Don't Keep Yourself from God

It Is Written,1 John 2: 16, for all that is in the world-the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life-is not of the Father but is of this world.
Keeping yourself from God, is a common occurrence among a large number of Christians. Most of the time, we don't even realize we are doing it. It comes disguised in many forms. Mostly it is a false picture that satan shows us.
A common deception is pride. When you do something good, like becoming top salesman for the month, you feel good. There is nothing wrong about how you feel. Unfortunately, you become a target. Coworkers congratulate you; so far so good. At that point satan will try to puff you up with grand thoughts of yourself. He may try to convince you that you are the greatest. If you fall for that line, and ignore with the Holy Spirit did, you will start your slide from God.
The next one is so common , it is unbelievable. Maybe you make a decision about something. It can be a big decision, or a small one, it doesn't matter. Someone has a different opinion, and rather than consider the possibility that they could be right, you get angry and become more entrenched in your opinion.
That my friend is what satan was waiting for. Now he really goes to work. Now he helps your anger and stubbornness by planting this famous thought, "how dare they question me". Now you have not only sinned with anger, pride once again comes in, and you're on the slippery slope from God.
After all of this, satan knows your thoughts are not on God, so he hits you with self-condemnation. He tries to make you feel so guilty that you think God will not forgive you. At this point you may suffer deep despair, another sin.
If you have read this far, you probably experienced some of what was said. It really is pretty easy to get self-absorbed, if you don't have a relationship with God.
If you have a true relationship with God, you can avoid these mishaps by focusing on Him. You know for instance that God forgives all, and nothing you do is beyond His mercy and forgiveness. If you follow the leading of the Holy Spirit, and focus on Jesus, you can stop satan in his tracks.
The key to true success and happiness in life, is to put Jesus first, and follow the Holy Spirit. If you do slip, the Holy Spirit will put you back on track. Praise the Lord!
Remember Jesus Loves You
Prayer of Salvation
Lord Jesus, I thank you for what you did on the cross for me. Your blood washed away all my sins, by your stripes I was healed, your death and resurrection brought me salvation. Please forgive my sins, and come into my heart as my personal Savior.
Thank You
Amen