Daily life with Jesus by Grahame Howard: Personal Evaluation. Part 2

"Do not let them depart from your eyes; keep them in the midst of your heart."

Proverbs 4:21 NKJV

WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING AT?

As we give attention to the Word of God by listening properly to what is being said, remember our eyes too. Our eyes can tend to skim over some of the text so that, we only read a part of it. Also, we can be tempted to only read the parts that apply to ourselves. The devil likes to do this seeing what he wants to see and changing what he doesn't like; in other words twisting the truth. He tried this in the wilderness with Jesus but, Jesus was too full of the power of God that He beat the devil on every count.

When we read scripture, it can be helpful to see the things that other people need to be aware of. However, when we are challenged by scripture, we can pretend that it doesn't apply to us and move on quickly. Don't do this. Jesus talks to us for a reason. He will always flag up areas that are not useful for us. But, do we take notice?

Take an average day. It starts off well; we go to work or address the chores that need doing at home. Let's assume you are at home. After clearing this and that up and spending a quick time doing your daily bible study, you sit down for a coffee. Flicking through the pages of your iPad or laptop, you see some sexually explicit images - the sort that would be on any daily newspaper. You find yourself mesmerised by this image and this may lead you to find some more revealing ones. After a short time, you shut the iPad down and move on, feeling rather ashamed that you did this. But, the next day at the same time, you are tempted to have a 'quick look' again. This time you linger longer, enjoying what you see. Before too long, you are addicted to this and the craving will continue. Look at what James says: 'But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. 15 Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.' James 1:14-15.

Can you see what is happening? The devil has found a weak spot within you and, you have fallen for it. Now, it is difficult to break that because your flesh is screeching out for more. Nip it in the bud before it completely takes over; pray and give this to Jesus but, you must want to give it to Him and leave it there. Otherwise, you will hang on to it and continue to be a slave to this sin.

This all started with your eyes and what you look at. Refuse to look any longer and look at wholesome things. We all have these weaknesses, whatever they are, you're not alone. But, it depends on what you do about them. Teach yourself to look at Jesus. Picture Him in the gospels, see what He is doing and ask Him to help you. He will, in fact He is waiting for you to do this now.

If you are not born again and want to be, here I’ll below is a prayer of salvation:

'Lord Jesus, I have sinned and I ask you to forgive me and be my Lord and Saviour. Please come into my heart, fill me with Your Spirit and give me a brand new start today.

In Jesus' Name. Amen'

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com

If you would like to contact me, CLICK HERE

Member of the National Association of Christian Ministers

Why not order my Daily Commentary from Amazon - Paperback or Kindle

Check it out

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B084G9S4FD/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i2