Temptation is an interesting thing. I quit a hobby activity last July because it was occupying to much of my time and replacing activities that invigorated my spiritual walk but lately I have been tempted to take it back up again. I got rid of the equipment I had used but I find myself looking around for new equipment. Nothing has changed about it being a time waster but in my restlessness I'm 'tempted'. I sometimes have to talk myself away from the threshold of entering back into that activity. I want to 'write myself a pass' knowing no good will come of it.
"No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it." 1 Corinthians 10:13 ESV
This is really good news for me right now. I feel like I need to escape. Saying, 'No, I'm not doing that' isn't easy at times.
I'm going to activitely believe God for the projects in my life and in other people's lives that don't seem to be progressing and take the 'trust in Jesus' escape of faith that goes against sight knowing that faith motivated action and confession please God and glorify Him in the long run.
He is able. I don't have to settle for less than His best.
--
Showing posts with label Temptation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Temptation. Show all posts
Wednesday, November 13, 2019
Friday, November 10, 2017
Seeing And Being Seen
I have been reading some very different things lately by people who are far outside of my viewpoint. It's crazy when you read a paragraph someone wrote and think, 'Huh, We have some common ground here. That is something to consider.' then you get to the next paragraph and think, 'Wow, That is straight out of crazy town fantasy land. This person must have dropped acid. How do they function in society?'
I am very aware that people, myself included, can be seduced by a lie. As a man seduction will likely come visually. Men are especially vulnerable to be seduced by what they see (or can visualize). Men see something and then the promise of actualization (having or experiencing that thing) sucks them in.
"And the devil took him up and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time, and said to him, 'To you I will give all this authority and their glory, for it has been delivered to me, and I give it to whom I will. If you, then, will worship me, it will all be yours.' And Jesus answered him, 'It is written, 'You shall worship the Lord your God, and him only shall you serve.' " - Luke 4:5-8 ESV
"It happened, late one afternoon, when David arose from his couch and was walking on the roof of the king's house, that he saw from the roof a woman bathing; and the woman was very beautiful. And David sent and inquired about the woman. And one said, 'Is not this Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite?' " - 2 Samuel 11:2-3 ESV
Woman have different vulnerabilities. They are sensitive to how they are perceived. This next passage is so illustrative to me of the female design. A woman is caught in adultery and the powers that be see this as a perfect opportunity to trap Jesus. He preaches love and forgiveness so they think He will make a judgement that undermines their society faced with this woman and her situation. They wants to make Him look bad but He turned the table on them.
"And as they continued to ask him, he stood up and said to them, 'Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.' And once more he bent down and wrote on the ground. But when they heard it, they went away one by one, beginning with the older ones, and Jesus was left alone with the woman standing before him. Jesus stood up and said to her, 'Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?' She said, 'No one, Lord.' And Jesus said, 'Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.']] Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, 'I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.' " - John 8:7-12 ESV
He got the men to look at themselves which broke the mob mentality apart and assured the woman about how she was perceived. She was forgiven. God wasn't seeing her in a bad light. She was loved and known. Her actions mattered because she was known.
Our youth face such challenges today don't they? They must see and be seen like every generation before them and how will they respond? If they see good sane wholesome things they will have a healthy option. If they are seen through love, acceptance and forgiveness perhaps they will have more of a willingness to reject other identifications.
Maturity is so needed. Mature men know what to look at and where to look. They must have trained eyes. Mature women have a developed self-image and great appreciation for those who see others in a certain way.
No one is immune to deception except God. I seek His mind. I travel ordered pathways knowing that the wind could easily blow me around if it is given a chance to do so.
God, Please help us. Not everything we think is right or real. Shed light into those dark areas and break down the wrong presuppositions we have that leave us vulnerable to be deceived. You are the truth. You are the fountain of living waters. We need nothing else but You to satisfy our thirst. Help us. Bless us. Guide us. Show us. We put our trust in you. We look to you knowing You see us and know every part of us.
--
I am very aware that people, myself included, can be seduced by a lie. As a man seduction will likely come visually. Men are especially vulnerable to be seduced by what they see (or can visualize). Men see something and then the promise of actualization (having or experiencing that thing) sucks them in.
"And the devil took him up and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time, and said to him, 'To you I will give all this authority and their glory, for it has been delivered to me, and I give it to whom I will. If you, then, will worship me, it will all be yours.' And Jesus answered him, 'It is written, 'You shall worship the Lord your God, and him only shall you serve.' " - Luke 4:5-8 ESV
"It happened, late one afternoon, when David arose from his couch and was walking on the roof of the king's house, that he saw from the roof a woman bathing; and the woman was very beautiful. And David sent and inquired about the woman. And one said, 'Is not this Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite?' " - 2 Samuel 11:2-3 ESV
Woman have different vulnerabilities. They are sensitive to how they are perceived. This next passage is so illustrative to me of the female design. A woman is caught in adultery and the powers that be see this as a perfect opportunity to trap Jesus. He preaches love and forgiveness so they think He will make a judgement that undermines their society faced with this woman and her situation. They wants to make Him look bad but He turned the table on them.
"And as they continued to ask him, he stood up and said to them, 'Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.' And once more he bent down and wrote on the ground. But when they heard it, they went away one by one, beginning with the older ones, and Jesus was left alone with the woman standing before him. Jesus stood up and said to her, 'Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?' She said, 'No one, Lord.' And Jesus said, 'Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.']] Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, 'I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.' " - John 8:7-12 ESV
He got the men to look at themselves which broke the mob mentality apart and assured the woman about how she was perceived. She was forgiven. God wasn't seeing her in a bad light. She was loved and known. Her actions mattered because she was known.
Our youth face such challenges today don't they? They must see and be seen like every generation before them and how will they respond? If they see good sane wholesome things they will have a healthy option. If they are seen through love, acceptance and forgiveness perhaps they will have more of a willingness to reject other identifications.
Maturity is so needed. Mature men know what to look at and where to look. They must have trained eyes. Mature women have a developed self-image and great appreciation for those who see others in a certain way.
No one is immune to deception except God. I seek His mind. I travel ordered pathways knowing that the wind could easily blow me around if it is given a chance to do so.
God, Please help us. Not everything we think is right or real. Shed light into those dark areas and break down the wrong presuppositions we have that leave us vulnerable to be deceived. You are the truth. You are the fountain of living waters. We need nothing else but You to satisfy our thirst. Help us. Bless us. Guide us. Show us. We put our trust in you. We look to you knowing You see us and know every part of us.
--
Friday, April 24, 2015
Every Temptation
"Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. Let no one say when he is tempted, 'I am being tempted by God,' for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death." - James 1:12-15 ESV
"Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." - Hebrews 4:14-16 ESV
I was thinking about the 'many temptations' we face yesterday. Jesus, the sinless one, has faced them all also. That means temptations are not unique to people. The addict does not have a unique temptation nor does the perverted person or anyone else. They may be amplified... but not unique.
"For all that is in the world - the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life - is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever." - 1 John 2:16-17 ESV
"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm." - Ephesians 6:10-13 ESV
This is very releasing for me.
Jesus conquered, past tense, all temptation. His first century temptations are not different than my present day ones. They may wear different costumes but they are the same.
At the throne of grace we experience a victory that has already been won over every variety of temptation. Grace and mercy are our answer. Yes... this morning also. They are the answer for the thing(s) you and I face today. We just need wisdom so that we can live in application of that remedy.
"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him." - James 1:5 ESV
--
"Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." - Hebrews 4:14-16 ESV
I was thinking about the 'many temptations' we face yesterday. Jesus, the sinless one, has faced them all also. That means temptations are not unique to people. The addict does not have a unique temptation nor does the perverted person or anyone else. They may be amplified... but not unique.
"For all that is in the world - the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life - is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever." - 1 John 2:16-17 ESV
"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm." - Ephesians 6:10-13 ESV
This is very releasing for me.
Jesus conquered, past tense, all temptation. His first century temptations are not different than my present day ones. They may wear different costumes but they are the same.
At the throne of grace we experience a victory that has already been won over every variety of temptation. Grace and mercy are our answer. Yes... this morning also. They are the answer for the thing(s) you and I face today. We just need wisdom so that we can live in application of that remedy.
"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him." - James 1:5 ESV
--
Wednesday, January 7, 2015
Two Faces Of Temptation
One wrong thing after another comes at us at times. We are like Jesus led into the wilderness. We hear, 'If you are...', then we say, 'God says...' and put the thought aside or cast it down.
God has a shining brightness and we pass through dark thinking as if it is a cold cloud that will dissolve like an illusion to get to that bright warmth.
In Matthew chapter 4 and Luke chapter 4 Jesus passes through three temptations. The temptations are listed in a different order in those two books but the both indicate the same locations.
"And the devil said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, command this stone that it be made bread. And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God." - Luke 4:3-4 KJV
This temptation is listed first in both gospels and takes place as wherever Jesus was at the time. He is not transported for it.
"And the devil, taking him up into an high mountain, shewed unto him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. And the devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it. If thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be thine. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve." - Luke 4:5-8 KJV
In Matthew this is listed last and angels come to minister to Jesus (see Matthew 4:11) but notice where Jesus is. He is taken to a mountain..
"And he brought him to Jerusalem, and set him on a pinnacle of the temple, and said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down from hence: For it is written, He shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee: And in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. And Jesus answering said unto him, It is said, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God." - Luke 4:9-12 KJV
This temptation is listed second in Matthew and is at the pinnacle of the temple.
Each Gospel is different. They are written to address four minds or mindsets. We see foreshadows of them in the Hebrew scriptures.
"And from the midst of it came the likeness of four living creatures. And this was their appearance: they had a human likeness... As for the likeness of their faces, each had a human face. The four had the face of a lion on the right side, the four had the face of an ox on the left side, and the four had the face of an eagle. Such were their faces. And their wings were spread out above. Each creature had two wings, each of which touched the wing of another, while two covered their bodies." - Ezekiel 1:5, 10-11 ESV
Matthew is the Lion. Mark is the Ox. Luke has the face of a man. John is the Eagle.
Matthew addresses the Hebrew mind and focuses on what Jesus said. Mark shows Roman action. Luke meets the thinking mind of the Greek. John gives God's mind as seen from above.
To the Hebrew, or religious, mind the temple comes right after your need for bread and the wonders of creation and civilization come last. But to a Greek thinker the pinnacle of the temple is last.
The temptations even end differently. Here is what God says to the religious mind.
"Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him." - Matthew 4:11 KJV
Now what He says to the Greek rational mind.
"And when the devil had ended all the temptation, he departed from him for a season. And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee: and there went out a fame of him through all the region round about." - Luke 4:13-14 KJV
We worship God alone on the mountaintop and we refuse to cast ourselves from the pinnacle of the temple. We live on more than bread alone. Angels minister to us. Theory becomes power. Our resistance born of facing God and focusing on Him and His word translates from a solitary life of faith to a ministry in Galilee and the regions beyond.
Dispel the accusations. They are only smoke.
We are not what we see. We are who God has made us to be. We can be honest about what we have done and move on because of what God has done. God has a perfectly fitted answer for every mindset. We live in those answers by faith.
We live in Jesus, who is the answer, accepted just as we are forever.
---
God has a shining brightness and we pass through dark thinking as if it is a cold cloud that will dissolve like an illusion to get to that bright warmth.
In Matthew chapter 4 and Luke chapter 4 Jesus passes through three temptations. The temptations are listed in a different order in those two books but the both indicate the same locations.
"And the devil said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, command this stone that it be made bread. And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God." - Luke 4:3-4 KJV
This temptation is listed first in both gospels and takes place as wherever Jesus was at the time. He is not transported for it.
"And the devil, taking him up into an high mountain, shewed unto him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. And the devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it. If thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be thine. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve." - Luke 4:5-8 KJV
In Matthew this is listed last and angels come to minister to Jesus (see Matthew 4:11) but notice where Jesus is. He is taken to a mountain..
"And he brought him to Jerusalem, and set him on a pinnacle of the temple, and said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down from hence: For it is written, He shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee: And in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. And Jesus answering said unto him, It is said, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God." - Luke 4:9-12 KJV
This temptation is listed second in Matthew and is at the pinnacle of the temple.
Each Gospel is different. They are written to address four minds or mindsets. We see foreshadows of them in the Hebrew scriptures.
"And from the midst of it came the likeness of four living creatures. And this was their appearance: they had a human likeness... As for the likeness of their faces, each had a human face. The four had the face of a lion on the right side, the four had the face of an ox on the left side, and the four had the face of an eagle. Such were their faces. And their wings were spread out above. Each creature had two wings, each of which touched the wing of another, while two covered their bodies." - Ezekiel 1:5, 10-11 ESV
Matthew is the Lion. Mark is the Ox. Luke has the face of a man. John is the Eagle.
Matthew addresses the Hebrew mind and focuses on what Jesus said. Mark shows Roman action. Luke meets the thinking mind of the Greek. John gives God's mind as seen from above.
To the Hebrew, or religious, mind the temple comes right after your need for bread and the wonders of creation and civilization come last. But to a Greek thinker the pinnacle of the temple is last.
The temptations even end differently. Here is what God says to the religious mind.
"Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him." - Matthew 4:11 KJV
Now what He says to the Greek rational mind.
"And when the devil had ended all the temptation, he departed from him for a season. And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee: and there went out a fame of him through all the region round about." - Luke 4:13-14 KJV
We worship God alone on the mountaintop and we refuse to cast ourselves from the pinnacle of the temple. We live on more than bread alone. Angels minister to us. Theory becomes power. Our resistance born of facing God and focusing on Him and His word translates from a solitary life of faith to a ministry in Galilee and the regions beyond.
Dispel the accusations. They are only smoke.
We are not what we see. We are who God has made us to be. We can be honest about what we have done and move on because of what God has done. God has a perfectly fitted answer for every mindset. We live in those answers by faith.
We live in Jesus, who is the answer, accepted just as we are forever.
---
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
Distractions from Grace
I have been bouncing from Song of Solomon to Job and then to looking at these three temptations this morning.
"Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. And the tempter came and said to him, 'IF YOU ARE THE SON OF GOD, COMMAND THESE STONES TO BECOME LOAVES OF BREAD.' But he answered, 'It is written, ''Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.''
Then the devil took him to the holy city and set him on the pinnacle of the temple and said to him, 'IF YOU ARE THE SON OF GOD, THROW YOURSELF DOWN, FOR IT IS WRITTEN, ''HE WILL COMMAND HIS ANGELS CONCERNING YOU,' AND ''ON THEIR HANDS THEY WILL BEAR YOU UP, LEST YOU STRIKE YOUR FOOT AGAINST A STONE.'' Jesus said to him, 'Again it is written, 'You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.''
Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to him, 'ALL THESE I WILL GIVE YOU, IF YOU WILL FALL DOWN AND WORSHIP ME.' Then Jesus said to him, 'Be gone, Satan! For it is written, ''You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.'' Then the devil left him, and behold, angels came and were ministering to him." Matthew 4:1-11 ESV
If we are drawn by grace we will see making our own provision as a temptation. If we are drawn by grace we will see forcing God's hand as a temptation. We need to be unstable in how we relate to God in order for either of these to work. They are like moral questions. They push us in directions that have answers without the Spirit's guidance. They deal with issues in the moment... hunger and need is the first level of testing... security and response time are the second.
Once our identity is proven to be secure the accuser does the full frontal attack and tries to overwhelm us and shake us from that position by saying 'If you have such a great relationship with God why don't we have the same relationship. Worship me and I'll do things you like on your time table.' It is a lie of course.
We are tempted by all these things as well. If we fall at number one we never get to number two. If we fall at number two our identity is not where we are living or it has not been established in our thinking. Number three is always going to be out there. Number three got Jesus angry because He had the loyalty of unity and the World held no attraction to Him.
"Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. And the tempter came and said to him, 'IF YOU ARE THE SON OF GOD, COMMAND THESE STONES TO BECOME LOAVES OF BREAD.' But he answered, 'It is written, ''Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.''
Then the devil took him to the holy city and set him on the pinnacle of the temple and said to him, 'IF YOU ARE THE SON OF GOD, THROW YOURSELF DOWN, FOR IT IS WRITTEN, ''HE WILL COMMAND HIS ANGELS CONCERNING YOU,' AND ''ON THEIR HANDS THEY WILL BEAR YOU UP, LEST YOU STRIKE YOUR FOOT AGAINST A STONE.'' Jesus said to him, 'Again it is written, 'You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.''
Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to him, 'ALL THESE I WILL GIVE YOU, IF YOU WILL FALL DOWN AND WORSHIP ME.' Then Jesus said to him, 'Be gone, Satan! For it is written, ''You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.'' Then the devil left him, and behold, angels came and were ministering to him." Matthew 4:1-11 ESV
If we are drawn by grace we will see making our own provision as a temptation. If we are drawn by grace we will see forcing God's hand as a temptation. We need to be unstable in how we relate to God in order for either of these to work. They are like moral questions. They push us in directions that have answers without the Spirit's guidance. They deal with issues in the moment... hunger and need is the first level of testing... security and response time are the second.
Once our identity is proven to be secure the accuser does the full frontal attack and tries to overwhelm us and shake us from that position by saying 'If you have such a great relationship with God why don't we have the same relationship. Worship me and I'll do things you like on your time table.' It is a lie of course.
We are tempted by all these things as well. If we fall at number one we never get to number two. If we fall at number two our identity is not where we are living or it has not been established in our thinking. Number three is always going to be out there. Number three got Jesus angry because He had the loyalty of unity and the World held no attraction to Him.
Friday, June 21, 2013
Run and Find the Door
"Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry." 1 Corinthians 10:12-14 ESV
Run from idolatry and run to grace.
"I speak as to sensible people; judge for yourselves what I say." 1 Corinthians 10:15 ESV
Sensible people know they can fall. They look for the door in certain circumstances. The way out isn't always physical but there is a mental way out. Intimacy with grace is a way out and a way in.
We see seduction coming and out we go... not going there. Christ is our way out and our way into a life of purity.
"The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread." 1 Corinthians 10:16-17 ESV
Flee to cleansing and run to fellowship. Go to the place where Christ is exalted and people raise holy hands in worship.
Don't walk... run there. Rebound is quick. Cleansing is real. The past is gone. The anointing breaks the yoke and no cycle can stay aflame with no wood on the fire. Those embers will grow cold.
When the atmosphere is charged I like to sing a song... a melody in my heart or a stanza or two out loud. Nothing cuts the air like worship. I don't just listen... I sing and participate.
"And a highway shall be there, and it shall be called the Way of Holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it. It shall belong to those who walk on the way; even if they are fools, they shall not go astray." Isaiah 35:8 ESV
Run and get lost on the highway of holiness. Your pursuers can not chase you there. Christ is waiting to be gracious there. There will fellowship with others who flee to that city of refuge.
Run from idolatry and run to grace.
"I speak as to sensible people; judge for yourselves what I say." 1 Corinthians 10:15 ESV
Sensible people know they can fall. They look for the door in certain circumstances. The way out isn't always physical but there is a mental way out. Intimacy with grace is a way out and a way in.
We see seduction coming and out we go... not going there. Christ is our way out and our way into a life of purity.
"The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread." 1 Corinthians 10:16-17 ESV
Flee to cleansing and run to fellowship. Go to the place where Christ is exalted and people raise holy hands in worship.
Don't walk... run there. Rebound is quick. Cleansing is real. The past is gone. The anointing breaks the yoke and no cycle can stay aflame with no wood on the fire. Those embers will grow cold.
When the atmosphere is charged I like to sing a song... a melody in my heart or a stanza or two out loud. Nothing cuts the air like worship. I don't just listen... I sing and participate.
"And a highway shall be there, and it shall be called the Way of Holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it. It shall belong to those who walk on the way; even if they are fools, they shall not go astray." Isaiah 35:8 ESV
Run and get lost on the highway of holiness. Your pursuers can not chase you there. Christ is waiting to be gracious there. There will fellowship with others who flee to that city of refuge.
Monday, April 29, 2013
The Way of Escape
"Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, 'You shall be holy, for I am holy.' " 1 Peter 1:13-16 ESV
"Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry." 1 Corinthians 10:12-14 ESV
Will we stand by our own power or have we set our hope fully on the grace that will be brought by God when Christ is revealed?
One is a power that is presently in our possession... the other a power that will be present when needed.
When the situations of life come we need a real provision. If we rely solely on our wits, strength, intelligence or political connections we are living in a form of idolatry. All those things will fail because they are made from wood.
True hope comes in grace. The hope of a Heavenly gift that is wrapped and waiting with our names on it.
Christ will be unveiled at the moment of our death and we will see Him face to face. If we see the invisible by faith now..all will eventually be made visible then.
Christ is also unveiled in circumstances. As people set apart by God we act with that fact in mind and with that hope alive in us.
Christ Himself becomes our way of escape and what He has done is our way to move forward.
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