21 Days=Habits

Ever find yourself saying, "I can't help it", "Ain't nothing wrong with it", or the ever popular, "God knows my heart"?

Most times, when we use those "excuses" (let's call them for what they are), usually we are doing something we have no business doing or getting involved in. However, sometimes that's not the case. Some people have to have their coffee in the morning or (people like me :)) just have to have chocolate! Did you know that it has been proven that to continuously do something for 21 days becomes a habit? I remember our youth group did a 21-day fast from things we felt we were "addicted" to. I did certain foods and other things, and when that fast was over, I felt so much better physically and spiritually! So I dare you to remove that which is hurting you emotionally, mentally, physically, or spiritually. That thing that you just can't go without; you say God knows your heart? Do you realize just how much truth you speak? He knows your every craving and addiction. He knows whether you truly want to stop. He even knows whether or not if given the opportunity if you would stop or not. Stop making God out to be a God who doesn't know you! He looks at you in your mess and wants you to stop and move toward Him. So you say you can't help it? If you have a foul mouth yet you don't curse in church, you can help it! If you sag your pants yet you pull them up in the presence of your employer, you can help it! Why are we so selective? God still sees you when you hide and when you are out in the open. And you think He's pleased? We have even gotten to the point where we use scriptures to justify our mess. How dare we take God's word and use it for our gain in that matter? "Ain't nothing wrong with it?" To God, sin is sin. Lying is just as bad as adultery. Cursing is just as bad as stealing. If you are confused, check and see if what you are doing is lining up with the word of God (minus what you "think" the word is saying). Ask yourself, "What I'm doing (those things that are wrong), could I do that in front of my parents?" If the answer is yes, something is wrong. If the answer is no, something is wrong. Why? God is your father right? So you're saying that you can do your mess in front of Him and He not say anything? I seriously doubt it.

Titus 1:16 "They profess to know God, but in works they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient, and disqualified for every good work." James 1:14 "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, bring forth death."

Wow! Sin basically cancels the good. We claim God yet we don't live God? That's a slap in the face. Each time we sin, we reject Christ's salvation and we cruicfy Him all over again. Yes we get tempted, but don't give in to them. Sin kills you spiritually. So why not exercise your faith in God. If you can go without drinking on Friday, guess what? You can go without on Saturday. My TV hasn't worked since the semester started and at first I looked at it as my "curse". But now, I see it as a blessing. Why? Because I've realized just how much time I spent in front of the TV when "my show" came on or something. But I've learned to use this time to form a Godly habit. I encourage you for the next 21 days to let go of the people you think you have to be surrounded by all the time, the things you think you need and make a habit pleasing unto God. Yes we have all fallen short, but we serve a God who is able to KEEP you from falling. So seek God in all things and let him become your craving and addiction.

C.Renee'