“No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but 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” (1Corinthians 10:13). 

Is it possible for a faithful servant of God to be tempted? Experience provides evidence that all are tempted. Yet, temptations do not have to overtake you. The objective of the Tempter is to overtake the lives of those who do not deliberately fight against what has come to mind. When it becomes a thought that is difficult to erase from the memory, it is easy to yield to the temptation exclusively tailored for you. Nevertheless, there is a way of freedom to cancel thoughts that would otherwise translate into actions. It does not lie on the surface, but must be sought after. He reveals His sacrifice of life and love in contrast to the current offer. Only then will you be provoked to respond rightly. On the other side of the temptation is the evidence of true love, expressed from your heart as a sign of gratitude. When you bear up under the pressure of temptation, you are providing evidence that you love Jesus more than any object of affection or attraction that is there to replace what He alone can give. 

“But from this day I will bless you” (Haggai 2:19). 

Looking forward, the outlook is much brighter than the past for the children of the Most High God. Even though many of the things promised have not yet come to pass, God is still true to every one of them. The seed is still in the barn. The seed that is to be planted must be scattered before the vine, the fig tree, the pomegranate, or the olive tree is able to yield its fruit. The laborers must sow in the time of sowing before the reapers can come and reap the harvest. There is a future ahead of us that only God is able to bring to pass. Yet, each of us must diligently work in the season that is to be rightly occupied by those who are fully aware of times and seasons. While we may be waiting on God, God is also waiting on us! 

“Daily expect the Day of God, eager for its arrival. The galaxies will burn up and the elements melt down that day — but we’ll hardly notice. We’ll be looking the other way, ready for the promised new heavens and the promised new earth, all landscaped with righteousness” (2 Peter 3:12-13 MSG). 

The coming of the Lord will attract the attention of those who eagerly await His return. While all things around us are being shaken, and nothing appears to have any degree of stability, there remains a constant focus in an upward direction in spite of all other things that would otherwise be disturbing. God has promised that He would send His Son again to the earth. If the earth could not receive the words of the prophets, and the world rejects His standard, it is not the world on which His kingdom will be established. He will descend, but above the earth, while the heavens and the earth are burned with fire. He will establish a new heaven and a new earth where righteousness will reign. But then, it will be under the rule of those who are kept by His power and anticipate His return. They will hardly notice the destruction of the old because they so eagerly wait for God to replace it. Sin is now running its course, but do not be discouraged. God will restore all that is now being destroyed by sin and those who have given their souls over to it. When those things are completely removed, His day will have fully come! 

“For the earth which drinks in the rain that often comes upon it, and bears herbs useful for those by whom it is cultivated, receives blessing from God; but if it bears thorns and briers, it is rejected and near to being cursed, whose end is to be burned” (Hebrews 6:7-8). 

What we have experienced and participated in with God is not merely for ourselves. He allows us to experience His goodness in order to provide healing for others. Either we will bear healing herbs for wounded, restless, and reckless souls, or we bear thorns and briers to further wound them. The deepest wound is caused by sword-handlers who are unskilled in spiritual warfare. They cannot effectively interpret God’s grace in ways to benefit the wayward. We have been enlightened, tasted of the heavenly gift, become partakers of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the good Word of God and the powers of the age to come. Therefore, we are the ones who are to bear herbs useful for those by whom they are cultivated. The fruit of our lives is for those who wish to know the source and purpose for our being alive. Then, we are able to live our lives as a blessing to others and a praise unto the Lord. 

“And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist” (Colossians 1:17). 

Consistency always appears to be the problem when there are so many things that have a beginning. But, they fall apart over time. Words often fade and their meanings are altered by those who feel differently when circumstances shift in a different direction. Who is able to keep his word when his word is based on conditions that are uncertain? The only way to be certain about life and things pertaining to it is that one must know what comes before and what will come after a commitment is made, a value is embraced, or a message is believed. He (Jesus) is before all that exists. All things have their origin in Him, and He will be after all things have come to an end. But, between what precedes and what follows are our lives and our conditions. We can trust His knowledge and His strength to guide and protect us into the future. He gives meaning to life. All things are considered from eternity past to eternity future. 

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another” (John 13:34). 

A new commandment is given because a new power is made known. It is a power that existed in eternity but now is being revealed in time through Jesus Christ. He makes known to humanity a selfless love with the power to transform lives. It begins with the willingness to receive the love of Jesus Christ. He loved us first, but that love does us no good unless we first receive it. Allowing ourselves to be loved by the Lord is the first step. Then we are empowered to love one another as we are loved. It is a matter of allowing His love to flow through us, along with His strength to do so. Those who are loved can be released from the bondage of self and Satan. We experience the presence of the Lord when we are instruments in His hands, fulfilling the Lord’s command. 

“We humans keep brainstorming options and plans, but God’s purpose prevails” (Proverbs 19:21 MSG). 

We are surrounded with choices. Each day we must decide which paths to follow as we choose among the many options. Sometimes we decide silently and personally, while other times we join a public collaboration among thinkers who possess the wisdom to assist us in reaching our goals. Both options and plans are necessary for progress. But the question is, what is the origin of our plans and between what consequences are we making our choices? Each path has a destination. They will lead us to a definite end. Yet there is a transcendent purpose that’s elevated above the ideas of the collective minds of all humans. It is not subjected to the limits of chance and the possible risk of failure. His purpose will prevail even though they face the futility of mortal challenges. Either we align with His purpose or ultimately fail at our own. 

“Therefore, I say to you, ‘Whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them’ ” (Mark 11:24).

The condition of the heart qualifies one for answered prayers according to the will of God. He brings us into compliance with His will in order for us to see with Him what He sees, thus desire the same things that He desires. Only then is it possible to enter into the very prayer life of Jesus. When the Holy Spirit controls our passions and desires, the Father who always hears the voice of His Son will also hear Him speak through us. This should be our passion to reach that place of faith where there is nothing in us other than the will to fully please the Father. Then we can ask what we will and it will be granted to us.

“When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan” (Proverbs 29:2).

Authority is given by God in order for it to be used in ways that honor Him. When He is dishonored, authority is then corrupted and His face is veiled by those who make decisions independent of His counsel. Prayer is necessary for all, that the Holy Spirit may guide the heart of our leaders and if necessary, turn their hearts in the right direction. There are many decisions to be made and God has full knowledge of the end of each one. Some may appear to be right but the end may be death or even damnation. More than ever, God must be sought and our hearts surrendered to His will. There are leaders chosen by God, but people must choose to follow them. They lead their followers to righteousness, justice, and peace. The Lord can then receive the honor and the people will rejoice because His favor will come upon them.

“And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matthew 10:28-29).

A healthy fear is necessary for a balanced life. It helps one avoid carelessness and reckless living. Yes God is love and He initiates the process by loving us first. But unless we first fear Him, it is impossible to appreciate how far down He had to reach in order to save us. We are saved from the wrath of God. His wrath is measured against all ungodliness among those who suppress the truth. They are within the aim of His wrath. A healthy fear would cause concern as to whether we are in God’s will or out of it. It is when we receive His forgiveness are we able to respond in pure love. It flows to us and from us as it is received from the Lord. The assumptions of many lead to a brazen attitude interpreted as boldness or worldly wisdom. But the wise consider their state and desire to walk worthy of their calling.