“Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. 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.” 1 Corinthians 10:12 – 13
Take heed. No temptations exit that are not common. God is faithful. He knows your ability. He provides an escape. You are able to endure.
Maybe like never before in the history of mankind have we had such opportunity to take this verse seriously. It seems that around every corner we face temptations, immorality, brokenness, addiction, gossip, hatred, murder, adultery, pornography, homosexuality and abuse only to name a few.
Heed is defined “pay attention to; take notice of”. How is that possible to do, to pay attention to something that we turn our heads away from or tell our children not to mention? How would one take notice of a person, a sign, an outfit that they were afraid to even glance toward?
I am thrilled about an opportunity to be part of an upcoming series at Southwest Church of Christ in Amarillo, TX entitled, “Can we talk about this?” In this series many of the topics listed above will be covered. We are going to spend some time taking heed, noticing and paying attention to the common temptations that are overpowering our culture today.
If you are a person who struggles with some of these issues, this series is for you. The scripture tells us that God is faithful and he has not tempted you beyond your ability. He knows you inside and out. He has written down each day of your life in a heavenly book (Psalm 139:16). He can quite literally read you like a book. You will find encouragement and support through this series.
Maybe you have a family member struggling with one of these issues. How do I stand on the truth of God’s Word and love this son or daughter, parent or friend the way that I am called to and the way I desire to? If that is you, this series will bless you. You are not alone. We will take a look at ways of escape that the Father has provided so that you may endure.
And then maybe you aren’t struggling with these things and there is no one in your inner circle struggling in any of these ways. Praise God. This series is for you. It will give you insight into common struggles that your friends and fellow believers are fighting to overcome. If we stand and when we are victorious…it is all because of Him.
This series is for us all. Can we defend our faith, the importance of holiness and a life crucified with Christ in the midst of tremendous temptation and sin? And do it in such a loving way that we woo our brothers and sisters toward the Savior rather than pushing them further away? You bet we can…
We can talk about it. Watch this! And then join us at Southwest Church of Christ on Wednesday night, September 2nd at 7:00 pm.
My love,
