temptation

Resisting Temptation – Imitation of Christ Chapter 13, Part One

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We will always have troubles and temptations in this world. Jesus said “in this world you will have trouble.” John 16:33 (NIV) Moreover, the root of temptation is within us, for “each person is tempted when he is lured and tempted by his own desire.” James 1:14 (ESV) Troubles naturally become temptations because they tempt us to doubt and turn from following Jesus. Therefore, if we are having troubles then we know that a temptation is lurking. So we need to be on constant alert to know when a temptation has begun.  We don’t need to be anxiously consumed with fear of temptations, but neither can we afford to neglect awareness. The enemy is always prowling around like a lion hoping to sink his teeth into us. “if we are having troubles then we know that a temptation is lurking” Since we can’t avoid temptations it is best to turn Continue Reading →

girl praying

Staying In Touch With God Throughout The Day

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Today we have a “guest” blog in the form of a few words from Francis De Sales (b. 1567 – d. 1622), from Chapter 13 of his book Introduction to the Devout Life. His words complement a post that appeared here a few weeks ago about continuously beholding Jesus. De Sales inspires us to keep in constant contact with God throughout the day. “You can express spiritual desires to God by short, ardent movements of your heart. Marvel at his beauty, implore his help, cast yourself in spirit at the foot of the cross, adore his goodness, converse often with him about your salvation, present your soul to him a thousand times during the day, fix your interior eyes upon his sweet countenance, stretch out your hand to him like a little child to his father so that he may lead you on, place him in your bosom like a Continue Reading →

We Rule In Life – Weekly Word Of Encouragement

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“How much more will those who receive such overflowing grace and the gift of righteousness rule in life because of one man, Jesus the Messiah!” Rom 5:17 (ISV) Prior to this verse Paul points out that death came to rule over humans through sin. But now through Jesus the tables are turned. Humans can rule over death because they have life in Jesus. We are “more than conquerors”. We can grow up into the image of Christ who is the model for the new kind of human. We have his Spirit who continually gives life as we abide in Jesus. Moreover, we only experience part of this life now; we will experience all of the new life God has for us in the New Creation. So we rule in life now, but our victory is not yet complete. We move from glory to glory until Jesus comes and renews all Continue Reading →

talking

The Benefits of Unjust Treatment – Imitation Of Christ Chapter 12

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Sorrows and adversities help us realize that we are just pilgrims in this world. We should not become attached to this life. We can not trust in this world. Slander and false accusations against us help us to be humble. When our good deeds are judged as bad we have the opportunity to imitate Christ. When these things come we see our pride rising up and then we can let go of pride, and respond calmly only if it is appropriate. Then we learn look to God’s approval and find satisfaction in that. When we rely completely on God then we aren’t crushed by wrongful words against us. When we lack human encouragement we take comfort in God’s pleasure with us. Thus, whether evil comes from without or within us we learn that God is more necessary than we knew before. Our heart may be heavy and groaning and crying out Continue Reading →

Rewards For All Who Follow, Without Bias – Weekly Word Of Encouragement

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There will be…glory and honor and peace for everyone who does good, the Jew first and also the Greek. For God shows no partiality. Rom. 2:9-11 (ESV)  Here God promises glory for those who follow Him, honor for those who follow him, and peace (from shalom) for those who follow him. This is what we will have and we can set our hearts on that. Furthermore, God does not play favorites. He will reward people in the same way regardless of who they are. There is no advantage in heaven for once being President of the U.S. There is no advantage in heaven for being a successful businessperson. There is no advantage for being a famous musician or athlete. How great is this? One’s station in life does not determine one’s reward. Many feel trapped in their economic condition, and surely people should make efforts to improve, but either way it is Continue Reading →