Where does evil desires come from?

• To "rationalize" has been defined as "an attempt to explain or justify (one's own or another's behavior or attitude) with logical, plausible reasons, even if these are not true or appropriate."
  
  We have all done it at times. Even to God.

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And remember, no one who wants to do wrong should ever say, "God is tempting me." God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else either. Temptation comes from the lure of our own evil desires. These evil desires lead to evil actions, and evil actions lead to death. So don't be misled, my dear brothers and sisters. Whatever is good and perfect comes to us from God above, who created all heaven's lights. Unlike them, he never changes or casts shifting shadows. (James 1:13-17 NLT)

We need the prayers of the saints, not the aints

• Difficult times for us? Yes. God is able? Absolutely, without a doubt. We need the cover of your prayers especially now. 
  
  It was important for Peter then--prayer made the difference between life and death for him. It is important for us now.

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He had the apostle James (John's brother) killed with a sword. When Herod saw how much this pleased the Jewish leaders, he arrested Peter during the Passover celebration. But while Peter was in prison, the church prayed very earnestly for him. Then the angel told him, "Get dressed and put on your sandals." And he did. "Now put on your coat and follow me," the angel ordered. So Peter left the cell, following the angel. But all the time he thought it was a vision. He didn't realize it was really happening. (Acts 12:2-3,5,8-9 NLT)

Who is the judge?

• For our U.S. readers: Today is Memorial Day, a day set aside to remember those who died in active military service. We also honor all who serve: Thank you for your service.

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This is true: God is the Judge. We are not.

So... why do we act like the judge of others so often?

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Don't speak evil against each other, my dear brothers and sisters. If you criticize each other and condemn each other, then you are criticizing and condemning God's law. But you are not a judge who can decide whether the law is right or wrong. Your job is to obey it. God alone, who made the law, can rightly judge among us. He alone has the power to save or to destroy. So what right do you have to condemn your neighbor? (James 4:11-12 NLT)

Daily check up!

• Ever heard of a "check-up from the neck up"? A tech might say, "Run a self-diagnostic routine." Both of which can be other ways to say, as William Shakespeare said, "To thine own self be true...".
  
  We all need to be honest about what we are doing and why. It's hard, though, being really, truly, brutally honest with ourselves and God.
  
  Balaam had to learn the lesson the hard way. Personally, I would rather not have to argue with a donkey before I turned from my own reckless, headstrong path...

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Then the LORD opened Balaam's eyes, and he saw the angel of the LORD standing in the road with his sword drawn. So he bowed low and fell facedown. The angel of the LORD asked him, "Why have you beaten your donkey these three times? I have come here to oppose you because your path is a reckless one before me. The donkey saw me and turned away from me these three times. If she had not turned away, I would certainly have killed you by now, but I would have spared her." (Num 22:31-33 NIV)

Rejection

• Fear of rejection: it is one of the "big ones". For many, it is one of the more paralyzing fears to deal with. It can hinder us from doing or saying things we should, stop relationships before they begin, and so much more.
  
  Do you think it is a significant reason we fail to share Jesus with others as often as we could? I think so...
  
  But like any fear, it can be overcome. Feeling safe and loved in a secure relationship is a good place to begin--essential, in my opinion. We can have that kind of relationship with Jesus.

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They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. They seized Peter and John, and because it was evening, they put them in jail until the next day. But many who heard the message believed, and the number of men grew to about five thousand. (Acts 4:2-4 NIV)

Are you faithful? God is

• Does it hurt when someone fails to keep their word? Sure it does!
  
  So, how do you think God feels when we fail to keep our word to Him? Think He feels hurt? Yes, He forgives us, but He has feelings.
  
  Aren't you glad He always keeps His word and doesn't hold a grudge?

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"The LORD has kept the promise he made. I have succeeded David my father and now I sit on the throne of Israel, just as the LORD promised, and I have built the temple for the Name of the LORD, the God of Israel. (2 Chr 6:10 NIV)