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Temptation
I want to talk with you all about the difference between being tempted and being tested. You know, it’s like what we see in James 1:13, where it tells us plainly, "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." That's a game changer, isn’t it? It shows us clearly that God’s in the business of testing us, not tempting us.
Now, let's break it down. Temptation — that's the enemy's playground. He throws these curveballs at us, hoping we'll swing and miss. It's all about pulling us away from our faith, from the path God has set for us. The devil? He knows where we're weak, and he hits us where it hurts, trying to trip us up, to bring us down. But here's the kicker — we have the power to stand firm against these temptations. God's equipped us with His Word, His Spirit, and a community of faith that has our back.
On the flip side, when God tests us, it's a whole different ball game. He's not out to get us; He's out to grow us. Think of it like spiritual training. Every test is an opportunity to level up in our faith, to come out stronger, more resilient. It's about refining us, making us more like Jesus, ready and equipped for whatever comes our way. These tests, they're a sign of His love, His commitment to making us the best version of ourselves.
So, family, as we face life's challenges, let's keep this in mind: Temptations are the enemy's way of trying to break us down, but God's tests — they're His way of building us up. Let's lean into that; let's embrace the tests with open arms, knowing they're all about making us stronger in Him. And when temptation comes knocking? We stand firm, we fight the good fight, and we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus. Together, with God on our side, we're unstoppable. Let's do this, Legacy Church!
Just a thought,
PSS
Published on Tuesday, March 5, 2024 @ 12:20 PM MDT
Breaking Strongholds
Breaking strongholds to leave one's old life behind and follow God is a transformative journey that requires deep self-reflection, steadfast faith, and a commitment to change. Strongholds, often manifesting as deeply ingrained habits, thoughts, or behaviors that keep us from fully embracing God's path, can be formidable barriers to spiritual growth. Overcoming these requires not just recognition of their existence but a sincere desire to lay them at God's feet. This process often begins with prayer, asking for divine guidance and strength to break free from the chains of the past. It's about opening one’s heart to God’s transformative power, allowing His grace to renew one’s mind and spirit.
The path to breaking strongholds and following God is also one of community and scripture. Surrounding oneself with a community of faith can provide the support and encouragement needed to navigate this challenging journey. Engaging deeply with scripture offers wisdom and insight, acting as a mirror that reflects both our imperfections and God's perfect love and forgiveness. It is in the context of scripture that people find the strength to confront and dismantle the strongholds in their lives, drawing closer to God with each step. This journey is not about achieving perfection but about striving to align one's life more closely with God's will, acknowledging that we are works in progress, dependent on God's grace.
Ultimately, leaving one's old life behind and following God is an act of surrender and faith. It involves trusting in God's plan for our lives, even when the path is unclear. This journey is marked by moments of vulnerability, where letting go of control and allowing God to lead becomes the source of true strength and freedom. As strongholds break and fall away, what emerges is a life transformed by God's love, a testament to the power of faith to change us from the inside out. This transformation is not instantaneous but a continual process of growth and renewal, where each day offers a new opportunity to live more fully in the light of God's grace.
Ephesians 4:21-24
Just a thought,
PSS
Published on Monday, February 26, 2024 @ 10:58 AM MDT
Making a Real Difference in a Desperate World
Published on Monday, February 19, 2024 @ 10:53 AM MDT
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