Desires are tricky. When God created man, desires were only good. But when sin came into the picture, it altered our desires. They were no longer only good. They were all tainted with sin. Unfortunately, we often fail to interpret our desires correctly, so even good intentions lead to bad decisions. But perhaps this “word” from Song of Solomon can help….

"Now I urge you, brethren, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit to strive together with me in your prayers for me." – Romans 15:30

For me – A few days ago a believer wrote to me.  "Sometimes I just feel like it's so selfish of me to ask others to pray for me.  I can pray for myself.  And I believe that God hears my prayers.  So, why do I need others to take time to pray for me?  I should be praying for them instead."  Have you ever felt like this?  Have you ever had the thought, "God, how can I ask them to pray for me when I should be taking up the burdens of others?"  That thought isn't from God.  It's the perfect deception.  The enemy is trying to convince you to feel guilty for asking others to join you in your struggles.  And he is using "good" religious motives to do it.

"and there is salvation in on one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men, by which we must be saved."  Acts 4:12

Name – The declaration of Peter is not as shocking today as it was in first-century Palestine. Peter's announcement was pure heresy; blasphemy of the highest order. Peter proclaimed that the name of Jesus was the same as the name of God.

"O Lord, correct me, but with judgment, not with anger" – Jeremiah 10:24

Me – Jeremiah asks God for something most of us avoid. We are all quite willing for God to correct others, but how many times have we begged God to correct us! How many times have your children come to you and asked to be punished so that they can learn a needed lesson? How many times do criminals show up at the jail asking to be incarcerated so they can learn the law? Human beings have a natural desire to avoid punishment even when it is intended to bring improvement.