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Deceitful Lusts and Rabid Puppies

Decision Making· Oops Occasions

26 Sep

How can this former procrastinator avoid falling prey to what I want in the moment instead of choosing what I want most? The seductive voices of the sofa, computer searches, and TV are strong. They promise relief, enjoyment, and benefit but NEVER produce the real thing. They tickle me with a brief moment’s pleasure and then throw me under the bus I knew was coming but tried to avoid. Deceitful lusts give no lasting satisfaction. They cost me more than I would’ve been willing to pay had I “known all.”

In order to stay on the path we want to be on, it is critical to recognize what things are particularly effective at drawing us away. (“Deceitful Lusts” September 19, 2016) For you, one thing, for me, maybe another. But for all of us, they are very appealing. They have the power to lure us away from our commitments.

To help me grasp the everydayness and treachery of deceitful lusts, I’d like a visual to help me – an emotional picture to help me resist tempting snares.

I’ve decided to view appealing diversions / deceitful lusts as a sweet little puppy sitting off my path – or in my path- when I’m “on assignment.” I turn and look. I stop. (Remember Eve?) He wriggles, wags his tail, and looks so happy to see me. “Awww‚Ķ. He’s so cute!” I pick him up, snuggle with him; he’s so warm and fluffy. Then he bites me.

And he’s rabid.

No antibiotic cream for this wound. I have to go through doctors and shots and suffering. I miss my special assignment and the blessings that would have come with it. Some exchange!

Just last week a friend in Bible study mentioned that she normally had quiet time with the Lord before anything else in her day. However, with recent news events she’d fallen prey to checking the news first. (“I can pray about it.”) She realized she’d strayed from focus on the Lord and was paying a price in several areas because of it. She said, “I am not allowed to check the news first. God can handle it. I am going to Him first.” She set a parameter for herself to help her stay on the path in pursuit of her God given destination.

I’m going to remember the cute wiggly puppy is always rabid. Would I choose to cuddle with a rabid dog and give up the blessings I could’ve had? I don’t have to “know all.” I can just be faithful to do what needs doing when it needs doing. Pass right on by that cute – rabid – puppy.

When have you given in to an appealing lure that bit you? Or resisted and enjoyed the blessing?

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BETH STERNE
Welcome! It's great to have you here. I'm a follower of Christ and a learner of new ways. By His grace, I am gaining victory over procrastination. This is where I share struggles I face and lessons I'm learning. Join me and other sisters as we put off procrastination and put on peace.

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“Beth’s presentation on procrastination was truly eye-opening. I knew I had a problem with procrastination, but never thought twice about how it impacted my relationships and showed God that I wasn’t onboard with His plan. I began to see each instance took away from being fruitful; I was living for myself! After this revelation, I have been working on procrastinating less. I can see places opening up in my life for more peaceful moments, more time with and for friends and family, and more time for God’s plan to unfold. It’s amazing to know there’s more to life for me than a life full of “should haves” as a result of procrastination.”

Carole S.

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2018-08-16T14:42:59-04:00

Carole S.

“Beth’s presentation on procrastination was truly eye-opening. I knew I had a problem with procrastination, but never thought twice about how it impacted my relationships and showed God that I wasn’t onboard with His plan. I began to see each instance took away from being fruitful; I was living for myself! After this revelation, I have been working on procrastinating less. I can see places opening up in my life for more peaceful moments, more time with and for friends and family, and more time for God’s plan to unfold. It’s amazing to know there’s more to life for me than a life full of “should haves” as a result of procrastination.”
https://putoffprocrastination.com/testimonials/carole-s/
“After Beth came and shared about procrastination, many realized that it is possible through the Lord's power to stop putting off what God has called us to do. One mother finally started a blog and another posted a ladies; tea for her church months in advance so that ...she would not put off having it. Although I thought I was not someone who procrastinates, I realized I had some relationships that I needed to work on. Procrastination, I learned, is not just about getting things turned in on time, it's about listening to God and doing what He says to do when He tells you to and obeying God's Word.”

Rebecca F.

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2018-08-16T14:43:28-04:00

Rebecca F.

“After Beth came and shared about procrastination, many realized that it is possible through the Lord's power to stop putting off what God has called us to do. One mother finally started a blog and another posted a ladies; tea for her church months in advance so that ...she would not put off having it. Although I thought I was not someone who procrastinates, I realized I had some relationships that I needed to work on. Procrastination, I learned, is not just about getting things turned in on time, it's about listening to God and doing what He says to do when He tells you to and obeying God's Word.”
https://putoffprocrastination.com/testimonials/rebecca-f/
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"Biblical truth ... with a lot of fun and laughter."
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“I never saw myself as a procrastinator until her talk – I just thought of myself as productively busy! She helped me to gain new focus on what my priorities really are.”

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2018-08-16T14:41:59-04:00

Christine B.

“I never saw myself as a procrastinator until her talk – I just thought of myself as productively busy! She helped me to gain new focus on what my priorities really are.”
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"Beth’s procrastination talk led me to understand procrastination as a heart issue in need of God’s restoration not just a change of my ways. Beth’s personal experiences helped me discover practical ways to attack my own procrastination. As a result I have become a more loving wife, mother and friend who is able to use the gifts God has given me more fully. I highly endorse this talk and would love to hear it again and again."

Julia F.

Beth Sterne - Put Off Procrastination
2018-08-16T14:42:31-04:00

Julia F.

"Beth’s procrastination talk led me to understand procrastination as a heart issue in need of God’s restoration not just a change of my ways. Beth’s personal experiences helped me discover practical ways to attack my own procrastination. As a result I have become a more loving wife, mother and friend who is able to use the gifts God has given me more fully. I highly endorse this talk and would love to hear it again and again."
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Beth Sterne - Put Off Procrastination
Go to the ant, you sluggard;
consider its ways and be wise! It has
no commander, no overseer or ruler,
yet it stores its provisions in summer
and gathers its food at harvest.
Proverbs 6:6-8
... you have put off the old man with
his deeds, and have put on the new
man who is renewed in knowledge
according to the image of Him who
created him.
Colossians 3:9-10

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