The Ongoing Temptation

Yesterday, I looked upon information which in its design, from several different sources was intended to scare the living out of us. But once again, we see the answer in the scriptures, having been there all along. (Taken from Orthodox Study Bible) Ephesians 6:12 "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against prinicpalities, against powers, against the rulers of darkness of the age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places"

Clearly, we are up against many unknown and difficult battles. The answer to those unforseen events, which are promised to come our way, is found in Ephesians 6:10 "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in power of His might."

We cannot do it alone, it isn't our battle, but one in which God is fully aware of. We must place our trust in Him. We have been given a guardian angel at the time of our Baptism. Make no mistake that church provides for us all that is needed and required to do battle with the unseen. Luke 4:10 "For it is written: 'He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you.' "and in their hands they shall bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone.' "

The battle that we endure, will not be easy, but make no mistake, although we are tempted at many opportune times, we have not been left orphans. (Deuteronomy 31:6 "Be valiant and strong, do not fear nor be afraid of them, nor be terrified before them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes before you and with you and among you. He will not leave you nor forsake you." This is true for all times, as God is the same today, yesterday and tomorrow. We read in the New Testiment in Hebrews: 13:5 "For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you," (6) So we may boldly say: "The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?"

Hebrews 13:20 "Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, "that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.

An everlasting covenant means "forever." We are to let go and let God. Our greatest temptation is to not have complete "trust" in Him and His plan for us. (1John 5:4) "For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world--our faith. (5)Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?"

This is the question? Do you believe that Jesus is the Son of God, who lives the way that (Christ) commanded, and who loves others? To them, He will give victory over sin and death. Because of this, we have no fear as it has been replaced by love. (1John4:17)"Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. We love Him because He first loved us."

Finally, in Matthew 28:20, the words of Jesus..."and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen.

We took a class last night on Icons. The icon of Jesus always has three letters within His crown. OWN, IAM. Whether in Greek or English, the message from the beginning of time is "I AM" ...He shall always be...... the Victory is His.

No one said it will be easy, but in the end, if you do not have Him, you have nothing. Place not your concern in the things of this world, but keep your eye on Jesus, and do not fear, but trust in Him, always.