No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to humanity. God is faithful and He will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation He will also provide a way of escape, so that you are able to bear it. 1 Corinthians 10:13
This world is filled to the brim with temptations. Some of these temptations are small; eating a second scoop of ice cream, for example, is tempting, but not very dangerous. Other temptations, however, are not nearly so harmless. The devil is working 24/7, and he's causing pain and heartache in more ways than ever before. Thankfully, in the battle against Satan, we are never alone. God is always with us, and He gives us the power to resist temptation whenever we ask Him for the strength to do so.
In a letter to believers, Peter offered a stern warning: "Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour" (1 Peter 5:8). As Christians, we must take that warning seriously, and we must behave accordingly.
Sometimes immorality is obvious and sometimes it's not. So beware: the most subtle forms of sin are often the most dangerous.
Monday, December 6, 2010
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Pleasing God
But either exile nor homecoming is the main thing. Cheerfully pleasing God is the main thing, and that's what we aim to do, regardless of our conditions - 2 Cor 5:9 MSG
When God made you, He equipped you with an array of talents and abilities that are you uniquely yours. It's up to you to discover those talents and to use them, but sometimes the world will encourage you to do otherwise. At times, society will attempt to cubbyhole you, to standardize you, and to make you fit into a particular, preformed mold. Sometimes, because you're an imperfect human being, you may become so wrapped up in meeting society's expectations that you fail to focus on God's expectations. To do so is a mistake of major proportions - don't make it.
Who will you try to please today: God or man? Your primary obligation is not to please imperfect men and women. Your obligation is to strive diligently to meet the expectations of an all-knowing and perfect God. Trust Him always. Love Him always. Praise Him always. And seek to please Him. Always.
Bible in a Year
Ezekiel 47-48
1 John 4
When God made you, He equipped you with an array of talents and abilities that are you uniquely yours. It's up to you to discover those talents and to use them, but sometimes the world will encourage you to do otherwise. At times, society will attempt to cubbyhole you, to standardize you, and to make you fit into a particular, preformed mold. Sometimes, because you're an imperfect human being, you may become so wrapped up in meeting society's expectations that you fail to focus on God's expectations. To do so is a mistake of major proportions - don't make it.
Who will you try to please today: God or man? Your primary obligation is not to please imperfect men and women. Your obligation is to strive diligently to meet the expectations of an all-knowing and perfect God. Trust Him always. Love Him always. Praise Him always. And seek to please Him. Always.
Bible in a Year
Ezekiel 47-48
1 John 4
Friday, December 3, 2010
Wisdom in a Donut Shop
My cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever - Psalm 23:5-6
Many years ago, this rhyme was posted on the wall of a small donut shop:
As you travel through life brother,
Whatever be your goal,
Keep your eye upon the donut,
And not upon the hole.
These simple words remind us of a profound truth: we should spend more time looking at the things we have, not worrying about the things we don't have.
When you think about it, you've got more blessings than you can count. So make it a habit to thank God for the gifts He's given you, not the gifts you wish He'd given you.
Bible in a Year
Ezekiel 45-46
1 John 3
Many years ago, this rhyme was posted on the wall of a small donut shop:
As you travel through life brother,
Whatever be your goal,
Keep your eye upon the donut,
And not upon the hole.
These simple words remind us of a profound truth: we should spend more time looking at the things we have, not worrying about the things we don't have.
When you think about it, you've got more blessings than you can count. So make it a habit to thank God for the gifts He's given you, not the gifts you wish He'd given you.
Bible in a Year
Ezekiel 45-46
1 John 3
Labels:
Thankfulness
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Treasure Hunter
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also - Luke 12:34
All of mankind is engaged in a colossal, worldwide treasure hunt. Some people seek treasure from earthly sources, treasures such as material wealth or public acclaim; others seek God's treasures by making Him the cornerstone of their lives.
What kind of treasure hunter are you? Are you so caught up in the demands of everyday living that you sometimes allow the search for worldly treasures to become your primary focus? If so, it's time to think long and hard about what you value, and why. All the items on your daily to-do list are not created equal. That's why you must put first things first by placing God in His rightful place: first place. The world's treasures are difficult to find and difficult to keep; God's treasures are ever-present and everlasting. Which treasures, then, will you claim as your own?
Bible in a Year
Ezekiel 42-44
1 John 2
All of mankind is engaged in a colossal, worldwide treasure hunt. Some people seek treasure from earthly sources, treasures such as material wealth or public acclaim; others seek God's treasures by making Him the cornerstone of their lives.
What kind of treasure hunter are you? Are you so caught up in the demands of everyday living that you sometimes allow the search for worldly treasures to become your primary focus? If so, it's time to think long and hard about what you value, and why. All the items on your daily to-do list are not created equal. That's why you must put first things first by placing God in His rightful place: first place. The world's treasures are difficult to find and difficult to keep; God's treasures are ever-present and everlasting. Which treasures, then, will you claim as your own?
Bible in a Year
Ezekiel 42-44
1 John 2
The Voice of God
Be silent before Me - Isaiah 41:1
Sometimes God speaks loudly and clearly. More often, He speaks in a quiet voice - and if you are wise, you will be listening carefully when He does. To do so, you must carve out quiet moments each day to study His Word and sense His direction.
Can you quiet yourself long enough to listen to your conscience? Are you attuned to the subtle guidance of your intuition? Are you willing to pray sincerely and then wait quietly for God's response? Hopefully so. Usually God refrains from sending His messages on stone tablets or city billboards. More often, He communicates in subtler ways. If you sincerely desire to hear His voice, you must listen carefully, and you must do so in the silent corners of your quiet, willing heart.
Prayer is two-way communication with God. Talking to God isn't enough; you should also listen to Him.
Bible in a Year
Ezekiel 40-41
1 John 1
Sometimes God speaks loudly and clearly. More often, He speaks in a quiet voice - and if you are wise, you will be listening carefully when He does. To do so, you must carve out quiet moments each day to study His Word and sense His direction.
Can you quiet yourself long enough to listen to your conscience? Are you attuned to the subtle guidance of your intuition? Are you willing to pray sincerely and then wait quietly for God's response? Hopefully so. Usually God refrains from sending His messages on stone tablets or city billboards. More often, He communicates in subtler ways. If you sincerely desire to hear His voice, you must listen carefully, and you must do so in the silent corners of your quiet, willing heart.
Prayer is two-way communication with God. Talking to God isn't enough; you should also listen to Him.
Bible in a Year
Ezekiel 40-41
1 John 1
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