IF JESUS WAS TEMPTED......

Ever have one of those days where you almost jeopardized your character?  Well you’re not alone!  I had one of those days just this past week as I struggled with a temptation that came my way. For a moment there, I actually stopped and wondered if there was scripture that would justify me “if” I gave in to this temptation.  But I knew without doubt it would be a wrong decision; one that would have not only damaged my character but would have completely destroyed my witness as a Christian. 

In an attempt to run away from acknowledging this temptation, the thought even went thru my head to just skip Monday evening prayer; a time I look forward to on a weekly basis. But without fail, the Holy Spirit prompted me to go.  I knew in my heart that I needed to be there if for no other reason but to lay this temptation at the Lord's feet.  I am reminded and grateful that as a child of the Most High God, I have the right to enter into His throne room with a boldness and assurance that He is there.  He understands my weakness and He is eager to take that struggle away from me once I purpose it in my heart to let it go and give it completely to Him.

Hebrews 4:15-16 NLT tells us, “This High Priest of ours (Jesus) understands our weaknesses, for He faced all of the same testings we do, yet He did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive His mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.”

Maybe you think you’re above temptation to do wrong because you consider yourself a stable, seasoned Christian. But consider this my friend.  If temptation came to Jesus, how much more will it come to those of us who are weak within our own strength? It is only by the Power of the Holy Spirit that we are strengthened to do that which pleases Him. 

Trust me when I say that admitting I actually stopped and wondered if there was scripture that would justify me was not an easy thing to do.  I shared it because it’s important to understand that if we need to manipulate scripture to justify our actions, then something is wrong with what we want to do. The Apostle Paul warns Timothy in 2 Timothy 3:1-5 NLT , “In the last days there will be very difficult times.  For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly."  He further explains “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.” 2 Timothy 3:16 NLT

It’s important to understand that regardless if we justify our actions by manipulating scripture, we are still be held accountable for our choices; especially if they don’t line up with the Word of God. 

Proverbs 21:2 NLT warns us saying “People may be right in their own eyes, but the Lord examines their heart."  So don’t think you can flirt & give into temptation and it not be revealed in the end.  Even thought we may fool those around us, Hebrews 4:13 NLT says “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and He is the one to whom we are accountable.”   

Reality folks!  If Adam & Eve couldn’t hide the fact that they gave into temptation and ended up disobeying the Lord, what makes us think we can?   Genesis 3 NLT

Remember……..

If you find that you have to manipulate God’s word to gratify your flesh, then something is wrong.  Why not take time right now to enter into His throne room with a boldness and assurance that He is there.  He understands your weakness and He is eager to take that struggle away from you once you purpose it in your heart to let it go and give it completely to Him.

It’s that simple folks!

Be blessed my family & friends!  I pray the Lord’s total favor overshadows you as you continue to seek His face!

Love you all,

Cyndy

ACTS

Have you taken time today to tell The Lord how much you love Him or did you simply hand Him your “Lord, Please Do List"? You know the one I’m talking about. It’s just like your “honey do list”; except this one contains your wants& needs for today that only the Lord can provide. Maybe it contains a physical healing, financial provision or possibly mending on a relationship.

Whatever the case may be, it’s important we remember that He is our Lord and Savior; not our personal servant. It’s important we understand the Lord is there for more than meeting our needs or providing our every heart’s desire.

God desires that we have a personal relationship with Him and that above all else, we will take time to worship & adore Him for who He is. He desires that our relationship with Him is more than mere words, uttered with selfish desires of our needs being met. He wants to know that He is first in our lives and that whether or not He answers our prayers the way we want Him too, we will love & trust Him regardless of our circumstance. He wants to know that we see Him as all sufficient and that we hold no one else above Him.

In Exodus 20:3-6 NLT, the Lord warns us, “You must not have any other god but me. You must not make for yourself an idol of any kind or an image of anything in the heavens or on the earth or in the sea. You must not bow down to them or worship them, for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God who will not tolerate your affection for any other gods. I lay the sins of the parents upon their children; the entire family is affected—even children in the third and fourth generations of those who reject me. But I lavish unfailing love for a thousand generations on those who love me and obey my commands.”

If you haven't taken the time today, why not take a moment now and tell The Lord what He means to you? Don’t know how to start? It’s simple. Just remember the word “ACTS” (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving& Supplication).

Start with Adoration. The Lord desires to be honored. He wants to know that we are devoted to him and that we admire Him. He wants us to worship Him.

“Give to the Lord the glory he deserves! Bring your offering and come into his presence. Worship the Lord in all His holy splendor.”1 Chronicles 16:29 NLT

Next, take time to Confess your sins too Him. Don’t try to hide your sins. Remember….He already knows everything about you; including your sins. He wants you to admit you’ve done wrong and that you are sincere; wanting to do what is right before Him. So make yourself accountable and ask the Lord to forgive you for your sins.

“But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.” 1 John 1:9 NLT

Then, give Thanks to the Lord. Remember, once you ask the Lord to forgive you, you are truly forgiven. Nothing else is required and you don’t have to do anything else to be forgiven. Also remember to be thankful for all the blessings, mercy and grace He has already given you.

“Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18 NLT

And finally there's Supplication, which means to pray and give the Lord your request. Lay your needs, wants and desires before the Lord. Give it all to Him.

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 NLT

ACTS - It’s that’s simple folks!

Be blessed my family & friends! I pray the Lord’s total favor overshadows you as you continue to seek His face!

Love you all,
Cyndy

Jesus said, “DO NOT BE AFRAID”

A while back ago, during praise & worship at church one evening, I found myself telling the Lord that I was scared to face tomorrow because my flesh seems to be in constant war against my spirit man; my flesh; desiring things of this world; my spirit man desiring only the good & acceptable Perfect Will of God. I just kept saying over & over, “I’m scared! I’m scared! I’m scared”; knowing that only the Lord could hear me.  Shortly after, our music Pastor interrupted praise & worship to remind us all of a story about a synagogue ruler named Jarius who had a daughter that was dying. Jarius asked Jesus to come & heal his daughter. On their way back to Jarius’ home, they were met along the way and were told that his daughter had already died. Jesus said to him, “DO NOT BE AFRAID”.    Mark 5:35-36 (NIV)

I capitalized those words because that is exactly how it smacked me ever so gently in my spirit man; ”DO NOT BE AFRAID”.  Peace flooded my soul; knowing that although I may not be perfect in my walk and I trip up quite often, the Lord was already preparing the way ahead of me. He is truly amazing and I am blessed to serve the only 1 true living God!!!!!

What about you?  Are you yelling on the inside where no one else can hear you, ““I’m scared! I’m scared! I’m scared!”  Has fear gripped your heart and possibly crippled you spiritually?  Be encouraged; the Lord hears you!  We serve a risen Savior, Jesus!  It was He who conquered Hell and the grave!  Remember?  There is NOTHING too difficult for Him; not even what you may be facing today.

Deuteronomy 31:6 (NIV) Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Be blessed my family & friends!  I pray you walk in the Lord’s total favor!

Love you all,

Cyndy