Give us this day our daily bread.

PP 4.19; EX 16.16 4A. PETITION - I now ask You to supply my needs for today. But first I pray for important KEYS to successful living every day, and then for the ELEMENTS of life.

Philip. 4:19

And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Exodus 16:16

This is the thing which the LORD has commanded: 'Let every man gather it according to each one's need, one omer for each person, according to the number of persons; let every man take for those who are in his tent.' "

1B. KEYS FOR SUCCESS - I pray for...

RO 8.6; JN 14:16-17, 26; 15:26; 16:13

1C. Spirit-Control of my mind.***

Spiritually minded = life and peace! The Spirit of God is our constant companion since the ascension of Christ.

Romans 8:6

For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

John 14:16-17

And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever- [17] the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.

John 14:26

But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.

John 15:26

"But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me.

John 16:13

However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.

RO 8.13; JN 12.24

2C. Death to my sinful nature.

It is by the Spirit you can put to death the deeds of the body

Romans 8:13

For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.

John 12:24

Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain.

EP 5.15,16; PS 90.2; HE 12.13; PR 4.26; PS 119.59

3C. Balance in properly redeeming time.

redeeming the time, (the ETERNAL God REQUIRES this) for the days are evil, (Righteousness is at stake) number our days (Our time is extremely limited), make straight paths (A narrow, disciplined walk is implied). Balance comes only by KNOWING and EXERCISING priorities: THIS IS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT ASPECTS OF THE CHRISTIAN LIFE. IT PRODUCES THE GREATEST SATISFACTION OF LIFE AND WILL YIELD THE GREATEST REWARDS IN HEAVEN, AND LEAVES THE GREATEST LEGACY FOR MY CHILDREN. BUT IT IS ALSO SOMETHING GOD TEACHES US, AND WE (THROUGH TIME) MUST LEARN!

Ephes. 5:15-16

See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, [16] redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

Psalm 90:12

So teach us to number our days, That we may gain a heart of wisdom.

Hebrews 12:13

and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated, but rather be healed.

Proverbs 4:26

Ponder the path of your feet, And let all your ways be established.

Psalm 119:59

I thought about my ways, And turned my feet to Your testimonies.

PR 4.23 ( issues of life) Deal with self-will - It naturally, automatically opposes God's will!

Proverbs 4:23

Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life.

2B. ELEMENTS OF LIFE - I pray for...

MT 6.33; CL 3.2 1C. SPIRITUAL purity. First.

Matthew 6:33

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

Col. 3:2

Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.

GL 5.22-23;1 CO 9.27; PR 25.28 2C. PHYSICAL control (of food sleep, exercise, sex- the basic human drives)

Self control is a fruit of the Holy Spirit and must be built into the daily fabric of life by choice, not legislation. The failure to do so brings a defenselessness that evil will utterly destroy.

Galatians 5:22-23

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, [23] gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.

1 Cor. 9:27

But I discipline [keep under, AV] my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.

Proverbs 25:28

Whoever has no rule over his own spirit Is like a city broken down, without walls.

[personal applications:] 1.)Any sexual expression/ stimulation is to be the object of my mate's desire for My body, and hers/his for my gratification. This effectively eliminates justification for all masturbation, and any thoughts that lead to such physical pleasures, as excluded from God's will at any time apart from being in the presence of my spouse.

1 Corinthians 7: 4 The wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does. And likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does.

PP 4.8 3C. MENTAL/EMOTIONAL- [right thinking]

Things that are: true, noble, just, pure, lovely, of good report, of any virtue, and anything praiseworthy.

Philip. 4:8

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy- meditate on these things.

PP 2.3 4C. SOCIAL - favor (time with/for others.)

Philip. 2:3

Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.

1 CO 4.2;MT24.45-51;25.14-30; PS 96.7-9

5C. FINANCIAL stewardship.

Accountability for ability and talents given motivates faithfulness. Remembrance of that accountability is essential on a daily basis. Stewardship is worship.

1 Cor. 4:2

Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.

Matthew 24:45-51

"Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his master made ruler over his household, to give them food in due season? [46] Blessed is that servant whom his master, when he comes, will find so doing. [47] Assuredly, I say to you that he will make him ruler over all his goods. [48] But if that evil servant says in his heart, 'My master is delaying his coming,' [49] and begins to beat his fellow servants, and to eat and drink with the drunkards, [50] the master of that servant will come on a day when he is not looking for him and at an hour that he is not aware of, [51] and will cut him in two and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Matthew 25:14-30

"For the kingdom of heaven is like a man traveling to a far country, who called his own servants and delivered his goods to them. [15] And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his own ability; and immediately he went on a journey. [16] Then he who had received the five talents went and traded with them, and made another five talents. [17] And likewise he who had received two gained two more also. [18] But he who had received one went and dug in the ground, and hid his lord's money. [19] After a long time the lord of those servants came and settled accounts with them. [20] So he who had received five talents came and brought five other talents, saying, 'Lord, you delivered to me five talents; look, I have gained five more talents besides them.' [21] His lord said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.' [22] He also who had received two talents came and said, 'Lord, you delivered to me two talents; look, I have gained two more talents besides them.' [23] His lord said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.' [24] Then he who had received the one talent came and said, 'Lord, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you have not sown, and gathering where you have not scattered seed. [25] And I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the ground. Look, there you have what is yours.' [26] But his lord answered and said to him, 'You wicked and lazy servant, you knew that I reap where I have not sown, and gather where I have not scattered seed. [27] So you ought to have deposited my money with the bankers, and at my coming I would have received back my own with interest. [28] Therefore take the talent from him, and give it to him who has ten talents. [29] For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away. [30] And cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'

Observation regarding My family: to not risk Any portion of talent given me forbids my capacity to multiply it! The one above who only conservatively invested is the one who lost it all!

Application: Great preparation is required to prepare for the use of & multiplication of talents.

Application: There should be a desire to advance to the greater things in life, to hear God say I will make you ruler over many. To not do so is to loose all but eternal life.

2 John 1:8

Look to yourselves, that we do not lose those things we worked for, but that we may receive a full reward.

Psalm 96:7-9

Give to the LORD, O families of the peoples, Give to the LORD glory and strength. [8] Give to the LORD the glory due His name; Bring an offering, and come into His courts. [9] Oh, worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness! Tremble before Him, all the earth.

Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors.

5A. CONFESSION - As I have kept short sin-debts by immediate confession of sins You have revealed, I now pause to examine my heart further for wrong attitudes. As You convict, I will once again make confession of my sin and remember it's results.

Matthew 5.3-10 "Blessed are..."

1B. THE BEATITUDES - Lord, help me...

3)the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

1C. To obtain spiritual goals You expect, that I might receive the fullest reward in heaven.

poor= 4434 ptochos {pto-khos'} from ptosso {to crouch, used here as - poor (30 times) DEFINED AS 1) reduced to beggary, begging, asking alms OR 2) destitute of wealth, influence, position, honour; lowly, afflicted: destitute of the Christian virtues and eternal riches; helpless, powerless to accomplish an end OR 3) lacking in anything: as respects their spirit, i.e. destitute of wealth of learning and intellectual culture which the schools afford (men of this class most readily give themselves up to Christ's teaching and proved them selves fitted to lay hold of the heavenly treasure) - taken from the OnLine Bible Lexicon, and so with all other Strong's numbers definitions this section.

spirit= 4151 pneuma {pnyoo'-mah} here used as - human (spirit) (49 times) DEFINED AS 2) the spirit, i.e. the vital principal by which the body is animated; the rational spirit, the power by which the human being feels, thinks, decides; the soul OR 5) the disposition or influence which fills and governs the soul of any one; the efficient source of any power, affection, emotion, desire, etc.

The poor in spirit recognize they are destitute of God's wealth spiritually, and are thus motivated to obtain it to a greater degree than they now possess (relative to what God would desire, in spite of the growth and maturity they already have attained).

4)they that mourn, for they shall be comforted.

2C. To weep over sin You reveal to me, that I might have the peace of Your forgiveness.

mourn= 3996 pentheo {pen-theh'-o} from 3997; NKJ&AV - mourn (7) also - wail (2) - bewail (1) [10] 1) to mourn; to mourn for, lament one

comforted= 3870 parakaleo {par-ak-al-eh'-o}from 3844 and 2564; TDNT - 5:773,778; vb AV - comfort (23times) DEFINED AS 3) to console, to encourage and strengthen by consolation, to comfort; to receive consolation, be comforted

Those who weep and lament as though their sins grieve the holiness of God shall indeed receive comfort, consolation and encouragement which comes through forgiveness.

5)the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

3C. To yield when I am shown sin, so that I may receive my earthly inheritance.

meek= 4239 praus {prah-ooce'} apparently a primary word; TDNT - 6:645,929; adj AV - meek (3) 1) mildness of disposition, gentleness of spirit, meekness. Meekness toward God is that disposition of spirit in which we accept His dealings with us as good, and therefore without disputing or resisting. In the OT, the meek are those wholly relying on God rather than their own strength to defend them against injustice. Thus, meekness toward evil people means knowing God is permitting the injuries they inflict, that He is using them to purify His elect, and that He will deliver His elect in His time. (Is. 41:17, Lu. 18:1-8) Gentleness or meekness is the opposite to self-assertiveness and self interest. It stems from trust in God's goodness and control over the situation. The gentle person is not occupied with self at all. This is a work of the Holy Ghost, not of the human will. (Gal. 5:23)

To be meek is to seek to have a sensitive reception to the holiness of God.

6)those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they shall be filled,

4C. To desire being right in thoughts and actions, so that I will live right continuously.

hunger= 3983 peinao {pi-nah'-o} from the same as 3993 (through the idea of pinching toil; "pine"); 1) to hunger, be hungry 1a) to suffer want, to be needy 1b) to crave ardently, to seek with eager desire

thirst= 1) to suffer thirst, suffer from thirst; figuratively, those who are said to thirst who painfully feel their want of, and eagerly long for, those things by which the soul is refreshed, supported, strengthened.

7)the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.

5C. To show mercy as I have received it from You, that I may have Your mercy's fullness.

merciful= 1655 eleemon {el-eh-ay'-mone} adjective from 1653; AV - merciful (2) 1) merciful

mercy= 1653 eleeo {el-eh-eh'-o} from 1656; AV - have mercy on (14) - obtain mercy (8) - show mercy (2) - have compassion (1) - have compassion on (1) - have pity on (1) - have mercy (1) - have mercy upon (1) - receive mercy (1) [31] 1) to have mercy on, to help one afflicted or seeking aid, to bring help to the wretched

1656 eleos {el'-eh-os} of uncertain affinity; n n AV - mercy (28) 1) mercy: kindness or good will towards the miserable and the afflicted, joined with a desire to help them 1a) of men towards men: to exercise the virtue of mercy, show one's self merciful 1b) of God towards men: in general providence; the mercy and clemency of God in providing and offering to men salvation by Christ

8)the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

6C. To have an undefiled conscience, that I might have intimate fellowship with You.

pure= 2513 katharos {kath-ar-os'} of uncertain affinity AV - pure (17) - clean (10) - clear (1) [28] DEFINED AS 1c) ethically, free from corrupt desire, from sin and guilt; free from every admixture of what is false, sincere; genuine; blameless, innocent; unstained with the guilt of anything

9)the peacemakers, for they shall be called the sons of God.

7C. To love and respect others as You do, so that I may have a godly testimony among them.

peacemakers= 1518 eirenopoios {i-ray-nop-oy-os'} from 1515 and 4160; AV - peacemakers (1) 1) a peacemaker, pacific, loving peace

1515 eirene {i-ray'-nay} probably from a primary verb eiro (to join); TDNT - 2:400,207; n f AV - peace (89) - one (1) - rest (1) - quietness (1) [92] 1) a state of national tranquillity; exemption from the rage and havoc of war 2) peace between individuals, i.e. harmony, discord 3) security, safety, prosperity, felicity, (because peace and harmony make and keep things safe and prosperous) 4) of the Messiah's peace, the way that leads to peace (salvation) 5) of Christianity, the tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and content with its earthly lot, of whatsoever sort that is 6) the blessed state of devout and upright men after death

4160 poieo {poy-eh'-o} 1a) to act rightly, do well; to carry out, to execute

10)those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

8C. To rejoice when I am hurt or suffering for doing right, that I may have 'the persecuted's' reward in heaven.

persecuted= 1377 dioko {dee-o'-ko} a prolonged (and causative) form of a primary verb dio (to flee; compare the base of 1169 and 1249); AV - persecute (28) - follow after (6) - follow (4) - suffer persecution (3) - misc (3) [44] 1) to make to run or flee, put to flight, drive away 2) to run swiftly in order to catch a person or thing, to run after; to press on: figuratively of one who in a race runs swiftly to reach the goal; to pursue (in a hostile manner) 3) in any way whatever to harass, trouble, molest one; to persecute; to be maltreated, suffer persecution on account of something 4) without the idea of hostility, to run after, follow after: someone 5) metaphorically, to pursue i.e. to seek after eagerly, earnestly endeavour to acquire

Beattutudes are "attitudes" that ought to "be." Taking time to think about them creates them in the mind as I wait upon God in prayer. Beatitude is defined: "from Latin beatus, happy: perfect blessedness or happiness -"-Webster's New World Dictionary, p. 55

1 JN 1.6;PS 66.18;JA 1.15; PS 19.12-13

2B. The Doctrine of CONFESSION - Today I agree with You LORD that I have failed in the particular way(s) that You have revealed to me. Now I...

1 John 1:6

If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.

Psalm 66:18

If I regard iniquity in my heart, The Lord will not hear.

James 1:15

Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.

Psalm 19:12-13

Who can understand his errors? Cleanse me from secret faults. [13] Keep back Your servant also from presumptuous sins; Let them not have dominion over me. Then I shall be blameless, And I shall be innocent of great transgression.

1 JN 1.9 1C. CONFESS - that _____* was a sin in Your eyes because You said _____+.

*=specifically name the sin. +=name the scripture bringing awareness.

1 John 1:9

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

confess= 3670 homologeo {hom-ol-og-eh'-o} from a compound of the base of 3674 and 3056; AV - confess (17) - profess (3) - promise (1) - give thanks (1) - confession is made (1) [23] 1) to say the same thing as another, i.e. to agree with, assent 2) to concede 2a) not to refuse, to promise

Confession is agreeing with God's attitude about sin- it is abominable to Him, ATTITUDE is very important.

PR 28.13 2C. FORSAKE - and turn from it, but only with Your help.

Proverbs 28:13

He who covers his sins will not prosper, But whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy.

PS 103.12 3C. BELIEVE - that this sin is now removed from me. I will continue to renounce it and trust your Word.

Psalm 103:12

As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us.

To "believe" is to ACT as if it we true - that is forget the sin, and don't bring it up to God or others again.

*RO 5.9 4C. *Am FORGIVEN - and thus my offense is removed completely.

Romans 5:9

Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.

In God's courtroom, "forgiveness" means full acquittal

*1 JN 1.7 5C. *Am CLEANSED - and thus my usefulness for service is restored also.

1 John 1:7

But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.

"Cleansed" means my usefulness is to a large degree restored like plates just washed from the dinner table.

*PS 32.1; 51.12; MT 5.4 6C. *Am BLESSED - I have Your joy, peace, and favor restored to my life now.

Psalm 32:1

A Psalm of David. A Contemplation. Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, Whose sin is covered.

Psalm 51:12

Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, And uphold me by Your generous Spirit.

Matthew 5:4

Blessed are those who mourn, For they shall be comforted.

A special joy - from God comes to those who confess and forsake sin.

*=God's responsibility and work which I believe He does upon my confession. Penitential Psalms for further meditation: 6,32,38,51,102,130,143.

Some consequences of unconfessed sin:

Psalm 6:2

Have mercy on me, O LORD, for I am weak; O LORD, heal me, for my bones are troubled.

Psalm 6:5-7

For in death there is no remembrance of You; In the grave who will give You thanks? [6] I am weary with my groaning; All night I make my bed swim; I drench my couch with my tears. [7] My eye wastes away because of grief; It grows old because of all my enemies.

Psalm 32:3-4

When I kept silent, my bones grew old Through my groaning all the day long. [4] For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me; My vitality was turned into the drought of summer. Selah

Psalm 38:2-8

For Your arrows pierce me deeply, And Your hand presses me down. [3] There is no soundness in my flesh Because of Your anger, Nor any health in my bones Because of my sin. [4] For my iniquities have gone over my head; Like a heavy burden they are too heavy for me. [5] My wounds are foul and festering Because of my foolishness. [6] I am troubled, I am bowed down greatly; I go mourning all the day long. [7] For my loins are full of inflammation, And there is no soundness in my flesh. [8] I am feeble and severely broken; I groan because of the turmoil of my heart.

Psalm 38:10-14

My heart pants, my strength fails me; As for the light of my eyes, it also has gone from me. [11] My loved ones and my friends stand aloof from my plague, And my relatives stand afar off. [12] Those also who seek my life lay snares for me; Those who seek my hurt speak of destruction, And plan deception all the day long. [13] But I, like a deaf man, do not hear; And I am like a mute who does not open his mouth. [14] Thus I am like a man who does not hear, And in whose mouth is no response.

Psalm 38:17

For I am ready to fall, And my sorrow is continually before me.

Psalm 38:19

But my enemies are vigorous, and they are strong; And those who hate me wrongfully have multiplied.

Psalm 102:3-11

For my days are consumed like smoke, And my bones are burned like a hearth. [4] My heart is stricken and withered like grass, So that I forget to eat my bread. [5] Because of the sound of my groaning My bones cling to my skin. [6] I am like a pelican of the wilderness; I am like an owl of the desert. [7] I lie awake, And am like a sparrow alone on the housetop. [8] My enemies reproach me all day long, Those who deride me swear an oath against me. [9] For I have eaten ashes like bread, And mingled my drink with weeping, [10] Because of Your indignation and Your wrath; For You have lifted me up and cast me away. [11] My days are like a shadow that lengthens, And I wither away like grass.

Psalm 102:23-24

He weakened my strength in the way; He shortened my days. [24] I said, "O my God, Do not take me away in the midst of my days; Your years are throughout all generations.

Psalm 143:3-4

For the enemy has persecuted my soul; He has crushed my life to the ground; He has made me dwell in darkness, Like those who have long been dead. [4] Therefore my spirit is overwhelmed within me; My heart within me is distressed.

Psalm 143:7

Answer me speedily, O LORD; My spirit fails! Do not hide Your face from me, Lest I be like those who go down into the pit.

Benefits of Refraining from sinning:

Psalm 15:1-5 A Psalm of David. LORD, who may abide in Your tabernacle? Who may dwell in Your holy hill? [2] He who walks uprightly, And works righteousness, And speaks the truth in his heart; [3] He who does not backbite with his tongue, Nor does evil to his neighbor, Nor does he take up a reproach against his friend; [4] In whose eyes a vile person is despised, But he honors those who fear the LORD; He who swears to his own hurt and does not change; [5] He who does not put out his money at usury, Nor does he take a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things shall never be moved.

Job 13:15-18

Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him. Even so, I will defend my own ways before Him. [16] He also shall be my salvation, For a hypocrite could not come before Him. [17] Listen carefully to my speech, And to my declaration with your ears. [18] See now, I have prepared my case, I know that I shall be vindicated.

And do not lead us into temptation,

PS 19.13 6A. RESOLUTION - I acknowledge, O LORD, my proneness to yield to temptation, and to fail in trials that come to me, and through Your GRACE I resolve NOT to forsake You. [Song, Come Thou Fount: "Prone to wander"]

Psalm 19:13

Keep back Your servant also from presumptuous sins; Let them not have dominion over me. Then I shall be blameless, And I shall be innocent of great transgression.

David's prayer. Prayer about Temptation is biblical. Prayer will help me resist. Though I may be a Son of God, I can still wander from the right way I should go. Though I do not loose my salvation, however, I can loose my testimony. (James 1.21)

Deu 4:9; Deu 23:9; Pr 4:23; Ac 15:29; 1Ti 5:22; Jam 1:27; 1Jo 5:21; Jude 1:21

(Special exhortations to "Keep Thyself,") See also great transgression Ps. 19. esp. v.13-14.

Deut. 4:9

"Only take heed to yourself, and diligently keep yourself, lest you forget the things your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. And teach them to your children and your grandchildren,

Deut. 23:9

"When the army goes out against your enemies, then keep yourself from every wicked thing.

Proverbs 4:23

Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life.

Acts 15:29

that you abstain from things offered to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well. Farewell.

1 Tim. 5:22

Do not lay hands on anyone hastily, nor share in other people's sins; keep yourself pure.

James 1:27

Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.

1 John 5:21

Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.

Jude 1:21

keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.

Ps. 19. [13] Keep back Your servant also from presumptuous sins; Let them not have dominion over me. Then I shall be blameless, And I shall be innocent of great transgression. [14] Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart

Be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer.

JA 1.12-15,21; 1CO 10.13 1B. ENDURE Temptation - I recognize it is my responsibility to resist temptation to receive Your help in trials.

1 Cor. 10:13

No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.

James 1:12-15

Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. [13] Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am tempted by God"; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. [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, brings forth death.

James 1:21

Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.

The end of temptation is real. I must look for God's way of escape! James was written to "brethren" and his warning in v. 21 is not an admission the believer can lose his salvation, but an acknowledgment that sin has a real and devastating impact on the testimony [or, soul] of the believer. Making o provision for the flesh means removing every road it can take that will lead me away from God's will.

Romans 13:14

But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.

The LIE; JN 8.44; RO 1.25; 2TH 2.10-11.

I must recognize "the lie." It appears throughout the world.

John 8:44

You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a [lit., the] lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it.

Romans 1:25

who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.

2 Thes. 2:10-11

and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. [11] And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie,

De 4:9 Ps 39:1 Mt 26:41 Ac 20:31 1Co 10:12; 16:13 Col 4:2 1Pe 5:8 Re 3:2 Watchfulness about sin & temptation is a human responsibility.

Deut. 4:9

"Only take heed to yourself, and diligently keep yourself, lest you forget the things your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. And teach them to your children and your grandchildren,

Psalm 39:1

To the Chief Musician. To Jeduthun. A Psalm of David. I said, "I will guard my ways, Lest I sin with my tongue; I will restrain my mouth with a muzzle, While the wicked are before me."

Matthew 26:41

Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak."

Acts 20:31

Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears.

1 Cor. 10:12

Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.

1 Cor. 16:13

Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong.

Col. 4:2

Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving;

1 Peter 5:8

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.

Rev. 3:2

Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God.

2 CO 9.8, 1PE 5.10 2B. PRESERVATION by GRACE - I believe that You will give me the necessary GRACE (help) to be victorious throughout life.

The God of all grace will provide abundance to overcome and bring victory in testing/ temptation's midst; we must Possess God's GRACE by faith.

2 Cor. 9:8

And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.

1 Peter 5:10

But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.

But deliver us from the evil one.

1PE 3.7; 1 JN 2:15; RO 8.7;6.13; EP 4.24

3B. PROTECTION by ARMOR - I acknowledge now my need for deliverance from all evil: (From Satan, the World, and from my sinful Flesh) by putting on Your armor. I now put on...

I am to recognize it is spiritual WARFARE. My enemies will not stop until destruction of my soul/ loss of all spiritual reward is lost. Using armor is my responsibility, grace is God's provision. Armor is placed first by putting on the new man.

1 Peter 5:8 [Peter's Theology - from mercy, not unbending absolutes like John's]

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.

1 John 2:15-17

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. [16] For all that is in the world- the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life- is not of the Father but is of the world. [17] And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.

Romans 8:7

Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be.

Romans 6:13

And do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God.

Ephes. 4:24

and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.

Ephesians 6:10-18

14a)Having girded your waist with truth,

JA 1.16,22; AC 20.32 1C. The BELT OF TRUTH - I am sure the Bible is reality, the truth.

The assurance that the Bible is reliable and an honest witness of "truth" is protective gear that holds armor in place.

James 1:16, 22

Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. [22] But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.

Acts 20:32

So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.

14b)Having put on the breastplate of righteousness,

PS 11.7; 15.2; 106.3 2C. The BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS - I live intending to BE right always.

Psalm 11:7

For the LORD is righteous, He loves righteousness; His countenance beholds the upright.

Psalm 15:1-2

A Psalm of David. LORD, who may abide in Your tabernacle? Who may dwell in Your holy hill? [2] He who walks uprightly, And works righteousness, And speaks the truth in his heart;

Psalm 106:3

Blessed are those who keep justice, And he who does righteousness at all times!

15)Having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

MT 4.19; AC 1.8 3C. The SHOES OF GOSPEL WITNESS - I eagerly prepare and tell others the 'good news' of peace that comes through Your salvation.

Matthew 4:19

Then He said to them, "Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men."

Acts 1:8

But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."

16) above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench the fiery darts of the wicked one.

PS 34.8; HE 11 4C. The SHIELD OF FAITH - I will so act today as to demonstrate I trust Your Word completely when Satan sows doubt in my heart.

Psalm 34:8

Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!

Hebrews 11:1-2

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. [2] For by it the elders obtained a good testimony.

Men exhibit faith by their actions. Good Examples: Abel, Noah, Abraham, Joseph, Moses, Samuel, David, Daniel. Poor Examples: Cain, Lot, Samson, Saul, Achan, Ahab, Jonah.

17a) And take the helmet of salvation

1JN 5.11-13 5C. The HELMET OF SALVATION - I have unwavering assurance that I am saved.

1 John 5:11-13

And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. [12] He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. [13] These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.

17b) And the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God;

PS 119.9-11; JO 1.8; Ps. 19.7-14, esp. 7,12-13

6C. The SWORD OF SCRIPTURE - I take the Bible and consistently memorize and meditate on passages that help me fight all evil.

Psalm 119:9-11

How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word. [10] With my whole heart I have sought You; Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments! [11] Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You!

Joshua 1:8

This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.

Ps. 19.7a The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul; [12] Who can understand his errors? Cleanse me from secret faults. [13] Keep back Your servant also from presumptuous sins; Let them not have dominion over me. Then I shall be blameless, And I shall be innocent of great transgression.

Section 1 | Section 2 | Section 3

18a)Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit...

JA 5.16 7C. The BOND OF PRAYER - I have a realization that I need to depend on Your Spirit through prayer moment by moment to use my armor and glorify You.

James 5:16

Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.