Songs Of My Heart - YIELD NOT TO TEMPTATION

It's funny how TEMPTATION can take on the appearance of 'good, innocent, fun, and desireable. Even like, for me, the temptation of the internet. Staying on too long, putting really important things in my life on hold for a few games. Dumb and wrong when it interferes with life's responsibilities. But there are other temptations also that can/will produce long lasting pain. But after we have experienced what we should have examined more closely, we find the downside of temptaion to be deceit, devestation and depression and often despair. Temptation does not become sin untill we succum to it and commit into action that which we have been tempted. The Bible tells us to FLEE from the very appearance of sin, and in different passages lists the things that would we need to RUN from.


I think all of know the strong pull that temptation has on each of us, though it may not appear, at first, as something that would snare us into a very sticky web. The temptations we face are embedded within us. I do believe we all must look at our weaknesses within as well as our strengths. Knowing our weaknesses will keep us close to the cross, in the Word and in communication with our Lord. Now, I'm not saying that we live in continuous temptation, but the inner desires can seep out and overtake us when we neglect this great state of salvation we have been gifted with.

When temptation comes upon us, the Bible tells us to be submitted to God, resist the Devil and he will flee. Draw close to God and He will draw close to you. Cleanse your hands and recognize the sin within, and if we are double-minded, purify your hearts. Humble yourself before God and He will lift you up (Paraphrased, James 4:7-10). We are to Follow the Lord. Think about where this temptation is and can lead us, and take the time to verbally re-commit to: "Where you lead me Lord, I will follow you." Then sometimes we must RUN. Yes, as Christians strong and steadfast, there come times to run, flee from sin. 2 Timothy 2:22 says, Flee/run from youthful lust... 1 Corinthians 10:14 tells us to flee/run from idolatry. But read the scriptures before the 14th. Very clear as to where we should be, and that there is no temptation that is not common will come upon you. The victory is ours if we follow the roadmap. Each victory we win will help us to gain strength for the next temptation to come our way.

Remember at the end of the line is the prize eternity with Christ.

Songs Of My Heart - I CAN ONLY IMAGINE

I CAN ONLY IMAGINE

Oh for the joy that awaits us when we cross from this temporary life of joy and pain, loss and gladness, to our forever home with Jesus. In our forever home with Jesus there will be no more tears, sadness, sickness, meaness, pain, treachery, or jealousy. There's a song that says, “I can only imagine.” But my vision and my imagination are so polluted, my mind and my heart are so full not knowing what perfection really looks like, I think my imagination cannot even imagine the totality of What God has planned for us - when we get home.

Just the thought of seeing Jesus is too wondrous for thought (I'm crying now). The Bible says there will be no marriages in heaven, but we will know all those who have gone on to glory before us. As we pray and intercede for loved ones, friends and all those we don't know personally right now, in Heaven there will be no strangers.

In my 63 years I've never seen such violence, and lack of morality, or absense of love for human life. The evil that assails us is not about racial or cultural differences. Men and women all over the world are doing horrendous violence to people they supposedly love. The love of God is waning and waxing cold. Yet, this is not new. History always repeats itself.

As I get old I find myself wanting to depart this life and be with Christ. Yet, I know there is much salvation work to be done. The harvest is plentiful, as people are searching for answers to their pain and loneliness. People are searching for peace while they are still alive. People are looking for a savior, an so need to be presented and introduced to The Savior.

I thank you LORD that You make yourself known to us. Your presence fill and surrounds me like a strong but gentle hug where I feel safe in Your arms. The reality of You leaves me humble and ever grateful to be called Your child, Your daughter. Thank You for being Abba, being Daddy to me. I can only imagine the joy of coming into Your presence forever.