Temptation

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.

James 1:2‭-‬3 NIV

The perseverance comes from the desire to continue to work on staying loyal to what you believe in. The trials are meant to serve as a measure of distraction, and also a false sense of failure. Yet, thanks to God's unmoving hand, He will never leave us nor forsake us.  However, it's our responsibility to remember His unconditional love when we sin, and walk in His strength to get back up and push pass that desire that doesn't line up with His will for your life. Know that you are valuable, which is why the enemy tries to tempt or test you. However, that's the most crucial time to stay true to God or move closer to Him.

Letting Go, and Not Being Moved

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

Ephesians 6:12 NIV

*May we remember that we are not fighting rude people, but the spirits that have been allowed to inhabit their bodies in order to distract you. We must learn to not allow the demons of darkness to discourage us, or continuously allow them to upset our lives. Instead, we must learn to see it as a distraction and remove such with guidance from God and prayer. Like God uses people as vessels, so does the devil.  A lot of times he may not even use them in a negative light, but even in a positive way to make something bad seem good. There is a spiritual battle daily that is working to impact us. Let's remember not to become too busy to pray,  and see evil for what it is rather than circuming to it.

Living with a Purpose

2 Corinthians 1:21-22 (NIV)

21 Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, 22 set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.

*No matter what you are involved in, what you may have done in the past, or no matter how independent u may feel, u still belong to God. He is calling u every minute of the day, and is asking you to be saved, seriously rededicate your life to Him, grow in Him, build a relationship with Him, and include Him in your decision making. I know it becomes hard, tempting to step outside of the guidelines, or perhaps you are unsure if you can completely dedicate yourself. However, God is not looking for perfection...He is looking for diligence and loyalty. He even wants to help you with things you struggle with daily. Trust me, WE ALL have things to work on. However, God can assist if you open up and truly try Him. There is no failure in trying...the failure is when you choose to assume and not completely let go and give it your best. Let Him do the rest....

Life Under Fire 2 Polish Us for Our Reward (BT. vol.7)

1 Peter 4:12 ESV
Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.

*Everyday there are options that come our way...Options we know we aren't suppose to choose, and the option to choose what we should. These options sometimes arrive in what seems to be a small, tempting package that in reality can lead to condemnation and deter you from seeing and grasping the very opportunity that is meant for us. For example, many believe a sip here and a puff there won't hurt; one picture showing a little skin is all in fun; one touch will quiet my senses and won't go any further; one day of missing service never hurt a thing, and it's not like the primary speaker is there anyway; one more purchase can be covered by paying a bill later; I can wait to do that later or be a little late; reaching out never hurt anyone; or watching one clip is just satisfying my curiosity...The list goes on. However, those little blips here and glitches there actually trigger a snowball effect that begins the process of distraction or the option of prolonging your circumstance, and keeping you from your blessing. While these little foxes try to nip at our vines (Song of Solomon 2:15), our very blessing could be passing us by bc we became distracted by something that seemed little that actually took our focus off of watching and believing for something great. Then we become surprised and wonder how did this happen, or how could this be?...Are we really surprised? Our faith is under trial daily, our desires are being attacked bc there is the ability for them to come true, and the devil is looking for an opportunity to try us as he did Jesus (Luke 4:13). However, this is why it is important to spiritually feed yourself daily in order for our eyes to be open for instructions (Psalm 119:18), lean not on your own understanding (Proverbs 3:5-6), and never settle bc God came to give us life more abundantly (John 10:10). Therefore never be surprised by an attack bc the trial of our faith is always being tested for reward purposes or to take you out of the game (Jeremiah 17:10). Do your best to not be knocked off of your square, but if it should occur, then pick yourself up from the temptation of habitual consumption and try again.

Tempting or Tangible

1 Corinthians 10:13 (NIV)
No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.

*Temptation comes in many forms, and rises up at any given opportunity. Often, it is during times of vulnerability: Perhaps you are going through something, unsure of your next move or decision, perhaps you're having issues understanding a certain situation, realized a burning desire, or you are at the end of your rope. All these are potential possibilities for temptation to occur.
Something often appears tempting when u desire someone or something, but lack it; something/one comes along during a vulnerable time and seems to fill a desired void for the time being; or the same type of individual or desire is capable of bringing something out of you that you didn't prepare for or even recognize the existence of the desire.
Many people are unrealistic regarding temptation possibilities, or may even judge others for being tempted in areas they may feel strong in. However, never feel bad when you encounter temptation, and don't allow others to make you feel inferior. Other individuals have experienced that same level of temptation before bc there is nothing new under the sun. Plus, as believers in Christ, we are suppose to uplift those that suffer, especially in an area that we are strong in. It is not our job to judge because judging doesn't save lives. However, love, relatability, and encouragement will save and drive out forces. Also, examine the element of temptation and make sure you aren't confusing it with opportunity. Sometimes, something that seems tempting may be your lifeline for getting away for complacency and unhappiness. Therefore, make sure to always consult with God because He is not the author of confusion (1 Cor. 14:33). He does things decently and in order (Numbers 23:19); therefore, know He will not let you be tempted more then you can bare, and He will provide you with a way out if the scenario isn't for you. Use discernment to know the difference between the window of Godly opportunity, or the opportunity for dispair.

The Key Unlocking the Real McCoy

Romans 12:12 ESV

Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.

*This scripture gives us three steps to follow in order to receive instructions and get to our blessings. It is amazing how simplistic this process appears to be, but the maneuvering part can be tricky if you are not focused or tempted to react to what you see vs what you know should be true. Don't allow your circumstance to effect your beliefs. We all start out knowing and being able to recognize the truth, but we have to stay focused on it once we are going through. There may even been tempting outlets that can take you out of your trial of growth prematurely. However, this could lead to settling for something less then you are meant to receive. Hold fast to God's capabilities and the idea of what should rightfully be yours. Know that settling is not an option, and even though your wait may lead to an unexpected end, it is still meant for you and better then you could have imagined. Hold on!

Rewards of Being Immovable

1 Corinthians 15:58 ESV
Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.

*No matter what it looks like in the natural, any work that u do for God is never in vain. It is a seed that has been sown for growth purposes, and will reap a harvest for u if u continue to wait for God as He fertilizes your garden, and helps grow a beautiful manifestation. Sometimes life can be tricky, and even down right hard, but we can't give up. We can't be moved by what we see, feel, or be tempted to participate in what we know is wrong. This type of behavior stifles your growth process, and causes hang ups. What we can do is speak life into our situations by only speaking positivity over ourselves and our family. We can also pray, and continue to be led by God to do the right things for yourself and others. Nothing u do for the Lord will ever be in vain; instead, it sets up the ability for supplies to come your way during your time of need. It also leads to the reassurance of what is truly meant for u, and makes room for the desires of your heart (Psalm 37:4).

A Way Out of No Way

Revelation 3:10
Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth...

*There are several events that are happening on the news, and probably in our personal lives that may tempt u from time to time. These temptations may come in the form of aggravation leading to the desire to curse; the need to embrace some sort of narcotic, food, or alcohol base to alleviate yourself; perhaps u desire to run into the arms of someone u aren't suppose to be with, and confide in them; ask for assistance from a source that will not allow u the ability to owe no man nothing, but to love him (Romans 13:8); or their could be the temptation to slip away from God and into depression or hopelessness. BUT, hold fast to the word...even when it feels like God isn't there, He has never left. Even if all you are having are second thoughts about bad behavior, be proud that your conscience is still able to receive that gentle warning to adhere to self-control. Even if u committed indecent behavior, God is still waiting to help u and forgive. Always know that He provides u with a way out of temptation, regardless of the situation. It is up to us to hold on to His promises, and be patient. #RightThereWithYou #LiftEachOtherUpInPrayer

Explanation of Re-dedication and Receiving Assistance

1 John 1:9 ESV
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness...

*Many people carry on through life not being aware or ever using God's full potential to deliver u. In order to know the capabilities of deliverance  and blessings, u have to first realize whether or not u want Him to fully come into your life. Then, u have to take the time to admit the issues (sins) and problems that u need help with...U see, it is easy to say we love God and choose Him, but have really dedicated ourselves to Him? I'm not talking about being perfect, (no one will be by the way...we are made perfect through our efforts of seeking and living righteously)....I'm talking about establishing a consistent connection where u aren't just turning Him off and on like a light switch bc u need something or u are curious for one minute. First, u have to be humble enough to admit that life without God is nothing and that u have sins that u need Him to forgive and help u with(we all do)...then u will need to invite Him in your life to consistently help u daily. As the end of time nears, as the world continues to experience mayhem, and as u go about your day wouldn't it be nice to have more protection and guidance? Wouldn't u like to experience life to the fullest? Let God in today by praying to Him to forgive u, asking for His guidance in areas that concern u, and believing Him for the answer even before they occur. What are u waiting for? 

Nothing New Under the Sun

1 Corinthians 10:13 ESV
No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

*Temptation of any kind always provides freedom of choice. No matter what an individual may think, they are never forced to do something during a tempting situation. Temptation is just what it implies: A situation that is baiting/tempting you to participate, but at the end of the day it is your final decision as to whether or not you will be a part in that situation. Sometimes certain situations don't deserve a response, do not need to get our attention, or should not even be acknowledged. Other times may require u to speak words of power over the issue to show that u cannot be overtaken by it, your feelings may have to be communicated, or u may find that an examination is necessary in order to uncover how to stay out of situations of that nature. At the end of the day, someone has been in the tempting situation u are currently experiencing, and they have made it out be it unscathed or suffering the consequences. The choice is yours as to what u choose and who u seek counseling from; however, always remember that we don't have to suffer certain hardships if we only chose not to bring them on ourselves.

Resisting Temptation

1 Corinthians 10:13
No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.

*Temptation is a common test of life that helps show are strengths and endurance qualities. Always remember that u are never alone when it comes to being tempted. There have been other men that have gone through the same form of temptation as you. You are never alone and never the first, and because of this, God knows how to help you and see you through the situation. Pray before encountering any tempting forms, and thank Him for relief when they arise. For this is a test of edifying your spirit and the ability to take part in the endurance that Jesus suffered while being on earth. Look for the exit strategy during the circumstance, and consider it an honor to show the Father that u can endure. Also, look for the reaping of a reward for your endurance. Remember he will never put more on u then u can be, especially something that forces u to do the wrong thing. You always have freedom of choice with our sweet Savior. Even when u fall, He is always forgiving. Let's show Him that the power to choose His way to receive long term benefits is far greater then momentary pleasure. #PrayingForOurStrengthInTheLord