may well argue, “You say the way to God is by faith alone, plus nothing; well, I say that good works are important too, for without good works you can’t prove whether you have faith or not; but anyone can see that I have faith by the way I act.” James 2:18

Isn't it true when someone mentions the word "habit" your first thoughts go toward your bad habits?

There's no doubt bad habits are powerful and can be destructive. Perhaps you are struggling with a harmful habit as you read this.

Fill the blank in this sentence, "My life would be easier if I could break this ________ habit."

If you can acknowledge the power of a negative habit maybe you could appreciate the power of a positive habit.

By definition a habit is a regular tendency or practice that has become so ingrained in your subconsciousness that you do it without thinking.

Now, remember, it could be a bad habit or a good habit. Both can be very powerful but bad habits seem easier to form and harder to break than good habits.

Bad habits are like a bag of potato chips or a box of Paul's donuts, they are easy to pick up but hard to put down.

In the verse above, James gives some insights into how to put those bad habits down. He gives you a two-part solution.

First, let God change your heart. The word "faith" appears three times in this rather short verse. Faith in Jesus Christ to save you from your sin and transform your mind IS the key. Nothing short of this supernatural work of God through Christ will have the power to deliver you from your bad habits. The worst habit of all is sinning and change begins there! Faith is trusting God to do what you are not able to do.

Have you placed your faith in Christ to save you from your sin? Are you trusting Him for a spiritual transformation?

Second, you must demonstrate the change in your heart through dramatic changes in your habits! Only God can change your heart but He will leave it to you to change your habits.

So, if you have been praying for God to change your habits and waiting for it to happen. Change that habit first! You can ask Him to help you but it is your responsibility to make those changes.

Conquering bad habits starts with a change of heart but then requires a partnership with God.

All this week and in my message on Sunday I will share some practical Biblical help on breaking bad habits and making helpful ones.







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