Sometimes we know what we should do, but we let our emotions get the better of us, and we sin. We may be able to control ourselves for a while. But willpower alone probably won’t be enough to keep you from sinning. We cant’ just tell ourselves not to feel a certain way or do a certain thing. We have to replace sinful, human things with righteous, godly things, or we will be left empty, and eventually the sinful desire will return.

If God is for you, then no one can stand against you. But if He is against you, then you are fighting a losing battle. God was for David and He made him successful in everything he did. But when Saul grew jealous and tried to destroy David, God went against Saul and wouldn't let any of his schemes succeed. We want God on our side. But the only way to ensure that is to be on His side. We must align ourselves with Him. Then, He will be our greatest ally. But if we go against Him or His people then He will be against us.

David fought the giant, Goliath, in God's name and power and was victorious. He was the only one offended enough to fight for God. He also was the only one with enough courage and faith.
What made him more offended, courageous, and trusting than everyone else and how can we be a champion like him, with the same courage and faith, standing up for God and His ways?

With God's Spirit comes power. In the Old Testament, His power enabled them for their calling. Today, when we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we also receive the Holy Spirit's power. He seals us for salvation as children of God and heirs in heaven. But He also enables us to do all He's called us to do by using our innate characteristics for His glory and by giving us unique ability to do things for Him that we wouldn't otherwise be able to do. Let God use you today for His purposes.

We look at outward things, but God looks at the heart. Looks can be deceiving, but our hearts reveal who we really are. We may be able to fool people for a while, but eventually we will show our true colors. But God is never fooled. He knows our thoughts, feelings, and even our intentions. So, we need to focus on our hearts more than anything else. If our hearts look good, then we will also be attractive on the outside.

Sometimes we decide what we think God wants from us and He says, “I do not want or need that. Without love, obedience, faith, and true worship your offerings mean nothing.” God wants our hearts. He wants to be our Lord. Nothing tangible is acceptable.

Some people think they can work hard enough to get what they want or even to please God. Others rely on their dedication. The one with all the heart is the one who succeeds in the end, right? There are people who believe in superstitions, horoscopes, and tradition. But only those who place their faith in God will prevail in the end. So, choose to cooperate with Him and He will work through you to achieve His good and perfect will.

What seems right to us is not always what is right to God. People look at actions, but God looks at the heart. If our heart is aligned with Him, then our actions will be, too. But if our heart is not in the right place, then it doesn’t matter if our actions are right or not. They will not be pleasing to Him.

Because we can’t see God, sometimes we place our faith in people, not realizing that He is the source of their power. Then, because we know people are flawed, sometimes we don’t follow the leaders that God gives us, because again we don’t recognize that it is not through their power that they lead us, but through God’s. So, when we follow them, we are not really following them, we are following the Lord. Ultimately, He is the only One with power and the One we should be serving.

When God chose Saul to be Israel’s king, the Holy Spirit rushed over Him and changed Him from the inside out. His heart was so changed that it could be seen outwardly.

God’s Spirit changes us. When you accept Jesus into your life and commit to follow Him as Lord, you receive His indwelling Spirit. Through the Spirit, we receive power to do the things God has called us to. Then, as we feed His Spirit with the Word, prayer, fellowship with other believers, and worship, it grows within us to produce godly fruit.