Are you tempted to do Satan’s bidding? Are you living under a cloud of despair over sins you’ve committed? We are all constantly being tempted to do wrong by the Tempter, and most of us can usually justify our every inconsistency when we submit to the temptation. God, on the other hand, expects us to resist the inclination to do wrong. Jesus said, “Resist the Devil and he will flee from you” – simple as that.

Christian believers must understand that this is a normal phenomenon that all humans must contend with. You are not alone; we all go through temptations. Even the Lord Jesus was tempted by Satan (but never once submitted). To be sure, no one is perfect; that’s why Christ had to die for us.

Nevertheless, we continue to falter and submit to the wiles of the Tempter. Throughout the world, some are even worshiping Satan openly while others serve him unwittingly. As a matter of fact, there is a growing need for exorcists around the world today. His greatest disguise is to have us believe he doesn’t exist.

Many hide their fidelity to the Tempter in the guise of well-doing, as is the case for many in all walks of life. These are usually those who don’t know scripture rightly or who refuse to acknowledge Almighty God and/or His Word. However, we Christian believers know or should know the wiles and tricks of the Devil by being called to “Be sober, be diligent, for Satan prowls around like a roaring lion seeing whom he may devour.”

The Bible says that temptation is inevitable and common to us all. “There hath no temptation taken you, but such as is common to man, but God is faithful who will not suffer you to be tempted above that which you are able…” (KJV).

While it’s true that a spiritually mature Christian has less and less temptations to contend with (been there – done that), many still grapple with apathy and or plain laziness in doing God’s will; and all too often, all they concern themselves with is football. Albeit, while they may be saved because of God’s provisional grace, we tend to take that grace too lightly.

The Tempter has a big bag of tricks that he uses to trick us into sin. He tempts us with lust for illicit sex, love of money, and with the pride of life. Satan is sneaky and knows our every inconsistency, and he sets out just the right bait for each individual. Following the bait, we can be deceived at any time; and so it is best to stay in close contact with Christ who is our salvation and advocate with the Father, interceding for us when we do fall victim to the Tempter’s devices.

The Tempter also puts fear into our hearts through worry – (fear of future events to harm us). But again, Jesus said, “Don’t worry about anything, but through prayer and supplication – with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.”

But then again, if you don’t experience temptation, then maybe you aren’t worth the devil’s time in fooling with you – and so he lets you go about your merry way – with no conscience or guilt over your missteps. This is a grievous malady and slippery slope to severing your relationship to God – that is if you truly have one.

To be sure, God is true to His word and we are saved by grace through faith; some of us will barely make it to heaven. Is that what Jesus spoke of when he said that some would make it to heaven – as if by fire?

The Tempter is also the accuser of the brethren and would have us lay awake at night, accusing us of wrongdoing – real or imagined; but we who know God and His word have God’s promise to forgive us – if we confess our sins and repent.

“If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

Remember, the Bible says that God even cares for sparrows; how could He not care for you? You are His prized possession, the pinnacle of His creation.

All of humanity is precious to God; but since He gave us free will, we must make the decision to believe in Him and His Holy Word (The Bible) or to fall for the temptations of the Devil. There isn’t much middle ground here. This is the decision all humanity must make. This world is only the testing ground for you to decide which way to go in pursuing it. Although life sometimes seems like a mindless game, it is the only way for our all-seeing God to know where we stand; and only after we receive the gospel can we live life as it should be lived. That is with power, love and a sound mind – as well as one without fear.

Walk with Him, talk with Him, tell Him your troubles and concerns – He’s always wanting and waiting to hear your voice call out to Him.

“Study to show yourself approved, a workman that need not be ashamed, rightfully dividing the word of God.”

Learn of the Tempter’s devices to do us harm, and learn to live by God’s many promises made to us by reading the Bible.

BOOK

The book Ashamed of the Gospel by John E. MacArthur is excellent reading; and even though it was published in 1993, it is still as relevant today as it was then – maybe even more so. The author speaks of trends, merchandising and entertainment that are used as tools to bring people into the church (some of whom are really seeking the truth that only the Gospel can give), institutionalizing them instead of letting the word of God convert them into powerful saints. All too often, the result is that they burn out.

The writer states that, “The very reason people love sophisticated religion and highbrow morality is that those things appeal to the human ego. At the same time, worldly wisdom scoffs at the gospel precisely because it confronts human conceit. The gospel demands that people acknowledge their sin and spiritual impotence. It humiliates them, convicts them, and calls them sinners. Moreover, it offers salvation as a gracious work of God – not something people can accomplish on their own. In every way the cross crushes human pride.”

Good Bible teaching by Senior Pastor Hayes Wicker can be had by tuning in to www.fbcn.org livestreaming on the internet each Sunday morning at 9:30 EST.

“Casting all your care upon Him for He cares for you.”

YBIC

Jim Towers

You can write me at jt.filmmaker@yahoo.com with comments and visit my website www.thepropheciesmovieandbook.com – I’m also on www.dropzonedelta.com (Warriors following Christ).

Many of us believers feel that we could be the generation that ushers in the great tribulation period after our departure in what’s called the rapture. With governments toppling left and right, even non- Christians believe that something isn’t quite right, and that war among the great powers is on the horizon. But even the leaders of these nations don’t seem to know what to do about it; and with the shaking and toppling of governments worldwide, humanity is coming to its collective wit’s end. Except for hardcore Christian believers, many throughout the world are living in fear and confusion.

Even so, here in America there are many traditional and wishy washy “Christian believers” who are still playing church with an eye to recognition from fellow congregants. When speaking to these people, they are likely to tell you that we’ve been living in the end times for over two thousand years, and they’ll start off their spiel by saying “Bah,” (my addition) …“Where is the sign of His (Jesus) coming, for since the fathers fell asleep all continues as from the beginning of creation” (2 Peter 3:4).

While the traditional church is experiencing a falling away in this country and abroad, another phenomenon is taking place; there are other churches springing up, led by self-styled gluttonous preachers who wear their shirts outside their pants to hide the roll of fat that has become their belly. This laissez-faire attitude smacks of disrespect for the things of God. Even so, the congregants follow suit, wearing sandals and shorts and moo-moos to the services. They have no respect or fear of God. Loud music, strobe lights and often smoke machines serve to makeup the service, when groping and desperate people only need to hear the gospel and unadulterated word of God.

Despite all the foolishness going on in today’s churches, there are some who truly take the things of God to heart. These folks care about the dying humanity and aren’t afraid of wearing their faith on their sleeves. The reason I write about my exploits is that they may inspire you to step out of your comfort zone and experience the blessings one receives when we reach out to others. Science has proven that, when we reach out to others, it releases endorphins in the brain and makes you a happier and more confident person – and this goes for everyone – Christian or not.

Only then, when you begin to do what He’s called you to do – it will surely put you in favor with God, and you will see His promises begin to bear fruit. Except for His mercy, God’s promises are conditional, and He will prove Himself to you if you give Him first place in your life.

William Carey (1761 to 1834) once said, “Expect great things from God; attempt great things for God.”

When you know the power of a Covenant relationship with God and walk in His ways, you will experience a radical change in your life.

Indeed, we can’t just let people guess that we’re Christians; they may even think we’re just a worldly goody two-shoes. There are plenty of those running around who seem to think (like some Christians) that they can find favor with God and man by being so-called “decent” folks, but the Bible says differently. The Bible says, “There is none righteous, no not one; for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God; but God has laid upon Him (Christ Jesus) the iniquity of us all.” That is the scourging and death on the cross.

The apostle James says, “Yea, a man may say he hath faith, thou hath faith and I have works: show me your faith without works and I will show you my faith with my works…Faith without works is dead.”

In these disastrous days, we must not resort to being closet Christians. Just look what it’s done to our society by withholding the good news of the Gospel from a lost and dying world. Isn’t it contingent upon us all to admit openly and without hesitation that He is our Savior, if indeed he is?

The exploits I experience on an almost daily basis are for me a blessing since I enjoy each and every encounter. Thankfully I began sharing Christ right after receiving Him into my life over forty years ago.  That experience was so profound that I just couldn’t keep it to myself.

So, don’t become complacent with what you know about God, nor be fearful of men who don’t understand but lean instead on their own understanding and ego. Do something about your faith. We all have gifts and talents.

Let us step out in faith to lead others to Christ and encourage them in these times of great uncertainty.

Books:

You may remember Chuck Colson from the Nixon Administration. I just finished reading The Good Life by Chuck Colson and Harold Fickett. I don’t know who Fickett is, but Chuck Colson is remembered for the Born Again book written several years ago. I read it when it first came out, and figured he didn’t have much to say after that experience in his life – not many Christians do. Chuck, however, went on to write many other books having to do with Christianity.

Here then is an extraordinary Christian man, a man whom I admire for his varied ministries, one of which was a worldwide prison ministry. I would say this man qualifies as one of those who dared to do great exploits.

I highly recommend either of these two books for anyone seeking the deeper things of God.

YBIC

Jim Towers

You can write me with your opinions and concerns at jt.filmmaker@yahoo.com or visit my revised website:  www.thepropheciesmovieandbook.com and also dropzonedelta.com