HAPPY THURSDAY!
Today’s scriptures are about the penalties of sin, and warnings of temptations. I don’t know one person who doesn’t sin, or isn’t tempted to sin. It doesn’t matter if it’s our Priest, Pastor, or parents, we all come from dust, so we are weak. That’s just the way we’re created. Because of this, God has offered forgiveness of sin and protection against temptation, through Jesus Christ. Jesus has taken on the sin of all mankind, and conquered it, so that we could have the opportunity at a life full of peace, joy, and love. At the same time, we still have freewill, so to sin or not to sin is our choice. When we sin we’re punished, and if we do well we’re rewarded, because the law of life is “you reap what you sow”. I love the way the Apostle Paul explains it: Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. (Gal 6:7-9 NIV)
God doesn’t expect us to be perfect, but He does require that we love Him with all of our heart, and love each other. In keeping these commandments, we should think of Him first, before we make any choice. We should seek His instruction by studying His Word, and do our best to follow it. When faced with temptation, we should cry out to Him for help. When dealing with each other, we should ask ourselves “what would Jesus do”, and follow His examples. After all, Jesus is the only person who’s ever lived in the flesh without sin. Through Jesus, we also learn that we’ll be tempted, there’s no way to avoid it, because even He was tempted. However, God never gives us more than we can bear. Sometimes the temptations are tests, to see if we’re ready to move on to the next level in life. Other times they’re meant for testimony, or to help our fellow brothers and sisters, either way, know that you’re more than a conqueror through the blood of Christ.
As we grow spiritually, the enemy’s plots to bring us down becomes more evident, and it becomes easier for us to overcome them, and avoid sin. We all have our weak spots–things that have a hold on us, which we can’t seem to break. We must actively work on those things through prayer, meditation, and fasting. Paul once described it as a “thorn in his flesh”; which was something that was placed in his life to keep Him completely depended upon God. God will remove that thorn when He sees fit, but until then, we must continue to pray for deliverance, and seek His face when it feels like temptation is too strong. Always know that you can overcome anything the devil throws your way, because you are a child of God. We’re one with Christ, and Christ is one with God, so there’s no way to penetrate our shield. The enemy only wins when we let him, so keep fighting temptation, with the help of Jesus Christ.
We can find help in church, from the Body of Christ. This is why Paul suggested that we avoid surrounding ourselves with people who are “unequally yoked”, because sometimes we need to seek strength and solace in other believers. Make sure you’re in a church that’s filled with supportive leaders, and members you can depend on. Not saying that there isn’t controversy in the church, but if you have the right church, God is at the forefront of everything. If you’re one of those people who think that church isn’t that important, then this is just one of the many reasons why you should find yourself a good Church home.
Earlier in Galatians chapter 6, Paul said: Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves. Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, for each one should carry their own load. Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word should share all good things with their instructor. (vs.1-6) Always remember that we’re in this together, so loving one another requires support, forgiveness, humility, and guidance.
If you don’t know Jesus as Lord and Savior, then sin will consume you, and lead you to death and destruction for all eternity. This is not a dramatization, but the truth by the Word of God. Jesus gives us life now and forever; so in order to overcome the darkness in your life, ask Him to come into your heart as Lord. If you aren’t sure where you stand with God, take a few moments to take the God Quiz today! My favorite verse today is: God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. (1 Corinthians 10:13)
ENJOY!: http://www.bible.com/scripture-detail.php?juli=2455519&dtype=Scripture
http://www.intouch.org/broadcast/today-on-radio
http://www.intouch.org/magazine/daily-devotional
I love you!
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