Temptation(s) Will Come

Ever thought that being saved would deliver you from temptation and from all the sins that we indulged in prior to salvation? Ever think salvation was a shield to being exposed to sin? Well unfortunately, we still live in a fallen world where the norm is being selfish and all about instant gratification and pleasure. This fallen world would have you believe as long as you like it, it’s good for you. It would tell you, get yours no matter the cost to others. This is why we must have a strategy for how we will deal with temptation, which will lead us to sin. 

According to James 1:14, we are tempted when we are lured and enticed by our own desires. So, how do make sure we are not lured or enticed by our desires? We need to know ourselves and spend time with God. The bible says God will give us the desires of our heart (Psa 37:4). So, if we seek Him diligently, His desires become ours. The more time we spend with Him, the less time we have to indulge the things that will draw us away from God. 

We are not strong (2 Cor 12:9-11). Understanding that about ourselves will help us to know that we can not fight our temptations on our own. We must flee from them (Matt 26:41). If our friends are bad influences on us, then we need new friends. If we have a habit that binds us and leads us away from God, then we need to change our habits and limit our access to make it difficult to participate in the habit. When we indulge in habits or activities that cause shame, in many cases, we listen to our enemy, who tells us we’re not enough or that God can’t love us since we are caught up or bound by something. The opposite is true – Jesus died for us when we didn’t even know Him. Jesus was set on the path of redemption all the way back in the Garden when he was introduced in Gen 3:15. At no time has God not loved us. Even when we don’t choose Him, He still loves us and His desire is that none would be lost (2 Pet 3:9). 

We have to remember that we have a very real enemy who HATES us because God LOVES us. He will use our desires and wants to lead us into sin, which leads to death (Jam 1:15). That is his ultimate play. The devil comes to steal, kill and destroy (John 10:10) and he will use all his tricks and tools to separate us from God. But the bible is true. I am convinced just like Paul that nothing can separate us from the love of God and if nothing can separate us from His love (Rom 8:38-39), we must always remember that we can come to Him when we are tempted and that He will always provide a way of escape (1 Cor 10:13). 

Temptations will come, but we don’t have to give in. Jesus has already triumphed over sin and death and because He has, we who are in Him can too. Be blessed. 

Blessing in the Struggle

How often do you think about what God has done for you? I know it’s something I think about often. I also think about what He’s doing in me and what He’s calling me to do. I hate to admit it, but I sometimes take what He’s done and Him for granted. Then, I’ll do something or not do something and I’ll need Him. It’s in those times I’m reminded of who He is. It’s in those times when I struggle and lean on Him that I learn who I am. It’s on the other side of many of those situations that I realize how blessed I am……how He kept me. 

But have you ever been in the struggle and you’ve thanked Him because you realized you get to go through it with Him? I know it sounds crazy, but for every struggle we have and go through with Him, we come out stronger. Have you ever thought to thank Him for the struggle because it draws you closer to Him? I find that I have been remiss in this area, too. When we’re in the midst of the struggle it’s sometimes hard to see the good in it, but God uses all things to work together for our good (Rom 8:28). We’re also instructed to rejoice, pray, and give thanks in all things (1 Thes 5:16-18). Regardless of the outcome of our situation, God is still God. He is still worthy.

In the times that I’ve surrendered situations to Him, He has never let me down. It’s not what He does. Situations have certainly not always turned out the way I would have chosen, but he knows better than I do. They have not always been comfortable or easy, but who has ever grown in comfort? Comfort is not where growth happens. Growth happens in struggle (Rom 5:3-5). Even children as they grow experience growing pains. If we are growing in faith and understanding, why would we expect it to be easy? As we follow Jesus, we are to deny ourselves, pick up our cross, and follow Him (Matt 16:24) – that indicates sacrifice, self-discipline, honesty, reflection, and so many other traits. 

I recognize I’m a work in progress. While my outward appearance may look like I’ve arrived, I haven’t. No one has. We all have areas of our lives that need work. But, it is good to remember that the Master of all is on our side and holds us close. He will finish the work He began in us (Phil 1:6). Let us be obedient and do what he said. Let’s take a step back and seek Him in the middle of the struggle and ask Him to show us the benefit of it, not just to get us out of it. He’s never not working and we can be assured He’s blessing us in the middle of the struggle.  

God bless you!

Fathers

Happy Belated Father’s Day to all the dads, granddads, bonus dads, uncles, brothers, friends, etc., who pour into others and provide a fatherly perspective. You are much loved and much appreciated for all you do and who you are. 

Before I knew who I was, I knew I was my dad’s daughter. He provided my first sense of identity. From the time I could speak and share my name, I realized the name was not mine but his. I’ve carried his name and his protection all my life. He has shown me love and support. He’s provided for me when I couldn’t provide for myself. He affirmed me as his daughter. This is exactly what God does for each one of us. 

God, our Heavenly Father, sets the example for all fathers, but being human, they sin and fall short just like everyone else (Rom 3:23-26). God has always been the Father. He loved us when we didn’t even acknowledge him. When we ignored Him, He still loved us and made a way for us. He protected, provided and defended us. He knows every hair on our head (Luke 12:7) and made us all unique and different – none better than another, but with a multitude of gifts to build up His kingdom (1 Cor 12:25-28). 

What are we doing with them? While we are distracted by the need to be first or better, we lose sight of the fact that we will be judged on our works, not in comparison to others (1 Cor 3:10-15). We carry our own water and it gets weighed – we have to give an account of our own deeds. He is looking for us to do our best with what we’ve been given. His Holy Spirit will empower us when we give it our best (Eph 3:16). 

Our Father and our fathers, who strive to be like Him, show us better ways. They have plans for us to succeed (Jer 29:11). They make sacrifices for us (John 3:16). They love us (1 John 4:19). Whether you’re in a good relationship with your earthly father or not, don’t let the chance to spend time with him pass you by. Don’t have regrets, because none of us know how long we have (Prov 27:1). Take time and do your part. 

At the end of the day, we want to please God. He tells us to honor our father and mother that our days may be long (Exo 20:12). Don’t disobey. Forgive like Jesus did (Luke 23:34). Be blessed.

Who are you telling about Jesus?

Talking about Jesus can sometimes feel daunting. What do you say? Who do you tell about Him? What scriptures do you quote. I know I feel like I should know more about Him than I do and I feel inadequate or undeserving. Today, I learned that talking about Jesus all starts with a conversation (Thanks Willie Robertson).  How powerful is that? How profound? 

It made me think of all the times I discussed my relationship with Jesus and shared my faith. It all started as something else. Maybe the conversation started as the result of a work interaction or meeting someone on an airplane or looking for something in the grocery store. Or, maybe it was the result of seeing someone hurting and giving a word of encouragement. Sharing Jesus is more about my relationship with Him than any religious efforts. 

I’ve mentioned our Family Bible Study before and we’re still going strong. In addition to us attending churches in different parts of the country, every week, we intentionally talk to each other about Jesus. If you don’t have a family time together, maybe you assemble together with your church family on Sunday or another day of the week. Maybe you have a small group at church that you interact with regularly. But what about the other days of the week? Who should we be talking to about Jesus? The world, according to Mark 16. 

Jesus directed us to preach the gospel to every creature in Mark 16:15-16. Many think you have to be a preacher or a pastor to preach, but the word means to publicly proclaim or teach. We don’t have to be theologians to tell the good news of Jesus. Don’t get me wrong – it’s important that we study the word of God so we can use it as the weapon it is (Eph 6:17). Studying God’s word helps us to know His character, His voice, His will and His love, as well as His direction (2 Tim 3:16), but we don’t have to know scripture and verse to talk about the Good News of Jesus or to tell someone what He did for us.

The real question is whether we care enough about people having a relationship with Jesus to talk to them about Him. I can honestly say I don’t want anyone to be lost, even the people I don’t necessarily like. I want all the people around me to find Jesus and have eternal life and not be condemned (John 5:24). As an ambassador sent by Christ, I’m responsible to love God first with everything I have and then love my neighbor as myself (Matt 22:36-40). 

I’m to look beyond my own comfort because the souls of others is more important that my being comfortable in situations. I know the Holy Spirit will be with me and since God did not give me a spirit of fear but one of power, love and a sound mind (2 Tim 1:7), I can talk about Jesus even when it’s uncomfortable. I don’t know what God will do with my obedience and I don’t know how it will impact the lives of those around me. 

So, the question remains, who are you talking to about Jesus? If you find the answer lacking, it’s not to late to get started. Share the love of Jesus and see what happens. Even if it’s hard, remember you’re being obedient to God’s Word – He’ll be with you. He’ll never leave you alone (Heb 13:5).

Where are you from?

When was the last time you met someone new? What were the first few questions you asked them? If you’re like me, you asked their name and where they are from? It’s always a nice way to connect with people. You may have had an idea of where they were from based on their accent or the things they said. The place we’re from influences the things we say and do. 

Given that, the question is where are you from? According to scripture, we (Christ’s followers) are citizens of Heaven (Phil 3:20). We are not from this place. So, why are we so focused on what happens here? Well, we are surrounded by it. It’s easy to get pulled away from what we know to be true, when we’re surrounded by something different. 

This world is full of contradictions to God’s word and will – we are surrounded by anxiety, worry, selfishness, lack of self-control, hate, envy, lust, etc. If you really take a step back and look at the world around us, it is a sad, sad place. And many of those in it are sad, sad people. Just last week, I heard of HIV rising among those 14-35 years old – disturbing. No wonder people ask me often how I can smile when things are so bad around us – well, I’m not from this world. I don’t respond to issues the same way the world does. 

I am light and salt (Matt 5:13-16). I can choose to follow God’s leading (with the help of the Holy Spirit) which is set apart from this world. I’m not better than anyone in the world, but I have relationship with God and I’m saved by grace (Eph 2:8-11). So, I’m a new creation (2 Cor 5:17). When Jesus saved me, He made me new. God tells us to be anxious for nothing (Phil 4:6-7) and provides guidance for us. When I take His yoke, I will find rest (Matt 11:29). I have joy even when things don’t go my way (Rom 12:12). I love my neighbor as myself (Mark 12:31). I don’t put myself ahead of others (Phil 2:3).  

We are different and that is a good thing. We are a peculiar people and a royal priesthood (1 Pet 2:9). We don’t belong to ourselves. We belong to God – Jesus bought us with His blood (1 Cor 6:20). The Holy Spirit sealed us and resides in us (Eph 1:13-14). I’m a citizen of Heaven. Where are you from? 

Note: Thanks Pastor Craig – you led me here with today’s message.