Behavior Patterns
Today's Scripture
"You were cleansed from your sins when you obeyed the truth, so now you must show sincere love to each other as brothers and sisters. Love each other deeply with all your heart." 1 Peter 1:22 NLT (Suggested reading 1 Peter 1:17-23)
Thoughts for Today
With God's help and an understanding of family influences, we do not have to repeat the mistakes of our parents and grandparents. Jesus can break the chain of dysfunction.
As we believe and obey God's truth, his cleansing power will help us develop godly behavior patterns.
Consider this …
It is interesting to trace our family tree and even do generational behavior studies; however, freedom comes first by being "born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God." 1 Peter 1:23 NIV To live a life free from enslaving hand-me-downs, it is imperative to walk out God's behavior patterns.
After trusting Jesus to set you free from the negative influences in your past, begin spending more time with him in prayer and more time renewing your mind by studying the Bible and meditating on it. Ask Jesus to help you develop new positive behavior patterns that are pleasing to him. Patterns filled with his love.
Prayer
Father, thank you for setting me free of the hand-me-downs that were affecting my life so adversely. Help me be faithful in studying your Word and allowing it to renew my mind. And may all these changes be reflected in new behavior patterns that are pleasing to you. In Jesus' name...
These thoughts were drawn from …
Living Free by Jimmy Ray Lee, D. Min. and Dan Strickland, M. Div. This updated version is presented in two parts. It offers information for anyone who either has a life-controlling problem or has a loved one with a life-controlling problem:
Part 1: Learning to Live Free
- Defining Life-Controlling Problems
- Mastered and Trapped by Issues
- Walls of Protection
- Family Influences
- Helping or Harming?
Part 2: Helping Others to Live Free through Small Groups
- The Small Group Strategy
- Effective Facilitation and Communication
- Launching a Living Free Ministry
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