​Fighting Temptation

We all face temptation; Satan makes sure of that. But God promises to provide help. "God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it"
(1 Cor. 10:13).

One weapon we can use against the devil's enticements is wisdom. Wisdom is available to every Christian who prays for it (James 1:5), and it can help us make the right choice when tempted.

When wisdom enters our hearts (minds), it helps us to steer clear of sinful things. Wisdom also helps us to avoid the tendency to “go along with the crowd” and do those things that displease God. Moreover, wisdom reminds us that giving into temptation might bring momentary pleasure, but always leads to long-term heartache and trouble.

Although resisting temptation is rarely easy, with God's help (and the wisdom He provides) we can definitely do better. It is also comforting to know that Jesus understands what we are going through, as He faced the same temptations – Heb. 4:15.

Have you prayed for wisdom lately?

Jesus FIRST!

Dennis

Thank God for Your Mother

Have you thanked God for your mother today? If not, you should.


Many of us were privileged and blessed to have been raised by God-fearing mothers. Mothers who not only taught us biblical principles, but demonstrated those principles in their daily lives. It goes without saying that many of us would not be Christians today if not for our mothers.

If you fail to mention your mother in your prayers, you’re forgetting to thank God for one of your greatest blessings. The following real life examples should remind us of how blessed we are to have Christian mothers:
 
 At this moment across our country, thousands of young children are neglected, hungry or even sick because their mothers lay passed out from drugs or alcohol. Thank God for your mother.

 Throughout the Ukraine hundreds of children cuddle together in fear and despair because their mothers were killed from a shell or bomb blast. Thank God for your mother.
 
 In nearby communities, scores of children are forced to fend for themselves because their mothers are partying at bars or nightclubs. Thank God for your mother.
​
 At this moment, hundreds of mothers are making plans to sell their daughters to strangers in order to support their heroin or crack cocaine habit. Thank God for your mother.
 
When you pray tonight, PLEASE thank God for your mother!

"She watches over the ways of her household,
And does not eat the bread of idleness.
Her children rise up and call her blessed;
Her husband also, and he praises her:
Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing,
But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised" (Proverbs 31:27, 28, 30)


Jesus FIRST!

Dennis

​Here’s Looking at Me

“Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not
know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you —unless indeed you are disqualified” (2 Cor. 13:5-6).

One of the hardest things for many people (including Christians) to do is look at themselves honestly. After all, most of us like to think that we are above average, somewhat better than others, and possess few faults. We seem to have an inborn defense mechanism that hinders us from being completely honest with ourselves.

Unfortunately, that makes spiritual growth more difficult. In the aforementioned scripture, the Apostle Paul commands us to examine ourselves. That means to take an objective look at our faith. Have you done that lately?

Paul goes on to say that we should test ourselves. How do we accomplish that? The most effective way is to give ourselves a spiritual challenge. Below are a few examples:
+Attend every service of the church for a month.
+Visit one sick or weak member each week for a month.
+Spend an extra 15 minutes daily reading God's word.
+Increasing our contribution by $5 weekly for a month.

Why is it important to examine and test ourselves? According to Paul, it is to keep us from being disqualified. It has been said that if we are not growing, we are declining. How tragic to be in a declining spiritual state when Jesus returns or when we leave this world.

Living an active, faithful, trusting, loving, Christian life will prevent us from being disqualified in the end. Every day we should look into God’s Word, then at at our own lives. That should tell us a lot.

Jesus FIRST!

Dennis