How Difficult Is It to Be Strong and Courageous?

Is courage the primary emotional and moral factor for determining accountability? It might be proposed that fear is main focal point for taking responsibility to do what is required. However, courage to take action may spring forth from God’s prompting.

In the movie The Red Badge of Courage, Audie Murphy portrayed a man consumed by fear who ran away from battle during the Civil War. He hid his betrayal by pretending to be wounded. Courage later helped him overcome his fear, betrayal, and lies.

Fear is normal, but it doesn’t have to prevent a person from doing what is right. Deuteronomy 31:6 presents a challenge: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified, for the Lord God goes with you; he will never leave nor forsake you.” These words encourage you to be accountable to God for the faith he has given you by continuing to remain true and loyal to him.

No temptation has seized you except what in common to mankind. 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 you can stand up under it. 

~1 Corinthians 10:13 New International Version

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How Does God Empower You to Face Problems?

The daily routines of life are laced with problems that demand attention. Problems become discouraging when they’re perceived as  unmanageable. 1 Corinthians 10:13 promises help: “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. When you are tempted, he will provide a way to escape so you can endure it.”

When God empowers you with insight and wisdom, problems may now be perceived as manageable challenges rather than uncontrollable ones. 1John 5:4 gives us confidence to face adversity: “Faith is the victory that overcomes the world, for everyone born of God overcomes the world.” 

Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ empowers every believer with the knowledge and certainty that solutions to problems are available. Let the love of God at this moment fill you with certainty that you can overcome whatever problems you are facing. 

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Good people suffer many troubles, but the Lord saves them from them all.

~Psalm 34:19 Good News Bible

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Covering Up Temptation's Power and Privilege

Temptation is not a pleasant topic to discuss because of the difficulty of admitting our weaknesses and vulnerabilities. Consequently, what gives temptation power and privilege is the tendency to cover up its intrusion and impact. It’s also easier to blame others for failing to fight off temptation’s allurement.

The more secretive we are about submitting to temptation’s advances, the harder it is to escape and recover from these attacks. We tend to forget that nothing can be hidden from Christ Jesus, who knows our struggles. He’s also aware of our weaknesses and promises to help us with strength to confront any allurement.

We open the door to temptation’s snare by being discontented with our job, relationships, or possessions. If you could list the desires of your heart at this moment, what would be included? Let me encourage you to place the Lord Jesus Christ first and then seek him with all your heart. He will satisfy your longing. Do that now.             

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But remember this – the wrong desires that come into your life aren’t anything new and different. Many others have faced exactly the same problems before you. And no temptation is irresistible. You can trust God to keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can’t stand up against it, for he has promised this and will do what he says. He will show you how to escape temptation’s power so that you can bear up patiently against it.

~1 Corinthians 10:13 The Living Bible

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Temptation's Cutting Edge

The cutting edge of temptation plunges deep regardless of a person’s faith, education, or lifestyle. Some blame God for the reality of temptation they must face as well as their failure to escape its demands. Whatever the source of temptation, submitting to its enticement is a choice. Freedom to choose is a privilege but may result in painful consequences.

Someone recently declared, "Wouldn't it be wonderful to go back to college with the wisdom I possess today? Learning is a joy now that I’m not so distracted by youthful temptations.” Those words reflect maturity that has come from the power to resist temptations’ enticements.

When temptation’s cutting edge is pressing in, remember God did not create it but will, in his mercy, provide an escape. Remember these words from James 1:12: "Blessed is the man who endures temptation, for when he has stood the test, he shall receive the crown of life God has for those who love him."

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There isn’t any temptation that you have experienced which is unusual for humans. God, who faithfully keeps his promises, will not allow you to be tempted beyond your power to resist. But when you are tempted, he will also give you the ability to endure the temptation as your way of escape.

~1 Corinthians 10:13 God’s Word Translation

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Gaining Internal Control

One fruit of the Spirit the apostle Paul listed in Galatians 5:22-23 is self-control. Everyone struggles with self-control in some area of life ranging from an insatiable appetite to unwanted thoughts. Self-regulating is one of the most difficult battles Christians struggle with, for this issue sheds light on unresolved internal conflicts within each person.

Jesus promised to send the Holy Spirit to help us with our infirmities and weaknesses. This does not mean he will remove them but will help us gain control over their power to hold us captive. One internal conflict is the impulse to give in rather than sustain a strong, vigilant battle against what plagues us.

God promises that “no temptation will seize 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 provide a way out so that you can stand against it and retain the joy of your salvation.”  

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It is an agonizing situation, and who can set me free from the prison of this mortal body? I thank God there is a way out through Jesus Christ our Lord.

~Romans 7:24-25 Phillips – The New Testament in Modern English

How Sneaky IS Evil?

When evil is permitted to rule unrestrained, what is held in high esteem and cherished will ultimately be destroyed. Evil undermines a lifestyle that looks beyond oneself to the rights and needs of others. Evil gives birth to extreme self-centeredness, a perception that other people are worthwhile only as they serve evil’s purpose. 

Evil does not distort truth completely, but enough to deceive those influenced by the distortions. Terrorists are experts in using bits of truth to convince followers to take up evil’s ideology and goals. Evil darkens the heart and mind to the point where life has room only for the fulfillment of wicked deeds and objectives.

Evil is comprised of just enough half-truths to convince those who would stand against it to look the other way. Christians dedicated to serving the Lord must be on guard, so they will not be lured into evil. The Holy Spirit keeps a constant vigil to guard and guide us. Carefully listen to God's warnings and reject evil in every shape and form.  

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Deceit fills hearts that are plotting for evil; joy fills hearts that are planning for good!

~Proverbs 12:20 The Living Bible

No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he’ll never let you be pushed past your limit; he’ll always be there to help you come through it.

~1 Corinthians 10:13 The Message

Escape Temptation's Grasp

It seemed rather innocent, but who could have imagined the turn of events that would have such lasting consequences for a family? A young teenage woman, a newcomer to town, went for a walk in the neighborhood. Like other teenagers, I'm sure she yearned for friendships with other young people her age.

 

Before the afternoon was over, a young man from the neighborhood had raped Dinah, the only daughter of Jacob. The man who raped her was not a local gang member or street thug, but a member of a prominent family in the community. As a matter of fact, his name was Shechem, the name of town where they lived, which confirmed his prominence.

Shechem discarded all social and spiritual boundaries that would have prevented him from sexually assaulting Dinah. Even in the presence of highly charged emotional impulses, God provides warning signs to diffuse all impulses that lead to sin and shame. God always supplies an escape from the grasp of deadly temptation, and he will do so for you. 

Rising Above Character Weaknesses - Part 1

It was said of President John F. Kennedy that he possessed all the necessary attributes for winning the White House. Among those attributes were privilege and personal relationships, in addition to possessing a strong personality and charisma. However, all these personality traits do not guarantee the nonexistence of character weaknesses.

Balaam possessed these character strengths, including power to influence the king of Moab’s policies concerning the Hebrew people. Even with these strong personality traits, he failed to achieve positive results. He refused to submit his weaknesses to the redemptive, cleansing power of God.

When weaknesses rule, your strengths lose their power. When Julius Caesar permitted himself to be seduced by Cleopatra, he lost respect and power, which prompted his assassination in 34 B.C. God promises you a way to escape temptation by making his power and help instantaneously available to all who earnestly seek it. Thank God for his mercy and kindness.  

Don't Dance with the Devil! - Part 2

Balaam, an Old Testament believer in God, portrays an unusual personality. His belief system allowed him to mix unacceptable behavior with God’s truth. God permitted Balaam to explore the unrighteousness of evil, which he did with such eagerness and disregard for God’s boundaries that he provoked God to anger.

Yet God sent an angel to prevent his fall into destruction. The moment he sees the angel Balaam confesses his sin. Yet he is still trying to find a loophole so he can proceed with this allurement into unrighteousness? Satan's grip can ratchet down the heart, soul, and mind so tightly that escape from his captivity seems impossible.

A short time later Balaam is beating his donkey, urging her onward because he refuses to turn loose of what’s driving him to go against God's purpose and will. Great damage is done to oneself and others when repentance is not sincere and real. What God desires is a broken and contrite heart. This paves the way for mercy and forgiveness.  
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To coordinate with KHCB’s “Five Days of Christmas” programming, I will post special Christmas thoughts on my blog Wednesday-Sunday, December 21-25. On those days, KHCB will air only Christmas music and short thoughts from the programmers. 

On Monday, December 19, and again beginning December 26, my blog posts will coordinate with the radio broadcast schedule of Attitudes/Answers that airs at 5:45 PM on KHCB radio at 105.7FM in the Houston area. To stream it live or for a listing of sister stations in TX, OK, LA, and FL, you may click on the KHCB link in the "About Me" section of this page.

Defeat Fear of Failure: Choose Faith - Part 3

Most children grow up planning to achieve their dreams. Young children tend to have big dreams because fear of reaching to the very edge of their capabilities has not become a reality. A young man's parents told him he was not intelligent enough to be a physician like his grandfather, who had assured him he could do it with commitment and hard work.

This young man graduated from Princeton University and medical school, and now serves as a physician with a large practice. He had to overcome self-doubts and fears as well as negative voices that were determined to diminish his enthusiasm. However, greater were the encouragement of his grandfather and the voice of God's love and purpose.

Deliberately choosing to be less than you're capable of being because of fear invites unhappiness. Self-doubt and fear are temptations. The Apostle Paul assures you that God will provide an escape from temptation's power so you can rise up against it. Believing God’s promises and acting upon them is God’s provision for defeating fear’s power. 

Surviving a Personal Crisis with God's Help - Part 1

Can you imagine life without electricity, indoor plumbing, and the automobile? How would you survive? It's impossible even to consider how radically your life would change. Personal crises can be so disruptive that your very survival appears questionable. Seldom does anyone get to cruise through life without having their world personally turned upside down.

Franklin Delano Roosevelt, the thirty-second President of the United States, had to struggle for survival when he was struck down by polio. Following this attack which left him paralyzed in both legs, he spend months in despair and depression. Food, clothing, and shelter were never an issue, but survival reaches beyond these basics needs.

God permits us to experience personal crises so we can realize his plans and purpose for us. Change and growth inspired by personal crises open our hearts to God's unconditional love. Experiencing his love gives us courage to make needed changes. God never permits you to be tested beyond your ability to survive, but gives you strength to endure any crisis.