No sweat - part 2

Whenever temptation succeeds, it's a case of mistaken identity.

Whenever we sin, or are tempted, it's because we've forgotten who we are. Beloved of the Lord, unconditionally accepted. The righteousness of God in Christ. We have lost that consciousness of how glorious we are in Christ; that we are royalty and we did not stoop down.

Royalty gives.
Not only in terms of monetarily, but of the giving of oneself without expectation of return. And the giving is not because it is a good or Christian thing to do, but because there is a holy joy there. It becomes unconscious that you're 'doing good' but that it stems from a nature of BEING. Being a king, far above petty squabbles and all, and giving from that largeness of heart because it's the natural thing to do, like breathing. And this giving stems from being secure in that identification with Christ.

I also feel that one must be able to receive graciously as well. In fact, the best givers are the best receivors of God's grace and mercy, giving out of the fullness of the spirit.

And why not receive from men too? None of this Chinese pai seh attitude! :D God will bless those who bless you! And elsewhere, it is more blessed to give than to receive!

Revelation 19:8 (KJV)

And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.

fine linen = righteousness of the saints

We are saints not because of what we do, but because of what Christ did. God has imputed His righteouness on us (Romans 4)

[note that in the NKJV version, it talks about the 'acts' of righteousness. I personally prefer the KJV version because seems to suggest working to attain the righteousness that God has already imputed to us.]

Learn to live in the present. (Matthew 6)
You know, when you love someone, you don't want them to worry. And oft-times, we worry about things that may not even happen. Elsewhere, the bible says, "Cast all your cares upon Him for He cares for you." (1 Peter 5:7)

Out of the blue, Pastor mentioned:-

Nothing is more attractive than a man who has strength under control.

There's something about a man, holding back for a lady. Ladies do get intrigued too! Depth to explore and love. Strength to trust and protect.