Correctly Perceiving Temptation

 Perhaps the reason there's so little conversation centered around temptation is because everyone’s vulnerable and therefore guilty of being pulled into its embrace. The cutting edge of temptation may not appear dangerous or sharp, but it’s possible to be deceived by first appearances. However, its grip can be unyielding and unforgiving.

The severity of temptation’s snare may vary between appearing harmless to absolutely and clearly treacherous. Temptation's cutting edge poses a perception of reality that’s actually a deceptive façade. A practical defense for any temptation is wisdom that magnifies God’s insight and knowledge.

The Holy Spirit’s job is to direct you on how to confront temptation. The wisdom he provides enables you to see your situation from God's perspective. He will then empower you to respond according to his purpose. Self-discipline is a fruit of the Spirit that’s essential for making wise choices in the face of temptation.

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If you lack wisdom, ask God, who gives to everyone with an open hand and doesn’t scold, and he will give it to you. You should ask with faith and have no doubts. Anyone who doubts is like a wave of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind.

~James 1:5-6 Beck – New Testament in the Language of Today

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Insight: God's Light for Values - Part 1

One task of a counselor is to help clients gain insight for effective change. One of my psychology professors described insight simply as enlightenment. You now understand what was beyond comprehension. Insight is understanding, fused to wisdom, so that what you believe and the way you behave can be altered.

True, healthy insight is transforming because as it merges with your heart and soul, it changes how you live. Insight discovers at every age and stage of life new clues that identify who you are and what you can do. The pathway to ethical decisions and wiser choices comes from insight, as facts and truth are discovered about yourself and others.

Jesus said the true pathway to freedom is knowing the truth, accepting it and then finding ways of applying this knowledge to everyday life. Jesus promised to send the Counselor, whose role is to make known to every believer the truths of everything he taught. Isn't that exciting? Open your heart and mind and receive this promise.

Open Minds and New Ways - Part 2

“Loving God with all your heart, soul and mind” is not something most people continuously think about.  Neither does “loving your neighbor as yourself” always get prime time consideration.  This does not mean these values are missing from your life, but they should be the most important guidelines for everyday living.

Rarely does a day go by without encountering situations which require asking questions like: "What should I do?" "How should this problem be resolved?” "How should I live my life?" "Is there hope?" At the core of such questions lie the heart and soul of a person's value system. Values define what actions need to be taken.

Life does not always present a clear way forward and may require clearing away some wreckage and chaos so wiser choices can be made. Listen to a choice Jesus extends to you. "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." It’s this light that empowers you to make choices to honor and follow Christ Jesus.  

Whether Ordinary or Extraordinary, Choose God - Part 3

Making wise choices is not always a simple matter. Decisions require good information. Yet it's possible to have good information and still allow personal character to override healthy choices. Balaam believed in God but refused to let God redeem his character, which is an issue for many in our society who say they believe in God.

There was something about Balaam's character that permitted him to hear God's voice and instructions, and then proceed to act contrary to God’s voice. In Numbers 22:32 the angel of the Lord told Balaam, "I have come to oppose you because your way is perverse before God." A perverse person such as Balaam is reckless and obstinate.

As you prepare to begin a new year, the opportunity to make important changes has come. Are you willing to cooperate with the Holy Spirit’s counsel and be a recipient of God’s favor and abundant blessings? Today you are privileged to pledge your faith in God’s leadership and purpose for your life. God bless you as you begin this journey.

Feeling Afraid? Remember Your Faith in God - Part 1

Each day can be a test to see if fear has impacted your decisions or destiny. Fear can have a positive influence as Psalm 111:15 declares, "Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." Psalm 19:9 states that "Fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever." The Psalmist sees fear of the Lord as a guiding light that provides a sense of safety and well-being.

At the other end of the spectrum are individuals who submit to a type of fear that diminishes the joy God intends for them to experience. We humans have the capacity to project ourselves into situations that can be crippling. Fear can stifle our creativity and overwhelm the purpose God designed for us.

Instead of yielding to destructive fear, say to yourself, "I am a child of God! He has given me the Holy Spirit to guide and direct my path.” Abraham obeyed God’s calling to become a man of faith, to stand firm and claim the opportunities He set before him. God will bless and help you.  

Shaping Life Scripts at the Crossroads - Part 2

Ben Johnson was offered a major role in the movie, "The Last Picture Show," but refused to play the part because of the script’s dirty language. He finally agreed to take the role when he was allowed to delete language he opposed. He believed foul language wasn’t necessary for an outstanding script. Ben Johnson won an Oscar for his performance in that movie.

He knew he alone was accountable to God for his self-esteem, integrity, and conscience; therefore, he refused to condone filthy language. Psychologist Abraham Maslow said, “The lower one's self-esteem, the greater will be a person's loneliness, unhappiness, and interpersonal incompetence." Foolish, reckless choices damage self-esteem.

Psalm 1 describes the benefits of choosing wisely. “The righteous prosper, but not the wicked. They are like chaff that the wind blows away. For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.” Like Ben Johnson, you will stand at the crossroads to confront your choices. God will give you wisdom to choose his righteousness.