Mapp The Disciple Blogs✞

  Defeating Temptation There are two ways to defeat temptation. In order to use these strategies, you need faith and endurance. The word says, "Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope (Romans 5:3-4)." Without faith and endurance, you won't overcome anything. Jesus never said walking with Him would be quick and easy; most things that are quick and easy are often not worth it. Fleeing & Attacking Whether it's avoiding temptation, praying to be delivered from temptation, or using scripture to fight deceptive thoughts or people, every way to overcome temptation falls under fleeing and attacking. There is a time to attack and a time to retreat, and I'm going to show you what, when, and how according to scripture and real-life examples. Fleeing temptation When people think about fleeing temptation, they usually think about prayer and leaving the tempting...

What is spiritual fruit? Spiritual fruit are the results of you living by the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The word says, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control." (Galatians 5:22-23) If you want to acquire these blessings, you are required to live and walk by the Spirit. What does it mean to live & walk by the Spirit?      To live and to walk by the Spirit means to be fully guided by the Holy Spirit in all things. You must learn to put your own understanding aside and put your trust in the Spirit. What is your wisdom compared to God's wisdom? Who can teach God? The word says, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." (Proverbs 3:5-6)      When it comes to living by the Spirit, you can look at the Apostle Paul. There were many times where Paul faced adversity and r...

                  Intentional Sin Intentional sin has been a struggle in my life. When I would commit intentional sin out of habit, that's when I felt the worst, I was condemned the most, I got into slumps, and at times wished my life would end. When you commit intentional sin you are choosing to separate yourself from God. This can come from a delusion that; that sin is better than what God has for you. You might think it makes you feel better, or it will make you happy but that is a Lie. When you let that delusion come into your mind you ultimately make that sin stronger making you feel as if you need to do it because you’ve created a habit. How To Stop Habitual/Intentional Sin These habits have triggers, find out what triggers you. Whether it’s things you think about, things you see or possess. The best way you can get away from it is to run to Jesus. The word says “Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts”. Go straight t...

  God has given you gifts and talents to be used for the greater good. “To those who use what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance.” God wants to give you gifts to not only improve your life but to give glory to his kingdom as well. Would you keep buying things for someone even if they never use them? Just like in the Parable of the Three Servants the man left his servants and entrusted them with his money. Two of his servants used the money to make the man more money and the third hid it out of fear of losing it and made no investments. He was cursed by the man. (Matthew 24:14-30) How To Reap the Rewards from Your Gifts This is where a lot of Christians fall into arrogance and pride. They believe that they are entitled to the rewards of their gifts without work, that's a lie you are owed nothing but death. If you want to reap the rewards of your gifts you must have a brutal work ethic. Colossians 3:23-24: "Whatever you do, work at it with a...