12Therefore let anyone who thinks he stands [who feels sure that he has a steadfast mind and is standing firm], take heed lest he fall [into sin]. 13For no temptation (no trial regarded as enticing to sin), [no matter how it comes or where it leads] has overtaken you and laid hold on you that is not common to man [that is, no temptation or trial has come to you that is beyond human resistance and that is not adjusted and adapted and belonging to human experience, and such as man can bear]. But God is faithful [to His Word and to His compassionate nature], and He [can be trusted] not to let you be tempted and tried and assayed beyond your ability and strength of resistance and power to endure, but with the temptation He will [always] also provide the way out (the means of escape to a landing place), that you may be capable and strong and powerful to bear up under it patiently. 1 Corinthians 10:12-13 (Amplified Bible)
I pray that you all are well on this beautiful day in the Lord on today. As we continue to live this life for Christ daily, know this one thing…temptation(s) will follow us all the days of our lives. Temptation is the itch that never goes away completely. Temptations are the tests that will draw us nearer to Christ or further away. This cartoon is no joke neither are the others for this journal, saints of God if we are not careful, we can lead ourselves as well as other to an early grave. Do not test yourself.
One thing we can learn from this text is that some folks in the church think since they are justified by God, nothing can happen to them regardless of what they do. Many of us, at times, can take advantage of God’s grace and mercy…and have the audacity to abuse that grace and mercy all the days of our lives...did somebody say soap opera? Many times we may feel and have this attitude that since we are justified by God, nothing can happen to us regardless what we do. But make not mistake about it saints; God’s discipline should not be taken lightly. For if He cannot completely use us without having to share us with the hounds of hell, then He can, and will, find a replacement that is more and able to carry out His commands. Do not test yourself.
I know we are tempted daily to turn to the feelings of our flesh, but we must stand strong folks. The various temptations that we face in our lifetime are normal…they (the temptations) are suppose to happen. But we are not suppose to nor are we expected to give in to those temptations. We’re more than conquerors saints, and we are called according to God’s purpose to overcome those tests, trials and tribulations. Believers throughout the Bible had to resist temptations and we are no different. God is so good that He will not let one believer experience anything that He did not prepare us for. Let me say this plainly. God does not put us into situation that we are not able to handle or overcome…that’s just not what our Mighty God does. God gives every Christian the grace and power to endure anything and everything…the catch is that we have to know how to tap into that grace and power. Put the alcohol, drugs, unmarried sexual relations, physical/ mental abuse, etc. aside. We have to have endurance in order to finish this race…that where our prize lies (1Corinthians 9:24-27).
7Do not be deceived and deluded and misled; God will not allow Himself to be sneered at (scorned, disdained, or mocked by mere pretensions or professions, or by His precepts being set aside.) [He inevitably deludes himself who attempts to delude God.] For whatever a man sows, that and that only is what he will reap. 8For he who sows to his own flesh (lower nature, sensuality) will from the flesh reap decay and ruin and destruction, but he who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. Galatians 6:7-8 (Amplified Bible)
Today we are living in a time where folk in the church no longer are afraid of God’s wrath. People sleeping with each other outside marriage, sleeping over each other house and are not married. Men with titles in the church are sleeping around with the women of the church (some not in church)…some of them married. You do know that some of these men with titles are also involved in the DL (down low) circle…we are living in this rebellious time. People are slowly but surely ignoring the wise counsels of the elders in the church and are trusting in themselves and those who mislead them. The principle of sowing and reaping not longer outweighs their train of thought when it comes to enduring their test…folk are just acting out on what they “feel at that moment”. I was brought up that looking at a woman for 15-20 seconds is ok, or “you can look, but just don’t touch”. This is so foolish and unprosperous spiritually that it is unreal. Jesus said in Matthew 5:27-28, 27"You have heard that it was said, You shall not commit adultery. 28But I say to you that everyone who so much as looks at a woman with evil desire for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart." Christ is deep. If we even as much as look at the opposite sex with the desire to fulfill the good feel of this flesh, then we already set up a battle for our marriage in the future. Even if you had sex with your spouse before you married them…expect hard times to come your way. Do not test yourself.
It is a foolish attempt to “mock” God. For a Christian to think that if they sow to their flesh they can escape the harvest of destruction and judgment that comes to those that participates in sin. When we fornicate, lust, steal, lie, etc., we corrupt our flesh that gives a foul stench (spiritually) in our walk. If a person in the church is corrupt and refuse to heed the warnings of God’s Word then that individual is probably not and was never saved…you can’t lose your salvation if you are truly saved in Christ. Someone who is even in their mess has to feel the convictions of the Holy Ghost. They know that they are wrong, but refuse to come to the Father and the church for restoration. This could be due to shame, guilt and flat out rebellion (I can do bad by myself attitude).
In order for folks to escape the wrath of God, it is time to live totally for Him. Those in rebellion should quit leaning to their own understandings and lean toward the Word of God and His Spirit. Not only do marriages suffer from sexual impurity, but the children suffer as well, which leads to a weak church. When we disobey God in our perversions, it lingers on and the feeling has to get stronger in order to please the flesh. And when one gets tired or numb of the original high, they have to take a new/added risk in order fulfill the flesh. This can lead to what we see today…rape, molestation, bestiality, bisexuality and yes…homosexuality. We must know our weaknesses and not allow our flesh or the demonic realm to overcome us. We must know what Christians are supposed to stand for…and that is for Jesus Christ. We sung a song on yesterday at my church that said, “It’s not about us, it’s about Jesus”. Is that your testimony today?
9But if they have not self-control (restraint of their passions), they should marry. For it is better to marry than to be aflame [with passion and tortured continually with ungratified desire]. 1 Corinthians 7:9 (Amplified Bible)
Saints of God, if you or if you know of someone that is living in fornication or adultery, pray for them and allow God to use you (if it’s appropriate) to let them know that they need to wake up. If they do not care about themselves, then they don’t care about God. The only book that I know that will help those with traps and snare in the sexual world is the Bible. If folk can’t hold their sexual peace, then they need to get MARRIED in a hurry. And don’t divorce because its not working out…it was working out when you was acting married before the marriage. Women, do not reveal yourself in the church and outside the church with clothing that does not fully cover up the attractive parts of your body. If you’re wearing something to catch somebody’s eye…then you need to quit…shame on you. Allow God to bring you someone in His timing. Men, keep your foul thoughts to yourself. Quit undressing women with your eyes and thinking perversely to fulfill your imagination with those you lust after. This cancer started somewhere, and we must eliminate it by the means of the Holy Writ (The Bible). Oh boy…this is a two parter (please note, "parter" is not a legalized word).
Saints, do not try to change for anyone except the Lord and those who love Him. Stay encouraged, train your mind and body to allow the Spirit of God to lead you and continue to hold up the blood stained banner of Christ Jesus. Be blessed on this day and know that Jesus loves you and I love you all too. Until the Sequel of Jesus.
