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Authentic Christian or a Hypocrite?

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If asked whether we are authentic Christians or hypocrites, most of us would want to say we are authentic. But what does that really mean?

To be authentic means to be genuine to what we believe—not perfect, but sincere. Authentic Christianity is not about appearances or performance. It is about having a transformed heart continually shaped by Christ.

The opposite of authenticity is hypocrisy. A hypocrite is someone who pretends to hold beliefs, attitudes, or values they do not truly live by. In other words, they present a version of faith that does not match their true walk. There is also another, often quieter form of hypocrisy—one that shows up when we forget our own weaknesses and begin to look down on others.

Jesus addressed hypocrisy directly during His ministry. He spoke strongly against religious leaders who looked holy on the outside but were far from God on the inside. Jesus made it clear that what matters most is not how others perceive us, but the condition of our hearts and how we treat people.

Authentic Christianity does not point to ourselves—it always points to Jesus. He is the One who saves, heals, restores, and transforms. Our lives should reflect Him, not impress others.

Each of us can be hypocritical, but we must guard against it. We must resist any desire to impress others with religion and avoid looking down on others who struggle in some way. We have to be an example of the gospel message. The real message of the Gospel is that Jesus saves.

We must strive to live as authentic Christians, not as hypocrites, so that others know there is no sin too big and no limit to God’s ability to forgive and restore. Authenticity allows others to see the truth that no one is perfect and we all need Jesus. Pride and arrogance can limit our ability to remain authentic in our faith, as acknowledging our flaws can feel uncomfortable.

Authentic Christians Resist Pride and Arrogance

The word hypocrite is often used to describe someone who pretends to be spiritual. It makes sense that, after coming to faith, many believers genuinely want to live a Christ-centered life yet may still struggle with old habits, doubts, and weaknesses. Christianity is a way of life, and step-by-step growth is a regular part of the process. An authentic Christian should acknowledge those struggles rather than hide them.

One of the greatest threats to authenticity is pride. Pride convinces us that we must look like we “have it all together” to belong—especially within church communities. This pressure can cause believers to perform spirituality rather than pursue true intimacy with God.

Authentic Christians must resist pride and arrogance, as these are among the enemy’s most effective tactics. The enemy would rather see us appear religious than remain dependent on God’s mercy by asking the Father to help us live righteously. The enemy prefers that we impress people rather than humbly seek the Lord.

As a genuine Christian, we must recognize the need to stay close to God in prayer, knowing that it is impossible to live a Christian life without God’s help. Authenticity flows from humility in the heart of a Christian who recognizes their constant need for God. They understand that living a Christ-like life is impossible without His strength, guidance, and grace. Rather than pretending, they pray. Rather than boasting, they surrender. The hypocrite, however, is happy, pretending, and does not seek God.

“The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in all his thoughts.”

Authentic Christians Show Love and Are Not Judgmental

Jesus summed up God’s commandments: love God and love people. Authentic Christianity is revealed through love—not condemnation, comparison, or exclusion.

Authentic Christians understand that it is not their role to judge others. Scripture calls us to examine our own hearts first. While discernment is essential, harsh judgment is not. God alone sees the complete picture of a person’s heart, wounds, and journey.

Love is central to the Gospel, and it can manifest in small yet powerful ways. Kind words, patience, compassion, and the willingness to listen can go a long way for the Kingdom of God. Authentic Christians recognize how deeply words and attitudes can either heal or harm. They are mindful that many people feel unseen, unworthy, or unreachable—and they choose to reflect the heart of Christ.

Jesus came for the lost, the broken, and the weary. Authentic Christians never forget that truth because they know they once needed that same grace.

Authentic Christians Understand Forgiveness

Living an authentic Christian life means living a surrendered life—one that continually exchanges self-will for God’s will. That process takes time. God knows we will stumble, struggle, and sometimes fail. Authenticity does not require perfection; it requires humility and repentance.

There will be moments when we say or do things we regret. When that happens, authentic Christians do not justify their actions or hide behind excuses. Instead, they seek forgiveness—from God and from others.

Authentic Christians also understand the importance of offering forgiveness. They remember how much grace they have received and extend that same grace to others, even when it is difficult.

Forgiveness keeps our hearts soft and our faith genuine. It reminds us that we are all dependent on God’s mercy. No one should be unwilling to apologize.

What Jesus Said About Authenticity and Hypocrisy

As we study Scriptures, we see that Jesus directed his strongest rebukes toward religious leaders who appeared holy but lacked compassion, humility, and love.

Jesus spoke more about hypocrisy than many people realize—not because He was harsh, but because hypocrisy blocks a genuine relationship with God and harms others. The words of Jesus consistently reveal that God looks at the heart, not outward appearances or religious performance.

Jesus cautioned His followers against practicing acts of righteousness to be seen or praised by people. He made it clear that outward religious acts mean nothing if the heart remains disconnected from God. Authentic Christianity flows from a sincere desire to honor God privately, rather than from a desire to appear spiritual publicly.

Jesus Addressed Praying to Be Seen and Heard by Others

Jesus was not criticizing public prayer itself—He was exposing the motive behind it. When prayer becomes a performance, it loses its power. God is not impressed by volume, length, or eloquence, but by sincerity and humility. Jesus went on to explain that authentic prayer is not about many words or sounding impressive:

“And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words.” Matthew 6:7 (ESV)

He said this because God already knows our needs before we speak. Prayer is not about convincing God to listen—it is about drawing near to Him with a genuine heart.

A Prayer to Be An Authentic Christian

Authentic Christians do not live to impress others. They live to reflect Christ. Their lives quietly testify that Jesus saves, transforms, and sustains. True faith is not loud, showy, or self-centered—it is rooted, humble, and love-filled.

To live as an authentic Christian, we need to love God, love our neighbor, and follow Jesus’s example. Living as an authentic Christian may sound simple, but it often requires daily surrender.

We all fall short at times. What matters is not pretending otherwise, but continually returning to Jesus—the only One who can truly help us live the life God calls us to live. Let’s pray and ask God to help us live authentically every day.

A sunset with a lady's hands raised. A Prayer to Be An Authentic Christian.

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The Best Way To Handle a Waiting Season

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In general, most of us do not like waiting, yet there are moments in life when everything feels like a long wait. These are moments when we’ve prayed, worked hard, and exercised our faith, yet it seems the needle hasn’t moved. It feels like nothing is happening, which makes us wonder whether something is wrong or if God has forgotten us. These seasons are heavy, and cause us to wonder whether the “delay” is actually a “denial.”

Scripture tells us the truth. Waiting is never wasted time. A waiting season is often where God does His deepest work, stretching our faith and reshaping our hearts to handle the very thing we are praying for. Let’s look at how to navigate the wait time by learning from stories in the Bible.

An Hourglass Image and the Title The Best Way To Handle a Waiting Season

Understanding the Waiting Season

A waiting season is the space between God’s promise and its fulfillment. It’s the gap in time that requires the most faith to hope without seeing. Waiting seasons can occur when we wait for healing, a spouse, a career breakthrough, or restoration. It is the knowing that God will come through, yet waiting for it to happen.

No matter what we hope for, the best place to look is in the Bible. We must remember that Scripture is like a GPS or a blueprint, giving us clues about what to do during every season of life. There are many examples of waiting in the Bible. Let’s explore a few together to see how others handled their waiting seasons.

Abraham and Sarah: Waiting For a Son When the Promise Seems Impossible

God promised Abraham and Sarah that they would have a child. He told them that this would happen, but their waiting season lasted decades. It was clear that Abraham had heard God promise him that he would become the father of many nations, yet year after year passed with no child in sight (Genesis15:5). As their bodies aged and hope naturally faded, the promise seemed impossible from a human perspective, and it was.

In their humanity, doubt crept in, and they began to wonder whether they needed to “help” God by taking matters into their own hands, which meant that Abraham would have a child with Hagar, the servant, something God did not intend. Their decision to have a child this way only brought pain and complications (Genesis 16).

Despite their mistake and misjudgment, God was faithful to His promise, causing Sarah to laugh when she heard she would conceive despite her advanced age. Everything seemed impossible (Genesis 18:10–12), but at the appointed time, when Sarah was far beyond child-bearing years, and there was no way anyone could deny His faithfulness, God fulfilled His Word, and Isaac was born (Genesis 21:1–3).

As we study the story of Isaac’s birth, we can see that God wants us to believe His Word, even when His promises seem delayed. We must learn to have unwavering faith and trust God’s Word and His timing. Abraham and Sarah’s story reminds us that God’s delays are not denials, and our circumstances, timelines, or mistakes do not limit His promises. We must handle our “in the meantime” with faith.

Joseph: Waiting Through Betrayal and Injustice

Joseph received a word from God in a dream that showed him in a position of leadership and influence. In his excitement, Joseph shared the dream with his brothers, who betrayed him, sold him into slavery, and caused him to be taken far from home (Genesis 37:23–28).

Later, even though he did what was right and refused Potiphar’s wife’s advances, she falsely accused him, causing him to be wrongfully convicted and thrown into prison (Genesis 39:20). For years, Joseph waited in confinement, seemingly forgotten by everyone, even those he helped gain freedom by interpreting their dreams (Genesis 40:23).

The Bible tells us that “the Lord was with Joseph” even in prison (Genesis 39:21). We can see that God used the time in prison to shape Joseph’s character, humility, and leadership in the hidden place. In God’s perfect timing, Joseph interpreted a dream for the Pharaoh, who promoted him to second-in-command of Egypt (Genesis 41:41). God used Joseph’s elevation and the hardships he endured to save nations and preserve His people (Genesis 50:20).

Joseph’s waiting season teaches us that waiting can serve as a form of preservation and preparation, and should not be viewed as punishment.

David: Waiting Between the Promise and the Crown

David was anointed the next King while still a young shepherd, but the throne did not come quickly or easily (1 Samuel 16:12–13). Although the prophet anointed him, David did not become King right away. Instead, he spent years running for his life, hiding in caves, and living as a fugitive while the current King, named Saul, sought to kill him (1 Samuel 19–24). Despite having many opportunities to harm King Saul and take the kingdom by force, David chose to wait on God rather than rush ahead of God’s timing (1 Samuel 24:6; 26:9–11).

During this long season, David poured out his heart to God through the Psalms—expressing fear, sorrow, trust, and hope. David wrote in the Psalms, “Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!” (Psalm 27:14). When the time came, David was established as King just as God had promised (2 Samuel 5:4).

David demonstrates that sometimes God uses a waiting season to build integrity. Waiting also teaches us dependence on God and adequately prepares our hearts to steward what God gives by first teaching us to wait until He gives it.

Hannah: Waiting Through Silent Prayers and Deep Sorrow

Hannah’s waiting season tested her ability to have long faith. She suffered through deep personal pain and years of unanswered prayer as she asked God to give her a child. Hannah suffered as she remained barren while her husband’s other wife, Peninnah, had children and continually provoked and humiliated her (1 Samuel 1:6–7). Each year, Hannah went to the house of the Lord carrying the ache in her heart, wondering if God heard her cries.

Driven by a deep sense of loss, Hannah went to the temple where she poured out her soul before God, praying silently, but with such intensity that the Priest Eli mistook her for being drunk (1 Samuel 1:12–15). Right there, in the middle of her pain, she let go of her control. Hannah surrendered her pain and vowed that if God gave her a son, she would dedicate him back to the Lord all the days of his life (1 Samuel 1:11). Her waiting was not passive; it was worshipful, honest, and filled with trembling faith.

God met Hannah in her longing. She gave birth to a son, Samuel, who would grow up in the temple with the Priest Eli and later lead an entire nation. The most incredible part of Hannah’s story isn’t just that she got what she wanted, but that she kept her word. Hannah returned to the temple to hand her miracle back to God, trusting Him with the very thing she had wept for.

Later, Hannah gave birth to three more sons and two daughters (1 Samuel 2:21). Her life shows us that a waiting season is where our roots grow deep and we learn to align our desires with Kingdom living. Even when it feels like nothing is happening, God is weaving a larger story that we will see if we are willing to surrender our will for His.

What to Do in a Waiting Season

Although a waiting season can test our faith in ways few other experiences do, what is important is how we choose to “pass the time”. When answers delay, and the path ahead feels unclear, our first response should be to draw closer to God in prayer which becomes a place of refuge where we can bring our fears, disappointments, and unanswered questions before a God who deeply cares for us (1 Peter 5:7). Even when words are difficult to find, choosing to remain in conversation with God keeps our hearts anchored to His presence. Prayer offers us the opportunity to pour out like Hannah, but it also allows God to reassure us that He is still right there.

Staying rooted in God’s Word is very important. When we read the Bible, we learn more about God’s character, and Scripture reminds us that God is faithful, even when circumstances suggest otherwise. His Word provides light and reminds us of all the times He has been true to others, which feeds our faith. God communicates to us through His Word, guiding our steps when we cannot see the whole road ahead (Psalm 119:105).

Waiting seasons also invite us to practice obedience in the small, ordinary moments of life. If we are only willing to praise God and serve Him when everything is the way we desire, then we are not honoring God. It is tempting to believe that faithfulness only matters once He answers our prayers or fulfils the promise, but God often shapes our character most deeply before the breakthrough ever comes. He teaches us to listen, believe, and obey before the answered prayer.

It is not easy to wait well when nothing seems to change, but we must learn to rest in the truth that God is always working and has our best interests in mind. His silence is not absence. The delay does not mean denial. The waiting season can be a training ground or a time of development that prepares us for the future God has designed for us. We must trust the process.

The enemy will attempt to make us doubt the goodness of God during a waiting season, so we must be prepared to fight his attacks. Prolonged waiting can easily open the door to negative feelings of discouragement, comparison, and quiet resentment, especially when others seem to move forward ahead of us. We must learn to guard our hearts by choosing gratitude over bitterness and trust over fear so that we keep our hearts soft toward God.

How God Works Within Us During a Waiting Season

God often chooses the waiting season to refine our character. What feels like a delay is frequently divine preparation for the next season. As Ecclesiastes tells us, “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven” (Ecclesiastes 3:1). Waiting can become a classroom that teaches us patience, integrity, and faithfulness. Waiting can also show us how to respond to disappointment, treat others with grace, and remain steady in our faith when answers are delayed or do not meet our expectations.

Like fire purifies gold, trials strengthen our faith, making it more genuine and resilient (1 Peter 1:6–7). God sometimes uses waiting seasons to gently expose misplaced priorities, subtle self-reliance, and hidden fears. He does not do this to shame us, but to heal and restore us. Over time, if we willingly surrender, our desires may begin to change during the waiting season as well. If we allow it, what once consumed our thoughts may slowly give way to a simple desire for a deeper relationship with God.

God’s perfect timing protects us from receiving blessings before we are ready to steward them well. God knows how much we can handle and whether we are spiritually mature enough to handle the promises. When the appointed time comes, we often discover that God’s most significant transformation occurs within us. Before outward circumstances change, God knows how to strengthen us inwardly. Sometimes blessings can hurt us if we are not prepared to receive them.

As our relationship with God grows, our hearts will begin to align with His will. Scripture reminds us, “Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart” (Psalm 37:4)—sometimes by fulfilling them, and sometimes by transforming them. Scripture reminds us that God is good to those who wait for him (Lamentations 3:25).

Let’s Pray For Help in Our Waiting Season

As we explored the stories of Abraham and Sarah, Joseph, David, and Hannah, we realize that some of God’s most significant work happens in the waiting season between promise and fulfillment.

This sacred quiet space is not a punishment; it is often a gift wrapped in patience, growth, and deeper intimacy with Him. One day, when we look back, we may realize that the waiting did not weaken our faith, but strengthened it. Let’s pray together now for the strength to wait well.

A Prayer For the Waiting Season written over a wintery background

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How to Deal with Negative People and Harsh Words

Posted by Krystal Simpson Live Joyfully, Christian Living 7 Comments

Dealing with people in any capacity means we will sometimes face negativity and harsh words. That negativity may come from family members, supervisors, coworkers, or even other believers. As Christians, we must be careful to respond differently.

Sometimes the words come unexpectedly—during a stressful meeting, a family gathering, or even when we are already emotionally tired. A careless comment or sharp tone can linger longer than we expect, replaying in our minds and weighing on our hearts. If we are honest, navigating relationships can be one of the most challenging parts of living out our faith.

No matter what, we must learn how to handle difficult people in ways that honor God and reflect our faith. We do not have to ignore the hurt or pretend things don’t affect us, but we must choose responses that align with Christ’s example.

There are prayerful, powerful ways to deal with negative people and harsh words so the enemy does not gain a victory in our lives or our witness. Let’s explore them together.

Deal with Negative People and Harsh Words by Praying First

Scripture reminds us, “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (Proverbs 15:1). God does not require us to respond in our own strength, but He does want us to depend on Him when emotions run high and words cut deep.

Whenever we face an upsetting situation—especially when someone speaks harshly to us—our first response should not be retaliation, but prayer.

It is usually best to pause, step away if possible, and talk to God before responding. Tell God exactly what happened and how you feel. He cares deeply about every detail of your life and will help calm your heart and guide your next step.

The enemy is crafty, and he desires to catch us off guard so that we react in anger, say something we regret, or damage our testimony. He wants others to see believers as hypocritical rather than Christ-like.

Prayer interrupts that plan and is the best option in the situation. We see this modeled in the life of Jesus. When He was falsely accused, mocked, and insulted, He often withdrew to pray rather than defend Himself in anger (Luke 5:16). Even in His suffering, He chose communion with the Father over confrontation with people. Jesus’ example teaches us that prayer is not weakness—it is strength under control. When we pray rather than react, we allow God to work on our behalf, which preserves our peace.

Pray a Blessing on the Negative Person

One of the most powerful—and complex—things we can do is pray for the person who hurt us. When someone mistreats us, we must give it to God. We do this by placing both the person and our emotions in a “prayer bubble,” intentionally lifting them to God and asking Him to bless them, reach them, and surround them with His love. We envelop the situation in prayer, knowing that it was an attack from the enemy, not from a person.

best thing we can do is Pray rather than react

We must be willing to offer grace to others, and one way to do so is to remember that “hurt people, hurt people.” The person who hurt you may have done so because they have recently experienced pain, brokenness, or may not know Christ as you do. Our response is to ask God to intervene and draw them closer to Him.

Joseph modeled this kind of grace when he forgave the very brothers who betrayed him and sold him into slavery. Instead of seeking revenge against his brothers, Joseph said, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good” (Genesis 50:20). His forgiveness freed him from bitterness and allowed God’s greater purpose to unfold.

This kind of prayer honors God, but it also does something significant in us. Praying for those who hurt us shows our willingness to let go of anger, preventing bitterness from taking root in our hearts. Prayer restores our peace. Most importantly, it prevents a single negative moment from ruining the entire day by reminding us that our battle is not against people but against spiritual forces seeking to steal our joy and damage our witness.

Don't let negativity spoil your day with cup of coffee that says happy

Pray for Wisdom and Direction

Praying before dealing with negativity helps us to listen and better determine what God would want us to do next. Sometimes, God will lead us to remain silent and let Him fight the battles. Other times, God will direct us to address the issues calmly and directly. He may prompt us to send a gentle message, speak kindly, or seek wise counsel.

Sometimes, the wisest thing we can do is act immediately. Other times, wisdom is simply giving our emotions enough room to settle so we don’t say something we’ll regret. When we’re stuck in that ‘what do I do?’ moment, we can lean on God to help us figure out the next move. We must trust God to show us whether the “right thing” to do is to set a firm boundary, clear up a messy misunderstanding, or simply choose graceful silence. He will gently guide us. The Bible promises that God generously gives wisdom to those who ask (James 1:5).

The key is not to succumb to the enemy by acting out of emotion, but rather to move in obedience to God. Praying and letting God speak to your heart is essential. God can give words that are firm, yet loving, honest, yet peaceful. We must trust Him to show us when to speak and when to be still. When we surrenderto His will, God can transform conflict into opportunities for growth and testimony.

Guard Your Heart While You Trust God to Deal With Negative People

Loving others does not mean allowing repeated harm. The Bible tells us to guard our hearts, for everything we do flows from it (Proverbs 4:23). This Scripture reminds us that it is okay to guard our hearts not out of selfishness, but because our hearts are the wellspring of our whole lives. Sometimes honoring God means creating healthy boundaries with people who continually speak negativity into our lives.

A Prayer to Deal With Negative People and Harsh Words

When life starts to feel overwhelming, it’s easy to think we have to grit our teeth and get through it. But the truth is, God never expected us to carry the weight all by ourselves. He promises to be with us always, but in His kindness, He also places people in our lives to support us during difficult seasons.

Whether through prayer, Scripture, or the encouragement of another believer, God provides what we need to endure. We do not have to harden our hearts to survive negativity. We can remain soft, rooted, and peaceful—because He walks with us.

Whenever we need a helping hand, it’s very beneficial to seek out godly friends who will pray with us, encourage us, and remind us of God’s promises. We need people who will sit with us in the mess, remind us of what’s true when we’ve forgotten, and lift us in prayer when we’re too tired to find the words ourselves.

God often uses the people around us to bring the breakthrough we’ve been looking for. There is strength in praying as a community of believers. On that note, let’s go to God in prayer together right now.

Praying hands and a Prayer to deal with negative people and harsh words

Peace In The Presence of Negativity 7 Day Devotional

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What the Bible Says About Pride — And How to Remain Humble

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Pride: A Subtle Sin

Most of us know that all sin separates us from God, but Scripture tells us there is one sin He specifically hates: pride. And the truth is, we are not immune to it. Pride is subtle. It slips quietly into our thoughts and attitudes, showing up as self-reliance, superiority, defensiveness, or the need to be right. Because it can hide so easily in our hearts, we all need to pause and honestly examine ourselves before God.

Pride matters because it draws our hearts away from God and His best for us. The good news is that our loving Father gently leads us back when we humble ourselves before Him. As we take a closer look at pride together, let’s remember — we’re all on the same journey of learning to walk in humility. None of us stands above the struggle, and all of us need God’s grace and mercy to recognize pride and replace it with a heart fully surrendered to Him.

Pride Keeps Us From Seeking God

God hates pride for many reasons, but one of the biggest is that it keeps us from seeking Him and leads us to be arrogant and haughty. Walking closely with God begins with recognizing His strength and admitting our limits (2 Corinthians 12:9). But when pride creeps in, we start to believe we have life figured out on our own. We stop acknowledging our need for God’s grace and mercy. Pride makes it hard for us to admit when we’re wrong, ask for forgiveness, or receive God’s loving correction. Little by little, it pulls our hearts away from dependence on Him (Proverbs 16:18; Proverbs 11:2).

The enemy knows this. In fact, pride is one of his favorite weapons against us — because it’s the very sin that led to his own fall. Scripture tells us that Satan’s heart became filled with pride over his beauty and position, and that attitude of superiority led him to rebel against God (Ezekiel 28:17; Isaiah 14:12–15). Ever since, he has been working to convince us that we don’t really need God either.

When we give in to pride, we begin relying on our own strength instead of God’s. Next, because we no longer honor them, we neglect powerful spiritual tools such as prayer, faith, and Scripture—the very things we need most in our daily battles (Ephesians 6:10–18). But God desires something entirely different for us. He calls us to a humble heart that remembers who He is: our Creator, our Savior, and the One who rescued us from destruction.

Pride Distorts Our View of Ourselves

Another reason pride is so dangerous is that it distorts the way we see ourselves. When pride settles in, we begin to think more highly of ourselves than we should (Romans 12:3). We may start comparing ourselves to others, assuming we are doing better spiritually or morally, rather than measuring ourselves against God’s holiness. Instead of recognizing that anything good in us is the result of God’s grace, pride convinces us that we earned it or deserve the credit.

As followers of Jesus, we are called to serve — and Jesus Himself modeled humble service by washing the disciples’ feet (John 13:14–15). Pride resists unnoticed or humble tasks. Pride says, “That job is beneath me.” Humility is the opposite of pride and is expressed when a person is willing to serve wherever God leads, whether anyone sees them or not (Colossians 3:23–24).

When we see ourselves clearly — loved by God, dependent on Him, and no better than anyone else — pride begins to lose its grip on our hearts. God gives grace to the humble, and in humility we become more open to His shaping work in our lives (James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5–6).

Pride Can Lead to Boasting and Seeking Approval

Pride doesn’t always show up loudly, but when it does, one way it can surface is through boasting or seeking others’ approval. Scripture warns us about this: when we crave recognition or validation, our hearts can slowly shift from wanting to please God to wanting to impress people (Galatians 1:10). We cannot let pride draw our attention to ourselves or measure our worth by the opinions of others.

God calls us to remember that He has supplied our gifts, talents, abilities, opportunities, and successes because of His kindness and grace. We must remember that everything we have is a gift from God. We can not let pride cause us to draw our attention to ourselves or measure our worth by the opinions of others.

Boasting and seeking praise may feel harmless, but they quietly train our hearts to rely on human approval rather than God’s guidance. When that happens, we can easily miss His voice and direction in our lives. God calls us instead to think soberly and humbly about ourselves, remembering that anything good in us comes from His grace alone.

Our desire is to be seen by God rather than applauded by people, so that we experience peace and freedom. When we no longer have to prove ourselves or fear what others think, we can focus on building genuine relationships, loving others sincerely, and honoring God in all we do — trusting Him to be the One who sees and rewards us (Matthew 6:1–4; James 4:10).

Scripture Quote James 4:10 ESV Bible Verse

Pride Causes Strife and Conflict With Others

Pride doesn’t just affect our relationship with God—it also affects how we relate to one another. In the Bible, God calls us to treat others with kindness and humility. However, pride can lead to feelings of resentment, jealousy, and defensiveness, particularly when we feel threatened or insecure. Over time, these feelings can create distance, lead to arguments, and broken relationships (Proverbs 13:10).

Pride can also make us defensive. It can be hard to receive correction or wisdom from others when we struggle with pride, because we may feel offended, criticized, or threatened. As pride takes root, we begin to speak harshly to people, dismiss their feelings, or assume our opinions matter more than others. Sadly, sometimes we may not even realize that our words or actions are hurtful. When pride takes effect, we struggle to apologize when needed, because we justify our poor behavior rather than confess wrongdoing.

God cares deeply about how we treat people and encourages us to be humble and gentle with each other (Ephesians 4:2). Biblically, God expects us to demonstrate humility, which means that we value people, listen well, and remain willing to apologize when needed. Humility reminds us that relationships matter more than being right and winning. God wants us to stay humble because He knows that, over time, pride prevents us from experiencing His best. When we choose humility, we open the door to healing, unity, and the growth of God’s peace in our lives (Philippians 2:3–4).

Scripture Quote Ephesians 4:2 ESV Bible Verse

Pride Attempts to Rob God of His Glory and Blocks Our Blessings

One of the most significant risks of being prideful is that it shifts glory from God to ourselves. When pride creeps in, we begin to believe that our abilities, achievements, and successes come from our own strength. Pride tricks us into thinking we are self-sufficient, but this mindset challenges God’s rightful place in our lives and diminishes our awareness of His goodness. This is a serious offense because God refuses to share His glory.

As we give God the glory He deserves, we position ourselves to receive the grace and blessings. Our Father loves to pour out His love and blessings on those who walk humbly with Him. The enemy does not want us to be blessed, so he uses pride to whisper that we earned what we have — that we deserve the credit. When we believe that lie, our hearts slowly drift from gratitude and worship toward self-reliance. But God lovingly reminds us that all glory belongs to Him alone (Isaiah 42:8). Scripture declares that “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6).

Combat Pride By Learning To Remain Humble

The Bible is clear that pride leads to many negative consequences. Some are subtle, but no less damaging to our relationships. Scripture also shows how to combat pride: by being humble. When we demonstrate humility, we recognize our limitations and remember that it is God’s strength, wisdom, and mercy that sustain us, which allows us to experience God’s presence, guidance, and peace in our lives.

The characteristics of a genuinely humble person include the ability to quickly admit mistakes, seek assistance, and celebrate others’ successes. By walking in humility, we regularly self-examine our lives and invite God to illuminate any areas of pride (Psalm 139:23–24). One helpful way to do this is by honestly examining our prayer lives.

Identify Pride by Assessing Our Prayer Life

One of the most important ways to gauge whether we live a life of humility is to examine our prayer life. Praying is our daily acknowledgment that God is our source of strength and wisdom (Philippians 4:6–7). When we rarely pray — or only pray in moments of crisis — it may reveal an attitude of self-reliance rather than humble dependence on God. Pride says, “I’ve got this,” but humility says, “Lord, I need you because apart from You I can do nothing” (John 15:5).

Our prayer life also reveals whether we are willing to confess our wrongdoings and repent. In our prayer time, we ask our loving Father to forgive us. If this is hard to do, it may suggest how hard it is to ask forgiveness from imperfect humans. Pride makes apologizing difficult, even when we know we’re wrong. Humility admits failure, seeks forgiveness, and trusts God to restore (1 John 1:9). When we humble ourselves before God in prayer, we open our hearts to His correction and guidance — and He gently leads us into the life He designed for us (Psalm 25:9).

Scripture and Bible Verse Psalm 25:9 ESV

True humility in prayer also means surrendering our will to God’s. When we remain humble, we resist the urge to insist that He answer our prayers in a certain way and instead learn to trust His wisdom and timing (Proverbs 3:5–6). We are open to correction and guidance and allow God to help us become who He designed us to be.

Let’s Pray to Combat Pride and Learn to Live With Humility

Humility isn’t about thinking less of ourselves — it’s about thinking rightly about God, others, and ourselves. It is choosing dependence over self-reliance, gratitude over entitlement, and service over recognition. Let’s pray and ask God to help us overcome pride and learn to walk in humility.

A prayer To help us live humbly and without pride

Tile Page Choosing and Practicing Humility In our Everyday Walk

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How Seeking Acceptance From Others Can Steal Your Joy

Posted by Krystal Simpson Live Joyfully, Christian Living 6 Comments

In our quest for connection and belonging, many of us find ourselves seeking the approval and acceptance of others. Especially in today’s world of social media, striving to be liked, admired, or validated can consume us. Constantly chasing approval can come at a cost—it can rob us of the joy, peace, and contentment that comes from living authentically and focusing solely on God’s acceptance.

Wanting the approval of others can lead us down some slippery slopes. If we head down the unhealthy path of seeking acceptance from others, we may find ourselves walking along roads that take our joy and peace. We may even fall into sin, which is not what God would want for us. God tells us to focus on pleasing Him and not man. Let’s look at the trouble we can get into if we are not careful.

How Seeking Acceptance Can Steal Your Joy

Seeking Acceptance From Others Steals Our Joy By Causing Anxiety

Anxiety occurs when we excessively worry about the opinions of others rather than focusing on God’s perspective. For example, women often worry about their appearance, striving to be thin, attractive, or fashionable. It’s natural to want to stay in shape, look beautiful, and keep up with trends, but these desires shouldn’t overwhelm us. We need to be cautious not to seek approval from others to the extent that it leads to anxiety.

We must look in the mirror, knowing God created us in His image. Even though we may be dealing with aging skin, gray hair, extra weight, or clothes that don’t fit the way they used to, we should still find our approval through God’s eyes because we know He looks at our hearts and loves us completely.

True peace and joy come not from the opinions of others but from trusting in God's unwavering approval

When we base our worth on what others think, we inevitably open the door to anxiety. Trying to meet the expectations of others can feel like walking on eggshells, constantly worrying about how we’re perceived. This anxiety stems from the fear of rejection or not measuring up, and it can leave us feeling restless and insecure. Instead of resting in God’s unconditional love, we become trapped in a cycle of trying to please people, a pursuit that can never fully satisfy.

The Bible reminds us in Philippians 4:6-7 to let go of anxiety by focusing on God’s acceptance: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” True peace and joy come not from the opinions of others but from trusting in God’s unwavering approval.

Seeking Acceptance From Others Can Lead to Feelings of Depression

It’s important to understand that winning approval and acceptance from others is complex, and even when we do gain it, it’s often fleeting. What people consider acceptable can change frequently, leaving us to chase an ever-shifting standard. But thankfully, God never changes. His love and approval are constant, providing us with a firm foundation in a world that often demands we adjust to fit in.

Relying on external validation such as social media likes, compliments, or affirmations from others for our sense of self-worth can lead to feelings of emptiness and inadequacy when that approval doesn’t come. Constantly seeking validation from others can lead to emotional pain, rejection, and even depression. The more we depend on people to define our worth, the more vulnerable we become to feelings of unworthiness when they withhold their approval.

For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God_ Or am I trying to please man_ If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.

If we’re not careful, we can open the door for the enemy to attack our sense of self-worth. The enemy will gladly reinforce feelings of isolation, feeding us lies about our worthlessness. That’s why it’s crucial to be cautious about seeking acceptance from people and instead focus on finding our worth in God.

When we shift our focus away from external approval and seek only God’s validation, we protect ourselves from the emotional pain of rejection and the never-ending cycle of trying to please others. God’s love for us is unwavering; in Him, we find true joy and worth that isn’t dependent on people’s ever-changing opinions.

Depression often sets in when we believe we’ve failed to live up to the standards we think others have set for us. But God never intended for us to find our identity in the acceptance of others. Psalm 139:14 reminds us, “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” Our worth comes from God, not from people. Focusing on His love frees us from the emotional rollercoaster of seeking approval and allows us to experience joy in who He created us to be.

Our Worth Comes From God, Not from People

Seeking Acceptance From Others Can Lead to Sin

Seeking acceptance and approval from others can easily lead us into sin. In our efforts to impress others, we may often compromise our values without realizing it. For example, we might exaggerate, stretch the truth, or tell small lies to gain favor in someone’s eyes. Giving insincere compliments or pretending to know something we don’t so that we seem more knowledgeable may seem harmless, but it can quickly become a chronic form of dishonesty, a sin.

The desire for approval can also lead to other subtle sins, like gossiping to gain attention or speaking negatively about others to fit in. When we seek validation from people, jealousy and covetousness can creep in as we compare ourselves to those whose approval we crave. These feelings can drive us to envy what others have, which Scripture also warns against.

Perhaps most dangerously, when we place the opinions of others above God’s, we risk slipping into idolatry. Valuing human approval more than God’s acceptance leads us to prioritize people’s thoughts and judgments over His will and truth. In doing so, we compromise our faith, betray our beliefs, and act against our conscience to avoid rejection or criticism.

So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him. 2 Corinthians 5:9 ESV

Romans 12:2 reminds us not to conform to the standards of this world: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Instead of seeking approval from others, we should renew our minds and focus on what God thinks of us. Doing so empowers us to resist peer pressure, temptation, and the urge to sin.

Seeking God’s approval brings freedom while seeking human approval entangles us in sin. When we anchor ourselves in God’s acceptance, we can live with integrity, remain true to our faith, and experience the joy of walking in righteousness—free from the fear of others’ opinions.

Avoid Seeking Acceptance From Others, Choose Joy Instead

Once we stop seeking approval from others, we can embrace our true selves. Living authentically brings a deep sense of peace and joy because we are no longer living for the fleeting applause of others but for the steady love of God. This shift allows us to live with integrity, confidence, and purpose. We become more resilient to rejection and criticism because we understand that others’ perceptions of us do not determine our worth. Instead, we are grounded in the knowledge that God sees, loves, and accepts us just as we are. This freedom leads to a fulfilling life filled with joy, purpose, and peace.

A Prayer to Stop Seeking Acceptance From Others

Seeking acceptance from others can be a joy-stealer, causing anxiety and depression and even leading us down paths that pull us away from God. The key to lasting joy is to seek acceptance from God, who loves us unconditionally without needing performance. When we rest in that truth, we experience freedom, peace, and joy that no human approval can match. Understanding that only God’s approval matters, let’s take a moment to pray and ask God to help us stop seeking others’ approval.

Click-Here-to-Download-the-printable-prayer

A Prayer to Stop Seeking Acceptance from others — A Prayer To Stop Seeking Acceptance From Others

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The Amazing Power of Surrendering to God: Finding Peace and Purpose

Posted by Krystal Simpson Live Joyfully, Surrender To God Leave a Comment

Surrendering to God is an ongoing, empowering journey we undertake as beloved children of God. It is a deliberate and active process that involves embracing God’s goodness, acknowledging His superiority, and trusting in His ability to guide us lovingly. This intentional act requires us to align our lives with God’s purpose and wisdom willingly.

Surrendering involves releasing our need for control and joyfully submitting to God’s leadership in every aspect of our lives. Our humble submission is a powerful affirmation of our belief that God knows what is best for us. As we wholeheartedly surrender, we open ourselves to receive the abundant blessings that flow from His gracious hand.

The Amazing Power of Surrendering To God

As we navigate life, we will undoubtedly encounter unexpected twists and turns, and life may not always go according to our plans. However, we can find peace by trusting God and embracing His plan. Surrendering to God involves accepting whatever comes our way. Even when we struggle to comprehend the reasons behind certain events, we trust and have faith that we are never alone and God Almighty is always looking out for us. This trust can bring peace, enabling us to navigate life’s trials gracefully and effortlessly.

When we surrender, we can alleviate worry by prioritizing and following God’s rule. It’s common for us to worry and try to predict how things will unfold. However, God advises us to trust Him completely and not rely on our own understanding (Proverbs 3:5). Even though it may not be our natural response, placing our trust in God is the best decision we can make each day. As we learn to depend on Him and follow His lead, He promises to guide us in the right direction, ensuring our paths are straight (Proverbs 3:6).

When Surrendering to God Trust in the Lord with all your heart

The Benefits of Surrendering To God

Surrendering to God has benefits. Surrender can bring peace as God invites us to “be still and know He is God (Psalm 46:10). Our Father encourages us to give Him our burdens and move forward with a lighter heart. By letting go of worries about the future and regrets of the past, we can be more present and find peace in appreciating the good things in the current moment. Accepting what we can’t change and giving it to God instead reduces struggle and allows us to focus on what we can control – our thoughts, actions, and reactions.

Surrendering to God not only brings peace but also empowers us. When we commit to living our lives in alignment with God’s will, we may still encounter difficulties, but when we confront them with faith and the assurance of God’s assistance, we know that we can overcome everything with God’s help. Knowing that the Almighty is directing our path instills a profound inner strength, reminding us that we can do all things through His strength (Philippians 4:13).

By surrendering our lives to God’s will, we gain a renewed sense of purpose and direction that emphasizes the importance of community and a deeper connection to others. Instead of feeling disconnected and as if we must deal with everything alone, surrendering to God leads us to celebrate and share our beliefs with others, which can be a great source of strength and comfort as we find others who share our love for God and are trying to walk with Him.

Surrender To God in Prayer

Surrendering to God requires consistently aligning our lives with God’s will. It is not a one-time experience. This ongoing process of prayer will strengthen our faith and is essential to serving God. Prayer is a powerful tool for both communication and active listening. It lets us confidently express our needs and desires while remaining receptive to God’s guidance.

When we pray and listen for direction from God, He promises to illuminate our path. God will never direct us to go against what is in the Bible, but rather, during prayer time and when we read the Bible, the Holy Spirit highlights the Word in our hearts so that we have “a lamp for our feet (Psalm 119:105).” This lamp will remind us of God’s plan for our lives. The Holy Spirit can illuminate specific passages relevant to our situation. These passages can provide direction and comfort.

Your Word is a Lamp To My Feet When I Surrender To God

During prayer, we communicate our surrender and willingness to yield to God’s way. Praying enables us to express ourselves to God and offers a safe and open environment to share our requests while submitting our desires to His wisdom. Expressing our feelings, worries, and hopes to God strengthens our relationship, as we trust that He hears us and cares.

Prayer also helps us express our gratitude for the blessings we have received. Remembering and focusing our appreciation on God’s goodness and faithfulness enables our hearts to be more receptive to God’s abundant grace. Prayer is one way we praise and worship God. When we recall how God has answered our prayers in the past, we approach Him with thanksgiving instead of anxiety, and we are better able to hear and receive more blessings and guidance.

A Prayer To Surrender to God

Our Heavenly Father loves us and promises to hear us when we pray. Rather than carrying our burdens alone, let’s invite Him in with this prayer to surrender to God. Let’s ask Him to show us His Divine plan and guide us on the path He knows is best for us. Let’s bow our heads together today, confident that He will answer.

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What is Temptation, And How Do We Overcome It?

Posted by Krystal Simpson Live Joyfully, Surrender To God Leave a Comment

Temptation is a complex term that we often take lightly. We usually use it to describe our lack of willpower as we indulge in something we shouldn’t, like eating chocolate cake on a diet. However, it’s essential to understand that giving in to temptation can profoundly impact our lives. For instance, Adam and Eve changed the world by not resisting temptation.

In this post, I will explain how temptation relates to Biblical principles to help us understand why the enemy sends temptation. We will also explore the three types of temptations the enemy uses. Lastly, we will gain clarity about what is at stake and the weapons in our arsenal to overcome temptation. We must understand that falling prey to temptation isn’t just a trivial matter of breaking a rule or two; the enemy tempts us to challenge our decision to put God in charge of our lives.

While half awake this morning, I heard a distinct and profound question in my heart and mind. The question was, “Who is your ruler?” As I pondered this, I realized how complex and critical the question is. I believe God was inviting me to a deeper understanding that every decision in this life reveals who we serve, who has Lordship over our lives, and whose truths we choose to accept.

To Overcome Temptation, We Must Decide Who Rules and Reigns

At some point in our lives, we must decide who we will allow to rule and reign in our hearts. Our ultimate purpose should be to please God by living obediently and faithfully. We should consider God our only ruler and strive to lead a life that aligns with His teachings.

The adversary works tirelessly to prevent us from seeking and serving God properly. He urges us to serve him instead, but how does the enemy tempt us? He does not say, “Hey, follow me; I am your enemy.” Instead, he allures us away from God by drawing us with things we think we want. Essentially, as we go after and follow our selfish desires, we effortlessly move away from what God wants for us.

The adversary wants us to fail in our faith, and he desires to see us make decisions in life without listening to or consulting God. The enemy’s goal is to cause us to turn away from God and serve him or our desires rather than follow God’s instructions. As followers of Christ, we must make every effort to live according to God’s Biblical principles, declaring our allegiance to the only true God.

We must willingly embrace Biblical views that are vastly different from our old ways of thinking and the enemy’s instant gratification lifestyle. We cannot serve God and the enemy, and we cannot serve God and ourselves simultaneously. We must choose wisely.

The Battle Between God’s Plan And Temptation

God desires to bless us with good things. He takes pleasure in blessing His children. However, God instructs us to seek Him first, according to Matthew 6:33, which says, “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”

But See Ye first the Kingdom of God Bible verse

Every individual has a divine plan from God, and he longs to lead us towards a purposeful life. Our role is to faithfully serve, listen, and follow his plan by faith, recognizing that our obedience or lack of it determines who has rulership over our lives.

If we fall for the enemy’s temptation, he will tempt us to yield or excessively indulge in what we perceive as good for ourselves, with no regard for God’s commands. Succumbing to temptation can eventually trap us in the repercussions of our decisions. If we give in to temptation, we can end up in bondage and be unable to break free from the consequences of our choices.

To live a fulfilled life and surrender to God’s authority, we must learn to listen to His voice and avoid being self-centered. While some actions mentioned in the Bible are obviously wrong, we should be aware that we sin when we give in to temptation and fail to follow God’s guidance or ignore His directions.

In John, the Bible warns us that all temptation falls into three categories, which coincide with the fall of Adam and Eve in the garden. We must identify temptations and learn to sidestep them.

The lust of the flesh (physical body cravings).
The lust of the eyes (things that look good to our eyes).
The pride of life (things that cause us to brag, boast, or be full of pride).

What Is The Temptation Called Lust of the Flesh?

The enemy aims to lure people into disobeying God or desiring things outside His will. He tempts us with earthly pleasures to distract us from God’s plan. When we think of this term, we usually only think of sexual immorality, but this term is all-encompassing and can even include eating food if eating it is against God’s instructions or the vows we have made, like fasting. One of the reasons why Eve ate the fruit was because the tree and the fruit were pleasing to the eye, and the fruit looked good for food (Genesis 3:6).

As humans, we may find the temptations the enemy offers alluring, but it is essential to question whether they align with God’s will. Disobeying God is a sin, and the enemy commonly uses sexual immorality and overindulgence in physical pleasure because it is an effective strategy. As Christians, we must never allow anything to distract us from obeying God, to be idolized in our lives as more important than God, or to be considered equally important to God.

Trusting God can be incredibly challenging when selecting our life partners or significant relationships. God understands our needs and desires, and we must trust Him to give us His best at the right time. Although we crave companionship and connections with others, we must not allow our pursuit of feel-good moments to control our decisions and daily lives.

Any temptation that leads us to sin is a snare set by the enemy. We must never forget that God has engraved His commandments and laws onto our hearts, allowing us to distinguish between right and wrong (Hebrews 10:16). He has also promised to provide a way to escape temptation so we can bear it (1 Corinthians 10:13).

God Writes His Laws On Our Hearts To Helps Us with temptation

What Is The Temptation Lust of The Eyes?

In the Garden of Eden, Eve’s desire for the forbidden fruit made her prioritize it over God’s instructions. Similarly, Satan also tempted Jesus with material possessions when he was fasting, but Jesus did not fall for the trap.

God wants us to prioritize righteousness, and He promises to fulfill our needs (Matthew 5:6). While we need material possessions like food, clothing, and shelter, we should not pursue them in a way that disobeys God or leads us to sin. Instead, we should trust that God will provide for our needs.

It is essential to exercise caution in this area because the enemy tends to distract us with shiny objects. The adversary may even try to entice us into obtaining material possessions through means that violate God’s laws. Stealing, lying, or any other form of ill-gotten gain is a sin, and the reasons behind our attempts to outshine others or obtain things that do not belong to us will ultimately rob us of our peace, joy, and perhaps even our freedom. Although the enemy may try to make us envious of others or covet their possessions, it is crucial to remain content and patient and submit ourselves to God’s will.

What Is The Temptation Called The Pride Of Life?

Being tempted in the area of the pride of life happens when we have conceited desires that stem from pride. Wanting to know as much as God or wanting to show off and bring attention to ourselves for bragging purposes fall into this category.

In Genesis 3, the Bible explains that the serpent tempted Eve to eat the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden. The enemy preyed on her desire for more wisdom as he promised that it would make her wise and able to discern good from evil. Eve ate the fruit, wanting to know what God knew, but it was a trap.

In modern times, the enemy uses astrology, the Zodiac, and horoscopes to entice people away from God by offering them wisdom beyond their own. Astrologers claim to explain our behaviors and predict our futures by studying the positions of celestial objects such as the sun, planets, and moon. However, seeking knowledge and understanding through these means can lead people astray, just as it did with Eve.

Unaware of the enemy’s trap, many people seek wisdom in various ways, but some of these methods can be harmful. For example, practices such as Ouija boards, mediums, fortune tellers, and tarot card readers are considered dangerous and potentially harmful. Instead, turning to God for guidance through prayer and reflection on His teachings is recommended. Seeking guidance from anyone or anything else is not in line with God’s will for our lives.

Jesus called boastful pride a sin (Mark 7:22). When the enemy tried to get Jesus to throw himself down and let the angels catch him (Matthew 4:1–11), the adversary tempted Jesus to give in to pride and show off that he was the son of God rather than obey God and submit to the Father.

Comparison of the Enemy's Temptation with Adam and Eve and Jesus

My Testimony

I have learned and am still learning that if I listen to God, He will bless me at the perfect time. If I get outside of His will, I make a mess. My career goals and materialistic desires drove my decisions as a young and new college graduate. Making money excited me, and I wanted things like a brand-new car. However, a few months later, I realized that the brand-new Mustang I had bought was unsuitable for winter driving, and the payments, coupled with my student loan debt, made me feel less joy and peace as I struggled needlessly.

The problem was that I did not seek God first but gave in to what I thought I wanted, which was only a shiny object and a lot of debt. The reason I even liked that particular car was prideful. I wanted a new car off the showroom floor to announce, ” I have arrived.”

Rather than living motivated by the illusion of material things or pride, we must strive to build our relationship with God. We have to trust that He knows best. He will give us the desires of our hearts, and what he gives, there will be no sorrow attached and no buyer’s remorse.

The blessing of the Lord makes rich, and he adds no sorrow with it Bible Verse

How Can We Overcome Temptation?

Our Heavenly Father loves us and understands human nature. While He is patient with us, He wants us to be obedient and serve him only. Recognizing that our defiance benefits the enemy, we must scrutinize our lives and identify the temptations the enemy dangles. If needed, we should take the following steps:

Renew your thinking about temptation by aligning it with God’s principles.
Pray and ask God for forgiveness and help with overcoming temptation.
Learn Scriptures to use against the enemy as Jesus did.
Surround yourself with believers who can encourage your faith.
Spend time in God’s presence with worship and activities such as serving others.

The enemy’s job is to tempt us persistently. He will find new ways to allure us daily, but his tactics will fall into three main categories. As we fight the enemy, we must continue to complete the previous steps, knowing that if we fail, God’s grace and love enable us to seek forgiveness and begin anew.

A Prayer To Overcome Temptation

If we view life from God’s perspective and strive to live obedient lives, we will discover how to experience fulfillment and joy through Him. The enemy seeks to keep us from living the abundant life that Jesus died to give us, so he tries to tempt us to stray away from God. When we consciously obey God, He guides us and shows us the way forward.

As we continue to serve God, we will better understand His priorities, our motivations will change, and we will be able to say, as Jesus did, that we desire to carry out the will of our Father. Let’s pray to ask God for help overcoming temptation today.

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Let Your Light Shine in the Darkness

Posted by Krystal Simpson Live Joyfully, Christian Living 3 Comments

Christians must be a guiding light for others, but how can we effectively let our light shine in the darkness without appearing overly assertive in our faith? As disciples of Christ, it is our responsibility to lead by example and inspire others so that we show them the way. However, expressing our faith without appearing forceful or pushy can be challenging. How do we remain true to our convictions while also respecting the opinions and beliefs of others? One way to approach this challenge is to compare our role to that of a lighthouse. By doing so, we can better understand our duty to let our light shine without imposing our beliefs on others.

Let Your Light Shine Like a Lighthouse

When we wholeheartedly devote ourselves to walking with God and following Jesus, we may be excited and desire to share the happiness and tranquility we have discovered. However, we should exercise caution and avoid being too forceful, as this may have the opposite effect and repel others instead of drawing them in.

Sometimes, people distance themselves from God, the church, or Christians because they may perceive our enthusiasm as overwhelming or pushy. Therefore, we should be cautious and not drive others away from the love of God instead of leading them to Jesus. We must strike a balance between being a source of guidance and respecting the diverse paths of others.

Many people avoid God or church because they perceive them as unforgiving and judgmental. Sometimes, we unintentionally come across as overly critical in our enthusiasm to explain Christian values or beliefs, which can result in people thinking that God is angry with them, their situations are hopeless, or worse, that God is punishing them for the mistakes they have made.

As Christians, it doesn’t mean we should keep our faith to ourselves. We should strive to be like a lighthouse by shining the light of Jesus to others. Our light should be bright enough to brighten up our homes and our city. It should also serve as a guide to point others towards our heavenly Father. Like a lighthouse, we must stand firm and tall, providing a steady beam of light to lead those lost in the turbulent sea of life. Our approach should be gentle and illuminating rather than forceful or demanding. There are three similarities between being a Christian and a lighthouse.

A lighthouse shines and gives hope.
A lighthouse is trusted to stand alone.
A lighthouse is well-constructed and built to last.

A Lighthouse Shines and Gives Hope

Imagine the lighthouse beaming its steady light through stormy nights. It doesn’t judge the ships caught in the waves but offers a reliable beacon of hope, a guiding point in the darkness. We can embody that same unwavering presence, offering a safe harbor of compassion and understanding for those navigating their journeys.

As Christians, it’s essential to remember that the lighthouse tower cannot save people but can emit an intense light to guide ships. In the same way, our lives are like ships on the sea of life, and the role of the lighthouse is to shine the light that offers hope to those searching for it. As Christians, we must allow the light of Christ to shine in our lives. Our responsibility is to be a beacon while leaving the task of salvation to Jesus alone, as He is the only one who can bring about salvation.

We must remember Jesus himself spoke in parables and stories, inviting people to discover the truth for themselves rather than dictating it. We can embrace this approach, too, sharing our experiences and values in a way that resonates with hearts rather than bombards minds.

A Lighthouse is Trusted to Stand Alone

Imagine a lighthouse standing alone in the distance, appearing isolated. As believers in Christ, we may sometimes feel alone, but we must remember that we are never truly alone. We must remain vigilant like a lighthouse constantly scanning the horizon for distressed ships. Christians should always be watchful and attentive to those around them, ready to offer guidance and support.

Christians should remain unwavering in their beliefs, providing stability and comfort during life’s difficulties. Christians represent Christ even when those around them do not. It is essential to confidently share our faith with humility, letting our light shine through our actions and character.

We must remain steadfast in our faith, no matter our challenges. Like a lighthouse that endures the same storms as the ships it guides, the rock anchors the lighthouse and the Christian’s life. Through thick and thin, the lighthouse remains a beacon, a testament to its purpose. Similarly, Christians persevere through trials and tribulations, their faith constantly witnessing hope and stability.

Although the lighthouse may appear alone, its foundation anchors it against the fiercest storms. A Christian’s faith serves as their unwavering foundation. Scripture, prayer, and personal conviction provide the spiritual strength to endure life’s challenges. Unlike traditional lighthouses, Jesus fuels the Christian light rather than earthly resources. Our light should reflect God’s love, an eternal flame that shines regardless of external circumstances.

A Lighthouse is Well Constructed and Built to Last

Christians whose lives are grounded in faith and whose character is above reproach are like well-constructed lighthouses. However, we must always allow Christ Jesus, the engineer of our lives, to perfect us and our light so we don’t lead someone astray. Just like a lighthouse guides future generations, so do Christians leave a lasting impact through their actions, inspiring others to carry the torch of faith and love.

We must strive to leave a positive impact on the lives of others in our families, churches, cities, towns, and workplaces. To do this, we must constantly adapt to our changing world and embrace growth through learning, reflection, and service, allowing the Holy Spirit to lead us. As Christians in a changing world, we must refine our light continuously to illuminate the world more effectively.

Give Light to all of the House Bible verse

It’s not about pushing our beliefs onto others but inspiring and guiding them to find their faith journey. We must let our light shine and be a beacon of hope and love for all those who may need it. If we have opportunities to talk about our faith with others, we should only do so when they show interest, and we should use kind and respectful language.

The main thing is to focus on understanding and getting to know the other person rather than trying to persuade them to agree with us. We must listen well, ask thoughtful questions, and show that we genuinely care about them. Doing so can build bridges of love and connection with others.

As Christians, we must remember that the storms come, but they also go. Never lose hope. God has us in the palm of his hand. He has fully equipped us to stand and not fail. Although we may not feel ready for the storm, God has provided us with His strength through His Word and covers us with His mighty hand and spiritual armor.

We must faithfully stand so that we give consistent light. We should stand with our lights shining, and we should always be ready to share the love and message of the Lord with others.

We must examine our lives and honestly ask ourselves whether we let our light shine like a lighthouse. Our lives mustn’t lead others astray, even during crises or chaotic times. As a lighthouse, we should bring peace and a reminder that there is a place of safety, even when we feel like we can not find it.

A Prayer For Peace And Brotherly Love

Christians must learn to let their light shine in the darkness. The enemy wants to dim the light of Christians. We must shine our light even when surrounded by darkness. The enemy may try to discourage us by reminding us of past hurts, stigma, or negative experiences. He wants to limit our ability to spread the Word of God and the light of His love. We should not let the enemy win. We must ask God to bring peace and brotherly love, especially during these dark times in the world and our nation. Let us be the lighthouse others search for and continue to stand for what is right.

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6 Steps To Breaking Habits God’s Way

Posted by Krystal Simpson Live Joyfully, Surrender To God Leave a Comment

Breaking habits and creating new ones is hard, but it should not be overwhelming with God on your side. This post will give readers straightforward steps for breaking habits as we strive to create new, healthier habits that bring us closer to God. No one is perfect, and even Christians must self-reflect. Whether we have a habit to break or want to develop healthy habits like exercising or budgeting, we need a strategy to accomplish our goals.

Especially when the New Year comes, we often consider what we want to change for the upcoming year. We all know how hard it is to break a bad habit. Stopping a habit takes great effort and dedication. As Christians, we can take solace in our faith and let God give us guidance, strength, and perseverance to change our habits.

Identify and Acknowledge Habits To Change In Prayer

The initial step towards breaking a habit is to identify and acknowledge it through prayer. It is essential to regularly communicate with God about our desire to change, confess our struggles, and request His strength, wisdom, and forgiveness. By dedicating specific times for prayer and reflection, such as before bed or in the morning, we can gain the strength and faith required to succeed.

Depending on the magnitude of the change we seek to make, adding fasting to our prayer time may be beneficial. For example, when I was breaking the habit of smoking, I prayed and asked God to help me. As I prayed, I heard the Scripture from Matthew 17:21, where Jesus, speaking of the disciples’ inability to cast out a demon from a boy, said, “Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.” At that moment, I believed that because smoking was a deeply ingrained behavior from my youth, I needed to strengthen my faith with prayer and fasting.

Scripture about adding Fasting To Prayers when Breaking Bad Habits

I fasted for three days and promised God that I would only drink liquids; during that time, I prayed, and God was true to his promise. He helped me gain control of my mind to know that he would give me the strength and self-control to overcome the smoking habit. Just as I was able to go three days without food, God helped me understand that others had successfully gone without cigarettes. By fasting and praying, with God’s help, I was convinced that I could go a lifetime without another smoke.

Be Ready To Fight the Enemy’s Lies When Breaking Habits

The fight with habits starts in our minds. We must sift through the enemy’s lies and God’s truths. We have to allow the truth of God to win over the enemy’s lies, and that happens when we finally reach a breaking point where we want to change because we desire to follow after God and live lives that bring Him honor. We must be sick of excuses and ready for change because the enemy will give us plenty of reasons to stay stuck.

We must ready ourselves in prayer for the battle in our mind about the habit. To do this, we arm ourselves with God’s truth and make conscious decisions to stop believing the enemy’s lies. The enemy does not want us to change for the better, nor does he want us to pray. The enemy will try to convince us that change is impossible or too difficult. He may even tell us that the habit is not so bad and that we should deal with it. We must be willing to fight his negative thoughts and adopt the thoughts of faith, which promise that we can do all things through Christ, which strengthens us.

When Breaking Habits remember that we can do all things through Christ

Sometimes, we may feel ashamed or afraid to ask for help because the enemy attacks our faith, makes us feel condemned, and makes us believe that we are not worthy of God’s love. However, we must avoid allowing enemy tactics to defeat us. We need to remind ourselves that our Heavenly Father is always there to help us when we ask for it. Instead of hiding our difficulties, we should run to God with every problem. Remember that the enemy wants us to struggle, but our Heavenly Father wants us to overcome and succeed.

Seek Guidance in Scripture Regarding Breaking Habits

Once you have fasted, prayed, and mentally prepared yourself for the battle ahead, it is time to equip yourself with powerful scriptures to stand on. The Bible is an excellent source of guidance and encouragement for those working toward breaking habits. Just like my prayer time helped me discover a scripture, I believe that whenever you face any difficult situation, God will help you stand by His Word through the Holy Spirit. He will guide you towards a powerful scripture you will recognize as a message from above.

As you look for verses that strengthen your resolve to change, find scriptures that offer encouragement, guidance, and reminders of God’s presence and love. Locating Bible verses is a crucial step because finding and standing on the Word of God strengthens your faith, but it also aligns your heart and mind with what God says about you rather than the enemy’s lies.

One passage that may be helpful as a reminder of why it is essential to break habits that do not glorify God is found in Ephesians 4:22-24 “to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.” As Christians, we must strive to be the new creation and live the abundant life that Jesus died to give us. He wants us to be free from sin and bad habits.

When the enemy whispers that we can not succeed, we can hold on to the promise of 1 Corinthians 10:13: “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”

God helps Us Escape Temptation Bible verse

If you struggle with temptation, pray and remind yourself of the helpful verse in Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” This verse reminds us that with God’s help, we can overcome any obstacle, including our bad habits.

Additionally, Psalm 119:9-11 guides how to break bad habits by focusing on God’s word: “How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.”

Lastly, my favorite Scripture in 1 John 4:4 states, “Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you than he that is in the world.”

Overall, seeking guidance in Scripture can provide comfort and strength for those looking to break habits, as the Bible reminds us that there is nothing or nobody more significant than the one who lives inside our hearts.

Devise a Strategy For Breaking Habits

Identifying triggers and avoiding the situations, emotions, or thoughts that typically lead you to indulge in your bad habits will be necessary. Once you understand your triggers, you can develop strategies to avoid them or manage your response. For example, if stress makes you overeat, identify healthy coping mechanisms like exercise or talking to a friend.

Don’t shy away from recognizing your temptations. Acknowledge the urge and remind yourself of your commitment to change and why you want to break the habit. This conscious awareness is crucial for making positive choices.

The Bible is clear that if we want the enemy to flee, we must resist him. As the enemy learns that the more he tempts you, the more you will pray to God, eventually, he will lose his hold over you and give up. You have to fight the urge to return to the old nature. Just as Jesus resisted the enemy in the wilderness, you must tell the enemy no using the Word of God. Know that he can not win if you ask God to help you.

Resist the Devil When Breaking Habits Scripture

After we pray, begin to stand on the Word of God, and identify our triggers, we must find a realistic strategy. There are tools to help us let go of unhealthy habits and reach for healthy ones, but we must be willing to do our part. God will not take anything that we are not willing to give. As much as we want to blink and the habit is gone, it may not work that way. Instead, tools and resources are available to help change our habits, and it is best to use these proven supports.

God doesn’t expect us to be superheroes; it’s okay if we can’t quit a habit cold turkey. Sometimes, it takes time and tools to achieve our goal. In my case, I used a patch to quit smoking, and it took me ten weeks to succeed. I followed the steps, prayed for strength, and thanked God for every successful day until I was finally free and no longer needed the patch.

Seek Support For Changing Habits

Stopping a bad habit can be challenging, and seeking support and encouragement from others can make a big difference. Having someone to talk to is always helpful when you’re feeling tempted, frustrated, or overwhelmed. You could reach out to a friend or family member who has successfully quit a similar habit or consider joining a support group or seeking help from a professional. Just be sure to reach for someone who supports your changes rather than someone who benefits from you remaining stuck in old ways.

1 Corinthians 15:33 Be careful of bad company when breaking habits

Remember, you don’t have to go through this alone; there’s no shame in asking for help. It may be beneficial to surround yourself with supportive Christian communities. Share your struggles and celebrate your successes with a trusted friend, church family, small group, or a mentorship program. When you are in a group, they may teach you new skills or coping mechanisms via counseling or group therapies. Knowing you’re not alone in your journey can be a powerful source of strength and motivation.

A trusted friend or mentor can also hold you accountable for your goals when you share your progress, setbacks, and prayer requests with them. Their support and encouragement can help you stay on track and overcome challenges.

Pray Through Challenges and Praise Through Success When Breaking Habits

The last step in changing our habits brings us back to the first step: praying. We pray through every challenge, and when we have overcome it, we praise God for His faithfulness. As we long to get closer to God, His Holy Spirit will continue challenging us to live in a manner that is more aligned with God’s will and standards. Each time the Holy Spirit reveals an area we must change, we must repeat these steps.

We must be willing to give up the old for the new, and we must be willing to let go of anything that does not honor God. He will help us, but we must willingly let it go as we seek to continue to move forward in our walk with God.

Let’s Pray To Change Our Habits

Breaking habits is a difficult task, but it is possible. We all have the power to overcome bad habits and replace them with new ones that will bring us closer to God. Identifying and acknowledging your bad habits is the first step, followed by prayer. Let’s pray together and start aligning our lives with God’s Word.

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The Best Way To Be Happy

Posted by Krystal Simpson Live Joyfully, Trust In God Leave a Comment

Are you feeling depleted and exhausted in life? You’re not alone. Many of us feel overwhelmed and struggle to find happiness. Sadly, many search for ways to fill the void within. We chase temporary pleasures, material possessions, and external validation, and these fall short of their ability to bring genuine, lasting fulfillment. What is the best way to be happy?

The Bible offers guidance on how to achieve happiness from God’s perspective. In a world where happiness can seem elusive, the Bible can be an excellent starting point for those seeking long-lasting happiness.

Prioritize Choosing Joy Over Pursuing Happiness

The Bible highlights the importance of prioritizing joy over happiness because happiness depends on circumstances. While happiness can be fleeting and subject to change based on our situations, joy transcends them. Based on our circumstances, we can be happy one minute and unhappy the next. However, it is possible to experience joy regardless of our conditions. God wants us to have more than temporary happiness. He desires that we possess everlasting joy.

While happiness can be lost when circumstances change or desires remain unfulfilled, joy is not a transient emotion tied to situations. Instead, it is a deep peace and contentment that transcends life’s ups and downs. Joy gives us a sense of wholeness and completeness even amidst challenges, and it goes beyond momentary pleasure.

Dont tell god how Big Your problems are Tell your problems how Big your God is.

Acknowledge That Life Is Not Always Happy

As we go through life, we must understand that it won’t always be full of happiness. Instead, we might face tough times, disappointments, and moments of sadness. However, we should not let them rob us of our joy. Instead, we can view them as an opportunity to grow and put our faith in God’s plan.

We must trust that God is with us through every storm, and His strength will help us overcome. We should let the joy of the Lord be our foundation, reminding us that He is always with us, even in our darkest moments.

The Bible teaches us that sometimes joy comes in the morning (Psalm 30:5) or on the other side of trials. We can learn from Jesus, who endured the cross for us, knowing that it would bring us joy on the morning He rose from the dead. Jesus did this out of love to reconcile us with the Father. Because of His sacrifice, we can now find the joy of salvation (Isaiah 12:3).

To Be Happy, We Must Choose Joy

When it comes to happiness, nothing compares to the joy of the Lord. But what is joy, exactly? Joy is a manifestation of the Holy Spirit, a divine gift that God bestows on us. It’s an internal state of being that arises from our connection to something greater than ourselves, our Maker. When we allow God to lead our steps, we experience joy no matter our circumstances.

Joy is more than just a feeling – it’s a powerful force that brings hope, strength, and perseverance. It reminds us that even when things are tough, there is always hope for the future because our hope is grounded in God, who created Heaven and Earth. Scripture tells us that the “joy of the Lord is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10). Although joy is a gift, we must cultivate it by following God and His plan.

When we focus on the goodness and characteristics of God, we experience an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the blessings in our lives, both great and small—shifting our focus from what we lack to the abundance we already possess fosters contentment and joy. And when we praise and worship despite our circumstances, we remind ourselves that God controls everything.

May the God of Hope fill you with all Joy Bible Verse

We trust that God loves us and will supply our needs. He is our hope no matter what we face. No matter what we go through, we must always strive to hold on to the Bible’s words. Sometimes, life throws lemons at us, but God gives us joy, hope, and peace. Sometimes, things are not going well, but we must trust the God of hope to be happy.

We have to surrender everything to Him; in return, he fills us with joy and peace through the power of His Holy Spirit. He leaves us with hope when we remember that no matter what, God is good and big enough to handle everything that comes our way.

The Bible tells us that the “joy of the Lord is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10). We gain the strength to hold on when we remember who is in control. We trust that God loves us and will supply our needs. He is our hope no matter what we face. No matter what we go through, we must always strive to hold on to the Bible’s words.

For-the-joy-of-the-Lord-is-your-strength

I have compiled a PDF list to remind us of God’s attributes. If you struggle to find joy or if you could use a little extra happiness in your life, perhaps remembering how big and mighty our God is will help. This list enables me to remember God is God. He is not a man. He is God; I can rest easy knowing I am in his hands! Download your list here and refer to it often to build your faith in the one true God! Our God of hope promises to fill you with peace, joy, and abundant hope.

Let’s Pray A Prayer For Joy

In summary, we must aim to be more than happy but to have joy, the powerful force that arises from our relationship with God. Joy brings hope, strength, and perseverance in challenging times, fosters gratitude and contentment, and reminds us of God’s sovereignty.

Learn to Live Joyfully, Without Stress, Fear, and Regret by Learning to Trust God with all the Details!

Table of Contents

Authentic Christians Resist Pride and Arrogance

Authentic Christians Show Love and Are Not Judgmental

Authentic Christians Understand Forgiveness

What Jesus Said About Authenticity and Hypocrisy

Jesus Addressed Praying to Be Seen and Heard by Others

A Prayer to Be An Authentic Christian

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Table of Contents

Understanding the Waiting Season

What to Do in a Waiting Season

How God Works Within Us During a Waiting Season

Let’s Pray For Help in Our Waiting Season

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Table of Contents

Deal with Negative People and Harsh Words by Praying First

Pray a Blessing on the Negative Person

Pray for Wisdom and Direction

Guard Your Heart While You Trust God to Deal With Negative People

A Prayer to Deal With Negative People and Harsh Words

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Pride: A Subtle Sin

Table of Contents

Pride Keeps Us From Seeking God

Pride Distorts Our View of Ourselves

Pride Can Lead to Boasting and Seeking Approval

Pride Causes Strife and Conflict With Others

Pride Attempts to Rob God of His Glory and Blocks Our Blessings

Combat Pride By Learning To Remain Humble

Identify Pride by Assessing Our Prayer Life

Let’s Pray to Combat Pride and Learn to Live With Humility

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Table of Contents

Seeking Acceptance From Others Steals Our Joy By Causing Anxiety

Seeking Acceptance From Others Can Lead to Feelings of Depression

Seeking Acceptance From Others Can Lead to Sin

Avoid Seeking Acceptance From Others, Choose Joy Instead

A Prayer to Stop Seeking Acceptance From Others

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Table of Contents

The Benefits of Surrendering To God

Surrender To God in Prayer

A Prayer To Surrender to God

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To Overcome Temptation, We Must Decide Who Rules and Reigns

The Battle Between God’s Plan And Temptation

What Is The Temptation Called Lust of the Flesh?

What Is The Temptation Lust of The Eyes?

What Is The Temptation Called The Pride Of Life?

My Testimony

How Can We Overcome Temptation?

A Prayer To Overcome Temptation

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Table of Contents

Let Your Light Shine Like a Lighthouse

A Lighthouse Shines and Gives Hope

A Lighthouse is Trusted to Stand Alone

A Lighthouse is Well Constructed and Built to Last

A Prayer For Peace And Brotherly Love

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Table of Contents

Identify and Acknowledge Habits To Change In Prayer

Be Ready To Fight the Enemy’s Lies When Breaking Habits

Seek Guidance in Scripture Regarding Breaking Habits

Devise a Strategy For Breaking Habits

Seek Support For Changing Habits

Pray Through Challenges and Praise Through Success When Breaking Habits

Let’s Pray To Change Our Habits

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Table of Contents

Prioritize Choosing Joy Over Pursuing Happiness

Acknowledge That Life Is Not Always Happy

To Be Happy, We Must Choose Joy

Let’s Pray A Prayer For Joy

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