July 27-August 2 God Limits Our Temptations 1 Corinthians 10:13

God Limits Our Temptations

1 Corinthians 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but 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.

Temptation takes you to an opportunity to sin whether it is sex, lying, stealing, covetousness, greed, pride, uncontrolled anger or any other sin. It is an invitation, an open door, a beckoning to fulfill some fleshly, worldly urge. Every man, every human is tempted. It is part of the human condition (such as is common to man), part of man’s way. The source of the temptation does not matter – every human is tempted.

But God is faithful - picture us so easily beset, addicted, waylaid, distracted and then picture God, constantly faithful:
Constantly :
watching
available
able to rescue
loving
aware of our frame.
Faithful to :
limit the power of the temptation.
match the degree of temptation to the degree of our ability to resist.
provide a “back door” for us to go out of – using our will to escape.
Every temptation comes with two sides, a fork in the road – right or left, two doors, a way in and a way out. When I make the right choice I do not have to continue to suffer the urge to sin. I am delivered, I am free.

Let us pray for each other!! Be blessed. Leslie

July 4 Knowing and Trusting Our Great God Jeremiah 9: 23 - 4

Jeremiah 9: 23—24 Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: 24 But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD.

Have you considered that it pleases God that we know Him and understand Him? Sometimes we spend a considerable amount of time trying to please others and to be thought well of by them. But God says if we can think on and receive His love, instead of relying on our own thinking He will be pleased. God says if we will recognize and accept His acts of judgement, justice and mercy, instead of relying on our own strength and attempts at control, then He will be pleased. God says if we will align our ways with His standards of righteousness, instead of relying on our money and possessions to fulfill us, then He will be pleased. Not only will He be pleased but He uses the word delight. I don't know about you but it doesn't seem like God is asking for all the complicated things I think I have to do to please Him. Maybe it's like all those art works that our sons Paul and Stephen brought home from Kindergarten and we put them proudly on the refrigerator. No, they weren't Monet's or VanGogh"s but they were made with love by their own hands and we were thrilled (yes, delighted!) to have them. Hmm, I'm going to go think about that for a while. If He speaks to your heart about this let me know. Be blessed. Leslie

July 2 Knowing and Trusting Our Great God Jeremiah 9: 23 - 4

Jeremiah 9: 23—24 Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: 24 But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD.

I will glory…
Not because I am so smart
Not because I am so strong
Not because I own great riches
But because you’re in my heart Lord
And because I know your name
Yes, because I know you love me,
And, because I know your mercy
Yes, because I know your holiness is displayed in all the earth
I will glory…
And because you know I love you Lord
In this I will glory.

Be blessed, Leslie

June 8 - 14 Meditating on the Word of God

2 Timothy 3: 16 -17 "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.."

This is our fifth week and fifth verse. We are still thinking about meditating on the Word of God. Look for posts throughout the week and please share your insights and thoughts. Final thoughts and the next verse will be posted on or before next Saturday. May God richly bless your time with Him this week. As always, thanks for listening, Leslie