Author Archives: God's Favourite House
Vision
Prov.29:18 “When people do not accept divine guidance, they run wild.”
Character is who you are, your achievement is what you have done, and your reputation is what other people think about you. Even though this has been explained previously, it is worth repeating. Read the rest of this entry
Shortcut Short-circuits!
Job 31:1 “I made a covenant with my eyes not to look with lust at a young woman. 2 For what has God above chosen for us? What is our inheritance from the Almighty on high?”
Most of the time if we will be true to self, we will admit that when God wants to save us from disaster, we often think He just wants to punish us.
Spirit Controlled!
Gal.5: 22 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
You would notice that the qualities listed in today’s Scripture reference, require a commitment to delay gratification. Notice also that in the original,
In Conflict
Gal.5:16 [NIV] “So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want.”
You will never build a walk with God, a marriage, a fit body, or a robust bank account by obeying the world’s law of instant gratification. I also struggled with wanting instant gratification with prayer and getting anointed. Read the rest of this entry
No Shortcuts
Dan.1:8 “But Daniel was determined not to defile himself by eating the food and wine given to them by the king… 17 …And God gave Daniel the special ability to interpret the meanings of visions and dreams.”
Discipline is making advance decisions to delay gratification as long as necessary to achieve long lasting results. However, there are certain areas where we prefer quick gratification rather than delayed gratification. Read the rest of this entry
Now or Later?
Deut.8:5 “Think about it: Just as a parent disciplines a child, the Lord your God disciplines you for your own good.”
Mountain climbers tell us that if you take anyone from ground zero by helicopter and just drop the person on the top of Mount Everest, that person will die because his or her lungs are not prepared for that height. Read the rest of this entry
Delay Not Denial
Psa. 94:12 “Joyful are those you discipline, Lord, those you teach with your instructions.”
Discipline is making advance decisions to delay gratification as long as necessary to achieve the results you most desire. The challenge is that the world clamours for instant gratification and easy solutions. Read the rest of this entry
In Advance
Dan.1:8 “But Daniel was determined not to defile himself by eating the food and wine given to them by the king. He asked the chief of staff for permission not to eat these unacceptable foods” [emphasis added].
People may be attracted to packaging but it is the content that will determine if it is money well spent or not. Imagine buying a cereal from the supermarket,
Needing Light?
Prov. 1:2 “Their purpose is to teach people wisdom and discipline, to help them understand the insights of the wise. 3 Their purpose is to teach people to live disciplined and successful lives, to help them do what is right, just, and fair.”
The second bedrock of character is Discipline. Character is who you are when no one is watching. When you are alone in your room, in your office, in your car, in your solitary moment who you are is the weight of your character. Read the rest of this entry
About Character II
Ps.105:19 “Until the time came to fulfil his dreams, the Lord tested Joseph’s character.”
Today, we will continue in our study of Daniel 1:1-21 by asking more questions. I pray that as you engage, God Himself will grow and strengthen your courage and character.
