It takes a Willing Heart to Overcome Temptation

"No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it." 1 Corinthians 10:13

Wow! That scripture packs quite a promise. "God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able." Yet, so many still fall into sin. What is the deal?

There is a problem with that promise.

", but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it."

So why do we still fall into sin if He promised to also provide the way of escape along with the temptation?

Many, many, many times the way of escape is as simple as leaving through the front door, or not going there in the first place, or simply changing the friends you hang with. But you say, "The party is too much fun, or the situation is too titillating, or if I didn't have these friends I wouldn't have any friends.

Therein lies the problem. So, so often the way of escape is right there free for the taking, but so many of us really don't want to take it. I know I never did until my eyes were opened as to how important it is to take the way of escape.

Though I am guilty of many, many sins I had two main ones that I struggled with: Promiscuity involving fornication and drunkenness. Prior to my being born again I was not interested in any way of escape. I personally sought out the opportunity for both sins on purpose. The way of escape could be right in front of my face, but I wasn't going to take it.

My born again experience came about because of a relationship that went awry. I was told by my spiritual mentor involved in effecting my born again experience that I could never expect a relationship to truly workout unless I got things right with God first.

Since an illicit relationship was the catalyst that brought me to a point of decision that caused me to choose between God or the lifestyle I so loved to partake in, God worked on my proclivity to indulge in promiscuity first once I chose Him over my sinful lifestyle. The message from Him was simple: "I had better learn to recognize the situations that got me into trouble and just not go there." 99.9% of the time the way of escape was right there for me free for the taking. All I had to do was recognize the need to take it and do so.

I also needed a willing heart to have the strength to take the way of escape.

"Although He was a Son, He learned obedience from the things which He suffered." Hebrews 5:8

When my heart was not so willing and I slipped, God was diligent to discipline me and increase my resolve and willingness.

One time my heart was fully willing to take the way of escape and the door was continually slammed in my face as I attempted to take it. God saw my heart. He also saw me moving against my will into a situation where I would quite possibly be tempted beyond what I was able to endure. Then and only then did He provide a way of escape that was out of my control.

God is able, but we have to be willing. If you don't have a willing heart, ask Him for one!

The Ultimate Warrior ~ Jesus!

Israel was expecting a warrior king to arrive on the scene as their messiah. A Warrior King did arrive on the scene as their Messiah, but He was not recognized as such because the methods of His warfare was and is higher than that which they knew as encompassing battle and victory. This Jesus did not fit their mold for what they thought was required to defeat the enemy. Neither were they able to identify the true enemy that really needed subduing and overcoming. But, this Jesus was able and successful. This Jesus can show all those who earnestly seek Him with all their heart how to do the same.

'Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me.' Revelation 3:20

"Now in a large house there are not only gold and silver vessels, but also vessels of wood and of earthenware, and some to honor and some to dishonor. Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these things, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work." 2 Timothy 2:20,21

'So Jesus said to them again, “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. “All who came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them. “I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly."' John 10:7-10

'Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me."' John 14:6

Creation or Evolution?

The creation–evolution controversy is easily a heated debate with bias evident and easily seen, e.g. the wikipedia article as it exists on the day of this writing: "The dispute is between those who espouse the validity and/or superiority of literal interpretations of a creation myth, and the proponents of evolution, backed by scientific consensus."

So, here we have myth versus scientific consensus. Care to venture a guess as to which side the article is weighted and which side is ridiculed?

"God saw all that He had made, and behold, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day." Genesis 1:31

The sixth day! The sixth day! The sixth day! All of creation completed on the sixth day! Only six days to create all of this... Who can believe such nonsense? You?

That is about as ridiculous as believing that a virgin could be with child. "Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name Immanuel." Isaiah 7:14

But wait, times change, knowledge increases. Even mankind now has the means to cause a virgin to be with child in this day and age through artificial insemination. definition of: Virgin: a person, typically a woman, who has never had sexual intercourse. A virgin birth is a possibility that is not so ridiculous now with our scientific advancements.

"For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I will know fully just as I also have been fully known." 1 Corinthians 13:12

Regardless of the time element needed for the world to form, one complaint learned men have had is that you can't make something out of nothing. You have to have material to create something. An artist needs a canvas and paint. A writer needs paper and pen. A carpenter needs building materials. Otherwise nothing can be created from nothing. But then along came computer science where construction material is no longer needed to create amazing things. Computer code broken down to its simplest elements is only the organization of ones and zeros. Ones and zeros are only an abstract concept. In computer science they signify on or off. DNA is also code. Amazing code. As a computer scientist and a coder I can assure you that a complex program consisting of computer code does not magically appear all by itself. Neither did DNA!

Creating web pages, computer programs, and the like is exceedingly tedious and time consuming. But as computer languages and technologies improve things are created with greater and greater speed and ease. Who are we to say because of our obvious restrictions that God is also restricted in like manner? Only conjecture and speculation can allow us to assume, because we really don't know.

Evolutionists are quick to point out that humans share 98% of the DNA of apes. (As more is learned, the actual percentage shared changes.) They use this fact to indicate the certainty of evolution. However as a computer scientist, if I write a good piece of code and need something similar yet different; I don't waste the code already created. I simply copy and paste then tweak it a little to get something different yet sharing a large percentage of the other item, function, object or whatever's code. So, is that evolution that magically happens all by itself, or is it caused by the original creator of the code or another coder? It is foolish to totally reinvent the wheel and start from scratch every time another function or object is needed similar to something already done, so why wouldn't an intelligent creator of our universe do the same and cause the things He has created to share a lot of the same DNA?

It is said that we are created in His image. "God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them." Genesis 1:27 I don't know all of the nuances of how we have been created in His image, but I do know that humans share a bent toward creativity with our Creator.

Computer science is in its covered wagon days. Of those who traveled across America in covered wagons, who would have believed that a Concorde Jet Aircraft could one day carry travelers across the ocean from New York to London in a mere 3 hours? I foresee a time, if our civilization lasts long enough, where we humans also will have the technology to create from nothing a creation with sentient beings that perceive things much as we do. It would be best not to mess with life as we know it, and possibly mess something up with drastic consequences in our realm of existence through our hubris and ignorance. But, all could easily be contained inside a computer where things seem as real to them as they do to us. The civilizations can even be somewhat primitive at first only achieving advancements as technology and computer power on our end increases. We can even insert some anomalies such as carbon dating and seashell fossils up high on mountain tops to confound those prone to arrogance. Imagine the possibilities that are soon coming into our grasp. Look at the amazing changes that have taken place over the last hundred years. So, is it real or is it memorex? What can the next hundred years bring?

It is quite arrogant of man to attempt to judge God and how He chooses to do things. God can do things however He pleases. I am a believer, and I desire to be a warrior for Him. He is the potter and I am the clay, and it is not my place to say to the potter, "Why did you make me this way?"

"Love...does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth..." 1 Corinthians 13:6

"The sum of Your word is truth..." Psalm 119:160

Therefore fellow warrior, take courage, and "Stand firm therefore, HAVING GIRDED YOUR LOINS WITH TRUTH,..." Ephesians 6:14 against the arrogant arguments of nonbelievers for our God is able!

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek." Romans 1:16

Life is a precious gift however we obtained it. Make the most of it! Seek a genuine relationship with the One! There is no one better to ride shotgun with in all this world, and He desires your fellowship. But, you must choose to allow it.

"By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." John 13:35

The Need for Repentance

"Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.

Do this, knowing the time, that it is already the hour for you to awaken from sleep; for now salvation is nearer to us than when we believed. The night is almost gone, and the day is near. Therefore let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us behave properly as in the day, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and sensuality, not in strife and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts." Romans 13:10-14

When we engage in sin, we wrong our neighbor. The collateral damage and consequences of sin are readily evident throughout human society. To become a warrior for the Lord requires genuine repentance from sin and the acceptance of the Lordship of Jesus the Christ.

This does not mean that you will no longer be tempted. This does not mean that you will no longer stumble and fall. This does mean that you will begin an amazing journey on the road to becoming an overcomer where stumbling and falling will become rarer and rarer. But you say, "there is so much sport and fun engaging in the deeds of darkness? Carousing and drunkenness? Sexual promiscuity and sensuality?

Perhaps so, but as it is written: "Doing wickedness is like sport to a fool, And so is wisdom to a man of understanding." Proverbs 10:23

Deciding to become a true warrior for the Lord carries a promise of more fun and sport than you can possibly imagine. That does not mean the road will be without peril. "Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." 1 Peter 5:8 "Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed that he does not fall." 1 Corinthians 10:12

But, as you grow into a mature warrior fulling clothing yourself with the full armor of God the devil will tremble with dread knowing his time is short, "and we are ready to punish all disobedience, whenever your obedience is complete." 2 Corinthians 10:6

"For many are called, but few are chosen." Matthew 22:14 Do you know why? It is because few choose. The choice is yours. "O taste and see that the LORD is good; How blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!" Psalm 34:8

If you are interested in being a true warrior for the Lord, simply pray and ask Jesus to make it happen. I have no doubt that He will set the events up in your life to begin growing you into a mighty warrior! Continue to seek Him with all your heart, and He will be diligent to see that you complete the journey. And, O what an amazing journey you will find it to be.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.
Put on the full armor of God,
so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.
Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.
Stand firm therefore,
HAVING GIRDED YOUR LOINS WITH TRUTH, and
HAVING PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, and
having shod YOUR FEET WITH THE PREPARATION OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE;
in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
And take THE HELMET OF SALVATION, and
the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit,…
Ephesians 6:10-18

Embracing Discipline

What do you desire? Shall I come to you with a rod, or with love and a spirit of gentleness? 1 Corinthians 4:21

The 23rd Psalm

The LORD is my shepherd,
I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside quiet waters.

He restores my soul;
He guides me in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I fear no evil, for You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You have anointed my head with oil;
My cup overflows.

Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life,
And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

A Father’s Discipline

You have not yet resisted to the point of shedding blood in your striving against sin;

and you have forgotten the exhortation which is addressed to you as sons,
“MY SON, DO NOT REGARD LIGHTLY THE DISCIPLINE OF THE LORD,
NOR FAINT WHEN YOU ARE REPROVED BY HIM;

FOR THOSE WHOM THE LORD LOVES HE DISCIPLINES,
AND HE SCOURGES EVERY SON WHOM HE RECEIVES.”

It is for discipline that you endure; God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom his father does not discipline? But if you are without discipline, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. Furthermore, we had earthly fathers to discipline us, and we respected them; shall we not much rather be subject to the Father of spirits, and live? For they disciplined us for a short time as seemed best to them, but He disciplines us for our good, so that we may share His holiness. All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness.

Hebrews 12:4-11

"Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it." Matthew 7:13,14

It is crucial for a warrior of the Lord Jesus to enter through the narrow gate. If you fail to enter, you can be of no service to our Lord and Master the Great Shepherd of our souls: Jesus the Christ.

One day in my daily bible reading I read 1 Corinthians 4:21 at the top of this post. I have no doubt that I had read this scripture previously, but this time the Lord turned a light bulb on in my head. He said, "You see that? All you ever want Me to deal with you is with love and a spirt of gentleness. You want no part of the rod. But you know, and I know that love and a spirt of gentleness is not always sufficient to cause you to pass through that narrow gate!"

I knew what the Lord was telling me was true. I also knew how important it is to pass through the narrow gate. He had pointed out the error of my desire to only know love and a spirit of gentleness while avoiding the rod. I then told Him in prayer, "Lord, if love and a spirt of gentleness is sufficient to cause me to pass through the narrow gate, then fine. But if it is not, PLEASE don't spare me the touch of Your rod!"

That simple prayer was life changing. Now when I feel the touch of His rod I'm all about trying to correct my path and get back on the narrow way. Rather than hating discipline I now cherish it. A remarkable thing has happened with this change in attitude: the touch of His rod has gotten rare, but I know it is always there and ready should the need arise. "Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me." Thank You Lord Jesus for loving me enough to discipline me when it is necessary. Knowing that You are faithful and diligent to administer that which is necessary does indeed comfort me and give me confidence that with Your assistance I can make it and be an overcomer enduring to the end. For this I am eternally grateful my Lord! Amen!

Go and sin no more...

The Adulterous Woman John 8:1-11

Jesus returned to the Mount of Olives, but early the next morning he was back again at the Temple. A crowd soon gathered, and he sat down and taught them. As he was speaking, the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in the act of adultery. They put her in front of the crowd.

“Teacher,” they said to Jesus, “this woman was caught in the act of adultery. The law of Moses says to stone her. What do you say?”

They were trying to trap him into saying something they could use against him, but Jesus stooped down and wrote in the dust with his finger. They kept demanding an answer, so he stood up again and said, “All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!” Then he stooped down again and wrote in the dust.

When the accusers heard this, they slipped away one by one, beginning with the oldest, until only Jesus was left in the middle of the crowd with the woman. Then Jesus stood up again and said to the woman, “Where are your accusers? Didn’t even one of them condemn you?”

“No, Lord,” she said.

And Jesus said, “Neither do I. Go and sin no more.”

The final words Jesus spoke to the woman caught in adultery was, "Go and sin no more".

Would Jesus tell this women to go and do something she was incapable of doing?

Is it possible to overcome our human proclivity to sin?

'...To him who overcomes, I will grant to eat of the tree of life which is in the Paradise of God.' Revelation 2:7

Welcome Warriors!

For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses.

2 Corinthians 10:3,4 NASB