MEMORISE:
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Romans 12:2
READ: Mark 7:20-23
20 And he said, That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man.
21 For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders,
22 Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness:
23 All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.
MESSAGE
Bad habits may initially start as harmless actions or inactions that can be easily overlooked. Nevertheless, don’t be deceived bad habits can ruin a person’s life and prevent him or her from achieving God’s plan and purpose over time. Bad habits don’t start suddenly; they become habits after an individual fails to stop them early enough. Over time, they grow into something big and difficult to control, having enough power to destroy the destiny of their victim. Is there a character flaw in you that people are beginning to complain about , or do you find yourself indulging in things that you know are inappropriate? Attack that character flaw now before it destroys you.
In today’s Bible reading, Jesus made it clear that a person is defiled by what comes from inside him or her, and that evil thoughts originates from within the heart. This is equally true for bad habits. Before a habit is formed, it starts as thoughts and suggestions that seem harmless. If a fellow chooses to accept these thoughts and suggestions, dwells on them and begins to cultivate them in his or her heart, they will soon begin to manifest outwardly in that person’s speech, actions and motives, if the fellow does not quickly notice the character flaw and take steps to change it, it becomes a habit that will end up defining him or her. For example, some people have the habit of going late to meetings. It usually starts with thoughts like “am sure this meeting won’t start at the time stated,” and before long, they will find themselves arriving late to every single meeting. For some people, it is the way they eat. When they are indoors, they say to themselves “let me eat the way I like; after all, nobody is watching me.” They then become accustomed to eating in an uncultured or unhealthy manner, and they end up embarrassing themselves when they eat like that in public. Habits, small as they may seem, can be very costly if not managed properly. As a young man, I once lost a chance for a commonwealth scholarship abroad because I had poor eating habits.
Lastly, many people look at children of God and make a conclusion about God from what they see in their lives. Don’t let your habit give God a bad reputation. Be careful what you do and how you do it. Most times, people don’t come and tell you about your bad habits, but they can see it all. This is why you need to watch yourself. Ask for the truth on bad habits you may have from someone close enough to be sincere and open with you. I pray that you will become so filled with the Holy Spirit that all your words and actions will be directed by Him alone in Jesus Name.
ACTION POINT:
Find someone close to you who you know will be honest with you and ask him or her to tell you the bad habits they may have observed in you.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Isaiah 30-32 Luke 1:26-53
AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE
HYMN 2: I NEED THEE EVERY HOUR
1. I need Thee every hour, most gracious Lord;
No tender voice like Thine can peace afford.
o Refrain:
I need Thee, oh, I need Thee;
Every hour I need Thee;
Oh, bless me now, my Savior,
I come to Thee.
2. I need Thee every hour, stay Thou nearby;
Temptations lose their pow’r when Thou art nigh.
3. I need Thee every hour, in joy or pain;
Come quickly and abide, or life is vain.
4. I need Thee every hour; teach me Thy will;
And Thy rich promises in me fulfill.
5. I need Thee every hour, most Holy One;
Oh, make me Thine indeed, Thou blessed Son.
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