Delayed Gratification

Gal 5:23

Meekness- Being submissive

Temperance- Abstinence (ability to refrain from)

There are two outcomes to the decisions we make in life: gratification or regret.

Genesis 25:29–33 KJV 1900

And Jacob sod pottage: and Esau came from the field, and he was faint: And Esau said to Jacob, Feed me, I pray thee, with that same red pottage; for I am faint: therefore was his name called Edom. And Jacob said, Sell me this day thy birthright. And Esau said, Behold, I am at the point to die: and what profit shall this birthright do to me? And Jacob said, Swear to me this day; and he sware unto him: and he sold his birthright unto Jacob.

Vulnerability, This is where the world will convince us that we need it now and not wait.

We are all guilty of it whether it be material possessions, or a physical relationship. I bought a truck when I first got out of the military. Did I need it, no way. I had 2 other vehicles including a paid off Cadillac and paid off Tahoe. But I wanted a truck. getting the truck it ultimately lead to me filling for bankruptcy and loosing everything including my apartment. I am absolutely guilty of being physical with other women when I was not married. I had a friend who was 21 and still a virgin. I praised him for it while other ridiculed him for it. He denied his flesh many times over, and His marriage was sweet and quite fulfilling. My marriage ended in divorce.

How do we know the future results of the choices we make today?

James 1:13 KJV 1900

Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:

There is no real way to know the results, because we can’t predict the future. But God has given us His word and his promises to lean on. Not to mention, if we approach a situation where a moral decision must be made, but don’t know how. Seek advice from someone who will take Gods word and show you how to make the right choice.

We have to look at our choices and decisions with an intentional end goal in mind.

Try and slow down the next time you want to make a big decision.

The whole point is to delay the flesh now to gain more abundantly in the future.

Lets break this down to a relationship status. I know pastor has been teaching on relationships and how to steer away from relationships.

1 Corinthians 14:33 KJV 1900

For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.

Mine and Amandas story.

What is a best friend- A person who you value above other friends in you life. The person you share the good and bad times together. The person you argue with, yet say sorry to and ask for forgiveness.

When you argue with a true best friend, they will not leave you high and dry.

But this comes from being all in and denying yourself the time to dedicate to being angry and holding onto this grudge.