Feb 5

Romans 5:3-4
3 We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance.
4 And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.

You're not taking your job to heaven. You're not taking some gold watch or achievement award to heaven. You're taking YOU, so you want to build character because God is more interested in what you become rather than what you do.

Look again at today's verse because some people have a misunderstanding about temptation. They think that, once they become a Christian, they should be beyond temptation.

It's important to realize you will never outgrow temptation. In fact, the closer you are to God, the more you become an enemy of Satan, and the more he will try to tempt you. The good news is that God gives you greater strength to resist it.

When you are tempted at work - to be unkind, to get angry, to be prideful or greedy - remember that every temptation is not only an opportunity to do good but, it's also an opportunity to grow in character.

For example, when you encounter an annoying co-worker, the temptation may be for you to get upset with that person. But the Bible says to bless those who curse you and pray for those who offend you. So instead of getting mad, use it as an opportunity to praise God.

First, Satan will get annoyed that you're praising God. The more you praise God, the less Satan will use that as a temptation in your life.

Second, you'll find yourself naturally growing in godly character as you apply God's Word to your life.

This passage really focused on personal growth and development and i liked how it outlines that Christians aren't less inclined to give into temptation.
It clearly states that once we've grown closer to God, Satan will try that much harder to pull us apart.
But just acknowledging that wasn't enough. Warren illustrates exactly why Satan will have less influence in our lives if we do not give into temptation. If we overcome a certain temptation, Satan will feel as if the temptation is no longer effective, in which we are victorious. Once we overcome our temptations, we'll only grow spiritually and in terms of maturity. I would assume that Satan would then find different temptations to poke us with, but continuously overcoming those new temptations, we'll find ourselves constantly growing with and for Christ.

Sorry can't really think of anything for today's devo. I'll get back to it when I see a couple of the other guys' posts.
Until then, catch you later.

Hey, this was the passage I used for my New York application! Hahaha

Romans 5:3-4
3 We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance.
4 And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.

It's difficult to remember, during challenging times, that God only puts us through what he knows we can get through.
It's hard to constantly be pushing yourself to perfection and it's even harder when an omnipresent being is pushing you to it as well.
Endurance is all about patience and will power and these will be the forces that drive you towards God, because as it says in today's passage, endurance develops strength of character which, in turn, strengthens our hope in salvation.

What doesn't kill you, really does make you stronger. Even if, at times, it doesn't feel like it.

What defines a person?
there belongings, what they own, there social status? or is it there personality, there kindness, knowledge.
different people have different opinions on this. But we should know that whatever we have physically on earth wont matter once we die. We may grow in wealth, power, socially and what not but that wont matter once you die. While on the other hand your personality, your heart, your knowledge will come with you. So rather than building yourself with objects and things we shold build ourselves as a person.

As Christians it is inevitable that we will fight against Satan.
But also, if we do truly love God more than our temptations, it will override any other factors.
The fruits of the spirit are there to guide you through that, as long as we grow with the right root.
It all starts from the beginning, it's never to late to start a foundation to fight against it.
Kinda like, restocking on ammo, knowing what to expect.
That being said, our sanctification is also to shape us, prepare our hearts for heaven.
At times, for me, I feel as if earth is only to glorify God.
But I also have to allow myself to be changed through God's amazing grace.

The topic of this passage was on our devoloment and growth in faith.
Following god is not always easy. There will be obstacles that you will need to face and overcome.
Like in anything, as we go further the challenges get harder and harder. For example in school. We advance to a harder level of learning each year and prepare ourselves for the next.
God doesn't want us to suffer, but he wants us to be strong in our faith in order to keep moving on.
No pain, no gain.
~Audrey~